Eastertide Day 42 Saturday May 31 2025
Luke 1: 39-56 At that time Mary got ready and hurried to a town in the hill country of Judea, 40 where she entered Zechariah’s home and greeted Elizabeth. 41 When Elizabeth heard Mary’s greeting, the baby leaped in her womb, and Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit. 42 In a loud voice she exclaimed: “Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the child you will bear! 43 But why am I so favored, that the mother of my Lord should come to me? 44 As soon as the sound of your greeting reached my ears, the baby in my womb leaped for joy. 45 Blessed is she who has believed that the Lord would fulfill his promises to her!”
Mary’s Song
46 And Mary said:
“My soul glorifies the Lord
47 and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior,
48 for he has been mindful
of the humble state of his servant.
From now on all generations will call me blessed,
49 for the Mighty One has done great things for me—
holy is his name.
50 His mercy extends to those who fear him,
from generation to generation.
51 He has performed mighty deeds with his arm;
he has scattered those who are proud in their inmost thoughts.
52 He has brought down rulers from their thrones
but has lifted up the humble.
53 He has filled the hungry with good things
but has sent the rich away empty.
54 He has helped his servant Israel,
remembering to be merciful
55 to Abraham and his descendants forever,
just as he promised our ancestors.”
56 Mary stayed with Elizabeth for about three months and then returned home.
In this passage, we witness the meeting of Mary and Elizabeth, two women experiencing the miraculous work of God in their lives. Mary, carrying Jesus, visits her cousin Elizabeth, who is pregnant with John the Baptist. The moment Elizabeth hears Mary’s greeting, her baby leaps in her womb, and Elizabeth is filled with the Holy Spirit. This encounter is a powerful reminder of the joy and recognition that comes from the presence of Christ.
Mary’s song, the Magnificat, is a beautiful expression of praise, humility, and hope. She acknowledges God’s faithfulness, His mercy, and His power to lift up the lowly and scatter the proud. In the season of Eastertide, as we celebrate the resurrection and new life, Mary’s words remind us that God’s kingdom is one of justice, mercy, and transformation.
This passage calls us to rejoice in God’s work within us and around us. Like Mary and Elizabeth, we are invited to recognize Christ’s presence and respond with faith and praise. It is a time to reflect on how God is working in our lives, bringing new life and hope, even in the midst of challenges.
Prayer: Loving God, We thank You for the gift of new life in Jesus Christ.
As Mary rejoiced in Your promises, help us to trust in Your faithfulness.
Fill us with the Holy Spirit that we may recognize Your presence in our lives and in those around us.
Give us hearts of praise and humility, ready to serve and uplift others.
May we be instruments of Your mercy and justice, bringing hope to a world in need.
In this season of resurrection, renew our spirits and strengthen our faith.
Amen.