Daily Mass Gospel Reflection- Mary's Haste

Word on Fire Ministry ^ | 8-15-2021 | Aux. Bishop R. Barron

[MurphsLaw]

Solemnity of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary

Luke 1:39-56

Friends, today’s Gospel tells of Mary’s visit to Elizabeth. I’ve always been fascinated by Mary’s “haste” in this story of the Visitation. Upon hearing the message of Gabriel concerning her own pregnancy and that of her cousin, Mary “proceeded in haste into the hill country of Judah” to see Elizabeth.

Why did she go with such speed and purpose? Because she had found her mission, her role in the theo-drama. We are dominated today by the ego-drama in all of its ramifications and implications. The ego-drama is the play that I’m writing, I’m producing, I’m directing, and I’m starring in. We see this absolutely everywhere in our culture. Freedom of choice reigns supreme: I become the person that I choose to be.

The theo-drama is the great story being told by God, the great play being directed by God. What makes life thrilling is to discover your role in it. This is precisely what has happened to Mary. She has found her role—indeed a climactic role—in the theo-drama, and she wants to conspire with Elizabeth, who has also discovered her role in the same drama. Like Mary, we have to find our place in God’s story.

[MurphsLaw]

And Mary said:

“My soul proclaims the greatness of the Lord;
my spirit rejoices in God my
Savior
for he has looked with favor on
his lowly servant.
From this day all generations will call me blessed:
the Almighty has done great things
for me
and holy is his Name.
He has mercy on those who fear him
in every generation.
He has shown the strength of his arm,
and has scattered the proud in
their conceit.
He has cast down the mighty from their
thrones,
and has lifted up the lowly.
He has filled the hungry with good
things,
and the rich he has sent away
empty.
He has come to the help of his servant
Israel
for he has remembered his promise
of mercy,
the promise he made to our
fathers,
to Abraham and his children
forever.”