Day: August 16, 2024

August 15, 2024
Saint Patrick Cathedral
Fort Worth, Texas

Revelation 11:19A; 12:1-6A, 10AB
Psalm 45:10, 11, 12, 16
First Corinthians 15:20-27
Luke 1:39-56

Mary’s positive response to the Archangel Gabriel’s message of the Annunciation was to travel in haste to attend in love to her pregnant cousin, Elizabeth, whose pregnancy would have difficulties because of her advanced age. Mary’s journey is made “in haste” because the mission of the Lord defies indifference and passivity, it is a vocation that requires a prompt response, it possesses a dignity and importance requiring urgency and mindfulness for it is offered and can only be received in the freedom of love. Mary’s response to Elizabeth’s greeting is a song, an outpouring of joy for what God has done in her life. Through her song, Mary heralds the victory of her Son over the dragon.