On Tuesday, we celebrated the Feast of the Assumption, and as a school named in honour of Mary (Our Lady of Mercy), let us pray to and with Mary for ourselves, our families and friends, and our world.
Luke gives us a deep insight into Mary as a model for our Journey, through this encounter between Elizabeth and Mary, and in particular, Mary’s response to Elizabeth. Mary focuses the joy of this moment away from herself, directing all attention to God. Then, upon those who suffer most.
When Elizabeth heard Mary’s greeting, the child leaped in her womb. And Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit and exclaimed with a loud cry, ‘Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb.’
And Mary said,
‘My soul magnifies the Lord,
and my spirit rejoices in God my Saviour,
for God has looked with favour on the lowliness of God’s servant.
Surely, from now on all generations will call me blessed;
for the Mighty One has done great things for me,
and holy is God’s name.
God’s mercy is for those who fear God
from generation to generation.
God has shown strength with God’s arm;
God has scattered the proud in the thoughts of their hearts.
God has brought down the powerful from their thrones,
and lifted up the lowly;
God has filled the hungry with good things,
and sent the rich away empty.
God has helped God’s servant Israel,
in remembrance of God’s mercy,
according to the promise God made to our ancestors,
to Abraham and Sarah and to his descendants forever.’
(Luke 1:41; 46 – 55)
For all who are lowly and poor
Pray for us, Mary, model of mercy for our journey
For all women, made in the image and likeness of God
Pray for us, Mary, model of mercy for our journey
For mothers, nurturers of the image of God in their children
Pray for us, Mary, model of mercy for our journey
For those who have died sharing, with Mary, Christ’s glory
Pray for us, Mary, model of mercy for our journey
For all of us disciples of Jesus, your Son
Pray for us, Mary, model of mercy for our journey
God of light,
Mary embraced the gift of your Word
and now shares his glory.
May we, too, embrace your Word of life, Jesus Christ, your Son,
Who lives forever and ever. Amen.