Stations of the Manger 6

Stations of the Manger 6. The Visitation

Wednesday after the 3rd Sunday

Nativity Scene: Add a lone woman to the scene, representing Elizabeth.

Scripture: (Luke 1:39-55)
And Mary arose in these days and went into the hill country with haste, into a city of Judah; and entered into the house of Zacharias and saluted Elizabeth. And it came to pass, when Elizabeth heard the salutation of Mary, the babe leaped in her womb; and Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit; and she lifted up her voice with a loud cry, and said, “Blessed art thou among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb. And whence is this to me, that the mother of my Lord should come to me? For behold, when the voice of your salutation came into mine ears, the babe leaped in my womb for joy. And blessed is she that believed; for there shall be a fulfillment of the things that have been spoken to her from the Lord.” And Mary said, “My soul does magnify the Lord, and my spirit has rejoiced in God my Savior.
12For he has looked upon the low estate of his handmaid: For behold, from henceforth all generations shall call me blessed. For he that is mighty has done to me great things; and holy is his name. And his mercy is unto generations and generations on those who love him. He has showed strength with his arm; He has scattered the proud in the imagination of their heart. He has put down princes from their thrones, and has exalted those of low degree. The hungry he has filled with good things; and the rich he has sent away empty. He has given help to Israel his servant, that he might remember mercy (as he spoke unto our fathers) toward Abraham and his seed forever.”

Reflection: The bonds of family are so important. The coming of Jesus into the world emphasizes a much larger family; all who choose to become children of God are brothers and sisters. Let us love each other!

Prayer: Hail, Holy Queen, Mother of Mercy! Hail, our life, our sweetness, and our hope! To you do we turn, lost children of Eve; to you do we send up our sighs, mourning and hopes in this valley of life. Turn, then, most gracious advocate, your eyes of mercy toward us, and show us the blessed fruit of your womb, Jesus. O clement, O loving, O sweet Virgin Mary.

Hymn(s): Mary, Did You Know?; What Child is This?

Response: Visit some friends or relatives you may not have seen for a while. Visit someone in a hospital or who is homebound. Bring them a blessing, a smile, a kiss, a compliment, a flower.