Commemoration of the Blessed Virgin Mary on Saturday
It is the custom at Conception Abbey to celebrate a Commemoration of the Blessed Virgin Mary on Saturdays during Ordinary Time. The antiphons on this day are taken from the Common of the Blessed Virgin Mary, I. In Ordinary Time, Set 2. The readings are of the weekday.
The Eucharist today commences with the antiphon: “Blessed are you, O Virgin Mary, who bore the Creator of all things. You became the Mother of your Maker, and you remain for ever a Virgin.” Once again we hear the continuation of John’s vision of the new and heavenly Jerusalem from the Book of Revelation. It is a vision of a new garden with a river of life-giving water and a tree of life that produces medicinal fruits in abundance for all nations. In disobedience, Eve grasped fruit from the tree of life in the Garden of Eden and brought death upon the human race. By her obedience, Mary bears in her womb life-giving fruit, the Creator of all things, who will bring healing and eternal life to all who believe in him. The responsorial refrain is a profound plea for the fulfillment of this plan of redemption: Marana tha! Come, Lord Jesus…the Rock of our salvation” (Rev 22;20c, Ps 95:1b).
The gospel from the 21st chapter of St. Luke appeals for attentiveness to the signs of the Day of the Lord: “Beware that your hearts do not become drowsy from…the anxieties of daily life, and that day catch you by surprise…” (Lk 21:34). The Evangelist further encourages us to pray to “have the strength to escape the tribulations that are imminent and to stand before the Son of Man” (Lk 21:36). The communion antiphon, taken from Mary’s Magnificat, presents us with a prayer of great confidence and trust in the face of whatever trials we may face: “He who is mighty has done great things for me, and holy is his name” (Lk 1:49). God, who is our Savior, will lift up the lowly to stand before the Son of Man and will remember the mercy he has promised to our ancestors and their descendants forever.
Thought for today: How can I rouse myself from the drowsiness of daily anxieties to see the great things God has done in my life?
Reflection by Br. Michael Marcotte, OSB
Posted in Articles for Lent, Daily Reflections, Lenten Resources