Try this one. I put these together every week. I hope to put them regularly on my website in the near future.
LITURGICAL BIBLE STUDY
Solemnity of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary – Cycle C
Opening prayer
Revelation 11:19a; 12:1-6a, 10b (Ps 45:10-12,16) 1 Corinthians 15:20-27 Luke 1:39-56
Overview of the Gospel:· This Sunday is the Solemnity of the Assumption of Mary. Our Gospel reading features the second joyful mystery of the rosary; what is known as the Visitation.
· In the preceding scene (1:26-38, the Annunciation), Mary has just learned from the angel Gabriel that she is to be the mother of the long awaited Messiah, the one who is to save her people, and all who fear God. (v 50). Immediately upon giving her assent, her fiat, she proceeds on a four day journey to the town of her cousin, Elizabeth, who is now six months pregnant with John the Baptist (Luke 1:1-24).
· As the two meet, John the Baptist leaps in his mother’s womb from joy. Elizabeth proclaims Mary as the Mother of God (v 43) and praises her faith (v 45).
· Mary breaks forth into the beautiful canticle known as the Magnificat. Her song glorifies God for what he has done in her (vv 46-50); she teaches us God’s preference for the humble (vv 51-53); and she proclaims the fact that God continues to keep his promises to his people (vv 54-55).
Questions:· What is the purpose of Mary’s journey to visit her kinswoman Elizabeth?
· For what does Mary praise God in the Magnificat? What contrasts does she make in verses 51-53? How do these reflect her knowledge of God? Of her standing before God? What level of social status do you need to fulfill God’s purposes?
· Who are the “arrogant,” the “rulers,” and the “rich” whose overthrow Mary celebrates? How will Mary’s Magnificat be fulfilled in Jesus?
· Of the attributes of God celebrated in Mary’s Magnificat, which do you appreciate the most? Which challenges you the most? Why?
· From the perspective of the Magnificat, are you one of God’s lowly servants—or an arrogant, rich ruler?
Catechism of the Catholic Church: §§ 717, 2675-77, 495, 148, 722, 2619, 971, 273
Closing prayer
Remember to read and meditate on the daily Mass readings found in the bulletin!
Finally the Immaculate Virgin, preserved free from all stain of original sin, when the course of her earthly life was finished, was taken up body and soul into heavenly glory, and exalted by the Lord as Queen over all things, so that she might be the more fully conformed to her Son, the Lord of lords, and conqueror of sin and death. –Pius XII (Munificentissimus Deus 1950)
2004 Vince Contreras
