The Visitation

 

Isaiah 11:1–5
Romans 12:9–16
Luke 1:39–45 (46–56)

The Visitation

Today Zechariah’s house is prepared to sing: the Lord God of Israel has visited His people (Luke 1:68). For the Scriptures are being fulfilled: there shall come forth a shoot from the stump of Jesse, and a branch from his roots shall bear fruit (Isa. 11:1). What could raise a King from a dead line? Only the Lord Himself! This is no son of man’s will, but the Seed of the woman (Gen. 3:15). The Word of the Lord has done this, and so all are blessed in Him. The greeting of blessed Mary causes John to leap in Elizabeth’s womb (Luke 1:41). Both are delighted at what the Word has wrought: “blessed is she who believed there would be a fulfillment of what was spoken by the Lord” (Luke 1:45). 

Likewise we too rejoice with those who rejoice (Rom. 12:12–15), for our joyful hope is the Lord who has visited us to redeem us—not just a town in Judah but our entire fallen world. The Holy Spirit discloses where salvation is to be found: in the Most Blessed Fruit of Mary’s blessed womb. And the whole Church rejoices, saying, “my Beloved Bridegroom, behold, He comes!” (Song of Sol. 2:8).

Luther's Seal copyright Ed Riojas, Higher Things

Lectionary Summary copyright LCMS commission on worship

The visitation

 

Today on the church calendar is the Visitation of our Lord

Celebrated on May 31, the Feast of the Visitation of the Blessed Virgin Mary commemorates the Virgin Mary's visit to her cousin, Elizabeth. The meeting of these two women was a joyful and unique event.

Almighty God, You chose the Virgin Mary to be the mother or Your Son and made known through her Your graciou9s regard for the poor and lowly and despised. Grant that e may received Your Word in humility and fiath and so be made one with Jesus Christ Your Son, our LORD who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. 

from Treasury of Daily Prayer copyright 2009, Concordia Publishing House, St. Louis

 Image of the Visitation by Julius Schnoor von Carolsfeld, © WELS

The Visitation

Collect for the Visitation (31 May ): Almighty God, You chose the virgin Mary to be the Mother of Your Son and made know through her Your gracious regard for the poor and lowly and despised. Grant that we may receive Your Word in humility and faith and so be made one with Jesus Christ Your Son, our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, One God, now and forever, Amen.

Woodcut by Julius Schnoor von Carolsfeld, © WELS

Prayers from Lutheran Service Book © 2006 Concordia Publishing House

The Visitation of our Lord

Almighty God, You chose the Virgin Mary to be the mother of Your Son and made known through her Your gracious regard for the poor and lowly and despised. Grant that we may receive Your Word in humility and faith, and so be made one with Jesus Christ Your Son, our Lord, who lives and rules with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. 

Woodcuts by Baron Julius Schnoor von Carolsfeld © WELS