Festival of the Visitation of Mary
Prayer of the Day
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 reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.
Scripture Readings for the Day
Old Testament: Isaiah 11:1-5
The Righteous Reign of the Branch
1There shall come forth a shoot from the stump of(A) Jesse,
and a branch from his roots shall bear fruit. 2And(B) the Spirit of the LORD shall rest upon him,
the Spirit of wisdom and understanding,
the Spirit of counsel and might,
the Spirit of knowledge and the fear of the LORD. 3And his delight shall be in the fear of the LORD.(C) He shall not judge by(D) what his eyes see,
or decide disputes by what his ears hear, 4but(E) with righteousness he shall judge the poor,
and decide with equity for the meek of the earth;and he shall(F) strike the earth with the rod of his mouth,
and(G) with the breath of his lips(H) he shall kill the wicked. 5Righteousness shall be the belt of his waist,
and(I) faithfulness the belt of his loins.
Cross references:Isaiah 11:1 : Isaiah 11:10; Acts 13:23 Isaiah 11:2 : Isaiah 61:1; Matt 3:16; Mark 1:10; Luke 3:22 Isaiah 11:3 : John 7:24 Isaiah 11:3 : Eccles 1:8 Isaiah 11:4 : Psalm 72:2, 4 Isaiah 11:4 : Psalm 2:9; Mal 4:6 Isaiah 11:4 : Job 4:9; 2 Thess 2:8 Isaiah 11:4 : Psalm 139:19 Isaiah 11:5 : Eph 6:14
Epistle: 1 Tim. 3:16
16Great indeed, we confess, is the mystery of godliness:
(A) He[a] was manifested in the flesh,
vindicated[b] by the Spirit,[c]
(B) seen by angels,(C) proclaimed among the nations,
(D) believed on in the world,
(E) taken up in glory.
Footnotes:1 Timothy 3:16 Greek Who; some manuscripts God; others Which 1 Timothy 3:16 Or justified 1 Timothy 3:16 Or vindicated in spirit
Cross references:1 Timothy 3:16 : John 1:14; 1 Pet 1:20 1 Timothy 3:16 : Luke 2:13; 24:4 1 Timothy 3:16 : Gal 2:2 1 Timothy 3:16 : 2 Thess 1:10 1 Timothy 3:16 : Acts 1:2
Gospel: Luke 1:39-56
Mary Visits Elizabeth
39In those days Mary arose and went with haste into(A) the hill country, to a town in Judah, 40and she entered the house of Zechariah and greeted Elizabeth. 41And when Elizabeth heard the greeting of Mary, the baby leaped in her womb. And Elizabeth(B) was filled with the Holy Spirit, 42and she exclaimed with a loud cry,(C) “Blessed are you among women, and(D) blessed is(E) the fruit of your womb! 43And why is this granted to me that the mother of(F) my Lord should come to me? 44For behold, when the sound of your greeting came to my ears, the baby in my womb leaped for joy. 45And(G) blessed is she who believed that there would be[a] a fulfillment of what was spoken to her from the Lord.”
Mary’s Song of Praise: The Magnificat
46And Mary said,
(H) “My(I) soul(J) magnifies the Lord,
47(K) and my(L) spirit rejoices in(M) God my Savior, 48for(N) he has looked on the humble estate of his servant.
For behold, from now on all generations(O) will call me blessed; 49for(P) he who is mighty(Q) has done great things for me,
and(R) holy is his name. 50And(S) his mercy is for those who fear him
from generation to generation. 51(T) He has shown strength with his arm;
(U) he has scattered the proud in the thoughts of their hearts; 52(V) he has brought down the mighty from their thrones
(W) and exalted those of humble estate; 53he has filled(X) the hungry with good things,
and the rich(Y) he has sent away empty. 54He has(Z) helped(AA) his servant Israel,
(AB) in remembrance of his mercy, 55(AC) as he spoke to our fathers,
(AD) to Abraham and to his offspring forever.”
56And Mary remained with her about three months and returned to her home.Footnotes:Luke 1:45 Or believed, for there will be
Cross references:Luke 1:39 : Luke 1:65; Josh 20:7; 21:11 Luke 1:41 : Luke 1:15, 67 Luke 1:42 : Judg 5:24 Luke 1:42 : Deut 28:4 Luke 1:42 : Psalm 127:3 Luke 1:43 : Luke 20:42; John 20:28; Luke 2:11 Luke 1:45 : John 20:29; Luke 1:20 Luke 1:46 : For Luke 1:46-53, 1 Sam 2:1-10 Luke 1:46 : 1 Thess 5:23 Luke 1:46 : Psalm 34:2, 3; 69:30; Acts 10:46; 19:17 Luke 1:47 : Psalm 35:9; Isa 61:10; Hab 3:18; Acts 16:34 Luke 1:47 : Luke 1:46 Luke 1:47 : Psalm 106:21; 1 Tim 1:1; 2:3; Titus 1:3; 2:10; 3:4; Jude 25; 2 Tim 1:9 Luke 1:48 : 1 Sam 1:11; Psalm 138:6; Luke 9:38 Luke 1:48 : Luke 11:27; Psalm 72:17; Mal 3:12 Luke 1:49 : Psalm 89:8; Zeph 3:17 Luke 1:49 : Psalm 71:19; 126:2, 3 Luke 1:49 : Psalm 99:3; 111:9; Isa 57:15 Luke 1:50 : Deut 5:10; 7:9; Psalm 89:1, 2; 103:17 Luke 1:51 : Psalm 89:10; 98:1; 118:16; Isa 51:9 Luke 1:51 : Dan 4:37; James 4:6 Luke 1:52 : Luke 1:51 Luke 1:52 : Job 5:11; Psalm 75:7; 107:40, 41; 113:7, 8; 147:6; Ezek 21:26; James 4:10 Luke 1:53 : Psalm 34:10; 107:9; Luke 6:21, 24, 25 Luke 1:53 : Job 22:9 Luke 1:54 : Isa 41:8, 9; Heb 2:16 Luke 1:54 : Isa 44:21; 49:3 Luke 1:54 : Psalm 98:3; Mic 7:20; Luke 1:72, 73 Luke 1:55 : Gen 17:19; Psalm 132:11; Gal 3:16 Luke 1:55 : Luke 1:54
Source for Scripture citations: The Lutheran Lectionary Project
Here is Bach’s beautiful Cantata composed for the Visitation of Mary, BWV 147 (Video follows the words: This is one of Bach’s more recognizeable Cantatas because of the use of “Jesus, Joy of Man’s Desiring” in the Cantata)
| 1. Chor Herz und Mund und Tat und Leben Muß von Christo Zeugnis geben Ohne Furcht und Heuchelei, Daß er Gott und Heiland sei. |
Part One1. Chorus Heart and mouth and deed and life must give testimony of Christ without fear or hypocrisy, that He is God and Savior. |
| 2. Rezitativ T Gebenedeiter Mund! Maria macht ihr Innerstes der Seelen Durch Dank und Rühmen kund; Sie fänget bei sich an, Des Heilands Wunder zu erzählen, Was er an ihr als seiner Magd getan. O menschliches Geschlecht, Des Satans und der Sünden Knecht, Du bist befreit Durch Christi tröstendes Erscheinen Von dieser Last und Dienstbarkeit! Jedoch dein Mund und dein verstockt Gemüte Verwschweigt, verleugnet solche Güte; Doch wisse, daß dich nach der Schrift Ein allzuscharfes Urteil trifft! |
2. Recitative T Blessed mouth! Mary makes the inmost part of her soul known through thanks and praise; she beginsto narrate to herself the miracle of the Savior, which He has worked in her as His handmaiden. O human race, slave to Satan and to sin, you are freed through Christ’s reassuring appearance from this burden and servitude! However your mouth and your stubborn spirit supresses, denies such goodness; yet know, that according to the scripture, an all-too-harsh judgment will be yours! |
| 3. Arie A Schäme dich, o Seele nicht, Deinen Heiland zu bekennen, Soll er dich die seine nennen Vor des Vaters Angesicht! Doch wer ihn auf dieser Erden Zu verleugnen sich nicht scheut, Soll von ihm verleugnet werden, Wenn er kommt zur Herrlichkeit. |
3. Aria A Do not be ashamed, o soul, to acknowledge your Savior, so shall He name His own before His Father’s face! Yet whoever, on this earth, is not shy to deny Him, shall be denied by Him when he approaches glory. |
| 4. Rezitativ B Verstockung kann Gewaltige veblenden, Bis sie des Höchsten Arm vom Stuhle stößt; Doch dieser Arm erhebt, Obschon vor ihm der Erde Kreis erbebt, Hingegen die Elenden, So er erlöst. O hochbeglückte Christen, Auf, machet euch bereit, Itzt ist die angenehme Zeit, Itzt ist der Tag des Heils: der Heiland heißt Euch Leib und Geist Mit Glaubensgaben rüsten, Auf, ruft zu ihm in brünstigem Verlangen, Um ihn im Glauben zu empfangen! |
4. Recitative B Astonishment might dazzle the mighty, until the arm of the Highest throws them down from their thrones; yet this arm uplifts, although the orb of the earth trembles before it, the wretched, on the other hand, which He has redeemed. O most delighted Christians, arise, make yourselves ready, now the pleasant time is here, now is the day of salvation: the Savior calls you to arm body and soul with the gifts of faith, arise, call to Him in fervent longing, in order to embrace Him in faith! |
| 5. Arie S Bereite dir, Jesu, noch itzo die Bahn, Mein Heiland, erwähle Die gläubende Seele Und siehe mit Augen der Gnade mich an! |
5. Aria S Prepare, Jesus, even now the path for Yourself, my Savior, select the faithful souls and look upon me with eyes of mercy! |
| 6. Choral Wohl mir, daß ich Jesum habe, O wie feste halt ich ihn, Daß er mir mein Herze labe, Wenn ich krank und traurig bin. Jesum hab ich, der mich liebet Und sich mir zu eigen gibet; Ach drum laß ich Jesum nicht, Wenn mir gleich mein Herze bricht. (“Jesu, meiner Seelen Wonne,” verse 6) |
6. Chorale Happy I, who has Jesus, o how tightly I cling to Him, so that He delights my heart when I am sick and sad. I have Jesus, who loves me and gives Himself to me as my own; ah, therefore I will not let go of Jesus, even if my heart is breaking. |
| Zweiter Teil7. Arie T Hilf, Jesu, hilf, daß ich auch dich bekenne In Wohl und Weh, in Freud und Leid, Daß ich dich meinen Heiland nenne Im Glauben und Gelassenheit, Daß stets mein Herz von deiner Liebe brenne. |
Part Two7. Aria T Help, Jesus, help that I may also acknowledge You in prosperity and in woe, in joy and in sorrow, so that I may call You my Savior in faith and calmness, that my heart may always burn with Your love. |
| 8. Rezitativ A Der höchsten Allmacht Wunderhand Wirkt im Verborgenen der Erden. Johannes muß mit Geist erfüllet werden, Ihn zieht der Liebe Band Bereits in seiner Mutter Leibe, Daß er den Heiland kennt, Ob er ihn gleich noch nicht Mit seinem Mund nennt, Er wird bewegt, er hüpft und springet, Indem Elisabeth das Wunderwerk ausspricht, Indem Mariae Mund der Lippen Opfer bringet. Wenn ihr, o Gläubige, des Fleisches Schwachheit merkt, Wenn euer Herz in Liebe brennet, Und doch der Mund den Heiland nicht bekennet, Gott ist es, der euch kräftig stärkt, Er will in euch des Geistes Kraft erregen, Ja Dank und Preis auf eure Zunge legen. |
8. Recitative A The wondrous hand of the exalted Almighty is active in the mysteries of the earth. John must have been filled with the Spirit, the bond of love drew him already in his mother’s body, so that he knew the Savior, even though he could not yet name Him with his mouth, he became lively, he leapt and stirred, while Elizabeth expressed the miracle, while Mary’s mouth made her lip’s offering. If you, o believers, note the weakness of the flesh, if your hearts burn in love, and yet your mouths do not acknowledge the Savior, then it is God who will powerfully strengthen you, He will stir up the power of the spirit in you, indeed lay thanks and praise upon your tongues. |
| 9. Arie B Ich will von Jesu Wundern singen Und ihm der Lippen Opfer bringen, Er wird nach seiner Liebe Bund Das schwache Fleisch, den irdschen Mund Durch heilges Feuer kräftig zwingen. |
9. Aria B I will sing of Jesus’ wonders and bring my lip’s offering to Him, He will compel weak flesh, the earthly mouth powerfully, through the holy fire, towards the bond of His love. |
| 10. Choral Jesus bleibet meine Freude, Meines Herzens Trost und Saft, Jesus wehret allem Leide, Er ist meines Lebens Kraft, Meiner Augen Lust und Sonne, Meiner Seele Schatz und Wonne; Darum laß ich Jesum nicht Aus dem Herzen und Gesicht. (“Jesu, meiner Seelen Wonne,” verse 16) |
10. Chorale Jesus shall remain my joy, my heart’s comfort and sap, Jesus shall fend off all sorrow, He is the strength of my life, the delight and sun of my eyes, the treasure and wonder of my soul; therefore I will not let Jesus go out of my heart and sight. |
| “Jesu, meiner Seelen Wonne,” Martin Jahn 1661 (verses 6 and 16, mov’ts. 6 and 10) | |
What a fantastic, moving picture at the top of this entry. I was happy to show it to my wife and daughters.
Some of Bach’s most famous, most sonorous and most joyful cantatas are those written for the Marian festivals of the Leipzig churches.
Which goes to show you can be thoroughly faithful to Scripture, celebrate the great feast days of Mary, and not go “goofy” on Mary like Rome or the East.
: )
Your reminder of The Visitation has sent me over to YouTube to search on the Magnificat. All the Lutheran composers did lovely things with Mary’s song. Sebastian Bach’s piece is very well known and almost half of what is on YouTube is his piece. But I was looking for the others. I found a tiny bit of Buxtehude poorly performed and recorded, and the C.P.E. Bach Magnificat with which I was totally unacquainted. I quickly reread the Wiki entry on C.P.E. and then got lost in very many versions of Emanual Bach’s Magnifcat that are on YouTube. BUT, I found a project that aims to publish all the works of CPE and I have a link to a preface on the volumes to the 21 passions that CPE wrote and the situation in which he wrote them. I think you would enjoy reading about the requirements of the music director of the city of Hamburg for the 5 major churches for music in Lent in the last half of the 18th century.
http://www.cpebach.org/cpeb/prefaces/passions-preface.html
Yes that is an excellent picture — no halos and ethereal junk, real women in the joy of pregnancy to which is added in this case the realisation of the fulfillment of the promise.
Now, contra rumours that I am hysterical re the novus ordo, I am going to say something favourable about its calendar, wherein the Visitation was moved by Paul VI to 31 May. The 2 July date was fixed by Urban VI in 1389 as part of his efforts to end the Avignon/Rome split. The date is right after the octave of the Nativity of John the Baptist, 24 June, who was still unborn at the time of the Visitation, which is why Paul VI moved it to 31 May before 24 June.
PS — it’s 30 March in the East, which is 12 April in the Gregorian calendar, but they only started observing the feast in the 19th century, and then only the Russian Orthodox, who have a monkatorium or something on what is supposed to be the site of the Visitation, and it is still not accepted throughout all Orthodox churches.