GOD’S VISITATION
Whenever
I meditate on this Gospel, I always remember a beautiful picture
hanging up in our novice house in Canberra, Australia. It is the image
of the Virgin running down some steps, hastily, with no time to waste.
There is a sense of serious concern on her face, yet her face is
brightened by joy and wonder. She is going to visit her cousin Elizabeth
to see for herself the mighty things God has done. It is a beautiful
image of our Lady of the Visitation, or Our Lady of the Way. One can
easily imagine the joy in her heart, the song of praise on her lips, the
news about to be shared with all of humanity, beginning with Elizabeth —
it is all expressed in her movement, body,
features and face.
Mary is reminded of Hannah and all the women who experienced the
graciousness of God in childbearing. Mary is to be the Mother of Jesus,
Son of God. Imagine all that she must have pondered on in the lengthy
journey to Judea. An angel visited her, prophesying her vocation and
God’s plan for her life. Mary would have thought of her dearly betrothed
Joseph. She would have imagined her cousin’s reaction to her visit,
knowing that Elizabeth, too, has experienced the visitation of God.
The feast we celebrate today, originally a medieval Franciscan
tradition, is prayed as the second joyful mystery of the Holy Rosary.
Countless images of the scene have captured the hearts of many. Having
been established in the West much earlier than the East, the feast
reminds us that God is near.
We all carry Christ within us. Mary had borne Jesus in her womb
physically; we bear Jesus in our souls sacramentally. The priest
dismisses us after Mass to carry Christ with us wherever we go; Mary had
done this in the visitation to her cousin. May she continue to direct
our steps and efforts of evangelization as we seek to follow her example
to bring Christ to those in need. Fr. Brian Steele, MGL
REFLECTION QUESTIONS: Who should you visit today? Who is in most need of the Good News today?
Renew me in Your love today, O Lord. Grant me the grace to bring You to others. Our Lady of the Visitation, pray for me.
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