The visitation of the Blessed Virgin Mary

Zeph. 3:14-18, Rom. 12:9-16, Lk 1:39-56. At the celebration of the Feast of the visitation of Mary, we recall how the goodness of love creates an urgency for Mary to “hasten” her visit to her cousin, Elizabeth. Apart from the urgency in Mary's visit in today's Gosoel, there are two other instances of urgency in the Gospel of Luke. In the narrative of angels appearing to shepards in the Gospel (Lk. 2-16), the shepards decided to go with “haste” to see what they had been told. In the second part (Lk. 19-5), Jesus visits Zacchaeus up in his house and Jesus says in words what Mary does in action. Jesus says: "Come down, I must stay at your house.” The little man comes down in a “haste” and welcomes Jesus as Mary did. Jesus lives the urgency of love to stay in the house of each of us, making a timeless visitation and making God’s home in our flesh. Today, we are challenged to go with “haste” and with great joy to bless people with our love, as Mary did."

That longing to stay in our presence, is the same longing God is urging our souls as recounted in today's first reading. We might ask the same question of God as Elizabeth asks upon Mary’s arrival: “How is it that the mother of my Lord should come to me.” Today, as we celebrate this Feast of the Visitation of the Blessed Virgin Mary we recall the faith and the wonderful commitment showed by Mary, as an example and inspiration to us, as she obeyed the Lord and entrusted herself fully to the divine will and followed Him to wherever He has led her to. Mary is a great role model for everyone of us as Christians, as we embark on our journey of faith, following her obedience and dedication to the mission that has been entrusted to her throughout her life. We have to bear witness to the Lord not just through empty faith and belief, but through real contribution and dedication, through our every word and action that are founded upon the pillars of our Christian faith. We have to do whatever we can, in our respective capacities and abilities, making use of our talents and gifts in all things, for the greater glory of God. We have to seek the Lord with renewed conviction and zeal, and live our lives in such a way that we may always be living examples and sources of inspiration for one another in faith, so that, through us the Lord may always be glorified.

May the Lord help us to bring joy and not sorrow to others! Amen!! Good morning and have a productive day!!!