THE VISITATION OF THE BLESSED VIRGIN MARY (FEAST)

How does this happen to me, that the mother of my Lord should come to me?

On this feast of the Visitation, close your eyes and imagine that you are Elizabeth.

You and Zechariah are past child-bearing age, and you have resigned yourself to remaining childless. But then, Zechariah returns from his duties as a Temple priest describing an encounter with an angel and the amazing promise he heard. And soon you find yourself pregnant!

It seems too good to be true, despite the angel’s assurance. So instead of telling everyone, you stay quietly at home, praying and preparing for this major life change. Six months along, you begin to feel a tinge of concern. Are you too old for this? Would there be complications? Who would help you with the birth? You try to remain prayerful, but you can’t completely banish worry.

Then you hear a knock at your door, and you recognize the voice of your young cousin Mary. How did she know how much you needed her? In response to her greeting, the baby in your womb moves unmistakably. What immense joy you, your child, Mary, and Jesus share at that moment!

Mary quickly assures you that she isn’t just stopping by on her way to somewhere else. No, it’s a visitation with a serious purpose. She intends to settle down and stay until your baby is born. She promises to help you in every way she can. She will cook and clean with you and spend hours talking and praying and singing with you. With her you will recount the wonders you’ve both experienced, what God has in store for his beloved people through the ministry of your special sons, and what being their mothers might demand of each of you.

Just as she did with Elizabeth, Mary is eager to visit you, too. In all of your challenges or uncertainties, she can be there to help you through her prayers and example. Let her companionship be a source of encouragement for you.

“Lord, thank you for sending Mary to visit me!”

Zephaniah 3:14-18
(Psalm) Isaiah 12:2-6
Luke 1:39-56