SIGNIFICANCE OF MARY'S VISIT
We are to love
one another particularly in our words and actions to those we live with, and
the ones we see in daily life. We also share what we have received.
Do
you recognize the indwelling presence of the Lord Jesus in your life? Blessed
are you if you see and recognize the Lord with the "eyes of faith."
If
we truly have faith, hope, and trust in God, just as Mary did, we can not help
but have joy in our hearts and share in ministry of this faith with those
around us. It keeps us on a solid foundation through the good and bad times in
this life.
Our
life is often about the daily concerns around us and those nearest us. Mary's
concern for Elizabeth can be seen in the first reading from the Letter to the
Romans which is about love and respect for each other. We are to love one
another particularly in our words and actions to those we live with, and the
ones we see in daily life. We also share what we have received. The Visitation
is a mystery that focuses on the virtue of hospitality. We can give joyfully
just as Mary gave of herself by saying "yes" to God with faith, hope,
and trust.
The
significant part of Mary's visit to her cousin Elizabeth, before the birth of
Jesus, occurred when Elizabeth greeted Mary and recognized the Messiah in
Mary's womb. Elizabeth and the child in her womb were filled with the Holy
Spirit and with a joyful anticipation of the fulfillment of God's promise to
give a Savior. What a marvelous wonder for God to fill not only Elizabeth's
heart with His Holy Spirit but also the child in her womb as well. John the
Baptist, even before the birth of the Messiah, pointed to His coming and leapt
for joy in the womb of his mother as the Holy Spirit revealed to him the
presence of the King to be born. The Holy Spirit is God's gift to us to enable
us to know and experience the indwelling presence of God and the power of His
loving Kingdom. The Holy Spirit is the way in which our heavenly Father reigns
within each of us.
So,
do we live in the joy and knowledge of God's indwelling presence with us?
Let
us continue our faith journey together!