The Visitation

12/21/24

“Mary set out and traveled to the hill country in haste to a town of Judah where she entered the house of Zechariah and greeted Elizabeth.” Luke 1:39

Today’s Gospel is the Visitation when Mary traveled to be with her cousin Elizabeth. Imagine the JOY both women experienced in sharing the miraculous events that they were both "with child." Mary went "in haste" to Elizabeth and she greeted Mary with the words, "Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb." Luke 1:42

Mary went to serve Elizabeth and she teaches us how to serve one another. John the Baptist leaped for joy in Elizabeth's womb. John sensed the Presence of Jesus. It seemed that Elizabeth was too old to have a child but she was destined to bear a son John; it seemed that Mary was not ready to have a child, but she was destined to bear the Son of God, Jesus.

Mary burst forth with the song of praise called the Magnificat, with the words:

And Mary said: "My soul proclaims the greatness of the Lord; my spirit rejoices in God my Savior. For He has looked upon His handmaid's lowliness; behold, from now on will all ages call me blessed. The Mighty One has done great things for me, and Holy is His Name.”  Luke 1:46-49

Our God is a God of surprises! He loves to delight us and often does the unexpected. He wants you to trust in Him and to expect miracles in your life.

“For nothing will be impossible for God.” Luke 1:37  

Meditation:
On this day, find a quiet place to ponder the Visitation and the love and friendship of Mary and Elizabeth as they share with one another what God has done for them. Invite Mary to come into your home to visit with you. As you spend time with Mary, share with her all the things that are on your heart, your joys, desires, hopes, fears, sorrows and sufferings. She is your Mother. Ask her to help you persevere in prayer, having faith and expectant hope as she does. Ask Mary to guide you along the way. As your visit with Mary draws to a close, invite her to come into your home, the interior home of your soul. Then join with Mary in a song of praise to the Lord, making her Magnificat, your own. Take Mary's hand as she draws you to Jesus. In the Presence of Jesus, receive His love, mercy and peace.

Rejoice in hope, endure in affliction, persevere in prayer.  Romans 12:12