Reflection

Mary Visits Elizabeth 

"39 In those days Mary set out and went with haste to a Judean town in the hill country, 40 where she entered the house of Zechariah and greeted Elizabeth. 41 When Elizabeth heard Mary’s greeting, the child leaped in her womb. And Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit 42 and exclaimed with a loud cry, “Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb. 43 And why has this happened to me, that the mother of my Lord comes to me? 44 For as soon as I heard the sound of your greeting, the child in my womb leaped for joy. 45 And blessed is she who believed that there would be a fulfillment of what was spoken to her by the Lord.” Lk 1:39-45

As Christians, Mary is our model of charity work.  Travelling a long distance, Mary set aside her own needs and immediately left on a challenging journey to care for her older cousin, Elizabeth, who was dealing with an unexpected pregnancy of her own. Mary exemplified the selfless love of a charity worker. She was literally carrying a message of joy and hope and, in doing so, stirred up life within Elizabeth, who was no doubt deeply concerned about her own condition and circumstances.  Our support to family, friends and others in the wider community can be life-giving, too.  We just do not know how much we are appreciated when we integrate with them, chat and eat with them, listening to their stories and struggles in life.  The image of Mary and Elizabeth, embracing with such warmth, love, and joy, is how we should interact with one another.

When was the last time that we walked the extra mile just to reach out to a person in need?   Can we recall setting aside our own needs just to care for someone who was more in dire need?  How many of us have sacrificed much of our time and money in order to be true to the Christian values that we profess? 

Last week at the College, we celebrated – RUOK? Day. Let our lives be true to all our faith teaches, to respond to others’ needs with open and compassionate hearts. Like Mary, may we reach out and check on others to ensure that they are ok.

Let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works

and give glory to your Father in heaven.

Holy Family of Nazareth, be our inspiration and our guide.

Jesus of Nazareth, help us to grow in Faith, Wisdom and Knowledge

The reflection is based on the following site:

https://adoseofgodtoday.com/2023/05/31/reflection-on-lk-1-39-56-feast-of-the-visitation/