THE VISITATION OF THE BLESSED VIRGIN MARY (Feast) White

First Reading: Zep 3:14-18a; Psalm: Is 12. R. v. 6b; Gospel: Lk 1:39-56

MARY OUR MODEL

FR VALENTINE NNAMDI EGBUONU, MSP

Mary was accorded the greatest honour and privilege given to a Jewish woman as the mother of the long-awaited Messiah. God promised her barren kinswoman Elizabeth that she was going to conceive a son in her old age. When this promise was fulfilled, Mary immediately travelled the four day journey to the hill country of Judah to assist her. Upon hearing Mary’s greeting, the baby within Elizabeth’s womb leaped for joy.

Elizabeth was astonished that Mary the mother of her Lord came to her. Her words echoed King David’s wonderment when the Ark of the Covenant was brought to Jerusalem: “How can the ark of the Lord come to me?”(2Sam 6:9, 14). Mary who visited her kinswoman Elizabeth was the Ark of the new Covenant bearing the divine son of God in her womb. This honour granted her did not make her proud but humbled her the more. What an example Mary has left for us.

From the life of Mary we learn not to be overwhelmed by our own joy and overlook the joy of others. Not to relate with people based on their status or class. Not to seek to be served but to serve. When we share in the joy of others; we multiply their joy. This is charity. When we identify and celebrate with others not minding their status or class; we honour them as God’s image. This is respect. And when we overlook our mansions, achievements, fame, wealth and royalty in order to serve others; we serve God. This is humility. Our assistance to those in need of help is another kind of blessing. By doing so we bring the love of God to their doorsteps and help them to learn how to love. This is something we should learn from Mary our mother.

PRAYER FOR THE DAY

O Lord, grant us the heart to share in the joy and sorrows of others; and the humility to be at their service. Amen.