This was a time of joy and trust in God’s word
Reflections on the readings for the Feast of the Visitation of the Blessed Virgin Mary (May 31, 2018): ZEP 3:14-18 or ROM 12:9-16; Isaiah 12:2-3, 4, 5-6; LK 1:39-56
MISSIO offers “Mission In Scripture” to nurture a missionary heart, providing reflections on the missionary themes in the readings of Sundays, Feast Days and Holy Days.
On this celebration of Mary’s Visitation with her cousin Elizabeth, we encounter two holy women who supported one another in a time of great joy.
But they also faced some difficulties. Elizabeth’s husband Zechariah was mute because the angel’s announcement of her pregnancy in their old age left him with doubts. Certainly the angel’s description of John’s future mission as a prophet was remarkable. And Mary was a virgin betrothed to Joseph – and her Child was not his. According to the law, Mary could be stoned to death. So the mother of God and the mother of his messenger surely experienced very human concerns as well as happiness in doing the will of Almighty God.
Elizabeth’s first words to Mary have traveled down the centuries to us as part of the Hail Mary: “Most blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb. And how does this happen to me, that the mother of my Lord should come to me?” (Luke 1:42-43) These two everyday, yet extraordinary women had to rely on their complete trust in God – and in their care for each other. God, of course, did provide for all they, their husbands and, especially, Jesus and John needed in order to do what He asked of them. Let us remember to imitate Mary and Elizabeth by striving to do only and always what God asks of us.
Suggested missionary action: We can ask the Blessed Virgin Mary to help us reach out to aid those who are in need as well as to join them in thanking God in times of joy.