Today we celebrate the Visitation of the Blessed Virgin Mary.

In today’s gospel (Luke 1:39 – 56) we hear of Mary’s visit to her cousin Elizabeth while they were both with child.  We can learn a lot from the simple exchange between these two women.  To me this passage is all about humility before God and trust in God’s intention for us.

Elizabeth is humbled in the presence of Mary and the baby Mary is carrying.  Prompted by the Holy Spirit and her own child’s stirring – by the witness of John the Baptist – Elizabeth immediately recognizes Jesus for who he is – her Lord and Savior.  Elizabeth, in all humility, marvels that Mary, in all her blessedness, would take the time to visit her.  Elizabeth goes on to proclaim how blessed we are when we trust in God’s word.

Mary is also an exemplar of humility.  First off, knowing that she has been especially chosen by God to bear a most special child, Mary still travels a great distance to bring the good news to her cousin and assist her cousin in her own child bearing.  Mary expresses her humility in her response to Elizabeth – Mary’s Magnificat.  Mary acknowledges her lowliness and her servitude before God.  Mary does not presume any special status even though she is becoming aware that she is to play a great role in God’s saving plan.  Mary expresses her trust in God and her profound gratitude for all that God has done for her, for all those who came before her, and for all of us who were to come after her.

Both of these holy women – models of humility, obedience, and trust – are great role models for all of us.  May we ask God for the grace to imitate them.

We can make Mary’s prayer our own:

” My soul proclaims the greatness of the Lord;
my spirit rejoices in God my Savior,
for he has looked with favor on his lowly servant…”

And in honor of Mary, the Mother of our Savior, and our Mother, we join with Elizabeth in proclaiming:

“Most blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb”.

One response to “

  1. Jim Zinsmeister

    Ave Maria!

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