Word to the Wise
Saturday, May 31, 2014 - May 31 - Visitation of the Blessed Virgin Mary
[Zeph 3:14-18a or Rom 12:9-16 and Luke 1:39-56]Blessed are you who believed that what was spoken to you by the Lord would be fulfilled.
SATURDAY, MAY 31, 2014 THE VISITATION OF THE BLESSED VIRGIN MARY
[Zephaniah 3:14-18a or Romans 12:9-16; Luke 1:39-56]
Blessed are you who believed that what was spoken to you by the Lord would be fulfilled.
There is much to tug the heart in this scene from the Gospel of Luke. Two women, each improbably and unexpectedly pregnant (one of them a virgin and the other a senior citizen) greet one another!. In her own encounter with the angel Gabriel, Mary learns she is not alone in her predicament. Her supposedly barren cousin Elizabeth is six months pregnant! We are told that Mary went "in haste" to see Elizabeth. Travel in those days was hazardous at best, so the trip was not easily undertaken. There had to be a caravan or group going in that direction!
There is much to be made over all that Elizabeth says and Mary's reply - the Magnificat - but one line stands out in Elizabeth's words: Blessed are you who believed that what was spoken to you by the Lord would be fulfilled. [One wonders if her husband, Zechariah, heard that! He was still mute because he did NOT believe that Elizabeth would become pregnant!] Luke presents Mary throughout as the model disciple, but even more Jesus praises all who hear his word and keep it! This is at the center of this beautiful event. I really think this feast is better understood by Moms of faith, but it is offered to all of us for meditation. AMEN