Word to the Wise
Tuesday, May 31, 2022 - 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." [Luke]
At the Catholic student center that my local Dominican community serves there is a "faith-sharing" program called "Women of Faith." Those members with whom I have more than a passing acquaintance tell me they find it very helpful in their efforts to live out their baptismal commitment in the midst of the personal and academic challenges of university life. Certainly they could find great role models in the two women whose stories are united in the event which Catholic tradition calls "the Visitation of the Blessed Virgin Mary." (Our university parish is under the patronage of St. Elizabeth, so I like to think the title should be the Visitation of Mary and Elizabeth!)
Both Mary and Elizabeth face the challenge of unexpected pregnancy. Given Elizabeth's advanced age and the high infant mortality rate of that time, her hopes are unquestionably delicate! (Luke 1:25) But she, like Mary, is someone who believes that what the Lord has spoken to her (through the vision of her husband, Zechariah), would be fulfilled. Her faith story ("For nothing shall be impossible with God!") is somewhat overshadowed by the focus on Mary.
The example of Mary receives the greater attention because of the one she bears. At least twice in the "infancy narrative" she is depicted as a disciple who "kept all these things, reflecting on them in her heart!" (Luke 2:19 and 2:51). Both women are depicted as filled with the Holy Spirit (1:35 and 1:39).
My prayer for the wonderful co-eds of "Women of Faith" is that they will realize the power of faith in the presence of the Holy Spirit within them as they strive to be examples of those who believe that what the Lord has spoken to them will be fulfilled. AMEN