By Martin Madalai Muthu csc –
Readings: Rom 12: 9-16; Lk 1: 39-56
Today we celebrate the feast of the visitation of the Blessed Virgin Mary. Mother Mary stands as a role model to each one of us and teaches us how to understand the will of God. Today’s conversations between two great women in the Bible is remarkable and we are blessed to listen to their conversation. Mary was carrying Jesus, which brought joy to Elizabeth and John who was within her. If we recall their chat, it was about the mysterious working of God, to which their own life stood as a witness.
After the annunciation, Mary realises the true Joy of sharing the good news and thus, shares it with Elizabeth. Mary is given to us as our Mother, who is a woman of faith. She teaches us how to say ‘yes’ to God even in times of difficulties. She trusted and believed that God would do great things in her life. Elizabeth also recognised the great things done in their lives. And together they praised God in true humility. Similarly, just like the two mothers we too realize that we have been blessed by the Lord with various graces.
Sometimes it may be a gradual realisation in times of difficulties. But often when we are successful, we forget the spirit of God working in us; which at times results in letting us be deceived by money, and power. We forget the infinite love of God and fall into the instant love of the world.
Today’s gospel calls us to recognise that Mary responded fully to God’s invitation and was with Jesus from the womb to the tomb. This is an invitation to each of us to consider what holds us back and ask for God’s help to overcome our challenges. We are also called to recognise the great things God has done in our lives and write our own Magnificat that gives praise to God.