Homily (Reflection) for the Feast of the Visitation of
the B.V.M. (31st May, 2018) on the Gospel and the Feast
Is 12:2-6. (R. v.6);
Lk 1:39-56.
We celebrate today the Blessed Virgin Mary (B.V.M.)’s visit
to her cousin, Elizabeth shortly after the Annunciation. During the visit, John
the Baptist was cleansed of the original sin. Hence, he leaped for joy, cf. Lk 1:41, 44. And under the inspiration
of the Holy Spirit, Elizabeth proclaimed that Mary is the Mother of God in
these words: “Blessed are you among women” (Lk 1:42) and “the mother of my Lord” (Lk 1:43).[1]
Topic: With God in you.
In today’s gospel, Mary visited her relative Elizabeth, the
mother of Saint John the Baptist with haste. Immediately Elizabeth heard Mary’s
greeting, John the Baptist in her womb leaped for joy. And filled with the Holy
Spirit, Elizabeth exclaimed with a loud cry,
Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your
womb. And why has this happened to me, that the mother of my Lord comes to me?
For as soon as I heard the sound of your greeting, the child in my womb leaped
for joy.
Mary at the time of this visit to Elizabeth in a Judean town
in the hill country was in the early stage of her own pregnancy. The first
trimester is normally very uncomfortable for women especially those carrying
their first child. Mary stayed with Elizabeth for about three months, cf. Lk 1:56.
Many people are in various hospitals, prisons, homes, and so
on waiting for us to visit them. We may have different reasons why we should
not visit them especially at this time. Mary never thought of her own
convenience. Again, when Elizabeth heard her greeting, the child in her womb
leaped for joy because she came with Jesus. So, while visiting our brothers and
sisters, we must go with God who lives in us, cf. 2Cor 6:16; Lev 26:11-12;
Jn 17:23, 26. Otherwise, the effect
of such visits will be just the opposite of what happened when Mary visited.
Bible Reading: 1Jn
4:7-21.
Thought for today: God lives in us.
Let us pray: Lord, assist us to manifest to
others that you truly live in us – Amen.
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others if you consider it worthy.
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May
God bless you all+
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