The Pulpit Online: Feast of the Visitation of the B.V.M.

Homily (Reflection) for the Feast of the Visitation of the B.V.M. (31^st May, 2021) on the Gospel and the Feast

Zeph 3:14-18 or Rom 12:9-16;

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 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, she 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.

Holy Mary, mother of God – Pray for us.

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