The Visitation of the Blessed Virgin Mary 2024

The Visitation of Mary: A Joyous Encounter of Divine Proportions

Introduction:

In the tapestry of Marian feasts within the Catholic liturgical calendar, one event stands out as a beautiful testament to the power of humility, joy, and divine encounter – the Feast of the Visitation of the Blessed Virgin Mary. Celebrated on May 31st, this feast commemorates the momentous meeting between Mary and her cousin Elizabeth, a meeting that heralded the dawn of salvation and exuded profound joy and blessings.

The Visitation: A Divine Encounter of Joy:

The Feast of the Visitation invites us to journey back in time to the hills of Judea, where Mary, newly pregnant with Jesus, set out to visit her cousin Elizabeth, who herself was also with child – John the Baptist. As Mary greeted Elizabeth, the unborn John leaped for joy in his mother's womb, and Elizabeth, filled with the Holy Spirit, exclaimed, "Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb!" (Luke 1:42). In this moment of encounter, we witness the convergence of divine grace and human joy, as two women united in faith rejoice in the wondrous works of God.

Mary: Model of Humility and Service:

Central to the story of the Visitation is the figure of Mary, the handmaid of the Lord. Despite her own miraculous pregnancy, Mary sets out on a journey to serve and assist her cousin Elizabeth in her time of need. In Mary, we see the epitome of humility and selflessness, as she humbly embraces her role as the bearer of Christ and reaches out in love and service to others. Her example challenges us to emulate her virtues of humility, compassion, and readiness to respond to God's call in our own lives.

Elizabeth: A Witness to God's Presence:

Elizabeth, too, plays a pivotal role in the Visitation narrative. Filled with the Holy Spirit, she recognizes the divine presence within Mary and her unborn child, proclaiming Mary's blessedness and affirming the miraculous nature of Jesus' conception. In Elizabeth, we find a model of faith and receptivity to God's work in the world. Her joyful response to Mary's visit reminds us of the transformative power of encountering Christ in our midst and the profound joy that springs from welcoming Him into our lives.

The Visitation: A Feast of Encounter and Blessing:

As we celebrate the Feast of the Visitation, we are invited to enter into the spirit of joy and blessing that characterized Mary and Elizabeth's encounter. Like them, may we open our hearts to the presence of Christ and to the opportunities for encounter and service that come our way. Let us rejoice in the wondrous works of God, who brings light into the darkness and joy into our lives through His Son, Jesus Christ.

Conclusion:

The Feast of the Visitation of the Blessed Virgin Mary serves as a radiant reminder of the power of divine encounter and the transformative joy that springs from encountering Christ in our midst. As we celebrate this feast, may we follow the example of Mary and Elizabeth, embracing humility, joy, and service, and rejoicing in the blessings of God's presence in our lives. Amen.

Prayer:

O God,

who inspired the Blessed Virgin Mary,

when she visited her cousin Elizabeth,

to bring joy and blessing wherever she went, grant us, we pray,

the grace to imitate her humility,

her joy, and her readiness to serve others.

May we, like Mary, be bearers of Christ's light and instruments

of His love in the world.

Through the intercession of Mary and Elizabeth,

may we be filled with the joy of the Holy Spirit and be strengthened

to bring hope and consolation to all those we encounter.

We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen.