We are all visiting...

Contemplating Mary’s time with Elizabeth (the Visitation), I can’t help but wonder if that is what I am doing here, not only in seminary but also on earth.

Mary went to stay with her cousin for three months, as Scripture tells us. During this time she was preparing to give birth to the Son of God. And she was doing this with a woman who was not only her cousin, but also one who had a similar calling. Elizabeth was to give birth to the one who would make ready the way for the Lord—John the Baptist. In a way, they are together awaiting the coming of the Lord.

Well, I see my time here in seminary as a similar preparation. Most likely, I am not going to have a vision of Christ at the end of my time here. Rather, I will become Christ for so many. I will be bringing to life “Christ the Head.”

In another way of thinking, our time here on earth could be likened to the Visitation. We are all here together, praising God and helping each other, so that we may find what we have been promised—eternal life. Our hopes are that at the end of our journey here, we may come to see Christ in all his glory, praising him for eternity with the angels and saints.

Couldn’t we say that wherever we are, we are “visiting” with fellow children of God who have similar intentions in their life?

Thus, I beg our Blessed Mother for her intercession and guidance as I recite her Magnificat every night (Lk 1:46-55)! May she draw me, and everyone, closer to her son, our Lord!