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!

Magnificat...

“And Mary said, ‘My soul magnifies the Lord, and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior, for he has regarded the low estate of his handmaiden.’” (Lk 1:46-48)

Once the Annunciation has taken place, we find Mary setting out to visit her cousin Elizabeth, who also has become unexpectedly pregnant. Upon Mary’s arrival, Elizabeth is filled with joy, as her baby, John the Baptist, leaps for joy in her womb. At this, Elizabeth exclaims, “Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb! And why is this granted to me, that the mother of my Lord should come to me. And blessed is she who believed that there would be a fulfillment of what was spoken to her from the Lord.” (Lk 1:42-43, 45)

If you were praised like this, how would you respond? Would you smile and say thank you? Would you agree? Would you tell the person to keep praising you, feeling warm and fuzzy inside?

Mary responds by in turn praising God for his goodness to her. In an extremely humble act, Mary gives glory to God for the love and praise she herself is being shown. Mary truly has embraced the meaning of being “poor in spirit”.

How do we respond to praises and thanksgivings, privileges and honor that we receive from others? I know I love to hear my name said, and love to be recognized. It’s something that I struggle with daily. But I pray that our Blessed Mother might guide me in her direction. Do you struggle with that, too??

Mary knew her son... so give her a chance!

“When the wine failed, the mother of Jesus said to him, ‘They have no wine.’” (Jn 2:3)

Jesus was raised by Mary and Joseph, his parents on earth. So when we see his kindness of heart, we can say that we see that of Joseph and Mary. Jesus came from Mary. He was “flesh of her flesh and bone of her bone”. So Mary knew him better than anyone else. Have you ever noticed the connection you have with your parents? Have you ever noticed how, at times, they can tell what you are feeling just by looking at you? I remember when I started seminary, my mom was uneasy with it. But she finally asked me a few weeks into the semester if I was enjoying it. All I had to do was look her in the eyes and say, “Yes”. She knew the rest already, without me telling her.

So why not turn to Mary for help and guidance? Jesus did. We see it at the wedding in Cana. She turns to her son, saying, “They have no wine.” Then, despite Jesus’ reaction (“O woman, what have you to do with me. My hour has not yet come.”), she still turns to the servants, saying, “Do whatever he tells you” (Jn 2:4-5). Mary knew her son, and she knew it we his time to work.

So why not turn to Mary to come closer to Jesus Christ? Or if we can’t find Christ in our life, why not go to his Mother, asking her to make Jesus get to work! The best way to get to know a son is through his mother, who carried him, gave birth to him, and nursed him. This you cannot deny.