The Joy of Holy Encounter

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The Visit of the Blessed Virgin Mary to Elizabeth - Holy Day (White) [transferred from May 31]

Today's Readings:
[ 1 Sam 2:1-10; Ps 113; Rom 12:9-16b; Lk 1:39-57 ]

When Mary entered the house of Elizabeth, something extraordinary happened. Before a word of theology was spoken, before a sermon was preached, the presence of Christ brought joy. Luke tells us that when Elizabeth heard Mary's greeting, "the child leaped in her womb", and Elizabeth herself was filled with the Holy Spirit.

The Feast of the Visitation reminds us that God often comes to us through ordinary acts of love and companionship. Mary, newly aware of her calling as the mother of the Messiah, does not turn inward to contemplate her own importance. Instead, she travels in haste to be with and assist her elderly relative. The first response to God's grace is service.

The readings today echo this theme. Hannah's song in 1 Samuel proclaims a God who overturns worldly expectations: "He raises up the poor from the dust". Mary's Magnificat continues that same song of divine reversal. The mighty are humbled, the hungry are fed, and the lowly are lifted up. God's kingdom does not operate according to human standards of power and prestige.

Franciscan spirituality delights in this truth. St. Francis saw in the humility of Christ the very heart of God's love. The God who chooses a poor maiden from Nazareth and reveals his presence through a child not yet born is the same God who continues to meet us in small, hidden, and unexpected places. We need not seek greatness to find God; we need only be attentive and willing.

Paul's exhortation in Romans calls us to "love one another with mutual affection" and to "associate with the lowly". Mary and Elizabeth embody this perfectly. Their meeting is a picture of Christian community: joyful, humble, encouraging, and centered on God's work.

Today, let us ask for the grace to recognize Christ in those we encounter. Like Mary, may we carry him into the world through acts of kindness and service. Like Elizabeth, may we greet his presence with gratitude and joy.

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