Visitation of the Blessed Virgin Mary year A (Feast)

Theme: A grateful heart

Today the church celebrates the feast of the visitation of the Blessed Virgin Mary our mother. She was quick to visit her cousin Elizabeth to share the good news from the Angel with her. Ordinarily, one would have expected that she will be struggling to have a better understanding of the message that the Angel delivered to her. But interestingly, she was more concerned about visiting her cousin Elizabeth to share her joy with her. This is truly what it means to be selfless and think about the good of others, and not just our good always. This is an action that is very important in our world today.

Dearly beloved in Christ, gradually people are becoming more self-centered and concerned about their personal good, as against the common good. As we celebrate the feast of visitation of the Blessed Virgin Mary today, it is a reminder to all of us who are followers of Christ. If we all decide to emulate this attitude of our mother Mary, it will help to make our world a better place for all of us. When we begin to think about other people before we do whatever we do, we will be more sincere with each other and do things according to the promise we made. For instance, if we embrace this type of attitude, our leaders will be sincere with the people they are leading and spend money on the right things. While the citizens on their part will also play their own role as citizens, and our society will be better than what we have now.

In the gospel reading of today from St. Luke, we see a woman with a grateful heart. This was expressed by our mother Mary in the Magnificat. My soul glorifies the Lord… acknowledging the greatness of God in her life. It takes a good heart and humility to acknowledge the goodness we have received from other people, whether it is merited or not. This attitude of appreciation is also worthy of emulation. Sometimes it sounds funny when you hear people say, what did he do, that someone else has not done in the past? This can only come from an ungrateful person. One thing we must learn to practice in our daily life, is to always appreciate those who show us kindness, no matter how small we think it is to us. Appreciating what somebody has done for you will not make you less who you are, but rather present you as an appreciative person.

We pray that through the intercession of the Blessed Virgin Mary, we will be appreciative of every good gift we receive from others and be selfless in our dealings with people. May almighty God bless you, in the name of the father and of the son and of the holy spirit. Amen. Peace be with you.

Feast of the visitation of the Blessed Virgin Mary year A, by Fr. Jude Ifeanyi Ifezime, C.S.Sp