Visitation of the BVM, Tuesday – 31st May 2022 — Gospel: Lk1,39-56
Became a Blessing
The feast of the Visitation of the Blessed Virgin Mary to her kinswoman Elizabeth was begun by St. Bonaventure among the Franciscans in 1263 CE and became a universal feast in 1389 CE during the papacy of Urban VI. Today’s celebration recounts Mary’s visit to her cousin Elizabeth. It brings to mind the importance of personal relationships between people and the need to be positively and joyfully involved in the lives of others.
As a witness to the Holy Spirit’s action in her, Mary immediately travelled in haste. Her instant response to the angel’s visit was one of service for the neighbourhood. Having experienced God’s overflowing love and grace in her life, she was moved to offer herself as an instrument of that grace for others. Mary was aware from the start that God’s grace in her was not an achievement or an accomplishment. She has been blessed, but the blessing she has received was not only for her, but for the whole human race. She turned out to be a blessing for others. Having received the gift of God’s visitation, she opened her heart to be transformed into a gift for others, starting from her own visitation to her cousin Elizabeth.
