The central aspects of Mary's visit to Elizabeth

GOSPEL THOUGHTS

*Ordinary Season: Eight Week : Friday*

*Feast : The Visitation of the Blessed Virgin Mary*

*Gospel : Lk 1:39–56*

*First Reading : Zep 3:14–18a [or Rom 12:9–16]*

*The central aspects of Mary's visit to Elizabeth*

*1) Visitation and the Family Relationship*

Today we celebrate the feast of the visitation of the Blessed Virgin Mary to Elizabeth

This is not a ordinary visit. This is a special visit which communicates a powerful message to all of us 

First of all this visit highlights the importance of the family relationship. 

Both Mary and Elizabeth are related to each other 

To sustain this relationship, visit plays a very important role. Visits are very important within the families

*2) Visit to be with the Person*

Mary visited Elizabeth to remain with her for three months 

Since Elizabeth needed the help of some one, Mary was ready to spend time with her 

Visits are not like picnics. Visits are not for name sake

Every visit should facilitate to spend sufficient time with our beloved people 

Spending very little time, goes against the nature of a meaningful visit 

*3) Visit with the purpose of Service*

Mary's visit was not to receive something from the other

Her visit was to give something to Elizabeth 

She had gone with the purpose of serving her for some time 

Her visit was fully involved with the intention of serving Elizabeth. 

One of the noblest tasks of the Visit 

*4) Visit to share the divine experience*

This was a special visit which ultimately helped both of them to have deeper God experience 

In other words, this is a visit with divine aspect 

Every visit should have this divine aspect which really makes the visit meaningful

Coming together itself is a best ambience to experience God in our life 

*5) Visit to experience the greatness of one another*

This was a visit to experience the greatness of one another 

This visit speaks the greatness of Mary by Elizabeth. She said *“Most blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb.*

The Greatness of Elizabeth was revealed when the baby in her womb leaped for Joy

Greatness of both women is seen in this great visit  

*6) Visit to proclaim the greatness of God*

This visit also proclaims the greatness of God 

The great things done in the life of Mary and Elizabeth is highlighted during this visit 

This visit proclaimed the glory of God for the rest of all generations. What a great visit which proclaims the glory of God for eternity

*7) Visit to Double the Joy*

This divine visit ultimately doubled the joy of Mary and Elizabeth 

It also doubles our joy when we reflect this divine visit

Every visit has the capacity to double the joy in our lives 

*8) How about my visits?*

What is the duration of my visit? 

Is my visit to receive something or to give something? 

What about my visit and the aspect of Service? 

Do I believe in the reality of visit at all?

*Think about it*

*God bless you and your family. Praying for you and your dear ones*

*Fr Maxim DSouza*

*Jeppu Seminary*

*Mangalore*