Feast of the Visitation

The Visitation contains great lessons about prayer. Luke (1:39-56) describes the journey of Mary in a few words, ''She went as quickly as she could to a town in the hill country of Judea.'' It would have a long journey of about 140 km and especiallly difficult for a young girl in the first stages of pregnancy. We are told no more about the journey but I am sure that Mary spent the time talking to Jesus, the baby taking form within her. Did she thank God as she sought to understand what he wanted of her? Did she pray for Joseph as she wondered what his reaction would be? Finally she arrived and received a great welcome from Elizabeth. ''Blessed are you among women and blessd is the fruit of your womb,'' At last, these two women, pregnant by a special gift of God, have someone with whom they can share their experience. ''Why should I be honoured with a visit from the mother of my Lord,'' Elizabeth cried out. Mary responded with the Magnificat, that great canticle of deep humility and heartfelt gratitude. ''My soul magnifies the Lord for he has looked with favour on the lowliness of his servant. The Mighty One has done great things for me.'' Give us, Mary our Mother, the honesty and humility to see that everything we have is a gift from God who is doing great things for us. Help us to use those gifts so that, through us, those who hunger for the peace that only God can bring will be filled with good things.