Sunday, June 29, 2014

Second Joyful Mystery: The Visitation of Mary to Elizabeth

After hearing the Angel's news, Our Lady carries Our Lord in her womb "with haste" into the "hill country" to visit Elizabeth, her cousin (Luke 1:39-56). Her selfless act of making such a journey is both a corporal and a spiritual mercy.

As a result, John the Baptist leapt in Elizabeth's womb, and Elizabeth spoke words of praise to her cousin that now form part of the Hail Mary, which forms the Rosary, and The Magnificat which we pray at Vespers. In this remarkable encounter, the Lord Jesus was present physically in nascent human form.

I was recently asked to take communion to a gentleman who couldn't get to Mass on account of his illness. The gentleman and his wife were incredibly grateful but it was I who had the greater debt to them for sharing with me their peace – a God-given grace in great adversity. I was very moved by the experience. When we undertake such tasks, in a modest way, we follow Mary's example.

When praying this decade, a good intention is to remember those who are unable to attend Mass, that heavenly banquet on earth.

Lord, help us to make known your presence. Help us to carry you, and be carried by you.

– Br Samuel Burke OP

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