We can learn a lot about discipleship from the example that is highlighted by today's Feast. It's called the Visitation of the Blessed Virgin Mary, and it is rooted in the visit that Mary paid to her kinswoman (possibly a cousin). Having been told about Elizabeth's miraculous pregnancy at the same time that she learned about her own, Mary set out and travelled to the hill country in haste ... and greeted Elizabeth (Lk 1:39-40).
Both these women had a secret, and because they had this in common, they were able to share in each other's joy. I wonder what the conversations were like as they spent time together. The scriptures tell us that Mary stayed with Elizabeth for about three months before she returned home (cf Lk 1:56). This was a first pregnancy for both of them, yet Elizabeth was much older than Mary. Perhaps Elizabeth was more worried about the physical demands that would be put upon her by her pregnancy, yet at the same time, perhaps Mary looked to her cousin for counsel in other ways. In any event, the truth was that they shared a common bond because they had been invited to share in the mission - each with her own gift to give, but both playing an intricate part in the revelation of God's plan.
Have we ever experienced such a bond? Is there someone with whom you share a special connection? Perhaps there are a few people who have shared a common experience. Maybe the common denominator is our faith in God, in Jesus and our growing understanding of the relationship we are meant to have with our heavenly Father. As we discover this relationship, and as it continues to be strengthened, let us pray for the grace to experience the joy that Mary and Elizabeth knew.
Have a great day.
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