During special holidays and different times of the year, many of us visit our friends and family, especially those who live far away from us. We also welcome friends and relatives who come to visit us by creating a warm and welcoming space for them.
The story of Mary visiting Elizabeth sets a good example for us for visiting our
relatives and friends. Mary brings the Lord with her to Elizabeth’s house. Elizabeth, through the baby in her womb, recognises and responds to the presence of the Lord. Mary and Elizabeth’s meeting reminds us that Christ should be at the centre of all our encounters.
Their meeting also reminds us to make the effort to reach out to those who we know are alone and may be needing our company, to make them feel connected to us and valued.
Those people who are bereaved, who have nobody to care for them, the elderly whose family members have moved from home and live far due to work, and those people who, because of conflicts, might be estranged from the family and relatives. The encounter between Mary and Elizabeth challenges and invites us to place Christ at the heart of these encounters.
Elizabeth shares her joy with Mary. Sharing in the joy is the child in Elizabeth’s
womb. The joy shared by these women is twofold: their faith in God and the miracle they both will witness.
Do we recognise the presence of the Lord in our lives?
In challenges and difficulties? In the joy?
How do we respond to this presence?
Reflections by Morongoa Selepe
