The Feast of Visitation by Fr Nelson Lobo OFM Cap

 

WONDERING GURU

31^st May

Why did Mary visit her cousin Elizabeth? Was it only to help Betty?

·       Did they share special relationship with each other?

·       Why did JB leap in her mother’s womb? 

·       Why this feast of visitation?

·                   The first reading of the day is taken from Zephaniah 3:14-18. Prophet Zephaniah is asking people to shout with joy.  The gospel is taken from Lk 1:39-56. The gospel speaks about the visitation of Mary.

This feast of visitation began somewhere in 13th or 14th century. It was established widely throughout the Church to pray for unity. The present date of celebration was set in 1969, in order to follow the Annunciation of the Lord and precede the Nativity of Saint John the Baptist.

Like most Marian feasts, it is closely connected with Jesus and his saving work. The more visible actors are Mary and Elizabeth. However, Jesus and John the Baptist the two cousins inside the wombs steal the scene in a hidden way.

Jesus makes John leap with joy—the joy of messianic salvation. Elizabeth, in turn, is filled with the Holy Spirit and addresses words of praise to Mary—words that echo down through the ages.

You know friends, God the Father not only loved Mary He also loved her cousin Elizabeth (Betty) who suffered so much due to the stigma of not being a mother. Of course God has a plan for Betty and soon to be born the great fearless JB but God in His wisdom has prepared Betty to welcome Mary and to understand her secrets.

Mary might have been about 14-16 years old; we do not know the exact age, such a tender age for a child to conceive.  Such young age to comprehend the divine mysteries never heard off. Even though she has now said Yes to the angel she is now worried. 

As a human being she needs to unburden herself/ share.  But who will understand her and understand God’s plan?  It’s extremely dangerous to tell anyone. A woman conceiving without a man 2000 years ago was impossible.  There was no IVF technology.  They never thought of test tube babies. Too many questions are now racing in her small head.

Even though she is engaged to JOSEPH she is not sure if he will understand her and accept her. She doubts whether her parents ANNA AND JOAQUIM (AJ) will accept her even though they are very pious and godly.  Sharing with anyone can end up being a blown-up gossip that will definitely invite capital punishment from the society-stoning to death.

God does not play dice.   When we play ludo game we use dice. If you want a six everything depends on luck.  But God has a plan.  It is not luck. He has already put in place a strategy. God knows our human psychology.  Teenagers do not easily open up to their parents or teachers.  They seek their friends in times of trouble. Betty was not only her cousin she was also her friend, her bestie, her confidant and so Mary felt happy and comfortable to visit her.

Elizabeth could be the only person in the whole of Judea who might accept her crazy story. Because Elizabeth herself had her own crazy and miraculous pregnancy, and so wasn’t at all skeptical of Mary’s. In her years of barrenness, she had already experienced the disgrace and rejection of the community that Mary was likely to face when word got out. All her life, God had prepared her, not only to be John’s mother, but to be the example of maturity and understanding that Mary needed for the enormous task ahead of her.  

  When Betty greeted Mary on her arrival with the words  “why am I so favored, that the mother of my Lord should come to me?” Mary stands speechless. How did Betty know?

Mary was preparing, practicing and rehearsing the words she would say to Betty on the way. You see every unfolding of divine mystery is pushing Mary on the edge.  Life is getting dangerous but also exciting.  It’s more of an adventure than a danger. 

Mary’s yes is now changing her whole life.  Everything now looks new and adventurous.  The adrenaline in her body is rising.  What is more in store for me she questions herself?  As she gazes at Betty with big eyes and mouth wide open with astonishment and as her mind is racing beyond speed trying to make sense of everything, Betty embraces her with a mighty teddy bear hug.

Ah, there it is! the meeting of the two cousins; two outside and two inside the womb.  JB the fearless baby cannot hide his excitement so he leaps.  Millions of babies have leapt in their mother’s womb. But JBs leap was extraordinary. That leap is remembered even after 2020 years. That’s the power of baby Jesus. When Jesus walks in there is joy. Baby JB is definitely joyful just like his mother Betty. It’s not for nothing the Psalmist said “He makes Lebanon leap like a calf, Sirion like a young wild ox” (Ps 29:6). “The mountains leaped like rams, the hills like lambs” (Ps 114:4)

     

     International Day: World No Tobacco Day- Almost every year around 6 million people worldwide, die due to tobacco related sicknesses. In a bid to inculcate awareness among people the World Health Organization (WHO) observes a 24hour day of self-restraint from Tobacco on the 31st of May. Let’s pray for "Tobacco-free world"

    QUESTIONS TO PONDER:

·       Zephaniah said praise God. Do you praise God enough? Or are you too preoccupied with only asking Him favours?

·       Whether it is Zephaniah, Elizabeth, Mother Mary or St. Anthony they lived a joyful life in their simplicity and poverty. Are you truly joyful? Or are you too much focused on your sickness and problems?

·       Even though Mary had great difficulty still she went to visit her cousin. St. Anthony visited many places not only to preach but also to reach out to the sick and the dying. Do you visit others who are in need specially those who need help?

·       Mary had Elizabeth as her friend to share & unburden herself.  Do you have a cousin or friend with whom you can share your secrets?

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