May 31: the Feast of the Visitation

Yesterday was a beautiful feast in our church year that probably got overlooked by the Memorial Day holiday. The Visitation recalls Mary's journey to her cousin Elizabeth's home, where the two shared for 3 months the miracle of God's limitless life-giving power. In the Gospel Reading, we hear very familiar words: from Elizabeth, phrases we now use in the "Hail Mary", from Mary, the song we call the "Magnificat" which is proclaimed every day in Evening Prayer of the Liturgy of the Hours.

The Visitation by Mariotto Albertinelli,1503

The deep beauty of this feast is in its familiarity for us. I mean, when you get news that shakes your world, (for good or bad) what's your first reaction? Perhaps you ponder it quietly for a bit. But soon - you've got to share it with someone. I can only imagine the reassurance that Mary felt by being able to live with probably the only other woman who could understand the joy and confusion of the miracle of their pregnancies. (Quick refresher: Her cousin Elizabeth was long past child-bearing years, Mary was still a virgin.)

This feast helps us remember that we don't have to figure things out on our own. As brothers and sisters in Christ, we can support and strengthen each other, by helping each other recognize the good that we bear within us as the beloved of God.

The Almighty has done great things for me, holy is God's name!
(Luke 1: 49)