Share and Receive the Presence of Christ with JOY!  (Luke 1:39-45)

It is interesting how the women in the Gospel of Luke stand out - Mary and Elizabeth are the first to believe and joyfully celebrate God’s faithfulness and action in contrast to their husbands who are a littler slower. Mary set out in haste to share with Elizabeth what God was doing in her life. How do we recognize and celebrate the presence and goodness of God in our lives? Do I share the presence of Jesus? What does that look like? How might I be open to receiving the Good News of another with the joy of Elizabeth?

“The story of the Visitation teaches us an important lesson: When Christ is growing inside of us, we will be led to people, places and situations that we never dreamed of. We will bear words of consolation and hope that are not our own. In the very act of consoling others, we will be consoled. We will be at peace, recollected, because we know that however insignificant our life and issues seem to be, from them Christ is forming himself.

The women of today's Gospel show us that it is possible to move beyond our own, personal agendas and engage in authentic ministry and service. Ministry and service are not simply doing things for others. Authentic Christian ministers and servants allow themselves to serve and be served, taught, cared for, consoled and loved. Such moments liberate us and enable us to sing Magnificat along the journey, and celebrate the great things that God does for us and His people.”  (Sacred Space)

In the words of Blessed Mother Teresa of Calcutta: "In the mystery of the Annunciation and the Visitation, Mary is the very model of the life we should lead. First of all, she welcomed Jesus in her existence; then, she shared what she had received."