"Mary set out and traveled to the hill country in haste..." (Lk 1:39). This verse was adopted by our General Chapter as the theme and framework for our work in this 21 century. Haste is a key word, as the need to bring the good news of Jesus to others, as Mary did to Elizabeth, is more pressing than ever. No time to waste. Just do it!
The encounter with Elizabeth is immortalized in two beloved Marian Prayers: the Hail Mary and the Magnificat. Elizabeth blesses Mary as she feels the baby in her womb receiving a blessing from the baby in Mary's womb. "Blessed are thou among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb." (Lk 1: 42). Mary responds in all humility, praising God for the marvels he has wrought in his lowly handmaid. (Lk:1: 46-55).
This happy meeting of the two cousins and their unborn sons, has inspired generations to do likewise. The Visitation Sisters model even their cloistered life after this encounter; the Congregation of Notre Dame (CND) take this as their patronal feast, and several young adult today will be making the de Montfort Consecration to Mary. This feast inspires us all, wherever way may be on our spiritual journeys, to share the good news of Jesus and to tell others what marvels Jesus has worked in us and can work in them. Let us not waste time, but at every opportunity, speak openly and frankly the gifts God has lavished upon us.
Bro. Rene
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