Bringing Joy

Today's beautiful Feast centers on the meeting of Mary and her cousin Elizabeth.  Mary went with haste to be on hand to help her with the new baby as well as to bring the good news of her own pregnancy.  Elizabeth immediately recognizes how special this occasion is as she greets Mary with "Most blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb." (Lk 1:42).  She felt her baby jump for joy in her womb and Mary responds with her joyful Magnificat:   My soul proclaims the greatness of the Lord; my spirit rejoices in God my savior...." (Lk 1:46). Joy permeates the scene and inspires us to be recognizers of the presence of Jesus and the bearers of joy  This is not just the joy of motherhood, as great as that is, but the joy of salvation, for indeed the child in Mary's womb is the Son of God and the Savior of the world. Mary's joy is to be the bearer of salvation for all of us, she rejoices because she is "our gate of heaven." As Marists we too, by word and example, allow Jesus to pass from us to others and serve as the "welcome gate" to joy in this life and the life to come.
Bro. Rene