MARY: MODEL OF CHARITY (HOMILY FOR THE VISITATION OF THE BLESSED VIRGIN MARY FEAST 30TH MAY 2022

 

THE VISITATION OF THE BLESSED VIRGIN MARY (FEAST) Zephaniah 3:14-18within the 1:39-56

MARY: MODEL OF CHARITY

In the liturgy of the word today, we hear the narrative of Mary, hurriedly visiting her cousin Elizabeth who in her old age conceived a son and was in her sixth-month pregnancy, at the Hill Country of Judah. Having received such news from the Angel Gabriel, Mary could ascertain forthwith the necessities of her cousin in such a demanding situation. Consequently, she made haste to the home of Zachariah (Lk 1:36). The scripture succinctly detailed the dramatic encounter that took place between Elizabeth and Mary; of how the child in the womb of Elizabeth leapt for joy at the greeting of Mary, and Elizabeth was filled instantly with the Holy spirit in the home of Zachariah. Sequel to that Mary chanted the Magnificat, praising God for his graciousness.

Dearest brothers and sisters in Christ, Mary comprehended above all else the most important gift to offer to her cousin Elizabeth in such an arduous situation. We are not told she went with foodstuffs or an expensive gift to greet Elizabeth. She simply offered her physical presence, time and energy. Her availability was the greatest gift she laid before her cousin and we can see the tremendous joy her physical presence brought to her home.

Beloved in Christ, notwithstanding the advantages of technology in the quest to make the world a global village; where the barriers caused by far distances are bridged by technology (phone and internet) and all forms of social media, we will not be sightless to the dissatisfaction it brings. In our time and age, the ills of social media had crippled the disposition of friends and family members to visit their loved ones. People no longer offer their physical presence to their age-old parents, their grandparents, the sick, the abandoned, the imprisoned etc. Gone are the days when people devotedly travel quite a distance to celebrate birthdays, weddings, anniversaries, Christmas, Easter, vacations, even burial ceremonies etc with their loved ones. These days even receiving only a phone call at festivities or precarious moments is considered meritorious otherwise, sending WhatsApp emojis, voice notes and the likes has become the culture of the day. We seem to have lost the most important gift, which is the oblation of ourselves to our loved ones. Presence, notwithstanding other forms of gifts, matters in any relationship.

Friends in Christ, Mary, in determining what to offer considered the needs of her cousin Elizabeth. Being old and pregnant, Mary knew that Elizabeth wouldn't be viable enough to do some daily chores in the house and her presence would bring succour to the family and so without reservation she took the initiative to visit. So also, when we offer gifts to our friends and loved ones or find ourselves in situations that demand our assistance, let us make the recipient the chief factor of consideration and not ourselves. It is easier to give out of convenience but more deserving to give based on the needs of the recipient.

We pray this day through the intercession of the Blessed Virgin Mary, that the charity and services we render may erode despair and sorrow from the lives of those we meet, and spring forth joy, happiness and a spirit-filled home and environment. 

May God bless our efforts.

Fr Remi osj