Homily: The Feast of the Visitation
The Feast of the Visitation(Luke 1:39-56) “Yes Lord”
Mary speaks very little in the Gospels. She speaks in two places in the Gospel of Luke. When the Angel Gabriel appears to Mary to announce that she is to be the mother of God’s son Mary ascents to her role as mother of the Lord. She says yes to God’s plan for her.
The other place Mary speaks is in the Gospel that we share today. She utters her Magnificat. Her words show her understanding of the meaning of the Incarnation. We notice that she does not speak about how Jesus comes to die for our sins, but she sees the meaning of the Incarnation in another way.
Mary speaks about peace and justice. She talks about the mighty being cast down and the lowly be lifted up. She speaks of the proud being humbled. She reflects on how the hungry will not be fed. Mary shares her belief that the Lord is extending mercy through the person of Jesus.
Mary’s words in the Gospel of Luke should give us pause on two levels. First, we could ask how easily we say yes to God. Do we freely give ourselves over to God’s plan for us, do we do so conditionally or grudgingly? Saying “yes” to God is quite often a challenge. Do we take up the challenge or walk away?
Secondly, do we see our Jesus in terms of his coming as savior of the world? Usually, we get caught up in our personal salvation. We can ignore the need for justice in the world at large. We need to look at the broader implications of Jesus’ advent in our world.
Mary was able to be an unselfish servant when she said “yes” to God. She was able to look at the big picture rather than get caught up in her own personal agenda. Surely her soul magnified the Lord. Can we say the same thing as we live our daily life?
Reflection Questions:
- Where do I need to say yes to God in my life? Where would l like to say no?
- Am I comfortable talking about peace and justice? Why or why not?
Dear Parishioners,
We should see fencing going up east of the church soon. This is a sign that construction will be starting soon. This will cause some inconvenience because parishioners will not be able to get in the east door. Please use the parking spaces that will be available in the south parking lot if you have mobility issues. We look forward to the time when it will be easier to get into the church.
Please note that Thursday Masses will be at 6:30 and 8 a.m. during the summer. Obviously, there will not be school Masses the next couple of months.
May Our Lady bring peace to our troubled world.
Fr. Mark