(above) The Visitation of the Blessed Virgin Mary is characterized in this beautiful mosaic, which appears in the nave of our Clyde Adoration Chapel.

Today we remember the visitation of the Blessed Virgin Mary to her cousin, Elizabeth.  This visit is all about hospitality.  However, the story does not begin here, but with the Annunciation three months ago.

Mary gave hospitality to God, agreeing to bear Jesus in her womb for nine months and in her heart forever.  This inauguration of “God with us” allows us to bear witness to God and divine grace to others.  It also allows us to recognize the divine in ourselves and others.  As Elizabeth acclaimed of Mary, “Blessed are you among women and blessed is the fruit of your womb.”  Mary’s reply, the Magnificat, draws our attention and gratefulness to God the Almighty, the source of our creaturehood.

Let us offer hospitality to God and allow the grace from this eternal visitation to embrace people of all places, races and creeds.  Let us ask “God with us” to help us be co-builders of the kingdom of God.