In the Visitation
In the tender scene of the Visitation, we witness Mary's immediate response to grace, not self-absorption in her own miraculous pregnancy, but a hurried journey to serve her elderly cousin Elizabeth. Fresh from receiving the most extraordinary news in human history, that she would bear the Son of God, Mary's first instinct is to look outward, to offer help to another in need. This profound act of selflessness reveals the heart of true discipleship: when we encounter Jesus, we are compelled not to retreat into ourselves, but to bring Him to others. Mary carries Jesus within her womb, and in her haste to serve, she becomes the first evangelizer, bringing Christ's presence to Elizabeth's household even before His birth.
The moment Mary enters Elizabeth's home, the unborn John the Baptist leaps for joy in his mother's womb, recognizing the presence of his Lord. This extraordinary recognition speaks to the power of Jesus Christ's presence within Mary - a presence so real, so life-changing, that it moves even the unborn to worship. Elizabeth, filled with the Holy Spirit, proclaims Mary "blessed among women" and acknowledges her as "the mother of my Lord." Here we see how Mary's humble service becomes the vessel through which God's grace flows abundantly. Her willingness to place Elizabeth's needs before her own comfort creates the perfect conditions for divine encounter and miraculous recognition.
Mary's response in the Magnificat reveals the depth of her humility and trust. Rather than claiming credit for God's favor, she magnifies the Lord, acknowledging that "the Mighty One has done great things for me." Her song of praise flows from a heart completely surrendered to God's will, recognizing that true greatness comes not from worldly power but from faithful service to the Most High. In Mary, we see the perfect model of Christian discipleship - one who receives God's gifts with gratitude and immediately seeks to share His love with others. Her three-month stay with Elizabeth demonstrates that authentic faith is not a momentary feeling but a sustained commitment to loving service.
As we contemplate this beautiful mystery through the Rosary, we find ourselves drawn into Mary's school of discipleship. Each Hail Mary invites us to pattern our lives after her example of selfless love and eager service. The Rosary becomes not merely a prayer of petition, but a meditation on how to live as Christ-bearers in our own time. Like Mary, we are called to carry Jesus to others - in our families, our workplaces, and into our communities. Through the gentle rhythm of the decades, Mary teaches us that true joy comes not from focusing on ourselves, but from recognizing Jesus Christ in others and responding with immediate, generous love. The Visitation challenges us to ask: How quickly do we rush to serve when others are in need, without hesitation? How readily do we bring Jesus Christ's presence to those around us, unafraid? In praying this mystery, we find both the inspiration and the grace to follow Jesus as Mary did - with humble hearts and hurried feet.
©2025 James Dacey Jr.
