Zeph 3:14-18a or Rom 12:9-16/ Is 12:2-3. 4bcd. 5-6/Lk 1:39-56

Theme:  Ministry of presence

Today, the Church celebrates the feast of the visitation of the Blessed Virgin Mary. It is a feast that celebrates Mary’s visit to her elderly cousin Elizabeth, whom she learnt from Angel Gabriel that she was pregnant. This feast is important to the Church because it encapsulates two important ministries that are not always emphasized enough - the missionary ministry and the ministry of presence. Mary, in her journey to Elizabeth foreshadowed what the Church should be; a missionary Church, always on the move to those who need her services the most. We are also told that Mary did not just make the journey, she stayed with Elizabeth for some time (presence). There are many Christians in our communities who are in need of the visits of Jesus and Mary to their homes and situations. They can experience such visits through us. How often do we create time to visit and spend time with the aged, the sick, and the abandoned of our society or communities? 

Prayer: Lord, fill us with the spirit that enables us to bring Christ to those abandoned in our communities or society.  Give us the grace to always practice the ministry of presence, and renew the missionary commitment in your Church. Amen