Mary is the model of all believers

Zephaniah 3:14-18; Psalm: Is 12; Luke 1:39-56

Dear brothers and sisters in Christ, today we celebrate the Feast of the Visitation of the Blessed Virgin Mary. This feast invites us to meditate on the beauty of faith, the joy of service, and the transformative power of love. Let us first turn our attention to Zephaniah. In this passage, we hear a call to rejoice and sing aloud. The prophet Zephaniah speaks words of comfort to a people who have faced trials and tribulations. He reminds us that the Lord is in our midst, a mighty Savior. Zephaniah encourages us to lift our voices in joy, for God rejoices over us with gladness. Here we see an invitation to reflect on our relationship with God, who desires to be close to each of us. Just as Zephaniah reminds us of God’s presence, we must remember that our own joy and peace can be found in our willingness to step into God’s light, allowing His love to fill our hearts. God walks with us through our difficulties, inviting us to trust in His promises.

Now, let us turn to the Gospel of Luke, where we find a beautiful encounter between Mary and her cousin Elizabeth. Mary, after receiving the angel’s message, hastens to visit Elizabeth. This moment of visitation is filled with joy, hope, and divine purpose. When Elizabeth hears Mary’s greeting, the child within her leaps for joy. This is a powerful moment of recognition, where the unborn John acknowledges the presence of the unborn Jesus. It teaches us that even in the womb, life is sacred and filled with potential. Mary’s response, the Magnificat, is a hymn of praise that echoes through the ages. She declares the greatness of the Lord and rejoices in God her Savior. As we reflect on her words, we see that Mary embodies the spirit of humility and servitude. She recognizes the blessings she has received, not as mere fortune, but as gifts from God. Her willingness to say yes to God and to serve others is a model for us all. Saint Augustine beautifully remarked that Mary is the model of all believers. In her, we see the perfect response to God’s call. She teaches us that our lives can be instruments of God’s grace. When we open our hearts to God’s will, we allow His light to shine through us, bringing hope and joy to those around us.

On this feast day, let us ask ourselves how we can embody the spirit of Mary in our daily lives. How can we be bearers of Christ to those we encounter? It may be in simple acts of kindness, in listening to a friend in need, in reaching out to someone who feels lonely, or in offering a helping hand to those who are struggling. Each act, no matter how small, can be a powerful expression of God’s love and presence in the world. Mary did not undertake her journey alone. She sought out Elizabeth, and together they celebrated the blessings they had received. In our own lives, we are called to seek and support one another. We are reminded that we are stronger together, that our faith is deepened in fellowship, and that our joy is multiplied when shared.

As we reflect on these Scriptures, let us remember that joy is not merely the absence of sorrow, but the presence of God. It is a deep-seated conviction that no matter what trials we face, God is with us, rejoicing over us, and empowering us to be His instruments of peace and love. In this season of our lives, let us commit to being like Mary, who, in her humility and grace, accepted God’s call and brought forth the Savior. Let us allow our hearts to leap with joy at the recognition of God’s presence in our lives. May we, like Mary, proclaim the greatness of the Lord in our words and actions. As we leave this place, let us carry the spirit of the Visitation with us. Let us uplift one another, rejoice in God’s goodness, and be bearers of His love in a world that so desperately needs it. Together, let us walk in faith, guided by the example of our Blessed Mother, who teaches us the way of love, service, and profound joy. Amen.