The Visitation
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After the angel Gabriel announces that she will bear the Son of God, Mary journeys in haste to Judea to see her cousin, Elizabeth, whom the angel had told her had conceived a son in her old age. As soon as Elizabeth hears Mary’s voice, she knows. John leaps in her womb with absolute joy, and she proclaims,
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Who am I that the mother of my Lord should come to me?
I don’t have a devotion to Mary. At least, that’s what I used to think. I don’t pray the rosary daily, I haven’t consecrated myself to Mary, and I didn’t remember having Mary statues in my garden or my home.
But when I thought about it, I realized that Mary was much more a part of my life than I realized. I do have a few statues of Mary in my home; they were just part of the rest of my décor that tells the story of my faith. I pray the rosary when I run. And when my daughter, Ashley, was leaving for college over 1,000 miles away, I asked Mary to watch over her.
When we dropped Ashley off at the University of Illinois, we were invited to dinner with her roommate’s family, who lived in town. Her mother, Mary, was so gentle and welcoming, and she would be available for my daughter anytime she needed. Her roommate’s sisters, Regina, Christiana, and Maria, also welcomed us as a family. It wasn’t until I was back home in Austin that I realized the message our Blessed Mother had sent me through this beautiful family, and my heart leaped within me.
Mary and Maria… Regina, Mary’s title as queen of heaven… Christiana, bringing Christ into the world…
My prayer had been answered in the most amazing way. I was filled with great peace, knowing all would be well, and along with Mary, my soul proclaimed the goodness of the Lord. I was so grateful for her love and care.
I realized that I didn’t have a devotion to her, at least not one that looked like I thought it was supposed to, but I do – I just see it as a relationship with her.
I have a love for her, and I know that she loves me and my children. I can surrender them to her care, and she will be there when I cannot. She will bring Jesus to them, just as she did when she visited Elizabeth, and John leaped in her womb in recognition.
It overwhelms and humbles me that I am worthy of her attention, the object of her intercession, the recipient of her love, and I proclaim as Elizabeth did,
Who am I that the mother of my Lord would come to me?
Whether you have a devotion to Mary or a relationship that you may not realize yet, I invite you to turn to her as a mother and a friend. Let her lead you to her Son so that you, too, can proclaim with awe and gratitude, “Who am I that the mother of my Lord would come to me?”