Feast of the Visitation of the Blessed Virgin Mary

May 31, 2017

Happy Feast of the Visitation of the Blessed Virgin Mary! Have you ever put yourself in the shoes of Mary when she learned she was to be the mother of God? Her life, as she knew it, completely changed that day.

When I look back over my own life I find that some events I viewed as “devastating” turned out to be transformational. When I was 35 the new pastor said he was not renewing my contract. It was his first pastorate, he was young, and I had been there five years and was well liked.

While devastated at the time, I can look back and realize what a blessing this time was for me. I deepened and grew in my faith. I continued my education, became a Catholic school principal and eventually went to work for the National Catholic Educational Association, where I traveled the country, and internationally, honing my presentation skills and sharing my life’s lessons with thousands of people. During that journey, I found Mary and how much I love her. Happy Feast of the Visitation of the Blessed Virgin Mary!

I am telling you this story because at this time of year many people will receive “pink slips” saying their job is being eliminated (or something similar).

“Fear not, O Zion, be not discouraged!
The LORD, your God, is in your midst,
a mighty savior;
He will rejoice over you with gladness,
and renew you in his love.”
Zephaniah 3:16-17

Let us follow Mary’s exemplary example of discipleship in loving and caring for one another during our time of need. Just as Mary set out “in haste” to be with Elizabeth, may we come together as a community “in haste” to demonstrate our servant’s hearts and trust in God.

“God indeed is my savior;
I am confident and unafraid.
My strength and my courage is the LORD,
And he has been my savior.”
Isaiah 12:2