Happy Mother’s Day!!! Yes, I realize that this is the last day of May and that traditionally in the United States we celebrate Mother’s Day on the second Sunday of May. Today, I am talking about two mothers …Saints Mary and Elizabeth. On this day, in the Catholic faith, we celebrate the feast of the Visitation of the Blessed Virgin Mary.
In the Gospel of Luke 1:39-56 we hear the story: Mary, who is pregnant with Jesus sets out to visit her cousin Elizabeth, who, although she is old, is also to give birth to a son…John (the Baptist). During their encounter, Elizabeth speaks these words to Mary: “Blessed are you who believed that what was spoken to you by the Lord would be fulfilled.” Mary, for me, in these words of Elizabeth, is an example of a faith filled woman. She was obedient to the word of God, not some blind obedience where she is totally controlled and has no say in the matter. Instead, her yes, which changed the direction of life for all who bear the name Christian, is an example of faithful trust. By becoming the mother of our Savior, she took on a nurturing role.
Today, let us give thanks for our mothers and/or those mother figures in our lives. May the words of Elizabeth ring true for us as well…may we be people of faith and trust where God may be guiding us. Let us pray for those women who are called to prayerfully consider a vocation to religious life. May they faithfully answer that call to be nurturing, faith filled women to everyone they encounter.