the Visitation

Coming up on Saturday is the Visitation of the Blessed Virgin Mary, a holiday that's dear to my heart, and, I imagine to the hearts of most Christian women in the midst of their child-bearing years. It's the day we remember Mary's visit to her relative, Elizabeth, the one woman newly pregnant, the other near term. Though their pregnancies were miracles, and more amazing and wondrous than the nine-month journeys we go on, what mother can read that story without feeling a kinship with those two holy women? Our God - God himself - deigned to be present in the ordinary and extraordinary business of pregnancy. Because He came among us, and lived in a family, all of our family life can also be hallowed. It's His presence that can hallow it, when, by His grace, we ask him to be present with us.

I don't know of any official home traditions for the Feast of Visitation, but why not take a minute to write a card to any women you know who are expecting, or to those who are not, but wish to be? If Mary and Elizabeth could comfort one another and take joy in each other's presence during pregnancy, so can we.

peace of Christ to you,
Jessica Snell