Celebrating Mary in May
…Elizabeth, filled with the Holy Spirit, cried out in a loud voice and said, “Most blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb.” Luke 1:41-42
In the meeting of Mary and Elizabeth, so much resonates. They each recognize the action of God in the life of the other. They have listened and heard good news about each other, and they bring it all into their encounter. They rejoice in each other’s sight and welcome the precious lives that they carry.
I once had a rosary where the circle of beads was joined to the shorter strand not by a medal, but by a small glass bubble. When you held that bubble up to your eye and squinted, a delicate, colorful image of Our Lady of Guadalupe filled your vision. To see Mary is no distraction. For when I welcome her, something else happens too; like Elizabeth, I welcome the Christ she bears. In greeting her, I offer God praise, as her cousin does, for it is God who has done this, graciously entering creation in this ordinary, extraordinary way.
Hail Mary, full of grace! The Lord is with you.
Amy Welborn
Originally published May 31, 2016
The Visitation of the Blessed Virgin Mary
