Visitation of Mary

Life existentially is difficult. Every work and ministry has its challenges and obstacles. But if we have someone to walk with us, stay with us, journey with us, life and work do not seem so burdensome.

The illustrated book, The Big Panda and the Tiny Dragon by James Norbury, illustrates the importance of companionship well. The big bodied panda almost always lived alone stuck in a little forest, and the wise small agile dragon was wise and seen the world. Once the panda asks the dragon, what is important, the journey or the destination? The dragon thought for a while and said, neither of them is as important as the company that we have on the way. Having a companion in our journey is a blessing.

The first problem faced by humanity in the biblical tradition was not concerning food, lodging, or clothing; it was the feeling of loneliness. After the creation of Adam and him being in the creation for a while, God said, it is difficult and not good for man to be alone. I will give him a companion, a helper.

John’s gospel chapter 15, as part of his farewell discourse, Jesus tells them about him going back and for a while they would experience loneliness, hatred and persecution from others. But he tells them, you shall not be orphans, I will send you a helper who would walk with you till the end.

Visitation is Mary, seeing her cousin Elizabeth alone and in need, going to meet and be with him—be a helper to her (Luke 1: 39-56). Mary said ‘yes’ to the Lord, and surrendered as the handmaid of the Lord. After which she did not waste any time; she went in haste to the house of her cousin Elizabeth, and be of help to her. Mary feels that she, from her lowly state, has been elevated and exalted. She considers the opportunity to visit and help as a privilege; she could not contain the joy, thus she breaks into the Magnificat. Visitation is kindness in action. Mary is the model for Christian charity. It is not surprising that Elizabeth experienced the presence of God leaping in her.

Elsewhere Jesus welcomes people into his father house because they had visited him when he was sick, and in prison. Visitation is a relevant feast even more in modern times. It is one of the solemn duties of every Christian to visit people, who are sick, people who are lonely and need someone to talk to.

Visitation makes a Christian truly Christian. God has promised a helper to everyone. We often selfishly wait for our helper. But who is the helper? The helpers, those who must go visiting are you and I. We must become helpers like Mary and go visiting. Isaiah once heard this call. “Whom shall I send, and who will go for us?” And he said, “Here am I, send me” (Isaiah 6: 8).

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