Fr. Agustinus Sutiono O.Carm

The visitation of Mary to Elisabeth contains spiritual nutrition for us, the believers. Soon after receiving the news from the ángel Gabriel about the conception by the power of the Holy Spirit, Mary instantly went to visit Elisabeth. She did not wait until some few days, but directly. This young Mary was full the grace of God. She was full with the power of the Holy Spirit. She had the energy to do every movement that happened in her heart, the movement to show compassion to Elisabeth. She had a good and thoughtful heart to give a help to Elisabeth.

Mary gave a meaning to her own existence. Her presence among the family of Elisabeth was a moment of blessing for the family. Throughout the Gospel, we can find that every report concerning the presence of Mary shows that her presence always brought a sense of relief for her surrounding. It means that as a human person, Mary displayed a personality which is marked by attentiveness, mercy, compassion to others. It means that if we are full of spirit, we are to be like Mary too.

Mary did not concentrate on the religious piety. Being full with spirit led her become a person whose heart was always full with spiritual energy. That spiritual energy flows into her eyes and they see any urgent situation that needs a speedy aid. It flows to her hands and that moves he to transmit God’s blessings to others. It moves her feet, and she always facilitates the will of God to lead her own will. With this, Mary leaves her comfort zone and does the will of God. The visitation to Elisabeth is only one example of Her heart which was genuinely kind, gentle and attentive to the wellbeing of other.

Mary, a kind hearted and full of spirit person meets Elisabeth, another person of the same quality of heart. The joy of the spirit that they had transmitted and enriched each other, and that influenced the child conceived in Elisbeth´s womb too. From these two persons who were filled with the Holy Spirit, we know that, if someone is filled with the Holy Spirit, he will see the Works of God operating in his life. God always do great things for the honor of his faithful people. Only a greatful heart like that of Mary or Elisabeth will be able to see an active and operating presence of God and always be ready to praise Him in all days of his life. As the time that we expect to come is coming near, may we prepare well for the nativity. At least, may we cultivate the same values that Mary and Elisabeth had shared with us. Amen.