Visiting

Luke 1:39-41

39 In those days Mary set out and went with haste to a Judean town in the hill country, 40where she entered the house of Zechariah and greeted Elizabeth. 41When Elizabeth heard Mary’s greeting, the child leapt in her womb. And Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit...

In the daily lectionary of the Catholic monastery in which I am staying, today is the day we remember Mary's visit to Elizabeth.

I am first struck by Mary's willingness to go; even her excitement to go, as it says she went "with haste." She certainly could have stayed home to care for her own body as she carried the Christ child, and not taken the chances that a long journey would have represented. But she goes.

When she arrives, the infant John the Baptist, as he grows within Elizabeth's womb, leaps for joy.

I am struck as well by the thought that Mary might be an example for us here; to recognize that Christ grows in us, and by our presence, we bring his presence. It matters where we put our bodies, as being physically present with someone is a sign of support that no phone call can make. In fact, this is the heart of the incarnation. God shows up.

Were will you be showing up today? Or this week? Might the presence of Christ growing in you bring joy to others? Even if it is not somewhere you particularly want to go? 

I am going to rest in that thought today; that the Christ in me calls me to places I need to go, so that by his presence (not mine), joy might be found.