MARY, OUR MOTHER

THE VISITATION OF OUR BLESSED LADY

4. The Visit was primarily an Act of Charity.

This is the only occasion when the Gospel says that Mary went with all haste. This haste does not seem to be in keeping with the calm and tranquillity of Her condition.Why, then, this haste? Because of the flame of charity. In Her virginal bosom She has the Word of God Who is love and this fire inflames Her and makes Her run where charity calls Her.

St. Paul said that he was spurred on by the charity of Christ. So he could have no rest and wanted to bring the flame of his charity all over the world. How great, then, would be the fire of the love of Mary! How eager was Her desire that Jesus should spread His grace as soon as possible and begin the work of the sanctification of souls. On account of this She flies in great haste to give vent to the charity which inflames Her.

Now, think and compare your visits with Hers. Are they always a model of delicate courtesy under the inspiration of God? Are they, above all, prompted by that spirit of charity whereby you long to do some good to your neighbor? Are they not rather a means of wasting time, of indulging in back-biting and criticism? How much hypocrisy very often lies under the visits which are prompted by the spirit of the world?

Examine your conversations also and the motives behind your words. Promise Our Lady that you will always edify your neighbor by never uttering words offensive to others and that ever you will keep in mind the law of charity so well practiced by Our Heavenly Mother.

[Excerpted from 'MARIAN MEDITATIONS' Book by Rev. Dr. Ildefonso R. Villar, Salesian Philippine Province, Nihil Obstat; Imprimatur]