Mary also anticipated, in the mystery of the incarnation, the Church’s Eucharistic faith. When, at the Visitation, she bore in her womb the Word made flesh, she became in some way a ?tabernacle? ? the first ?tabernacle? in history ? in which the Son of God, still invisible to our human gaze, allowed himself to be adored by Elizabeth, radiating his light as it were through the eyes and the voice of Mary. (Blessed Pope John Paul II, Ecclesia de Eucharistia)
As we celebrate the feast of the Visitation on May 31st, we meditate on Mary’s visit to her relative, Elizabeth.? Despite the inconvenience that?the pregnant Mother of God?would experience in traveling into the hill country, Mary desired to make the trip to visit her kinswoman.? By carrying Jesus inside of her, she became a living “tabernacle” and allowed Elizabeth to adore Him.
As Catholics, we have the privilege of receiving the Lord in Holy Communion on a daily basis.? We enter the church alone, but when we leave, we carry?the Lord’s Body inside of us.? What?happens then?? Do we go about our?business?as if nothing happened or do we take Jesus into the world, allowing His presence to shine before others??
Blessed Mother Mary, teach me to become a living “tabernacle”.??Allow the light of Jesus to shine before men, that they may see my good works and give glory to Our Father in Heaven (Mt 5:16)!??
