Reflection for Monday, May 31, 1999: Visitation of the Virgin Mary to Elizabeth.

Abstract

The passage is thrilling: two women pregnant under most unusual circumstances and enveloped in joy. Mary rushes to her cousin Elizabeth's side and the women burst into praise for the God who showers blessings upon them. They are not alone in being visited by grace. Mary turns from her cousin's embrace to reach out to the whole of creation: we too are lifted up in our smallness. "God has done great things for me. Holy is his name." This is no submissive child bride. This woman thunders as God's power streams through her. Her smallness is not unworthy of God's love. Her voice is not weak; she hesitates no longer. The baby in the womb kicks with delight: this sounds like a reason to be born. Let's hook up with a world that is made new.|Still, her words send a chill. Not all are lifted up. Some come crashing down. Beware you who cling to wealth and power. You who go it alone, you who hoard, you who look the other way. You will be found out . Your certainties breed confusion, ambition leaves you lonely, comforts do not fill your empty heart.|In the film, Simon Birch wonders: Was I born only to scamper through life on these midget feet, dodging ridicule? Or does God have a part for me to play? Can my smallness serve some purpose?|The desire for meaning runs deeper than stone. We have learned to question. We can barely see past our doubts. Reflection easily ensnares us. What can pry us free from our fears? Trust comes hard. Do we trust that our little lives have a grand purpose? Opening our hearts to God's presence calls us back. Can a life small as this share in God's glory? Can flesh this flinty feel