Sister Karen Mohan, VHM with third graders.
“Windsock Visitation” by Brother Mickey McGrath, OSFS
Earlier this month I visited a class of third graders to talk to them about the Visitation of Mary to Elizabeth, recorded so tenderly in Luke 1:39-56. Jenna, my young friend who had invited me, loves to tell stories from the Bible, especially this one, and does so with child-wise faith and “joie de vivre,” life attitudes that animate and inspire me!
The third graders shared reasons why they visit others: to see their family, play, take care of someone who is sick, have a meal, and simply have a good time. These young people were right on track and with their thoughts in mind, I revisited the Visitation story with its details that never cease to encourage and challenge me in my life as a Visitation Sister.
In this Gospel, Elizabeth recognizes the blessing of God in the presence of her younger cousin. She affirms Mary’s openness to God’s plan and even her unborn son, John the Baptist, “dances” this affirmation! Elizabeth supports Mary as she shares what has happened in her life. Surely these two women of faith talk over and pray over the mind-boggling ways of God. They help each other embrace God’s Providence, for there is no roadmap when one says “yes” to letting God lead. Mary sings the “Magnificat,” the great song of praise and justice, where God comes to the aid of the poor and humble and shows mercy in every generation. Then and now.
Luke tells us that Mary set out with haste and stayed for three months. God needs our readiness, and once on the path, God provides time for Jesus to grow in us.
When St. Francis de Sales and St. Jane de Chantal began the Visitation Order in 1610, St. Francis chose the name Visitation because he found in this mystery “a thousand spiritual particularities which gave him a special light concerning the spirit that he desired to establish in his Institute.” One summary statement of the spirit of the Visitation is that of union with the Word Incarnate, thanksgiving before the marvels of God, spontaneity, and promptness in rendering the humble services of daily life (Andre Ravier).
In our Minneapolis Visitation community, we refer to our “door” ministry as “visitations” - when we greet and then try to meet the needs of those welcomed at our door. We strive to offer “God’s blessings,” and as “Elizabeths,” we find the presence of Jesus being offered to us in the presence of those who come. In our welcome area, just inside the front door, guests can see Brother Mickey’s “Windsock Visitation” painting and let that work of art inspire them as it does us. Prayer with our guests strengthens us all to “set out” on the path of justice and mercy… to Live Jesus!
As we celebrate the Feast of the Visitation on May 31, may we be aware of the Holy Spirit guiding us in the encounters of our daily lives, offering “a thousand” insights into this Gospel. Happy Feast Day!
Sister Karen Mohan, VHM
Visitation Monastery of Minneapolis
