Homily of Fr. Herbert Nicholls
Mary
is on a journey. She set off in haste to the hill country to the house of
Zechariah and Elizabeth. Upon her arrival Elizabeth had no need for an
explanation. She understood the meaning of the visit and who was entering her
house. Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit.
Only
by the light of the Holy Spirit could one recognize the One who, by the work of
the Holy Spirit, was conceived in the Virgin’s womb. Only by the light of the
Holy Spirit can the Son and the Mother be recognized: How does it happen that the Mother of my Lord should come to me?
Then
Mary begins to speak. The Mystery which she bore within herself is expressed: My soul proclaims the greatness of the Lord
and my Spirit rejoices in God my Savior, for he has looked upon his handmaid’s lowliness."
This
joy projects itself into the future, from
generation to generation; what great things the Almighty has done in Mary
and through Mary have begun and will endure forever. Could this humble handmaid
say of herself: All generations shall
call me blessed? Could she have made such a claim? Yes, because these words
were inspired by the Holy Spirit, the Spirit of Truth. They would be fulfilled
because they are words of the Spirit of Truth. And Truth is always humble.
Mary
is on a journey. She set off in haste toward the hill country to take care of her
kinswoman who was soon to give birth. For the first time Mary is seen as
protectress. From the cross on Golgotha to the Cenacle at Pentecost her
protection will extend in a discreet yet effective manner. It will extend over
the Church, over nations, over every man, woman and child.
Holy
is the Name of the One who through the Cross revealed His infinite love, the
love of God who became man so as to save mankind. On the Cross, He showed the
might of His arm which raises up the lowly, and scatters the proud in the
conceit of their hearts.
Holy
Mother, you who believe, renew the faith of individuals and peoples who are
tempted to yield to the spirit of moral indifference. Let waves of divine
wisdom wave over the kegs of old wine. Let wisdom be born. May this wisdom
enable each person to embrace not only what is visible and finite, but also the
invisible and infinite; not merely what is temporal and destined for
destruction but also the Eternal and Immortal.
You,
O Mary, who especially became God’s dwelling place among men; in whom this
Wisdom became flesh and blood never abandon this dwelling place, never abandon
God. The world in its present form is passing away; but is it passing away
never to return? You O Mother of the God-Man, already contemplate a new heaven
and a new earth; the holy city, the new Jerusalem come down from heaven as a
bride adorned for her husband. You see it. You already saw it in this world in
your pilgrimage of faith. You see it now in God’s eternal dwelling. You are
like the revelation and sign of the heavenly dwelling for us here on earth. He
will dwell with them and they will be His people and God will always dwell with
them.
Seat
of wisdom, Mother of the Eternal Word, hasten once again to the many cities,
countries, to every part of the world as you once hurried to your cousin
Elizabeth. Set off again on a journey, a pilgrimage of faith that today’s men
and women might recognize you and your Son.
Blessed are you among women and
blessed is the fruit of your womb. How does this happen that the Mother of my
Lord should come to me? How does it happen to you and to me—faith. Come, O Mother of the
Lord. Journey with us O Mary; intercede for us, Mother of God. Amen.