💖 HOMILY - MAY 31 💖

FEAST OF THE VISITATION OF THE BLESSED VIRGIN MARY

First Reading - Romans 12:9-16

Gospel - Luke 1:39-56

We have heard it said: "A friend in need is a friend indeed." This saying perfectly aligns with what our readings teach us today. The readings of today invite us to become friends to every person by living out the commandment of love.

In the first reading, Paul exhorts Christians in Rome to grow in love for one another. He further elaborates that love for one another should be evident in the preference for good and respect toward each other. He also emphasizes that the real test of love for one another is proven in moments of trials, ordeals, and hardships. Therefore, Christians should demonstrate their love for one another by sharing with the needy, welcoming them, participating in each other's joys and sorrows, and never mistreating or disrespecting anyone. Paul, in the first reading, gives very practical admonitions to practice the commandment of love.

The gospel passage indeed demonstrates an outstanding example of love for our fellow beings, as Paul suggests. In the gospel passage, Mother Mary is seen in action. From the account of Mary's visitation to her cousin Elizabeth, we observe two things: firstly, Mary believed in the words of the angel Gabriel; secondly, her faith in the words of the angel led her to charity or love in action. Mary recognized the need of her cousin and walked miles to a town of Judah.

It's important that Mother Mary believed first in the message of the angel Gabriel, and the proof of her belief is manifested in her action that surfaces in her visit to her cousin Elizabeth; a realization of the need of the elderly Elizabeth. This is the manifestation of love and sensitivity for the other. This can also be called real love for our neighbor.

Dear friends, the commandment of love is not merely an injunction or a concept; it's an action motivated by love for the good of the other. The gospel passage is an example of true love for the needy. Paul, in the first reading, urges Christians to embody this love where there is no pretense or falsehood, but sincerity and concern for one another. We need to cultivate genuine love for one another that is seen in our actions rather than words alone. The manifestation of love is first seen in the genuineness of relationships and is further shown in being genuinely involved in each other's joys and sorrows, and providing help in times of trials and hardships.

We often display insincere relationships with one another and fail to observe the commandment of love for our fellow brothers and sisters. Insincerity is seen in our jealousy and unwelcoming attitude toward one another. It's seen in our attitude of indifference and utilitarianism. Let's overcome today our insincere relationships with one another and cultivate genuine and sincere love for one another.

Let's pray that God may help us become more loving and genuine in our relationships with one another.