The Visitation is one my favorite mysteries of the rosary. I’m not sure why; I think because it displays the deep charity of our Lady—fourteen and pregnant, she hastens (presumably with St Joseph) on an arduous 80 mile, five day journey to visit Elizabeth, who is also pregnant with John the Baptist. Though there was probably a part of Mary who desired the unspoken understanding of her cousin when no one else would understand her calling—the communing of kin with child—there is also a part of her that wanted to help and serve as well for the three months duration she was there.
When Mary and Joseph found themselves in Bethlehem, they were wayfarers—travelers on foot. Though they were only offered rough accommodations in the stable of the inn, it was probably a relief and respite to at least have somewhere to lay their heads for the historical event. It was no accident God, in His Providence, provided for their needs.
I have found on this two-wheeled sojourn I am on a similar gratefulness for these support outposts along the way. Today was pretty grueling—85 miles over daunting elevation gains. But mile by mile, hour by hour, like an ant making his way across a table, I made it from the foothills of New York to Scranton. This time I was staying with a Catholic family—friends of friends—who fed me and set me up in their basement. I was beyond grateful—and thoroughly exhausted when I pulled off the road close to sundown. I didn’t deserve the graces; but He showers them upon us despite our unworthiness.
Along the way, God provided for me as well. A charging outlet here, a friendly coffee shop owner there, a random backroads shrine, and amenable weather to boot.
It would have been just as easy for me to get a motel room or Airbnb but like I said, in a previous post, the opportunity to be a blessing, and to present the opportunity to obtain blessing for those practicing the works of corporal mercy has its own merit. And to be among other Catholics—spiritual pilgrims alike in this life—is the proverbial icing on the cake, especially after two days of solitude in the woods.
May we all exercise charity when given the opportunity, and may we all have the humility to ask for it when needed.
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