We are at the end of May, a month traditionally dedicated to the Blessed Virgin Mary. In the Philippines, this is the month of daily offerings of flowers to Mary, which concludes today with special prayers and a grand, faith-filled procession known as ‘santacruzan’. This procession features young women dressed as Mary in her various invocations (Queen of Heaven, Queen of Justice, etc.), together with the women of the bible and of theological virtues. The procession also marks the celebration of the Holy Cross by St. Helen, celebrated also in the month of May.
We also see a procession in today’s feast. It was not as grand as Santacruzan; it was simple yet dignified. The Queen of Heaven, bearing in her womb the Holy One who years later would be offered on the altar of the Cross, journeys in haste to see her cousin Elizabeth, who conceived a son in her old age.
Journey
Just imagine the troubles Mary chose to undertake. Mary could have stayed home, but her deep faith and love for God and neighbor compelled her to act. She chose to undertake this challenging journey for two reasons: first, to serve her cousin Elizabeth during her pregnancy, and second, to bring Jesus to her. Mary’s actions show us that faith is not passive—it moves us to serve others and share Christ, no matter the obstacles.
First, to help her cousin. In the announcement of the Angel Gabriel, he told Mary that “Elizabeth, your relative, has also conceived a son in her old age”. In that situation, Elizabeth’s pregnancy was delicate, and she would appreciate some help for sure. So, Mary, without delay, “set in haste”, as the Gospel says, to take care of her, to assist her, and to celebrate her motherhood. Here, Our Lady shows “her attitude of humble service and disinterested love for those in need” (John Paul II), which was possible because of her strong and persevering faith, hope and love of God.
Perseverance
Mary teaches us that perseverance in faith naturally leads to generous love of neighbor. For it is in remaining steadfast in God’s will that we find the grace to serve others selflessly. This is what keeps us constant in doing good things. So, if you feel weakening in your generous service to your brothers and sisters, look at Mary and ask her for help. Look at her and see how she persevered despite the difficulties of bringing Christ to other, despite the pains of bearing our own crosses.
The second thing is the more important one, for our mission is nothing if we don’t do this. Our Blessed Mother went to Elizabeth to bring Jesus to her. Mary was carrying in her womb the Savior of the world, the promised Messiah, the Redeemer, God himself! There was a great mystery enclosed within her womb, and she who is full of grace, is more than willing to share him with others.
Bring Jesus to Others
Here, we are reminded of our mission to bring Jesus to others: first to our families, to our relatives, and then to our friends, to our communities, to our country, to everyone! Let us bring Jesus through our words, through encouragement, through teaching others, through your service to the Church! Let us bring Jesus in our deeds and actions, through generous helping of those in need, through patient bearing other’s defects, through forgiveness and mercy. Bring Jesus to everyone! But remember, before you can give Jesus, you must have Jesus in your soul.
The Marian Style of Evangelization
The late Pope Francis refers to this as the Marian style of evangelization (Evangelii Gaudium, 288), rooted in love, humility and service in imitation of the Blessed Mother and her deep faith, tenderness, and commitment to justice. Through prayer, contemplation, and action, she inspires the Church to be truly missionary, a church that “opens its arms to the world, proclaims the word, allows itself to be made ‘restless’ by history, and becomes a leaven of harmony for humanity” (Leo XIV).
As we reflect on Mary’s journey and mission, may we recognize that when we carry Christ with us, we too become bearers of light and grace to others. Through her maternal intercession, may we always find the strength to proclaim Christ with courage and trust, and radiate His mercy and truth to a world in need.
