From The Desk of Deacon Judy

Visits

May 31 remembers the Visitation of the Blessed Virgin Mary, the visit of Mary with her cousin Elizabeth. From this encounter we receive the Roman Catholic Hail Mary prayer (Blessed are you among women and blessed is the fruit of your womb) and the Magnificat, that glorious Song of Mary (My soul proclaims the greatness of the Lord).

I wonder, though, about the conversations not captured in the Gospel texts.

I can imagine these two close cousins and friends sharing their deep emotions about the miracles that are to be, that their children are both destined for God’s purpose. John is to prepare the way for the Lord, his cousin, Jesus. Jesus is to show humanity the way of love for all.

Close relationships, friendships are such blessings. I don’t have family connections, like Mary, but I do have the family that I have chosen, my friends.

A few weeks ago on my journey to North Florida, I visited with friends from the many different chapters in my life, a friend who was in our wedding, high school classmates, friends from our time in the corporate world. The conversations were rich and rewarding. The memories were at times fun, at times poignant, for in each group of friends we have shared joys and sorrows. It was a delight to discover how my friends are living into God’s purpose for their lives.

Visits with friends are treasured moments. When folks ask me about my travel plans for this year, I tell them that this is the year for intentional visits with friends, wherever they may now be.

I offer this prayer For the Blessing of One’s Friends:

O Lord, you have blessed us with the gift of friendship, we pray today for our friends, that they would experience your grace in specific and special ways, so that they might tangibly know that you are with them and for them in all that they do. We pray this in the name of Jesus, the One who call us friends. Amen. (Prayers for the Pilgrimage, p. 151)

Eastertide Blessings,

Judy Q+