Christmas Eve is almost upon us.

Our readings tell us that on the eve of the first Christmas, Mary rushed to aid her cousin Elizabeth. This famous account of the "Visitation" reveals that both Mary's, and her Son Jesus', lives are all about loving service. Following Gabriel's visit, Mary could have gone into seclusion and demanded service and attention from others. Instead, she hurries to help her aging cousin, and her unborn nephew, John the Baptist. Mary sets the pattern for the rest of her life and that of her son, Jesus. While both are available to aid all humanity, they tend to focus on the poor and needy.

In our last preparations for Christmas, let us look around and see who is aged, or very young, lonely, & needy. If we hurry to their aid, we will find ourselves in the company of our Blessed Mother and her Son, Our Lord.       

Fr. Mike Ronayne