Bearers of Christ

“A plan was revealed to Mary, and immediately, she went out to serve.” This is not quoted in the Bible, but I want to translate it in this way. She moved, she was feeling something mysterious and miraculous. She did not waste time. She became a missionary herself. She left immediately!

What a beautiful image! I have to do the same. We missionaries have to do the same- ready to move because something mysterious and miraculous is happening among our brothers and sisters. Zambia, Malawi and other mission areas in the world, we have to move, be ready when our service is needed.

The encounter of the two women is always an icon for me. Mary, the young girl, Elizabeth, old and barren, called to become mothers, called to be instruments in the plan of salvation. Mary was young and vulnerable, Elizabeth was old and vulnerable, yet in their vulnerabilities, the Lord called them to become His instruments.

There was also the encounter of Jesus and John. In Mary’s greetings, something was provoked inside. John leapt for joy! Elizabeth recognized the role of Mary: “Why should I be honored by the visit of the mother of my Lord?”

We are honored! Mary facilitated of the presence of the Lord. She facilitated our journey to become followers of Jesus, her Son. She facilitated that Christ be born and be closer to people.

This is my vocation too- To bring Christ, to preach Christ and His works, to administer the Sacraments so that people will receive Christ. In our work of facilitation, we make people touch Christ. We become bearers of Jesus Christ. “It is no longer I, but Christ lives in me."

We need that strong faith in the Son of Mary, the Son of God. I owe Jesus my life because of His choice for me. I have His heart, He has mine. I become a contagious presence of Christ to people in my speech. I need that faith: “Be filled with everything that is true, admirable and good.”