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Gospel:
The Gospel of the Lord.
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Our parish vision statement begins with the words, “All generations journeying together.”
So much of that inspiration comes from today’s Gospel, when Mary and Elizabeth embraced – right here. These expectant mothers represent “all generations.”
Elizabeth, a barren, elderly woman married for many years. Mary, an unwed teenager. And their unborn children, John and Jesus, representing their hope for the future.
Though Mary and Elizabeth’s age and life experiences are different, they find in each other what they couldn’t have on their own: Community. Affirmation. Friendship. Belonging. Understanding.
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These are things I hope we’ve found together on this pilgrimage. They’re things I hope all parishioners find at St. Pius X as we “journey together.”
Although we’re different ages and we come from different life experiences, like Mary and Elizabeth, God has brought us together. The Lord intends for us to find what we could not have on our own: Community. Affirmation. Friendship. Belonging. Understanding.
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May we carry the affirming, faithful, and communal spirit of Mary and Elizabeth forward so that we can show others what it feels like to be, “All generations journeying together with Jesus to satisfy our hungry hearts. Come and see!
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Image credits: (1) Wikipedia, Church of the Visitation (2) Israel Travel Center, Church of the Visitation (3) Custodia.org, Church of the Visitation