Exult, you just, in the Lord! Sing to him a new song. — Psalm 33: 1a;3a

Mass Readings: Song of Songs 2:8-14 or Zephaniah 3:14-18a/ Luke 1:39-45 

‘Arise, My Beloved!’ 

Travel today is a bit of a hassle. Gas prices are up, airports are crowded, and security procedures are daunting. If travel is difficult for us, it was certainly more burdensome (and dangerous) when Mary “traveled to the hill country in haste” to visit her cousin Elizabeth. The story Jesus later told of someone attacked by thieves (Lk 10:30-37) was not uncommon. Yet Mary went joyously, as if in response to the voice of divine love in today’s first reading: “Arise, my beloved, my dove, my beautiful one, and come!” Brimming with God’s love, Mary hastened to help her cousin Elizabeth. 

What travels would we undertake for the sake of love — venturing outside of ourselves, outside our comfort zone? The voice of the Spirit still beckons: “Arise, my beloved!” How will we respond? 

Prayer: Holy Spirit, help me accept Your invitation to love.