Men's Rosary

THE VISITATION

Elizabeth, filled with the Holy Spirit, cried out in a loud voice and said, “Most blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb.” (Luke 1:41-42)

Fruit of the mystery: Love of neighbor

Mary went in haste to visit Elizabeth. This means that it was of great importance. She put Elizabeth before all things in her life at that time. She focused on her and her needs. Mary placed her own needs and responsibilities as secondary to those of Elizabeth.

As men, we need to be there for others. We need to put our needs as secondary to others. Men are called to serve and protect. We must answer to that call.

We need to imitate Christ by giving ourselves to the service of others. There are many opportunities for this. We can find it within our families and the community. It is just a matter of listening and responding. We can be caught up in our work , but what is the good of our work if we are not helping others.

Sometimes a simple phone call to someone makes a huge difference in their life! This costs us nothing other than the time it takes to pause and reach out. Stopping by to see someone on our way home or during the workday does not have to be a big visit but the time and gesture makes a profound difference in someone’s life.

“Tempus Fugit, Memento Mori”….”Time flies, remember death.” This Latin wisdom to enjoy life and love life every day can remind us also of the fact that we never know when someone will be gone from our life. Embrace those around us, those we know and may not know. Christ served everyone and we are called, especially as men, to imitate Him in this regard.

I have made it a practice over the past several years to call or visit anyone who pops into my mind during the day. We never know how long they will be with us! Also, take notice of who needs help and do what you can in your circumstances to help.

The greatest gift one can give is his time. Take time to visit your neighbor. This can be family, friend or stranger. Recognize that the world is bigger than ourselves and our desires and aspirations. As we serve and help others, we will be judged and rewarded. “You shall love the Lord, your God, with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind. This is the greatest and the first commandment. The second is like it: You shall love your neighbor as yourself.” (Matthew 22 37-39)

I pray, that as men, we will notice the needs of our neighbor and respond in a way that reflects Christ’s love for us. Love and visit your neighbor, whoever and wherever that may be. God would want no less!

“Each one of them is Jesus in disguise.” Saint Mother Teresa