BEAUTY SECRETS

4th Sunday of Advent
Lk 1:39-45

We have today one of the lovely scenes in the Old Testament: the Visitation of the Most Blessed Virgin Mary to her cousin, Elizabeth. It is lovely because of three “L’s”.

First, this second mystery of the Joyful Mysteries is often the subject of art works, particularly on canvas. The meeting between the mother of the Lord and the mother of the Lord’s precursor is very beautiful to draw, sketch, paint, or even curve. The fact that the two women were pregnant makes the scene even more beautiful. I always find women on the family way beautiful because they carry life within themselves. Life is beautiful!

Second, the visit of Mary to Elizabeth is a visit of love. It is Mary’s love for her cousin, who despite her old age was heavy with child, that made Mary go in haste to serve and assist her until John was born. The scene is a scene of love-in-action, of genuine love, of love that reaches out to others in their need. This kind of love is always beautiful.

Third, when Elizabeth heard Mary’s greeting, the baby in her womb leapt for joy. The visit was more than just between the two mothers. It was very much a rendezvous between Jesus and John. Even in the womb, John recognized the Lord. The Lord is always beautiful.

Life, love, and the Lord – these three “L’s” make the story in today’s Gospel truly lovely. Life, love, and the Lord – these are the true beauty secrets to a lovely soul. And mind you, while lovely face decays, lovely souls do not.