Witnesses of Jesus

An interesting observation was given by one of the commentaries for the Mass readings today. The gospel reading was from Saint Luke, 1:39-45. That passage detailed the Visitation of the Blessed Virgin Mary to her cousin Elizabeth. The observation was made like this, "Mary Magdalene was the first person to see and recognize Jesus after he rose from the dead. She was the first person to announce the resurrection to the other disciples and, for this reason, has merited the title of 'Apostle to the Apostles.' We see in today's gospel reading from Saint Luke that Mary's cousin, Elizabeth, was the first person to recognize the greatness of Mary's child. Joseph, as Saint Luke informs us, did not recognize who Mary's child was, but had to be told this by an angel in a dream. Consequently Elizabeth merits the title of the First of Jesus' Disciples (after Mary, of course)" (Loose Leaf Lectionary, 189). Amazing how these two women, Elizbeth and Mary Magdalene, were witnesses of our Lord, one before his birth, the other after his resurrection. They witness the importance of these two events, the Incarnation and the Resurrection. That is why they are great solemnities to celebrate every year because this is our salvation history. Jesus came to save us from our sins and give us the hope of eternal life. Like Elizabeth and Mary Magdalene, may we continue to be witnesses of Jesus in the world and in our communities as we await his glorious return. Have a blessed day!!!