From Luke's gospel, Mary becomes a model of service for us when she visited Elizabeth. Mary responded immediately to a need. She came to the assistance of her cousin who was also with child. Mary put aside her own concerns, as she knew the need of the other was greater. Mary reached out as it was within her capacity to help.

In a world where an over-emphasis is placed on the self, often bordering on selfishness, the Visitation of Mary reminds us of the communitarian aspect of our faith. We need to be concerned and caring towards those in need. We are also challenged to move out from our comfort zones and apathy towards a more committed and pro-active attitude towards life. St Paul reminds the Romans and us, that as we become Christ's disciples, we should make "hospitality our special concern." The love we have for each other must not be a "pretence" but be "sincere". Despite trials and setbacks, we must continue the Lord's work with "untiring effort" and "earnestness of spirit'.

We are to empathise with those we serve. We need to be one with them in happy as well as sad moments in their lives. This is possible. Let us then be welcoming to our brothers and sisters and genuinely care and be concerned for them.