The Fourth Sunday of Advent: The Power of a Visit

December 22, 2024 | Sr. Janet Ryan, OSF | Sunday’s Readings

In today’s Gospel, Mary’s visit to Elizabeth had a profound impact on both women. Elizabeth, in her time of need, received the gratuitous ‘love of neighbor’ exemplified by Mary. And from Elizabeth, Mary received affirmation of the Christ child in her womb. I am reminded of another visit which also had a profound impact.

I met Leo in an Illinois prison while facilitating a four-day peace circle training. He shared his story with me: after 16 years of being incarcerated, he wrote a letter of apology to his victim’s family. He sent the letter to his girlfriend who gave it to the priest at their parish, who in turn gave it to the victim’s family. Leo waited and waited and waited.

Twelve years passed, and one day he was told he had a visitor coming. It was the brother of his victim. The night before the visit, Leo was anxious, nervous, and fearful. His mind was racing with thoughts of what might happen and what he would say. He was perspiring profusely. He told me he didn’t sleep a minute that night.

The next day as he sat in the visiting room with sweaty palms, butterflies in his stomach, and all the courage he could muster, he saw the brother approaching. He had Leo’s letter in his hand. The man began, “I’m not coming here just on my account. I’m coming on behalf of my whole family. We forgive you.” Tears poured down Leo’s face and the brother’s.

In these waning days of Advent as we anticipate the arrival of the Christ Child, is there someone you are being invited to ‘visit’ in a spirit of encounter, reconciliation, or forgiveness? We have been given the power to forgive.

Will you say “Yes!” to Jubilee 2025 to be a Pilgrim of Hope through reconciliation, forgiveness, and healing? Pope Francis invites us to renewal in which we proclaim liberty to the captives, recovery of sight to the blind, freedom to the oppressed, and a year to re-establish a loving, healing relationship with God and creation.

In short, a year of intentional inbreaking of the Reign of God! How awesome! How hopeful! Sign me up!