Mary’s Garden

Several years ago when we repainted the stucco, we added a tiled picture of Our Lady of Guadalupe to one of the courtyard walls.  Later, when I became serious about turning the courtyard into a garden, I began to think of it as “Mary’s Garden” – perhaps because I have long held an image in my mind of a lovely garden filled with flowers that I walk through on my way to see the Lord.  I have always thought of this image in my mind as “Mary Garden.”  My courtyard garden is a pale reflection of my image, but I am happy to dedicate it to “Our Lady,” who said “yes” to the Incarnation of the Savior on behalf of us all.

Today is the Feast of the Visitation.  The newly pregnant Virgin sets out and travels to the hill country to visit her cousin Elizabeth, who is also pregnant and in her sixth month.  When Elizabeth sees Mary, the infant John leaps for joy in her womb.  Then, in response to Elizabeth’s greeting, Mary utters her Magnificat: “My soul proclaims the greatness of the Lord, my spirit rejoices in God my Savior, for he has looked with favor on his lowly servant. From this day all generations will call me blessed….” (Luke 1:46-48)