Putting the kettle on

 ‘…But why am I so favoured?’ (Luke 1:43)

From Luke 1:39-56 (Year A: Visit by Mary to Elizabeth)

In this passage visiting was in a world where communication, speed and travel were very different to what they are today.  A curious aspect of life today is a negative correlation between speed of travel and frequency of visiting neighbours, friends and acquaintances. We make less time for meaningful conversations while seeking to travel faster, produce more, consume more and grow more – our information, our contacts, our ‘friends’ in the new social media. Where visiting happens it is often by prior arrangement. The days where people just dropped in, unannounced, seem to be gone. But, visiting and being visited is a grace-filled occasion when we deepen and renew friendships and acquaintances. They are opportunities to share, converse and reach out. Without knowing it or planning it we might find that a visit makes a huge difference to our well-being. Mary and Elizabeth found joy and meaning in their visitation. Someone within them stirred them to joy. In Irish culture the kettle goes on and the chat starts.