Unveiling God’s Presence, Like Mary…

The Incarnation of God: Divine love enters human experience through Jesus Christ (Christmas Memorial). Mary’s Visitation to Elizabeth symbolizes the sharing of the presence of God and His bearer (Mary). As followers of Christ, it is but a frequent occurrence in our mission posts as MDRs. Indeed, I am grateful for the opportunity given to me to visit the bedridden elderly, sharing the blessing of divine love through the administration of the Eucharist.

Bearer of the Divine Presence. When the angel Gabriel announced to Mary her extraordinary vocation, she embraced God’s plan with extraordinary grace: of trust, obedience, and humility. Soon after, Mary’s visit to Elizabeth beautifully demonstrated how she accepted the divine gift of Jesus and actively shared His presence. Her journey symbolizes a profound spiritual mission to bring and spread divine love.

Likewise, we are called to emulate Mary’s example in our time and context. Just as our pastoral ministry in Wanjin, Taiwan, also involves visiting and bringing Communion to the sick and elderly living in rural areas. These visits transcend physical companionship, becoming sacred encounters that bring the comfort of Christ to the isolated. By personally accepting and generously sharing God’s grace, we become contemporary bearers of divine love, transforming simple acts of caring into profound spiritual experiences.

Encountering God’s presence. Upon Mary’s arrival at Elizabeth’s home, Elizabeth joyfully recognizes Mary’s unique role as the mother of our Lord. “Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb!” (Luke 1:42). This recognition illustrates that God’s presence can evoke joy and transformation. The baby in Elizabeth’s womb leaped for joy at hearing Mary’s voice, indicating the deep spiritual connection between these two women and the divine life within them.

When we visit the elderly and bedridden, we help them recognize God’s presence in their lives. Warm greetings, compassionate listening, and sharing in the Eucharistic Celebration can awaken a sense of joy in the midst of your difficulties. As MDRs, the core of our mission is to share the presence of God in the marginalized, the poor. Thank you to our dear Sisters who have preceded us in this apostolate, who have stepped out of their comfort zones and committed themselves to the dignity and valuing of the presence of the people we visit today. In the suffering of these people, in the deterioration of their physical and mental health, we encourage them to embrace the love of God.

Sharing the Body of Christ. A fundamental aspect of our mission is to give the Body of Christ to those who cannot attend the weekly Eucharistic celebration. The Eucharist is not only a sacrament of communion, but also a tangible expression of God’s love and presence in our lives. By bringing the Eucharist to the sick and the elderly, we are acting as a bridge between them and Christ, responding to the call to bring and share spiritual nourishment to those who may not have access to the sacraments, in order to reveal the presence of God.

The act of sharing the Eucharist is a profound reminder of Jesus’ promise to be with us always, even to the end of the world. Each visit is a sharing of faith and living community life. It also becomes a moment of grace for both the sharer and the receiver, allowing the presence of Christ to dwell among us. This act is not a mere ritual, but a manifestation of the kingdom of God, a reminder that love and hope are still present in the world.

Embracing MDR spirituality in our mission. Our spirituality emphasizes the interweaving of contemplation and action, community and the search for truth. Indeed, the mission of the MDR aligns perfectly with these core values. Engaging in a contemplative practice before and during our journey allows us to be fully present to those God gives us. Furthermore, Dominican spirituality calls us to live in community. By visiting others, we foster a sense of belonging and support. Dispelling feelings of isolation and loneliness is a good mission, for we are called to be bearers and sharers of God’s love, to create a community where love is given and shared.

Like Mary, let us go. As we prepare for the birth of Jesus, let us remember how Mary carried and shared God in our world. May each of us embody the spirit of Mary, accepting the call to bring Christ’s presence into the lives of others, recognizing and celebrating his presence in others, and spreading the Good News: Emmanuel, God is with us. May our thoughtful actions and compassionate hearts illuminate the lives of those we visit, bringing them closer to hope and joy. May our mission as beloved bearers and sharers of God transform lives and reflect the light of Christ in a world that deeply needs it.

Wanjin, Taiwan