Love In Action: A love that is lived
Mary’s Visitation shows us that love is more than words. It notices, makes the journey, remains beside another person, and becomes a love that is lived.
White statue of Mary holding the child Jesus beside a leafy plant near a window.
A Thought to Begin
“Goodness works quietly, the power of love is expressed in the unassuming quietness of daily service.”
Scripture
“Mary set out and traveled to the hill country in haste… Mary remained with her about three months.”
—Luke 1:39-56 (NABRE)
Reflection
I received a beautiful Waterford statue of Mary as a bridal shower gift.
I loved it for its beauty, but at the time I did not yet understand the role Mary would come to play in my life or how deeply I would rely on her love and guidance.
That understanding came later.
After our daughter Caitlin died at three months old, I began turning to Mary in a new way.
Mary knew what it was to love a child completely. She also knew what it was to watch her child suffer and to remain at His side when she could not take that suffering away.
I found comfort in not needing to explain my pain to her. She understood a mother’s love and a mother’s grief. I turned to her daily, praying for the grace to live my life in a way that allowed me to feel not only God’s love, but also the enduring love of my precious daughter Caitlin. In time, this prayer led me to seek ways to reach out to others in love and service.
For many years, I most often pictured Mary standing at the foot of the Cross. Her presence comforted me because she understood both a mother’s love and a mother’s sorrow.
But when I reflect on Mary through the lens of Love in Action, I am reminded of the Visitation.
After receiving life-changing news, Mary did not keep to herself. When she learned that Elizabeth was expecting a child in her old age, she went “in haste” to be with her—to share not only her love, but Jesus.
She did more than speak words of love or promise prayer. She made the journey. She showed up and remained with Elizabeth for about three months.
She showed her love by living it.
What may have seemed like a simple visit was, in truth, an incredible act of love: one woman choosing to be present to another.
Mary has taught me, and continues to teach me, that love in action means going wherever love calls us.
It means offering an extra hand.
It means sharing joy, celebrating with another person, and helping them recognize how deeply they are loved and accepted.
It means staying when we cannot remove another’s pain.
It means listening when there are no words that can bring true comfort or reassurance.
It means praying, sitting quietly, sharing hugs and tears, and reminding someone that they are not alone.
Sometimes we are called to go. Sometimes we are called to stay.
Both are acts of love.
Although the original Waterford statue was later broken, the crystal statue of Mary I have today carries the same meaning. It reminds me not only of Mary’s presence during one of the most painful seasons of my life, but also of the kind of love I hope to live each day.
A love that notices.
A love that is willing to journey.
A love that remains.
A love that is lived.
Something to Think About…
“It is we who have to be His love, His compassion in the world of today.”
How might God be asking me to become His love and compassion for someone today?
Continue exploring Love in Action
Today’s Invite: You Are Invited!
God is always inviting us closer—through Scripture, ordinary moments, and the quiet nudges of the heart. Will you answer with a resounding yes?
Wild coneflowers glowing in warm sunlight.
A Thought to Begin
“God’s love is free. He asks for nothing in return; all he wants is for his love to be accepted.”
—Pope Francis, @Pontifex, June 23, 2015
Scripture
“Come to me, all you who labor and are burdened, and I will give you rest.”
Reflection
Every day, God invites each of us to join Him.
Here’s the beautiful thing about God’s invitation: He wants you to come just as you are. You don't need to put on a special appearance. He loves you with your messy hair, your yoga pants, and your long to-do list. He simply wants to walk with you.
“What? You didn’t get the invitation?”
Oh, but you did.
You simply did not recognize it.
God extends His personal invitation to us throughout the day. It may come through the Scripture you read in the morning, something a friend says, a song on your playlist, a flower blooming in your garden, or a quiet nudge in your heart.
Our Heavenly Father loves us more than we can ever imagine. He is constantly reminding us of His love, gently calling us closer, and waiting with open arms to welcome us.
All we need to do is accept His invitation by saying “yes.”
Today’s Invite is offered as a gentle companion throughout the week, helping us recognize God’s presence, listen for His voice, and respond with a faithful yes. As we return to it each day through prayer and reflection, we begin to discover that God is continually inviting us to grow in faith, hope, and love.
The Path of Joy is the path God has already shown us through Jesus—a path that leads us closer to Him and to the true joy found in His presence.
Each time we accept His invitation, we take another faithful step along the Path of Joy.
Something to Think About…
How might God be inviting you to notice His presence, receive His love, or draw closer to Him today?
God’s invitation is already waiting for you. Pause and notice how He may be reaching out, then respond with one faithful “yes.”