Did you know that the word “visit” can also mean to comfort or bless someone, beyond the general understanding we often have? Interestingly, in a negative sense, it can also imply inflicting harm or punishment.
When we were little, we always rejoiced at the news that our brother-in-law was coming to visit. His visits were special, not just because our mother would prepare a delicious meal for him, but also because he rarely finished the food. We, the children, would eagerly enjoy the leftovers. Before returning to Abuja, Nigeria, he would often give our parents some money for us as pocket money. He was truly a good visitor, and his coming always brought joy.
However, not all visitors were pleasant. There was one woman, quite loud and disruptive, who started coming around more often after my father bought his first car. Her presence quickly became a concern. Some of our family friends warned my mother, calling her a “red flag.” We took necessary steps to prevent her from visiting again. Her presence was a burden, not a blessing.
In today’s first reading (Zephaniah 3:14–18a), God’s visit to the people of Jerusalem brought joy, freedom, and reassurance. Likewise, in the Gospel, Mary’s visit to Elizabeth brought hope, joy, and blessing, so much so that Elizabeth’s child leapt in her womb at Mary’s greeting.
These reflections remind me of Pope John Paul II’s pastoral visits to Nigeria, which filled the nation with great joy and spiritual energy. He visited twice, in 1982 and 1998. His first visit focused on liturgical inculturation, igniting deep enthusiasm among Nigerian Catholics. He travelled through cities like Lagos, Onitsha, Enugu, Kaduna, and Ibadan. His second visit came during a tense period of military rule. Despite the risks, the Pope met with General Sani Abacha, urging him to respect human rights, release political prisoners, like Chief Moshood Abiola, and restore democracy. His visit left a lasting mark on our national conscience.
I deeply appreciate the Pope’s visits and their impact on us as a people. So, I ask: Do we still visit? And more importantly, when we do visit, do we bring comfort or cause harm to those we meet?
May God give us the grace to be sources of comfort, healing, and hope to all we encounter, through Christ our Lord. Amen.
