Mary Visits Elizabeth Luke 1:39-45

Today's Reflections

 

December 21, 2011

Sg 2:8-14 [or Zep 3:14-18a]Ps 33

Luke 1:39-45

Mary Visits Elizabeth

³⁹Mary set out and traveled to the hill country in haste to a town of Judah, ⁴⁰where she entered the house of Zechariah and greeted Elizabeth. ⁴¹When Elizabeth heard Mary’s greeting, the infant leaped in her womb, and Elizabeth, filled with the holy Spirit, ⁴²cried out in a loud voice and said, “Most blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb. ⁴³And how does this happen to me, that the mother of my Lord should come to me? ⁴⁴For at the moment the sound of your greeting reached my ears, the infant in my womb leaped for joy. ⁴⁵Blessed are you who believed that what was spoken to you by the Lord would be fulfilled.”

Reflection:

The infant leaped in her womb. Two pregnant women embrace each other and jump with joy. Why are they so happy that even the infant in Elizabeth’s womb leaps for joy?

First, they have time for each other. Mary travels in haste to give Elizabeth her time. And she stays with her for three months. The gift of time is Mary’s assistance for her older relative who is now with child.

Second, they have good news for each other. They call each other blessed. They both have received blessings beyond expectations. They proclaim and share these blessings with each other.

Third, they have faith. They are blessed to believe in a God who fulfills his word.

There are so many reasons to be joyful this Christmas season. No, do not look for that joy. Visit your families and friends. Give them your time and your faith. Share your blessings. And joy will find you.

Give all your loved ones positive feedback and a warm, long bear hug afterwards.