Saturday, December 21, 2002
3rd Week of Advent
1st Reading: Song 2:8-14
Gospel: Lk 1:39-45
Mary set out for a town in the Hills of Judah. She entered the house of Zechariah and greeted Elizabeth. When Elizabeth heard Mary's greeting, the baby leapt in her womb. Elizabeth was filled with holy spirit, and giving a loud cry, said, "You are most blessed among women and blessed is the fruit of your womb! How is it that the mother of my Lord comes to me? The moment your greeting sounded in my ears, the baby within me suddenly leapt for joy. Blessed are you who believed that the Lord's word would come true!"
Commentary
Who is this son of Mary? Luke shows us through Mary's cousin, Elizabeth. "How is it that the mother of my Lord comes to me?" Somehow, one unborn child sensed the approach of the other, and his mother understood. How quietly God works! These two women alone are the witnesses and heralds of this news of great joy for all people. The seed God planted in secret is growing. Mary receives a confirmation of God's promise to her through the prophet Elizabeth. As the cry of Elizabeth echoes down the centuries, may her joy be ours. May we, too, sense the divine presence, a personal presence, calling us by name.