After her encounter with the angel Gabriel, Mary travels in haste to meet Elizabeth, and her swift response inspires us to decisively answer the Lord’s call as we put our faith into practice.
Let’s examine some of the themes that we discover in the Mass readings for the 4th Sunday of Advent.
1st Reading – Micah 5:1-4a
Bethlehem is foretold to be the birthplace of the ruler of Israel.
This ruler will stand firm and shepherd the people with peace.
Psalm – 80:2-3,15-16,18-19
“Lord, make us turn to you; let us see your face and we shall be saved.”
We call upon the Lord from heaven to come and save us so that we may have new life.
2nd Reading – Hebrews 10:5-10
Citing Psalm 40:6-8 and 1st Samuel 15:22, we see how the sacrifices of the old covenant are now replaced with a new covenant by the once-for-all offering of the body of Jesus Christ.
Gospel – Luke 1:39-45
This is the account of the Visitation: the meeting and exchange between Mary and Elizabeth.
At the same time, the infant John the Baptist (while still in his mother’s womb) recognizes that the Lord is near.
As baby John the Baptist, Elizabeth, and Mary all respond to Jesus, their example inspires us to acknowledge the Lord’s presence in our lives whenever two or more gather in his name.
The encounter between Mary and Elizabeth reveals how God’s gift of joy surfaces in the presence of faith and fellowship. As we count our blessings today, may we express the Good News of the Lord’s love in our lives with those around us.
The encounter between Mary and Elizabeth offers and example where faith and fellowship intersect. We support each other in so many ways…how can we lift each other up to God today?
Mary’s offers a proclamation of praise in her Magnificat, as she glorifies God and offers thanks for the blessings she has received. May we echo her words as we call to mind in our prayer and daily practice how the Lord has touched our hearts and fostered our faith.
In the exchange between Mary and Elizabeth the two women give praise and thanks to God for the blessings they have witnessed. May we take their example to heart and do the same in our lives each and every day.
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