The Gospel according to Luke (1:39-45)
Mary set out in those days and traveled to the hill country in haste to a town of Judah, where she entered the house of Zechariah and greeted Elizabeth. When Elizabeth heard Mary’s greeting, the infant leaped in her womb, and Elizabeth, filled with the Holy Spirit, cried out in a loud voice and said, “Most blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb. And how does this happen to me, that the mother of my Lord should come to me? For at the moment the sound of your greeting reached my ears, the infant in my womb leaped for joy. Blessed are you who believed that what was spoken to you by the Lord would be fulfilled.”
Reflection:
Growing up I used to be jealous of my friends with extended families, especially cousins. My mom was an only child. However, my dad had eight brothers a sisters, so I had lots of cousins. But they all lived in Mexico. They would come to see us occasionally, but their visits were always over too soon. When I was ten, I lived in Mexico for a year with my uncle, a priest, my aunt and grandmother, no cousins. But I was much closer to my dad’s side of the family so I would see my cousins much more often. I remember looking forward to being with them and heartbroken when they left. Our visits were full of adventures, silliness, and lots of fun. In a sense, I would leap for joy when I was in their company.
I imagine the relationship between Jesus and John was special. Scripture gives us a little insight into the dynamics of these two cousins but there is so much we don’t know. That’s where our imaginations come in. I can imagine many adventures, silliness, and lots of fun shared between these two.
In today’s gospel we hear of their first encounter. Put yourself in that room where Elizabeth, filled with the Holy Spirit, cries out in a loud voice. We hear the familiar proclamation of the blessedness of Mary and the child in her womb. But focus on the excitement in Elizabeth’s voice and the grace exchanged between these two pregnant women. Imagine how it felt for Elizabeth to sense the joy in her unborn child. A joy that would be a huge part of the relationship between these two cousins for years to come.
What is our reaction to the many people in our lives. Like most of us it is probably a mix of good and bad. Maybe one of the reasons it may be bad is we tend to judge others as unworthy of our love, our joy. I recently ran across a meaningful Thomas Merton quote. “Our job is to love without stopping to inquire whether or not they are worthy. That is not our business and, in fact, it is nobody’s business. What we are asked to do is love, and this love itself will render both ourselves and neighbors’ worthy.”
May the few days we have left this Advent, help us to focus on the joy that comes from loving as Thomas Merton suggests. To love without judgment and allow that love to transform us into joyful souls that proclaim the blessedness of each other.
Action of the day:
Take time from the busyness that often accompanies the days leading up to Christmas. Think about the family and friends you may be blessed to see and prepare a special greating. One that includes excitement and joy in a tender embrace and warm exchange. No speaches or eloquent words need to be said. Just share the joy of being in each other’s presence. Merry Christmas!
Audio Reflection:
