Luke 1:39-45, (46-55)

39 In those days Mary set out and went with haste to a Judean town in the hill country, 40 where she entered the house of Zechariah and greeted Elizabeth. 41 When Elizabeth heard Mary’s greeting, the child leaped in her womb. And Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit 42 and exclaimed with a loud cry, “Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb. 43 And why has this happened to me, that the mother of my Lord comes to me? 44 For as soon as I heard the sound of your greeting, the child in my womb leaped for joy. 45 And blessed is she who believed that there would be a fulfillment of what was spoken to her by the Lord.”

46 And Mary said, “My soul magnifies the Lord, 47 and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior, 48 for he has looked with favor on the lowliness of his servant. Surely, from now on all generations will call me blessed; 49 for the Mighty One has done great things for me, and holy is his name. 50 His mercy is for those who fear him from generation to generation. 51 He has shown strength with his arm; he has scattered the proud in the thoughts of their hearts. 52 He has brought down the powerful from their thrones, and lifted up the lowly; 53 he has filled the hungry with good things, and sent the rich away empty. 54 He has helped his servant Israel, in remembrance of his mercy, 55 according to the promise he made to our ancestors, to Abraham and to his descendants forever.”

Sharing Joy and Hope

"Blessed is she who believed that there would be a fulfillment of what was spoken to her by the Lord" (v. 45). The good news about Elizabeth's pregnancy is revealed to Mary by Archangel Gabriel during the moment of the Annunciation (Luke 1:36). Full of grace and trust, Mary can't wait to share the joy she feels and hurries from Nazareth to the Judean hills to see her relative Elizabeth.

St. Luke doesn't tell us who accompanied this young Lady, who has to cross about one hundred miles over several days. Within this context, culture and time, a young woman would never travel alone.

Today's Gospel invites us to reflect on the main content of Mary's visit to Elizabeth's -- Trust in God's presence and His plan for us.

In Eastern culture, a person is proud of belonging to a family. They play their role in building and raising it through sharing its joys and sorrows, as Mary did with Elizabeth. Like Mary, our trust should feed our love, and our love should be expressed through acts.

Elizabeth's hospitality goes beyond social customs and traditions. There is a spiritual focus shared by both the host and the guest. The inspiration of the Holy Spirit is not necessarily an immediate or spontaneous activity. It is the fruit of deep friendship and a long faithful obedience to God.

Within an atmosphere of shared love and care, all the family members react harmoniously. Elizabeth, as the host, leads the party. She acknowledges Mary as the Mother of her Lord. Elizabeth feels honored to see her coming to visit with the Lord she carries in her womb. "Blessed are you among women and blessed is the fruit of your womb" (v. 42).

She is even more expressive in how she thanks God for this visit with great gratitude. "...Why has this happened to me, that the Mother of my Lord comes to me?" (v. 43).

John leaps with JOY at the voice of Mary greeting Elizabeth. Mary responds to Elizabeth's warm welcome. Just the present Jesus keeps silent, but He fills the whole surroundings with blessings.

This is the last Sunday of Advent. It introduces us to this Mystery of God's work and how blessed are those who trust, love, share, serve, thank and praise the Lord gratefully.

Let us pray for our families to live this spirit of Christmas with Jesus' Presence. May we host Mary and Jesus as Elizabeth and John did.

We wish you and yours a blessed Christmas and good preparing for a fruitful New Year!