Gospel Lk 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:
“And how does this happen to me, that the mother of my Lord should come to me?”
I wonder what sacrifice my own mother made for me when she came to help my family with the arrival of each of our five children. She left her job to guide and care for us when I needed her most. There is always an uncertainty with the delivery of a new addition and a mother’s presence seem to set things right. She brings a peace and security into the realm of the family. When my mother was with us, I knew my children would be taken care of and she would share her wisdom in welcoming a newborn. No one else could give me this peace.
The spouse of the Holy Spirit, the mother of all mothers, went to the home of Elizabeth in haste, bringing with her the savior of the world. In turn, Elizabeth was given the Holy Spirit to speak God’s words and became the first witness to Mary’s lofty position. Elizabeth humbled herself before Mary and our Lord, showing us how to pray the rosary.
Our hearts can stir, recognizing her (Mary's) holy presence and her union with God. She comes each time we call and brings with her the wisdom and power of God.
Do we listen for Mary’s greeting and welcome her into our hearts as Elizabeth did? The mother of our Lord understands our needs and has great compassion for her children. When we pray the rosary, she is like a flaming sword fighting against evil for her children. What mother wouldn’t run to her children to protect them in times of trouble? Let us lower ourselves to be placed under her mantle, to stand behind her sword, so she can show us the way to receive her Son, the Holy One.
