A reading of the holy Gospel according to Lk 1:39-45
Mary set outand traveled to the hill country in hasteto a town of Judah, where she entered the house of Zechariahand 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, “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 believedthat what was spoken to you by the Lordwould be fulfilled.”
REFLECTION
"The infant leaped in her womb"
Welcoming a baby is a life changing event. Everyone is filled with joy and anticipation for the new arrival. God has given the parents His creative blessing. One sets up the crib and rocking chair. Diapers, onesies, burp bibs, blankets are all neatly folded in the baby's dresser. As the arrival gets closer, suitcases are packed for that trip to the hospital. We don't think of the sleepless nights, the worries, anxieties, the baby spitting up and the cleaning up as we await to see the face of our baby. We know there might be crosses but we know it is worth it.
Support and help are always needed and that is exactly what Mary did. Mary did not hesitate with her "yes" to God and in her service to Elizabeth. She went in haste to help her elderly cousin.
The Israelites have been waiting for the Messiah. Mary and Elizabeth both know that the wait is over. Elizabeth let out a loud cry! John the Baptist leapt with joy!! Everyone knew!!
As excited as new parents, as excited as Mary, Elizabeth and John the Baptist, that is as excited we should be when we receive Our Lord. New life is given to us each time we receive the Lord. Our hearts should be swelling with joy that all our worries, all our problems, all our crosses will be carried by the One who gives us His Body and Blood in the Holy Eucharist. He is our help and our support. Mother Mary brings her Son to us as well as she did with Elizabeth.
As Advent is fast approaching the Birth of Jesus, let us rejoice. Help those in haste who need assistance in their lives. Bring Jesus to them.
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