Word to the Wise
Sunday, December 20, 2009 - Fourth Sunday of Advent
[Micah 5:1-4A; Hebrews 10:5-10; Luke 1:39-45]Blessed are you who believed that what was spoken to you by the Lord would be fulfilled.
As I have mentioned before, the "infancy narratives" of the gospels are like "mini-gospels" with themes that echo what comes later. One of the major themes is that of discipleship, and Mary is portrayed as the model disciple. The line quoted above is said by Elizabeth when Mary arrives at her home. We are also told that Mary would keep things in her heart and ponder them. All of this is by way of reinforcing what true disciples should be doing. In the "visitation" account of today's gospel scripture, we also have Elizabeth as a model of a disciple. She recognizes the presence and status of Jesus and that her own son [John the Baptist] to be born is to be the herald of Mary's son. This would later be stated by John the Baptist in his preaching. The human dimension of the scene is poignant because both sons would eventually meet violent deaths. Both pregnancies are unexpected. As we move toward the celebration of the birth of Mary's son, we can find much to ponder and keep in our hearts. Give that crib set more than a second glance! AMEN
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