Word to the Wise
Friday, December 23, 2016 -
[Malachi 3:1-4, 23-24 and Luke 1:57-66,]When the time arrived for Elizabeth to have her child she gave birth to a son. Her neighbors and relativesheard that the Lord had shown his great mercy toward her, and they rejoiced with her. [Luke]
Those who know of couples who have had difficulty conceiving a child and after some years do succeed (as well as the couples themselves) can identify with Elizabeth (and Zechariah) in the joy of this occasion. Indeed it is seen as a manifestation of God's mercy. "Barreness" was viewed as a curse in biblical times, and our current secular "choose your baby" attitudes really does not appreciate the depth of this feeling. The angel Gabriel said it well, "Nothing shall be impossible with God."
Luke's narrative is designed to celebrate John the Baptist while making sure everyone realizes that John is not the "messiah." The Church follows that direction and dutifully schedules the feast of the nativity of John the Baptist on June 24, six months before Jesus' nativity, because Gabriel told Mary that Elizabeth was six months pregnant. John is ever the "forerunner."
Mary goes on a "mission of mercy" to be with her cousin in their mutually shared "unexpected pregnancies." These special joys are occasions of God's mercy. If we look around in this season, I'm sure we can find ways to rejoice with family or acquaintances or even people we never met before who can receive special mercy because we care. AMEN
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