Word to the Wise
Thursday, December 21, 2017 -
[Song of Songs 2:8-14 or Zephaniah 3:14-18a and Luke 1:39-45]When Elizabeth heard Mary's greeting, the infant leaped in her womb, and Elizabeth cried out in a loud voice and said, "Most blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb.......Blessed are you who believed that what was spoken to you by the Lord would be fulfilled." [Luke]
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 21, 2017
The story of Mary's visit to her cousin, Elizabeth, is familiar to us through the title of "the Visitation." It's a story of two unexpectedly pregnant women, one of them well past child-bearing age and the other pregnant by mysterious means! There would be much to share by way of understanding and comfort. There is also an "agenda" in the scene. Elizabeth's baby, John the Baptist, is shown to be glad of the arrival of Mary's baby, Jesus. This theme would be repeated later on in the Gospel According to Luke when John and Jesus begin their respective ministries. Jesus is always shown to be the greater one. Mary's trust that what was spoken to her would be fulfilled contrasts with Elizabeth's husband, Zechariah, who was doubtful of the angel announcing Elizabeth's pregnancy and was struck dumb until the child was born!
Faith, hope and love thus shine through the story. Faith is shown in God's plan of salvation. Hope is expressed in the new life within the two women. Love is shown in Mary's care for her cousin Elizabeth as a result of their cooperation in God's plan. The word of God offers us the possibility that we continue that cooperation in many ways by our own faith, offering hope and love to so many in this season. We have a lot to offer and to do! AMEN