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     The story of Mary's meeting with her cousin, Elizabeth, and the reaction of Elizabeth's child (John the Baptist) can occupy attention for a long time - centuries, in fact!  On one level, there's the mutual support and love of two women who both found themselves unexpectedly pregnant!  On another level there is the larger narrative in Luke about John the Baptist "recognizing" Jesus as the one "mightier than I." {Luke 3:16]  But over all, there is the joy of recognizing the fulfillment of God's promise to Israel.  Luke's infancy narrative includes the "canticles" of Zechariah (the "Benedictus") and Mary (the "Magnificat") which are both songs of celebration of God's fulfillment of the promise of salvation.

     In this scene, too, Mary and Elizabeth are presented as faithful disciples who believe that what was spoken by the Lord would be fulfilled.  The joy of the two female disciples is reflected liturgically in the alternative first scriptures for today from the Song of Songs and the prophet Zephaniah.  (Yes, there is also the realization that both children in this narrative will meet terrible destinies, but that would be getting way ahead of the story.)  For now, we can reflect not just on what has happened to Mary and Elizabeth, but what is happening to us as a result of their fidelity.  Advent is a season of prophetic reflection.  AMEN