A reading from the gospel according to Luke 1:39-45
39 Mary set out and traveled to the hill country in haste to a town of Judah,
40 where she entered the house of Zechariah and greeted Elizabeth.
41 When Elizabeth heard Mary’s greeting, the infant leaped in her womb, and Elizabeth, filled with the Holy Spirit,
42 cried out in a loud voice and said, “Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb.
43 And how does this happen to me, that the mother of my Lord should come to me?
44 For at the moment the sound of your greeting reached my ears, the infant in my womb leaped for joy.
45 Blessed are you who believed that what was spoken to you by the Lord
would be fulfilled.”
Reflection: Blessed and joyful
1. Upon hearing of the pregnancy of her cousin Elizabeth, Mary went to visit her. Aware of Elizabeth’s old age, Mary thought her cousin’s pregnancy must be delicate and she wanted to be there not just to give comfort but also to help her in any way she can. During those times, Elizabeth’s husband Zechariah was mute and we can imagine the difficulties in their household. May we be like Mary who is always ready to help and comfort others especially those who are in great need. May God use us to be His channel of blessings to other people.
2. On Mary’s arrival, Elizabeth was overjoyed. Baby John in her womb also “leaped for joy”. Let us take time to visit others. We may never know what joy we can bring.
3. Filled with the Holy Spirit, Elizabeth immediately recognized the blessedness of her cousin Mary and the child Jesus in her womb. Indeed, the Holy Spirit allows us to discern the presence of God in others.
4. Those who believed in the word of the Lord are truly blessed (Verse 45). The word of God is always good news. Because God keeps His promises, trusting in Him is the best we can do. Like Elizabeth and Mary, let us allow ourselves to be instruments for the divine plan.
5. The motherhood of Elizabeth and Mary is a reminder of our own mothers. Although our birth may not be extraordinary like the birth of John the Baptist and Jesus, let us always give utmost value to the sacrifices of our own mothers when they gave birth to us. We are truly blessed because of our mothers.
