12/12/2022 (Monday) Today’s gospel reading: Luke 1:39-47

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, “Most 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.”
46 And Mary said: “My soul proclaims the greatness of the Lord;
47 my spirit rejoices in God my savior.”

12/12/2022 (Monday) Today’s gospel reflection: Luke 1:39-47

When Elizabeth heard the greeting of Mary, Elizabeth felt the infant leaped for joy in her womb. This is the message of Christmas – JOY. There is joy when we recognize Jesus. There is joy when somebody whom we love visits us. There is great joy when God Himself comes to us. Indeed God is the real source of joy. In fact, only God can give us real happiness.

Saint Paul tells us to always rejoice in the Lord (Philippians 4:4). The epistle of Peter also exhorts us to rejoice always and to pray without ceasing (1 Peter 1:8). Although we are unworthy, we are loved. Although troubles and trials are aplenty, we know they don’t last. When we believe in God, His goodness and kindness will follow us all the days of our lives (Psalm 23:6).

Why should we rejoice even in suffering? Because God is good! He has sent His only son to a world full of hatred and violence. Jesus was born and died for us therefore we rejoice because we are redeemed. Though the salvation of this world is far from over, we rejoice because we have hope that the Lord will come again and surely, goodness will triumph and everything will be under His dominion.

Now that we have a reason to rejoice, let us share it with others. Let us make the message the Christmas a message throughout the year. Like Mary who brought joy to Elizabeth, let our life bring joy to people we encounter.

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