Advent 3rd Wk December 21, 2018
Reflection on the WORD
Elizabeth: In today’s Gospel, Elizabeth said the child in her womb leaped for Joy when they met Mary, the Mother of Jesus. Do our hearts also leap for joy when we ponder on how God continues to care and love us, regardless of how we have disappointed Him through our weaknesses and sins?
Lk 1:39-45
Mary set out at that time and went as quickly as she could into the hill country to a town in Judah. She went into Zechariah's house and greeted Elizabeth. Now it happened that as soon as Elizabeth heard Mary's greeting, the child leapt in her womb and Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit. She gave a loud cry and said, ‘Of all women you are the most blessed, and blessed is the fruit of your womb. Why should I be honoured with a visit from the mother of my Lord? Look, the moment your greeting reached my ears, the child in my womb leapt for joy. Yes, blessed is she who believed that the promise made her by the Lord would be fulfilled.’
Today's Pointers on God's Word
As you read the passage what words, phases or meanings caught your attention?
- •John the Baptist proclaimed the Messiah’s coming even before His birth as he leapt with joy in his mother’s womb. The Holy Spirit revealed to him the presence of the unborn King in Mary’s womb.
- •Mary accepted her mission as the Mother of God knowing that it would bring her both joy and sorrow. Her joy was not diminished by her sorrow because it was fuelled by her faith, hope and trust in God and His promises.
- •Jesus will always send us the Holy Spirit to empower us to bear any sorrow or pain. Have you experienced the divine joy of surrendering your life to God fully in faith and trust?