Advent Wk 4th: Tuesday 21st December, 2021 December 21, 2021
Reflection on the WORD
Joy in the Lord: In today’s Gospel, Elizabeth, the cousin of Mary was overjoyed when Mary visited her. Her child, John the Baptist, leapt for joy in her womb! Ponder on, “Do our hearts leap for joy when we meet people who love God deeply? Do we find the peace and joy of God in our challenges? What brings joy to our hearts?”
Luke 1:39-45
Mary set out and went as quickly as she could to a town in the hill country of Judah. She went into Zechariah's house and greeted Elizabeth.
Now 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? For 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?