Advent Wk 3rd: Thursday 21st December, 2023 December 21, 2023

Reflection on the WORD

Mary’s Faith in Action: In today’s Gospel account, Mary acted “as quickly as she could” to visit Elizabeth.  This is not primarily because Elizabeth needed her help in her pregnancy, but because for Mary, God’s Will must be responded with great commitment and promptness.  Ponder on: Do we often procrastinate in doing God’s Will e.g. for prayer, Mass etc?

Luke 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?

  • Mary was faithful to the Lord at all times. As a result she was able to help others to be open to the Holy Spirit’s promptings through her life.
  • As servants of God’s message of eternal salvation, we are to try to lead others to the Truth of God and thus, bring the deep peace that the people long for in life.
  • However, to do this, we need to be strong in our faith, courageous and selfless to accept God’s plan for us and live it out fervently and faithfully.