Daily Gospel Reflection for December 21, 2018

Today's Gospel: Luke 1:39-45 “And how does this happen to me, that the mother of my Lord should come to me?” That’s what Elizabeth asked Mary upon greeting her at the Visitation. This is an intriguing thing to say, given that Elizabeth had not been privy to Gabriel’s request and Mary’s response at the Annunciation. She didn’t know that Mary had said yes to becoming the mother of the Savior, nor did she know Who it was that Mary carried in her womb. What prompted her to ask such an unusual question? It was the way her own child had leapt in her womb as soon as Mary had entered the house. “When Elizabeth heard Mary’s greeting, the infant leaped in her womb, and Elizabeth, filled with the holy Spirit.” In that instant, the holy Spirit revealed the astounding truth to Elizabeth. Our Lord’s presence in the Blessed Mother’s womb emanated such a holy force, so to speak, that both St. John the Baptist and his mother recognized him immediately. Upon recognizing the Christ, Elizabeth recognized that Mary was the woman, the blessed one among all women, the only one worthy of bearing God’s Son. The fulfillment of the prophecy was at hand. The Savior had come. This time of Advent just before Christmas resembles the time of the Visitation. We, like Elizabeth, await Mary’s visit. We, too, await the coming of the Savior and yearn for the peace that only he can bring. Also like Elizabeth, we might wonder how it is that we could be worthy of a visit from our Blessed Mother Mary. There’s so much yet to do before December 25! We don’t have all the practical things ready for Christmas, much less our hearts! Regardless, Mary will come, and she will bring her beloved Child to fill us with joy and amazement.

Ponder:

How will I recognize the Mother of my Lord and her Son when she arrives?

Pray:

Mother Mary, I want to be like Elizabeth at the Visitation, filled with the Spirit and focused on only the most important thing - the Savior. Please, help me to prepare myself and my loved ones for your approach! Amen.