Daily Gospel Reflection for December 21, 2021

Join us as we reflect, ponder, and pray together inspired by today's Gospel.

Reflection by Catherine Schipper

Today's Gospel: Luke 1:39-45

As we expectantly await the end of the Advent season, we have been invited to accompany Mary on her journey to visit Elizabeth. As you sit in prayer today, be patient a little longer as you pray alongside these two holy women. Mary is anticipating a joyous encounter as she goes “in haste” perhaps repeating the words, “for with God nothing is impossible.”

I imagine she continues to ponder the visit of the angel Gabriel bearing the news that Elizabeth has also conceived in her old age. So she quickens her pace as she traverses the countryside, reminding me of the words of Saint Clare of Assisi, “With swift pace, light step, unswerving feet, so that even your steps stir up no dust, go forward securely, joyfully and swiftly.” She followed her heart, not considering danger, difficulties, or a to do list; she simply followed the promptings of the Holy Spirit.

It is with joy and perhaps with questions that I travel alongside the Blessed Mother. It is eye-opening to walk beside her realizing that even though it is a long and arduous path, she only sees the beauty of creation. Her love, humility and holiness emanate as I walk beside her in prayer. It is easy to talk to her about the journeys in my life; so much to say as I walk and watch in wonder. Upon arriving at Elizabeth’s, it is an encounter of great joy. I become immersed in the mystery as they greet one another, hearing Elizabeth say, “Blessed art thou among women and blessed is the fruit of thy womb.” As my time of prayer is ending, I realize that Elizabeth’s greeting to Mary is alive and well today with every Hail Mary we pray.

Ponder:

How have you responded "in haste" when called to bring joy to a loved one?

Pray:

Hail Mary, full of grace, the Lord is with thee. Blessed art thou among women and blessed is the fruit of thy womb, Jesus. Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us sinners now and at the hour of our death. Amen.

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Not considering danger, difficulties, or a to do list, Mary simply followed the promptings of the Holy Spirit. #dailygospel

Copyright 2021 Catherine Schipper

I am a pilgrim on a journey through the unknown. As I near the end of 2020 and the many adventures of the pandemic, it is with hope that I dream new dreams of travel and being with my family.