Today, we have the same Gospel reading that we will hear this upcoming Sunday on the 4th Sunday of Advent. I always find it interesting to note what events are included in our holy scripture and which are not. There is no record in the Gospels of the discussion between Mary and Joseph about what is about to happen in the birth of Jesus. Rather, today we hear the conversation between Mary and her cousin Elizabeth from the Gospel of Luke. Mary was probably a young teenager at the time of Jesus’ birth, while Elizabeth was her much older relative. Elizabeth responds to Mary’s news not with fear or bewilderment, but instead she responds with joy. Elizabeth tells her: “Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb, Jesus.” Elizabeth is surprised by Mary’s faith and is very appreciative of her faith, as Elizabeth proclaims: “Blessed are you who believed that what was spoken to you by the Lord would be fulfilled." Blessed is she who believed that there would be fulfillment of what was spoken to her by the Lord.” Indeed, blessed is anyone who believes despite all the obstacles and barriers, despite all the evidence to the contrary, despite any ridicule or peer pressure that tries to shut down that belief. God blesses us with his grace. He seeks to have Christ be born in our hearts so that we might believe that we might become his disciples. Blessed are we who dare to believe when God’s will acts in us in unique and unexpected ways.
Mary was indeed the first disciple, the first one who believed. Mary is a model of discipleship for us as well as being the Mother of God and the Mother of our Church – Our Mother. May the intercessory prayers of Mary give us guidance and strength in these last days of the Advent season. May her mother’s love bring us further along on our journey of faith.
No comments:
Post a Comment