Readings: Song of Songs 2:8-14, Ps. 33:2-3,11-12,20-21, Luke 1:39-45
“When Elizabeth heard Mary’s greeting, the child leaped in her womb. And Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit and exclaimed with a loud cry, ‘Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb. And why has this happened to me, that the mother of my Lord comes to me?’” (Luke 1:41-43)
- Our first reading today is from the Song of Songs. It is a passage about the beloved leaping upon the mountains like a gazelle, the beloved whose voice is sweet and appreciated. When we juxtapose this reading with our Gospel passage, we see Mary (the gazelle) going with haste to the hill country (leaping upon the mountains) to the house of Zechariah. We also see how Mary’s greeting made the baby in Elizabeth’s womb leap for joy, as the lover leaps for joy at the beloved's voice.
- Elizabeth, pregnant in her old age, is at home, hiding from people lest they begin to run their mouths. Mary, a young woman, comes to visit her. When Elizabeth hears Mary’s greeting, she opens her mouth and utters powerful words that would define Christianity for ages.
- Elizabeth tells us about Mary’s pregnancy: “Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb!” (Luke 1:42). Elizabeth introduces Mary to the world as the woman who is blessed among all women. Elizabeth and Angel Gabriel give us the “Hail Mary” prayer.
- Elizabeth added: “And why is this granted me, that the mother of my Lord should come to me?” (Luke 1:43). Let us pause to dwell on this verse. Mary had not yet given birth; Elizabeth was already honouring her as the “Mother of God.”
- It doesn’t end there; Elizabeth also said: “And blessed is she who believed that there would be a fulfilment of what was spoken to her from the Lord.” (Luke 1:45). Apart from addressing Mary as the Mother of God, Elizabeth reveals the reason why Mary attained such a glorious height; Mary believed the words spoken to her by the Angel Gabriel.
- How did Elizabeth know these things? The answer lies in Luke 1:41, “Elizabeth was filled with the holy spirit.” When we have the Holy Spirit in us, our utterances no longer come from our heads but from God. Elizabeth was not a priest nor was she a scholar, but by the Holy Spirit, she became a Dogmatic Theologian; she defined the doctrine of Mary as the Mother of God, and she began active devotion to Mary. This is why we must constantly pray to be filled with the Holy Spirit.
- Mary’s visit to Elizabeth teaches us to “rejoice with those who rejoice, and weep with those who weep.” (Romans 12:15). When you hear something good about someone you know, do you sincerely celebrate with them? Let us be like Mary, who was truly happy that Elizabeth had been blessed with a child despite her old age. If we fail to rejoice with those who rejoice (if we wish evil for others), we only attract negativity to ourselves.
- Mary’s visit to Elizabeth lasted for three months. This means she didn’t go there out of disbelief at Angel Gabriel’s message. She didn’t go there to confirm if Angel Gabriel was telling the truth. She went there to serve. Mary had the nature of putting herself in the shoes of those in need and coming to their rescue. This was the same character she displayed at the Wedding Feast at Cana. This is also why many have received countless miracles and favours when they sought her intercession.
- Finally, Elizabeth hid from people because she didn’t want people’s attention on her. She knew that not everyone wished her well, and there was no need to rub her blessing on anyone’s face. Mary, too, went to join Elizabeth in hiding for the same reason. Mary’s pregnancy was still a secret; she knew the dangers of exposing herself to the world. Learn to be quiet when you are blessed. There is no need to show off. Avoid the “I-better-pass-my-neighbour” mentality. Select your friends (your inner circle); make sure those you talk to share your faith in God.
Let us pray: Almighty, ever-living God, may the Holy Spirit overshadow us now and always. We ask this through Our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God forever and ever. Amen.
Be Happy. Live Positive. Have Faith. It is well with you. May God’s abundant blessings be upon us all. (December 21. Liturgical Colour: Violet. Bible Study: Song of Songs 2:8-14, Ps. 33:2-3,11-12,20-21, Luke 1:39-45).
@Rev. Fr. Evaristus E. Abu