[ Today's Readings ]
When Elizabeth heard Mary’s greeting,
the infant leaped in her womb,
Let's listen with Elizabeth to Mary's greeting.
Mary carries her LORD within her. She brings him to Elizabeth. She wants to bring him to us as well. Even before he reveals his face to the world at Christmas he reveals his presence through Mary. If let her bring her son to us we will be more prepared to welcome him this Christmas.
As we hear Mary's greeting let us be open to the Holy Spirit.
and Elizabeth, filled with the Holy Spirit,
cried out in a loud voice and said,
“Blessed are you among women,
and blessed is the fruit of your womb.
Elizabeth is filled with the Holy Spirit when Mary greets her. It is both the greeting of Mary and the presence of the savior which opens Elizabeth to the Holy Spirit.
Jesus is very much still hidden and mysterious when Mary comes to Elizabeth but the Holy Spirit reveals him.
And how does this happen to me,
that the mother of my Lord should come to me?
In many ways Jesus is still hidden in our world today. Even his coming at Christmas doesn't demand attention. It is easy to miss if we want. Everything else demands attention in this season, presents, people, and parties. But not Jesus. He invites and he welcomes but he does not demand. He does not clamor for attention. We need Mary to bring Jesus to us so that we can be filled with the Holy Spirit and so recognize his coming.
How else can we recognize the firm shepherd of the flock of Israel in a helpless babe?
He shall stand firm and shepherd his flock
by the strength of the LORD,
in the majestic name of the LORD, his God;
and they shall remain, for now his greatness
shall reach to the ends of the earth;
he shall be peace.
Mary is able to do this for us precisely because she believes that the promise the LORD made to her will be fulfilled. She trusts in God so completely that she is able to be completely transparent to his purpose in her.
She helps us to recognize his presence so that we understand the significance of the face, the body, and the flesh and blood, which are revealed on Christmas. As her son Jesus has these things from her. This too is because she trusts in God's promise.
By this “will,” we have been consecrated
through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once for all.
Let us hear Mary's greeting. Let us be open to the Spirit. He will reveal Jesus to us and help us to recognize him at Christmas. We can understand the full meaning of his coming and receive it as a gift which both he and Mary together offer to each one of us.
Once again, O LORD of hosts,
look down from heaven, and see;
take care of this vine,
and protect what your right hand has planted
the son of man whom you yourself made strong.
O Key of David,
opening the gates of God’s eternal Kingdom:
come and free the prisoners of darkness!
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