Today’s Reflection
Gospel: Lk 1: 39-56
May 31, 2023 | Wednesday

Today’s Gospel

Mary then set out for a town in the hill country of Judah. She entered the house of Zechariah and greeted Elizabeth. When Elizabeth heard Mary’s greeting, the baby leapt in her womb. Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit, and, giving a loud cry, said, “You are most blessed among women; and blessed is the fruit of your womb! How is it that the mother of my Lord comes to me? The moment your greeting sounded in my ears, the baby within me suddenly leapt for joy. Blessed are you, who believed that the Lord’s word would come true!” And Mary said,

“My soul proclaims the greatness of the Lord, my spirit exults in God, my savior!

He has looked upon his servant, in her lowliness, and people, forever, will call me blessed.

The Mighty One has done great things for me, Holy is his Name!

From age to age, his mercy extends to those who live in his presence.

He has acted with power and done wonders, and scattered the proud with their plans.

He has put down the mighty from their thrones, and lifted up those who are downtrodden.

He has filled the hungry with good things, but has sent the rich away empty.

He held out his hand to Israel, his servant, For he remembered his mercy, Even as he promised to our father, to Abraham and his descendants forever.”

Mary remained with Elizabeth about three months, and then returned.

Today’s Reflection:

This Gospel began as Mary set off to travel in haste to the hill country to the town of Judah. When she arrived there, Mary went to the house of Zechariah and greeted her cousin, Elizabeth. When Elizabeth heard Mary’s greeting, the infant Elizabeth was carrying “leaped in her womb.” In that instant, Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit. Elizabeth said to Mary, “Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb. How is it that the mother of my Lord should come to me?” Was Elizabeth astonished at the words that she uttered? Where did these words come from? Clearly, Elizabeth had received this revelation from God. She knew that the child that Mary was carrying was a very special child. She realized that this child would be her Lord.

Do we take Jesus’ coming into the world for granted or are we amazed, astounded, and filled with joy that our Lord Jesus came to earth as a small, fragile, baby boy? He was born to peasants, not royalty. He wanted to become one of us. He wanted to walk among us. Today, Jesus will come to us. Most likely, He will come to us when we least expect Him. He may come disguised as a friend or He may come to us as the helping hand of a stranger. Perhaps, Jesus simply might even come in quiet and peace./Vulnerasti, 2023