Thursday of the Third Week of Advent
Today’s Reflection
Gospel: Lk 1: 39-45
December 21, 2023 | Thursday
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!”
Today’s Reflection:.
Two days ago, our gospel was about the annunciation of John the Baptist’s birth to Zechariah his father. Probably overwhelmed by the message he got from the angel while inside the Holy of Holies, Zechariah did not immediately believe the good news revealed to him. This might be the back story to Elizabeth’s greetings to Mary in today’s gospel: “Blessed are you, who believed that the Lord’s word would come true!” What Zechariah failed to believe, Mary wholeheartedly accepted and believed and there lies her blessedness. She is open to God’s plan of salvation and wholeheartedly cooperated to it. This Advent season, let us reflect on the word “blessed”. Think of how blessed you are and of the many blessings God had showered upon you. In turn, bless God for His goodness and love. / Vulnerasti, 2023
