A Reflection on Mary and Elizabeth: The Visitation/ Mary Mother of Jesus Catholic Community/Fourth Sunday of Advent 2012

(Let us take several minutes to reflect on today's Gospel: (instrumental Christmas music is played in background as we contemplate this Gospel.)

Long ago, Mary, young, single, pregnant, sets out to the hill country to visit her cousin, Elizabeth , who after many years of patient waiting, is also expecting her first child...

In this visitation, Elizabeth warmly embraces Mary

and proclaims her “the Mother of my Savior” (Luke 1:43)...

In her prophetic greeting to Mary, Theotokos,  the God bearer,

Elizabeth reminds us that God’s promises to us are being fulfilled....

Emmanuel, God, our lover, is with us in times of joy and sorrow....

Each of us is the beloved of God ...

Like Mary, we are called to be God-Bearers today....

Like Mary and Elizabeth, we are called to speak words of encouragement in our “visitations” with all those we meet...

Like Mary and Elizabeth, in our solidarity, God’s promises are being fulfilled in our work for justice, peace and equality...

Like Mary and Elizabeth, we will face disbelief, rejection and many challenges...

Like Mary and Elizabeth, our response is help, thanks, wow...! (Read Anne Lamott's book, Help, Thanks and Wow)

Homily Reflection Sharing of Community: Which of God’s promises most inspires you with confidence?

Reflection by Bridget Mary Meehan, arcwp. www.arcwp.org, www.marymotherofjesus.org