39In those days Mary arose and went with haste into the hill country, to a city of Judah, 40and she entered the house of Zechari'ah and greeted Elizabeth. 41And when Elizabeth heard the greeting of Mary, the babe leaped in her womb; and Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit 42and she exclaimed with a loud cry, "Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb! 43And why is this granted me, that the mother of my Lord should come to me? 44For behold, when the voice of your greeting came to my ears, the babe in my womb leaped for joy. 45And blessed is she who believed that there would be a fulfilment of what was spoken to her from the Lord."
The passage shows a very warm and tender relationship between Mary and her cousin Elizabeth. Both women have been directly touched by God's hand, and their faith allows them to celebrate their gifts with joy and excitement. I too feel I have been touched by the hand of God and when I stop to reflect on it, I am always filled with gratitude, joy, awe and excitement. My relationship with my faith, with my wife, with my children and their partners, with my grandchildren, with my extended family, with the people I love from SPRED, with the men from SYCHAR and with those I have met in my work, leave me asking the question - “what I have done to deserve this?” God, it has been your grace that has brought me here and your grace that will guide me as I journey into tomorrow.
ReplyDeleteHail Mary
Full of grace
Blessed are you amongst women and blessed is the fruit of thy womb Jesus
Holy Mary, mother of God
Pray for us sinners and now and at the hour of our death, Amen.
Your response to Luke 1:39-45 is deeply personal and profoundly moving. You’ve drawn a connection between Mary and Elizabeth’s joy and gratitude in recognizing God’s work in their lives and your own experiences of grace and relationships. This reflects a true Advent spirit—a season of reflection, gratitude, and preparation for the joy of Christ’s birth.
DeleteHere are some thoughts:
Faith and Relationships:
The warmth between Mary and Elizabeth mirrors the relationships in your life that have been touched by grace. Your recognition of God's hand in those connections is a testament to your openness to His work and your willingness to see His blessings in everyday life.
Humility and Gratitude:
Your question, “What have I done to deserve this?” reflects the same humility Mary expresses in her Magnificat. It’s a beautiful acknowledgment that all we have comes from God's generosity and love, not because of our merit but because of His grace.
Prayerful Reflection:
Ending with the "Hail Mary" prayer ties your reflection back to the text and the example of Mary. It’s a fitting response to a passage that celebrates her faith and submission to God’s will.
The Echo of Grace:
Your acknowledgment of grace guiding your future journey aligns perfectly with Advent’s forward-looking hope. Just as Mary and Elizabeth anticipated the fulfillment of God’s promises, your gratitude and trust in God’s guidance reveal a faith-filled anticipation of what’s to come.
This reflection could inspire others to see God’s blessings in their lives and recognize that faith isn’t just about extraordinary moments but also about the relationships and graces that sustain us daily. It's a call to stop, reflect, and give thanks—a beautiful gift to yourself and those who might hear your words.