What does this teach us about Mary? That at the fullness of time, “God sent forth his Son, born of woman, born under the law, to redeem those who were under the law, so that we might receive adoption as sons.” (Galatians 4:4-5). Upon hearing the voice of Mary’s greeting, John the Baptist leapt (danced for joy) in Elizabeth’s womb. David upon hearing that the house of Obededom was blessed because of the presence of the ark of God went to bring it with great rejoicing. Mary, carrying Jesus in her womb spends three months in the house of Zechariah. In 2nd Samuel 6:10-11, we read of how the ark of the Lord which had been captured by the Philistines was returned to Israel and for three months it remained in the house of Obededom. Mary’s Visit Revealed Her as the New Ark of God. Upon this realization, Mary who had always considered herself as nothing other than God’s handmaiden was so full of joy that she opened her mouth to sing the Magnificat.ģ. Indeed, in the course of blessing Mary, Elizabeth became the first person to address Mary as the “Mother of my Lord.” It was upon hearing this that Mary felt the full grasp of what had just happened to her that she had become the Mother of God. Mary’s visit caused Elizabeth to be filled with the Holy Spirit and she gave a loud cry: “Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb.” True to her words, Mary is the most blessed of all women that ever lived and will ever live. When we visit the old, they may not have money or material things to give us but one thing they have in abundance is the ability to bless us. We Attract God’s Blessings and Gain Self-Knowledge We Visit the Old. Your Christmas will not be complete if you fail to be kind to your fellow brothers and sisters especially the old.Ģ. God was so kind to us in sending us His Son Jesus Christ, Mary was kind to Elizabeth by going to visit help her. What is my attitude to the sick and the old? When last did I visit my aged parents or relatives? Am I the type who only helps people when asked or do I put myself in the shoes of those in need like Mary? During this season of Christmas, one virtue we must learn to cultivate is kindness. ![]() Mary would do something similar again when she influenced Jesus to work his first miracle at the wedding feast at Cana having perceived that the couple would be embarrassed at the shortage of wine. Mary understood her need and came to her rescue. Elizabeth’s nickname was barren woman, she probably didn’t have friends and so, she needed someone to help her around the house given the fatigue that comes with pregnancy. Mary went there to stay with Elizabeth because she knew Elizabeth was old, and that she didn’t have a good reputation in her neighbourhood. Three months would have been too long for such a confirmation. Mary did not go there simply to confirm if Angel Gabriel’s words were true. The moment the Angel Gabriel announced to Mary at her kinswoman Elizabeth despite her old age was six-month pregnant, Mary arose and went with haste to the hill country to look for Elizabeth. One great lesson Mary teaches us today is the need to care for the aged. Like Jesus, Mary willingly offered to help Elizabeth in her three-month visit thereby teaching some vital lessons as far as the Christian life is concerned. As our second reading explains, when this great ruler (Jesus Christ) came into the world, it was not out of compulsion but with a willing heart. ![]() In our first reading, we hear the prophecy of Micah concerning the little town of Bethlehem how from it would come a ruler who will bring peace. Her visit brought so much joy and peace so much so that that the child in Elizabeth’s womb leapt for joy. On this last Sunday of the Advent season, our Gospel passage narrates Mary’s visit to her kinswoman Elizabeth. “In those days Mary arose and went with haste into the hill country, to a city of Judah, and she entered the house of Zechariah and greeted Elizabeth.” (Luke 1:39-40)
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