The Fourth Sunday of Advent
A reflection from Father Frederick Zagone, S.J., University Chaplain
Gospel
Lk 1:39-45
Mary set out
and traveled to the hill country in haste
to a town of Judah,
where she entered the house of Zechariah
and greeted Elizabeth.
When Elizabeth heard Mary’s greeting,
the infant leaped in her womb,
and Elizabeth, filled with the Holy Spirit,
cried out in a loud voice and said,
“Blessed are you among women,
and blessed is the fruit of your womb.
And how does this happen to me,
that the mother of my Lord should come to me?
For at the moment the sound of your greeting reached my ears,
the infant in my womb leaped for joy.
Blessed are you who believed
that what was spoken to you by the Lord
would be fulfilled.”
Reflection: The gospel highlights the crucial role of the Holy Spirit in the lives of Mary and Elizabeth. The Spirit was present to Mary at the time of the visitation. The Spirit is present with Elizabeth as she hears Mary’s greeting. We hear the joy of the two women’s excitement as they welcome one another.
Each of us has been on a journey this Advent season. Like Mary, we search for someplace of comfort and safety. And like the birth of a child, our journey does not end on Christmas. It is only the beginning.
Questions to ponder: Am I in a place that I am ready to welcome Jesus into my life, into my heart, into my home?
Mary and Elizabeth had faith that went beyond common sense, allowing them to believe what they had been told was the truth. Can I say “Yes” to the will of God? Do I believe?
May the peace of God rule in your dreams. May your joys be fulfilled, and your prayers answered. May you have healing, health, happiness, and prosperity in the New Year. Have a Merry Christmas from all of us at Marquette University.