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,
"Most blessed are you among women,
and blessed is the fruit of your womb.
Tobit cleverly presented two different dramas, separated by great distance; and, as the stories converged, revealed how God hears and answers our prayers in marvelous and clever fashion. Saint Luke uses the same trick to even more wonderful effect, as he presents the infancy narratives of Saint John the Baptist and Jesus of Nazareth.
All four evangelists recognized John as the forerunner of Jesus. Though their styles and messages were quite different, and they worked in very different places -- John in the Jordan River and Jesus in Capernaum and Jerusalem -- both were undoubtedly inspired by God and suffered a similar fate. It is only fitting that their nativities should be intertwined.
Today's gospel is the centerpiece of five different stories. There are two stories about John's conception and birth, and two stories about Jesus' conception and birth; the disparate narratives converge when their mothers Mary and Elizabeth meet.
If Saint Luke was not familiar with the phenomenon of Mary's apparitions throughout history -- including Mexico City, Lourdes, Knock, and Fatima -- he should have been. He created the format for her appearances! She travels a great distance; she appears unexpectedly; she is greeted with delight by the visionary; who expresses wonder and humility; and she brings good news of God's mercy.
The only thing different about this apparition is that Mary has not passed through the veil of death, but there is some dispute about whether she ever did!
Isaiah described her welcome mission as he sang,
"How beautiful on the mountains are the feet of those who bring good news; Announcing peace, bearing good news, announcing salvation....
The Church has always felt great affection for Mary and honored her with many titles. As she tells Elizabeth of her good fortune she becomes the first of Apostles and their Queen. May she bless her Church today as we announce the Joy of Christ to our family, neighbors, friends and strangers.
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I love to write. This blog helps me to meditate on the Word of God, and I hope to make some contribution to our contemplations of God's Mighty Works.
Ordinarily, I write these reflections two or three weeks in advance of their publication. I do not intend to comment on current events.
I understand many people prefer gender-neutral references to "God." I don't disagree with them but find that language impersonal, unappealing and tasteless. When I refer to "God" I think of the One whom Jesus called "Abba" and "Father", and I would not attempt to improve on Jesus' language.
You're welcome to add a thought or raise a question.