Luke 1:39-45 NRSVue
39In those days Mary set out and went with haste to a Judean town in the hill country, 40where she entered the house of Zechariah and greeted Elizabeth. 41When Elizabeth heard Mary’s greeting, the child leaped in her womb. And Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit 42and exclaimed with a loud cry, “Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb. 43And why has this happened to me, that the mother of my Lord comes to me? 44For as soon as I heard the sound of your greeting, the child in my womb leaped for joy. 45And blessed is she who believed that there would be a fulfillment of what was spoken to her by the Lord.”
“Copyright © 2021 National Council of Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.”
Reflection on Luke 1:39-45
Inspiration from 2024-12-22 Daily Prayer
Mary, in her kindness hastens to go to her elderly cousin, knowing that she will need help in her pregnancy. Elizabeth recognises the great privilege being given to her. Today, we have the privilege of being able to speak to our God and to Mary.
Elizabeth praises Mary for her great faith in believing the message of the angel. As Jesus grew up in Mary’s home from childhood to manhood, it must have been extraordinarily difficult for her to realise that this was God. In our prayer let us ponder with Mary over this mystery of our God who became one of us and who is with us now through his Spirit within us.
Further reflection
The Spirit of God in Elizabeth rejoiced in the presence of Mary. I pray for those who have been friends to me, for all whose companionship or example lifts my heart.
An expectant mother, Mary set out on her journey. She carried the Word within her. I draw inspiration from this scene and see in it a reminder of who I am this day: I carry the word of God in me as nourishment for me and for those around me.
It is good to spend time gazing at this scene. Two women meet, both of them specially blessed and both called to cooperate in the unexpected designs of God.
Elizabeth is given the special grace of an intimate insight and appreciation of what is happening and who is really present.
In life do I always appreciate what is happening and who is really present?