Every Sunday, Bishop Edward Malesic writes a Scripture reflection for the faithful. Follow the bishop on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
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We now turn our full attention to preparing for the celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ, the Word made flesh.
The reading from Luke reveals a very pregnant Mary, pregnant with God’s only begotten Son, bringing him with her to be of service to Elizabeth who is also with child, surprisingly in her old age.
Many people view Advent through the lens of Mary. Mary, the one who said, “yes” to God’s will, becomes the servant of the world that had become old and tired in waiting for salvation. She will bring the antidote to the reign of sin, that separation from God, brought about by Adam and Eve’s disobedience. She willingly allows herself to be the sacred vessel that brings God to earth. She gives hope to the world. Redemption is possible, even desirable in the saving work of God, for nothing is impossible for God.
Yes, Mary comes to be our hope. She is the young virgin who ushers in the Christ, the Savior, Jesus our Lord. When we find ourselves feeling old and tired, she gives to us something ever ancient and ever new — God himself — God, as we recall, who is Love. The love that God has for us in Christ Jesus is what makes us new again. Remembering the birth of Jesus should make our hearts lift up in praise to God.
When we remain close to Mary, we always find her Son. Jesus is never far from his mother. Nor is his mother, Mary, ever far from him. She was there at his conception. She was there at his birth. She was there at his first miracle in Cana. She was there at his death. She was there soon after he came back from the dead. She will bring him to us, just as she brought him to Elizabeth. And when we receive Jesus, believe in him to be God’s Son, and follow him as his disciples, we find life itself, an abundant life that springs up to heaven.
As we move now toward the celebration of Christmas, we remember that Mary wants to lead us to salvation. She wants to serve us by bringing the life of her Son to us. She wants to comfort us and to give us hope, for unto us her child is born who is both Lord and God.
Let’s take the time to reflect on the words of Elizabeth: “And how does this happen to me, that the mother of my Lord should come to me?”
Have a blessed week everyone. And a Merry Christmas too!