Every Sunday, Bishop Edward Malesic writes a Scripture reflection for the faithful. Follow the bishop on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
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Today’s Gospel is set immediately after the Archangel Gabriel’s Annunciation to Mary that she would carry the Christ Child, the Son of God, into the world.
The newly pregnant Mary doesn’t skip a beat. The first thing she does is go “in haste” to Elizabeth, her cousin, who is also miraculously with child in her old age - and that child would become John the Baptist.
Mary doesn’t hesitate to bring her child to Elizabeth. In fact, Mary is eager to carry him to others.
When Mary arrived with Jesus in her womb, Elizabeth said, “And how does this happen the mother of my Lord should come to me?”
John, still unborn — in a sign that life begins well before birth — stirs for joy in his mother’s womb. Even unborn children recognize the presence of Jesus within Mary, his mother!
Why all this fuss over Mary in the Gospel of Luke? Because Mary is the one who is called “blessed” since she “believed” in the promises of God. She is the one that God prepared to be the mother of his son, and she did not fail God. She had faith in God.
But being a mother is not a temporary job. A mother can never undo the fact that she has conceived. And so, Mary will always be the “Blessed Mother” who brings Jesus with her wherever she goes.
If we stay close to Mary, we will stay close to Jesus. Conversely, if we stay close to Jesus, we will stay close to Mary.
“Hail Mary, full of grace, the Lord is with you. Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb, Jesus.”
As we fast approach the Christmas festival, the remembrance of the birth of Jesus, we will again find that Mary is nearby — and that she makes haste to bring her child to us, just as she always has, and always will.
The picture that I am attaching to this post is a painting by Manuel Farrugia, an artist from Malta. This work hangs prominently in the dining room of the Cathedral rectory. It shows the angel announcing God’s plan to Mary. But look closely. She is already pregnant, because she did not hesitate in her “Yes” to God’s plan for her. The angel is kneeling in adoration of the newly conceived child, Jesus.
By staying close to Mary, may we learn from her. May we believe in the promises of God without hesitation so that the Lord may make his home with us once again this Christmas.
And, although it is a bit early, I want to say to all of you, “Merry Christmas! Our God is with us!”
Have a blessed week and a blessed Christmas everyone.