Weekly thoughts on the Sunday Gospel, readings or a topic...

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seeing your life through the lens of the gospels – Luke 1:39-44
1. The greeting of Elizabeth to Mary, ‘Blessed are you among women and blessed is the fruit of your womb,’ is a joyful welcome of the child to come. Bringing new life into the world through pregnancy and birth is one of the most awesome human experiences. How have you experienced this for yourself or in someone close to you?
2. The image of the pregnant Mary going a distance to visit her cousin is a symbol of willingness to look beyond one’s own needs to the needs of others. When have you witnessed that kind of generosity in others, or have been able to act in this way yourself?
3. Mary is praised for her faith, because she believed the promise made her by the Lord would be fulfilled. In what ways have you experienced blessings from your faith and trust in God’s promises?  – John Byrne, OSA

The Deep End
Have you ever wondered why Mary travelled to visit Elizabeth? At first it is the excitement that comes through. Caught up in her wonderment at being pregnant and the news that her cousin is also expecting, Mary hurries off as quickly as she can. Perhaps the journey gives her time to reflect on everything that is happening. The precious moment when Elizabeth greets her is a lovely glimpse of the close friendship between the two women.
We know that Elizabeth is advanced in years, and that she and her husband Zechariah had not expected to ever have a child. After this encounter, we are told that Mary stays on with Elizabeth for three months; as a younger woman, it is fair to assume that she is there to help and support her cousin.
Pope Francis has described the visit as a lesson in service and joy, as well as demonstrating great courage. ‘Being of service and reaching out to others both require going out from themselves: going out to serve and meet others, to embrace another person. Through Mary’s service towards others, through that encounter, our Lord’s promise is renewed and makes it happen now, just as it did then.’
With just three days to go until Christmas it is a busy time. But it is also a time that offers many opportunities to reach out, whether it is to build bridges with family members, offer our time to someone who is lonely, or support a friend or neighbour who finds this time of year difficult.
– Tríona Doherty

(from Intercom)