Advent Reflection - Week Two

Reflection this week is Luke 1:39-56.

The Visitation

In the Gospel of Luke, we will find Mary goes to visit her cousin Elizabeth. There is a beauty of looking at the connection of Mary and the Ark of the Covenant. What could this connection be one may ask? The Ark of the Covenant in the Old Testament (2 Samuel), is bridged to the New Ark of the Covenant found in (Luke 1:39-56). The Old Testament Ark of the Covenant contained manna which was rained down from heaven, the staff of Aaron, and the Ten Commandments. The New Covenant contained the word of God made flesh, the real Heavenly High Priest, and the real bread from Heaven. Mary is the mother of God, and is the True Ark of the Covenant. [1]

In the visitation described in the above Scripture verses, one can witness the humility amongst Mary and Elizabeth’s exchange. Both of these women show a pure and true reverence to God. Their humility stems from their lowly stature in the world, and that God would still choose them to be a part of His divine purpose and plan.

God honors Mary and Elizabeth’s humility. He grants them both with grace to confirm and affirm to one another, His plans for them.

“When Elizabeth heard Mary’s greeting, the baby leaped in her womb, and Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit. In a loud voice she exclaimed: “Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the child you will bear! But why am I so favored, that the mother of my Lord should come to me? As soon as the sound of your greeting reached my ears, the baby in my womb leaped for joy. Blessed is she who has believed that the Lord would fulfill his promises to her!” Luke 1:41-45

We too can feel overwhelmed by all God has done for us and calls us worthy. He too sends messengers our way to remind us we have heard correctly. Fr. Richard Peyton in his Rosary Prayer Book stated, “God cares for all, from the least things to the great events of the world. This is the meaning of God’s providence. Caring for my family, my friends, my faith, my talents, my duties, my circumstances–that is God’s Will for me.” [3]

During Advent, one can ponder on the exchanges of the greetings between Mary and Elizabeth. In doing so we should be able to recognize how God cares and loves us enough to place people in our lives to confirm the plans He has for us and to affirm our worthiness.

Take time this week to reflect on these Scripture verses. In what ways has God sent messengers your way this past year to confirm the plans He has for your life?

[1] Dr. Michael Barber Lecture Notes

[2] Sri, Edward P. The New Rosary in Scripture: Biblical Insights for Praying the 20 Mysteries

[3] Fr. Richard Peyton, Rosary Prayer Book

#Women #Jesus #God #Mary #Christian #Catholic