December
24, 2000
Luke 1:39-45
Mary didn't waste a minute. She got up and traveled to a town
in Judah in the hill country, straight to Zachariah's house, and
greeted Elizabeth. When Elizabeth heard Mary's greeting, the baby
in her womb leaped. She was filled with the Holy Spirit, and sag
out exuberantly.
"You're so blessed among women,
and the babe in your womb, also
blessed!
And why am I so blessed that
the mother of my Lord visits me?
The moment the sound of your
greeting entered my ears,
The babe in my womb
skipped like a lamb for sheer joy.
Blessed woman, who believed what God said,
believed every word would come true!"
<The Message>
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1.
When the "angel" announcing conception explained things
to Mary she agreed and soon was off to compare notes with another
miraculous conception, that of Elizabeth. We are reminded of each
child is the holder of great expectations. Whether easily conceived
or not (out of an aged womb or a not yet socially acceptable womb)
a usual part of conception is the rising of hopes. This new one
will be a key to a better future.
2.
Blessing upon blessing. Blessings circle outward and inward at
the same time. Consider how you are blessed by John's and Jesus'
conceptions. Consider how they are blessed by your conception.
Consider how we are all interconnected. Consider the power of
belief and its connection with blessing. Simply, consider.
3.
From the Spiritual Formation Bible comes this suggestion.
"What happiness, what security, what joy to have someone
to whom you dare to speak on terms of equality as to another self,"
wrote the twelfth-century monk Aelred of Rievaulx in Spiritual
Friendship . What an apt description of Mary and Elizabeth's
spiritual kinship as both women face unusual, yet joyous, circumstances!
recall some of the special friendships you've experienced during
your lifetime. Call a friend or share a meal together, and reminisce
about your friendship. Tell your friend some of the ways in which
you consider him or her a blessing.