REFLECTION FOR TODAY
May 31, 2021
By Fr. Andrew Ibegbulem, OSA
Mary set out and traveled to the hill country in haste to a town of Judah, where she entered the house of Zechariah and greeted Elizabeth. When Elizabeth heard Mary’s greeting, the infant leaped in her womb, and Elizabeth, filled with the Holy Spirit, cried out in a loud voice, and said, “Most blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb.” Lk. 1:39-42
Our gospel reference today gives us a glimpse of the forceful love of God who cannot wait to pour into our hearts the joy no one can give. In this gospel reference, we are presented with the encounter the Blessed Virgin Mary had with Elizabeth as they greeted each other upon her arrival.
The Blessed Virgin Mary had traveled a long distance to be with her cousin for the last few months of her pregnancy. And upon greeting Elizabeth, a miracle occurred. The baby in the womb of Elizabeth, “leaped for joy.”
Elizabeth’s pure and humble response to the work of God in their lives must have brought great comfort to Mary. In Elizabeth, the Blessed Virgin Mary finally found someone she could share and marvel at what was happening to her. Who else at this time could understand the song welling up within the Heart of Mary?
While this meeting between Mary and Elizabeth is unique, there is something here that we can experience as Christians. If our eyes are more opened to the glory of the truth that we are capable of bearing Christ to others, we too could rejoice and be humbled in the presence of so holy a vessel as a sister or brother in Christ.
Joy is much more than an emotion. It is spiritual in nature. It is not only an experience of something fun, but also the experience of realizing the action of God in your life. Seeing God at work in wonderful ways leads to gratitude and rejoicing. This joy produces a strength and energy that is contagious and uplifting.
We must all strive to see the hand of God at work in our own lives so that our focus upon His divine actions will produce joy also. We need joy. We need to be strengthened by this gift so that we will be encouraged and strengthened as we daily strive to fulfill His will.
Reflect, today, upon the witness of joy that the Blessed Virgin Mary and Elizabeth give us. Know that you are called to share in the same joy as you humbly turn your attention to the ways in which God has blessed you. If you find that you lack joy in life, then consider where you allow your mind to wander throughout the day. Do you dwell on the past, on hurts, on problems and the like? If so, these thoughts will undoubtedly lead to depression and possibly even despair. Try to turn your mind to the action of God in your life. See the many blessings you have been given and savor those divine actions. Doing so will lead you to rejoice with Elizabeth and our Blessed Mother.
Lord Jesus, as You dwelt in the sacred womb of Your own dear mother, your presence caused much rejoicing in her heart and in the hearts of Elizabeth and John. Help me to see Your presence in our world and in my life so that I, too, will be filled with the joy of You constantly coming to me. Jesus, I trust in You.