Daily Scripture Reflection & Prayer: December 21, 2023

Date: Thursday of the 3rd Week of Advent  

 Scripture Text:  Luke 1:39-45

Mary set out in those days 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. And how does this happen to me, that the mother of my Lord should come to me? For at the moment the sound of your greeting reached my ears, the infant in my womb leaped for joy. Blessed are you who believed that what was spoken to you by the Lord would be fulfilled."

Breaking the text open – background and summary:

 The gospel reading for today shares with us the beginning of Mary’s encounter with Elizabeth, her cousin, after learning from Gabriel that Elizabeth had conceived and was pregnant. Mary went to be with Elizabeth and stayed with her for some time. While Mary’s generosity to Elizabeth and graciousness in coming to help Elizabeth is noteworthy for us as an example of care for others we should seek to follow, it is Elizabeth’s greeting to Mary that we should focus upon most deeply. Elizabeth recognized Mary as bearing our LORD as did the child in Elizabeth’s womb who leapt for joy.

Meditating on the text with personal questions:

 Do I recognize the LORD in others?

Praying:

LORD, Almighty Father, during this time of year when we busy ourselves with preparing for the celebration of your gift of your Son to us, we offer You our praise for all You are, loving Father and Creator. We thank You for the miracle of Jesus’ incarnation, for the gift of your only begotten Son, for the salvation of all. Send your Spirit to sharpen our vision so that we might more easily and surely see You at work in our world and our lives. Help us to recognize Christ within others who bear Him to the world in love. Grant that we might be bearers of Christ to others. We ask this in the name of your Son, Jesus Christ, who lives and reigns with You and the Spirit, one LORD, forever and ever. Amen.