Fourth Sunday of Advent
Lectionary: 12
Lectionary: 12
Thus says the LORD:
You, Bethlehem-Ephrathah
too small to be among the clans of Judah,
from you shall come forth for me
one who is to be ruler in Israel;
whose origin is from of old,
from ancient times.
Therefore the Lord will give them up, until the time
when she who is to give birth has borne,
and the rest of his kindred shall return
to the children of Israel.
He shall stand firm and shepherd his flock
by the strength of the LORD,
in the majestic name of the LORD, his God;
and they shall remain, for now his greatness
shall reach to the ends of the earth;
he shall be peace.
You, Bethlehem-Ephrathah
too small to be among the clans of Judah,
from you shall come forth for me
one who is to be ruler in Israel;
whose origin is from of old,
from ancient times.
Therefore the Lord will give them up, until the time
when she who is to give birth has borne,
and the rest of his kindred shall return
to the children of Israel.
He shall stand firm and shepherd his flock
by the strength of the LORD,
in the majestic name of the LORD, his God;
and they shall remain, for now his greatness
shall reach to the ends of the earth;
he shall be peace.
Responsorial Psalm Ps 80:2-3, 15-16, 18-19.
R. (4) Lord,
make us turn to you; let us see your face and we shall be saved.
O shepherd of Israel, hearken,
from your throne upon the cherubim, shine forth.
Rouse your power,
and come to save us.
R. Lord, make us turn to you; let us see your face and we shall be saved.
Once again, O LORD of hosts,
look down from heaven, and see;
take care of this vine,
and protect what your right hand has planted
the son of man whom you yourself made strong.
R. Lord, make us turn to you; let us see your face and we shall be saved.
May your help be with the man of your right hand,
with the son of man whom you yourself made strong.
Then we will no more withdraw from you;
give us new life, and we will call upon your name.
R. Lord, make us turn to you; let us see your face and we shall be saved.
O shepherd of Israel, hearken,
from your throne upon the cherubim, shine forth.
Rouse your power,
and come to save us.
R. Lord, make us turn to you; let us see your face and we shall be saved.
Once again, O LORD of hosts,
look down from heaven, and see;
take care of this vine,
and protect what your right hand has planted
the son of man whom you yourself made strong.
R. Lord, make us turn to you; let us see your face and we shall be saved.
May your help be with the man of your right hand,
with the son of man whom you yourself made strong.
Then we will no more withdraw from you;
give us new life, and we will call upon your name.
R. Lord, make us turn to you; let us see your face and we shall be saved.
Reading 2 Heb 10:5-10
Brothers and sisters:
When Christ came into the world, he said:
"Sacrifice and offering you did not desire,
but a body you prepared for me;
in holocausts and sin offerings you took no delight.
Then I said, 'As is written of me in the scroll,
behold, I come to do your will, O God.'"
First he says, "Sacrifices and offerings,
holocausts and sin offerings,
you neither desired nor delighted in."
These are offered according to the law.
Then he says, "Behold, I come to do your will."
He takes away the first to establish the second.
By this "will," we have been consecrated
through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once for all.
When Christ came into the world, he said:
"Sacrifice and offering you did not desire,
but a body you prepared for me;
in holocausts and sin offerings you took no delight.
Then I said, 'As is written of me in the scroll,
behold, I come to do your will, O God.'"
First he says, "Sacrifices and offerings,
holocausts and sin offerings,
you neither desired nor delighted in."
These are offered according to the law.
Then he says, "Behold, I come to do your will."
He takes away the first to establish the second.
By this "will," we have been consecrated
through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once for all.
Gospel Lk 1:39-45
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,
"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."
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,
"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."
www.usccb.org
Scripture Study
December 23, 2012 Fourth Sunday of Advent
On this fourth and last Sunday of Advent we approach our more
immediate preparations for the celebration of Christmas. The readings bring to
mind questions on which to focus our attention as we search for those obstacles
that prevent us from being ready to whole-heartedly welcome Our Lord at His
return. We who believe must be serious about how we spend our time as we wait
for the Lord's return. We too should seek to say "I come to do your will,
O God." What are the things that get in the way of sincerly repeating
those words and then living them out day by day?
NOTES on First Reading:
* 5:1 (2) There is some confusion of
verse numbering between the Greek and Hebrew texts. The Hebrew texts and
translations that follow them such as KJV, NIV, NRSV start Chapter 5 one verse
before the Greek texts and those translations that follow them such as the NAB,
the Jerusalem Bible, and the New Jerusalem Bible. The prophet establishes a
contrast between Bat-gader (Micah 4:13(14)), where the king of Israel is under
attack by the Assyrians, and the tiny city and clan of Bethlehem-Ephrathah. It
was known as the home of the ancient Davidic dynasty which had the promise of
the messianic King who is to be ruler in Israel. It was this verse that the advisors
to King Herod quoted in Matthew 2:6.
* 5:2 (3)She who is to give birth: the
mother of the Messiah; Isaiah 7:14.
* 5:4a (5a) Only he first few words are
included in the reading in order to finish the English sentence.
NOTES on Second Reading:
* 10:5-7 A passage from Psalm 40:7-9 is
used as the basis for this portion of the letter. The words of the psalm are
described as if spoken by the Son at his incarnation. The author follows the
Septuagint (Greek) text. There is a notable difference in Hebrews 10:5 (Psalm
40:6), where the Masoretic (Hebrew) text reads "ears you have dug for
me" ("ears open to obedience you gave me,"), but most Septuagint
manuscripts have "a body you prepared for me," which seems to better
fit the interpretation of Hebrews.
* 10:5-6 These sentiments on the part
of God are not new with Paul. They were frequently expressed by the prophets
although the prophets were typically seeking for purity of heart in the cultic
sacrifices. See Ps 40:6-8 50:8; Isa 1:11 Jer 6:20 Am 5:21,22; Ge 3:15 Isa 7:14
Jer 31:22.
* 10:8 The four terms, sacrifices and
offerings, holocausts and sin offerings, are taken from the preceding passage
of Psalm 40 (with the first two changed to plural forms) and are probably
intended as equivalents to the four principal types of Old Testament
sacrifices: peace offerings (Lev 3, here called sacrifices); cereal offerings
(Lev 2, here called offerings); holocausts (Lev 1); and sin offerings (Lev
4-5). This last category includes the guilt offerings of Lev 5:14-19.
NOTES on Gospel:
* 1:39 The town was probably Hebron, a
city of the priests, located in the hills of Judea, Jos. 11:21; 21:11, 13.
Hebron is 25 miles south of Jerusalem, and nearly 100 miles from Nazareth.
Luke's purpose in depicting the "Visitation" is not simply to show
Mary's concern and charity toward Elizabeth. Rather he has literary and
theological reasons for telling us about this journey. Luke brings together the
two mothers-to-be so that they may both praise God for His activity in their
lives and so that Elizabeth's son may be portrayed as the "precursor"
of Mary's son.
* 1:41 Here the pre-born Christ goes to
the pre-born John and John stirs with the Holy Spirit in his mother's womb as
was foretold to Zechariah; 1:15. The Septuagint version provides a parallel in
the leaping of Esau and Jacob in Gen 25:22. The context combined with verse 44
indicates that John recognizes the presence of the Lord Jesus.
* 1:42 This verse combined with verse
28 is the source of the first half of the "Angelic Salutation" or
"Hail Mary".
* 1:43 Even before his birth, Jesus is
identified in Luke as the Lord.
* 1:44 Joy was the response of John at
the approach of the Lord. It is an appropriate response to the fulfillment of
the promises of a faithful God.
* 1:45 Elizabeth's statement portrays
Mary as a believer whose faith stands in contrast to the disbelief of Zechariah
, Luke 1:20. Mary's role as believer in the infancy narrative should be seen in
connection with the explicit mention of her presence among "those who
believed" after the resurrection at the beginning of the Acts of the
Apostles, Acts 1:14. Luke often uses Mary as a model of faith.
www.st-raymond-dublin.org
Meditation: Joyful Anticipation of the Messiah
Do you recognize the indwelling
presence of the Lord Jesus in your life? Blessed are you if you see and
recognize the Lord with the "eyes of faith". The word
"blessed" [makarios in
Greek] literally means "happiness" or "beatitude". It
describes a kind of joy which is serene and untouchable, self-contained, and
independent from chance and changing circumstances of life. There is a certain
paradox for those "blessed" by the Lord. Mary was given the
"blessedness" of being the mother of the Son of God. That blessedness
also would become a sword which pierced her heart as her Son died upon the
cross. Anselm, a great teacher and Archbishop of Canterbury (1033-1109), spoke
these words in a homily: "Without God's Son nothing could exist; without
Mary's son, nothing could be redeemed." To be chosen by God is an awesome
privilege and responsibility. Mary received both a crown of joy and a cross of
sorrow. Her joy was not diminished by her sorrow because it was fueled by her
faith, hope, and trust in God and his promises. Jesus promised his disciples
that "no one will take your joy from you" (John 16:22). The Lord
gives us a supernatural joy which enables us to bear any sorrow or pain and
which neither life nor death can take away. Do you know the joy of a life given
over to God in faith and trust?What is the significance of Mary's visit to her cousin Elizabeth before the birth of Jesus? When Elizabeth greeted Mary and recognized the Messiah in Mary's womb they were filled with the Holy Spirit and with a joyful anticipation of the fulfilment of God's promise to give a Savior. What a marvelous wonder for God to fill not only Elizabeth's heart with his Holy Spirit but the child in her womb as well. John the Baptist, even before the birth of the Messiah, pointed to his coming and leapt for joy in the womb of his mother as the Holy Spirit revealed to him the presence of the King to be born. The Holy Spirit is God's gift to us to enable us to know and experience the indwelling presence of God and the power of his kingdom. The Holy Spirit is the way in which God reigns within each of us. Do you live in the joy and knowledge of God's indwelling presence with you through his Holy Spirit?
"Lord Jesus, fill me with your Holy Spirit and give me joy in seeking you more earnestly. Increase my faith in all your promises, my hope in the joy of heaven, and my love for You as my All."
www.dailyscripture.net
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From Beggar
to Benefactor
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Fourth Sunday of Advent
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Father Barry O’Toole, LC
Luke 1: 39-45
In those days Mary
set out and went with haste to a Judean town in the hill country, where she
entered the house of Zechariah and greeted Elizabeth. When Elizabeth heard
Mary´s greeting, the child leaped in her womb. And Elizabeth was filled with
the Holy Spirit and exclaimed with a loud cry, "Blessed are you among
women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb. And why has this happened to
me, that the mother of my Lord comes to me? For as soon as I heard the sound
of your greeting, the child in my womb leaped for joy. And blessed is she who
believed that there would be a fulfillment of what was spoken to her by the
Lord."
Introductory Prayer: Lord, you know the
reality of my life and how much I need your grace. I believe that you love me
and desire the best for me. I, too, want to respond to your love, and thus,
with humility, I ask for your sanctifying grace. As I contemplate the wonders
you worked in Mary’s and Elizabeth’s lives, I desire to imitate their
attitudes and convictions, so that you will be able to transform my life.
Petition: Lord, make me an instrument of your grace
and peace.
1. Right to the Doorstep: After receiving God’s
messenger into her life, Mary then becomes God’s messenger to her cousin
Elizabeth. In such a short time Mary has learned so much from her Son. She
delivers Christ right to Elizabeth’s doorstep and knocks. Without Elizabeth’s
consent, Mary can go no farther. Elizabeth comprehends in an instant that
this is more than a courtesy visit. Her child, John the Baptist, helps her to
understand as he leaps for joy upon hearing Mary’s voice and perceiving
Christ’s presence. Elizabeth allows them to enter her house, and Mary and
Jesus begin to transform this family’s life. John and Elizabeth are filled
with the Holy Spirit, and Elizabeth immediately becomes an apostle and
prophet of God.
2. The Cooperation of Man and God: Mary is always willing
to help because she is so humble. Despite the fact that she is also pregnant,
she doesn’t hesitate to perform small acts of charity and help with the
ordinary chores around the house. However, Mary was also an instrument of the
Holy Spirit as she went about her work, and, as with Elizabeth, the Holy
Spirit was able to touch the hearts of others and to bring about their
transformation by instilling sanctifying grace. Have I achieved a degree of
holiness that I might also become an effective instrument of God for those
around me?
3. The Spontaneous Magnificat: The presence of God
in Mary’s and Elizabeth’s souls can be seen in two ways. First, they both
glorify God for the marvelous things he is doing in their lives: Elizabeth
praises Mary for having brought the Savior into her life and for filling her
child with the Holy Spirit even before he is born. Mary, in turn, praises God
in the beautiful prayer of the Magnificat. Second, both Elizabeth and Mary
become the first witnesses of the arrival of the Messiah. Every true
encounter with Christ necessarily leads us to become his apostles. Have I,
too, encountered Christ through prayer, the sacraments and service to my
neighbor? Have I helped others to experience God’s loving presence in their
lives?
Conversation with Christ: Lord, during this
time of prayer, I want to enter into a deeper relationship with you. I want
to experience your loving presence in the daily activities of my life. As
Christmas Day approaches, I want to grow in my love for you. I want to share
this love with others by imitating your meekness and humility. Please, do not
pass by me this Christmas without granting me at least this grace. Transform
this plea, the supplication of this beggar, into the treasure of a benefactor
for others.
Resolution: Today, I will strive to share my experience
of God with at least one person I meet.
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www.regnumchristi.com
SUNDAY, DECEMBER 23
LUKE 1:39-45
FOURTH SUNDAY OF ADVENT
(Micah 5:1-4a; Psalm 80; Hebrews 10:5-10)
KEY VERSE: "Blessed are you who believed that what was spoken to you by the Lord would be fulfilled" (v 45).
READING: In the beautiful Canticle of Solomon (the Song of Songs), the bridegroom addressed his bride: "Arise, my beloved, my beautiful one, and come!" (Songs 2:13). Mary was God's obedient servant who responded to the Divine call in her life. Mary was accorded the greatest honor and privilege given to a Jewish woman, that of being the mother of the long-awaited Messiah. When the angel Gabriel announced that her aged kinswoman Elizabeth was also pregnant, Mary hastened to travel the four day journey to the hill country of Judah. When Elizabeth heard Mary's greeting, the babe in her womb leaped for joy, just as King David danced with exultation before the Ark of the Covenant (2 Sam 6:9, 14). Elizabeth's wonderment echoed David's joy when the Arc was brought to Jerusalem: "How can the ark of the Lord come to me?" Mary was the Arc of the New Covenant as she bore her divine son in her womb. Elizabeth proclaimed that Mary was blessed because of her trust that the Lord's words to her would be fulfilled.
REFLECTING: In what ways can I bear Christ to the world?
PRAYING: Mary, my mother, help me to serve the Lord with joyful obedience.
LUKE 1:39-45
FOURTH SUNDAY OF ADVENT
(Micah 5:1-4a; Psalm 80; Hebrews 10:5-10)
KEY VERSE: "Blessed are you who believed that what was spoken to you by the Lord would be fulfilled" (v 45).
READING: In the beautiful Canticle of Solomon (the Song of Songs), the bridegroom addressed his bride: "Arise, my beloved, my beautiful one, and come!" (Songs 2:13). Mary was God's obedient servant who responded to the Divine call in her life. Mary was accorded the greatest honor and privilege given to a Jewish woman, that of being the mother of the long-awaited Messiah. When the angel Gabriel announced that her aged kinswoman Elizabeth was also pregnant, Mary hastened to travel the four day journey to the hill country of Judah. When Elizabeth heard Mary's greeting, the babe in her womb leaped for joy, just as King David danced with exultation before the Ark of the Covenant (2 Sam 6:9, 14). Elizabeth's wonderment echoed David's joy when the Arc was brought to Jerusalem: "How can the ark of the Lord come to me?" Mary was the Arc of the New Covenant as she bore her divine son in her womb. Elizabeth proclaimed that Mary was blessed because of her trust that the Lord's words to her would be fulfilled.
REFLECTING: In what ways can I bear Christ to the world?
PRAYING: Mary, my mother, help me to serve the Lord with joyful obedience.
O EMMANUEL
O Emmanuel, God is With Us: "O Emmanuel, king and lawgiver, desire of the nations, Savior of all people, come and set us free, Lord our God." See Isaiah 7:14
O Emmanuel, God is With Us: "O Emmanuel, king and lawgiver, desire of the nations, Savior of all people, come and set us free, Lord our God." See Isaiah 7:14
www.daily-word-of-life.com
Lord,
make us turn to you; let us see your face and we shall be saved
Was it the
urging of her heart that sent Mary over the hills to visit Elizabeth?Someone once said, ‘Mission rises from within, it is an unspoken itch in the heart.’ Today we are reminded that Mary’s mission was to carry Jesus to the world. Mary responded to the urge in her heart to visit her cousin, who was old to be bearing her first child. Elizabeth’s greeting also rose from the heart.
We can see Mary as our model for mission, and we do well to ask for her help in discerning our role in the kingdom: she never keeps us for herself, she always turns us towards her son. We remember her words at Cana: ‘Do whatever he tells you.’ Our Lady of the Way, pray for us.
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December 23
St. John Kanty
(1390?-1473)
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| St.John of Kanty |
John was a country lad who made good in
the big city and the big university of Kraków, Poland. After brilliant studies
he was ordained a priest and became a professor of theology. The inevitable
opposition which saints encounter led to his being ousted by rivals and sent to
be a parish priest at Olkusz. An extremely humble man, he did his best, but his
best was not to the liking of his parishioners. Besides, he was afraid of the
responsibilities of his position. But in the end he won his people’s hearts.
After some time he returned to Kraków and taught Scripture for the remainder of
his life.
He was a serious
man, and humble, but known to all the poor of Kraków for his kindness. His
goods and his money were always at their disposal, and time and again they took
advantage of him. He kept only the money and clothes absolutely needed to
support himself. He slept little, and then on the floor, ate sparingly, and
took no meat. He made a pilgrimage to Jerusalem, hoping to be martyred by the
Turks. He made four pilgrimages to Rome, carrying his luggage on his back. When
he was warned to look after his health, he was quick to point out that, for all
their austerity, the fathers of the desert lived remarkably long lives.
Comment:
John of Kanty is a typical saint: He was kind, humble and generous, he suffered opposition and led an austere, penitential life. Most Christians in an affluent society can understand all the ingredients except the last: Anything more than mild self-discipline seems reserved for athletes and ballet dancers. Christmas is a good time at least to reject self-indulgence.
John of Kanty is a typical saint: He was kind, humble and generous, he suffered opposition and led an austere, penitential life. Most Christians in an affluent society can understand all the ingredients except the last: Anything more than mild self-discipline seems reserved for athletes and ballet dancers. Christmas is a good time at least to reject self-indulgence.
LECTIO: 4TH SUNDAY OF
ADVENT (C)
Lectio:
Sunday,
December 23, 2012
Mary’s visit to
Elisabeth
God reveals himself in the simplest things
Luke 1:39-45
God reveals himself in the simplest things
Luke 1:39-45
1. Opening prayer
Lord Jesus, send your Spirit to help us to read the Scriptures with the same mind that you read them to the disciples on the way to Emmaus. In the light of the Word, written in the Bible, you helped them to discover the presence of God in the disturbing events of your sentence and death. Thus, the cross that seemed to be the end of all hope became for them the source of life and of resurrection.
Create in us silence so that we may listen to your voice in Creation and in the Scriptures, in events and in people, above all in the poor and suffering. May your word guide us so that we too, like the two disciples from Emmaus, may experience the force of your resurrection and witness to others that you are alive in our midst as source of fraternity, justice and peace. We ask this of you, Jesus, son of Mary, who revealed to us the Father and sent us your Spirit. Amen.
Lord Jesus, send your Spirit to help us to read the Scriptures with the same mind that you read them to the disciples on the way to Emmaus. In the light of the Word, written in the Bible, you helped them to discover the presence of God in the disturbing events of your sentence and death. Thus, the cross that seemed to be the end of all hope became for them the source of life and of resurrection.
Create in us silence so that we may listen to your voice in Creation and in the Scriptures, in events and in people, above all in the poor and suffering. May your word guide us so that we too, like the two disciples from Emmaus, may experience the force of your resurrection and witness to others that you are alive in our midst as source of fraternity, justice and peace. We ask this of you, Jesus, son of Mary, who revealed to us the Father and sent us your Spirit. Amen.
2. Reading
a) A key to the
reading:
Today’s Gospel describes Mary’s visit with her
cousin Elisabeth. They knew each other. They were related. But during the
meeting, they discover in each other a mystery that they did not yet know and
that fills them with great joy. How often does it happen that we meet people
whom we know, but who surprise us by their wisdom and by their witness of the
faith! It is thus that God reveals himself and allows us to know the mystery of
his presence in our lives.
The text of this Gospel of the fourth Sunday of Advent does not include Mary’s canticle (Lk 1:46-56) and barely describes Mary’s visit with Elisabeth (Lk 1:39-45). In this brief commentary we take the liberty of including Mary’s canticle because it helps us better understand the meaning of the two women’s experience at the moment of this visit. The canticle reveals that what Mary experienced when Elisabeth greeted her helps her perceive the presence of God’s mystery not just in the person of Elisabeth, but also in her own life and in the history of her people.
As you read the text, try to pay attention to the following: “What gestures, words and comparisons made by Mary and Elisabeth express the discovery of God’s presence in their lives?”
The text of this Gospel of the fourth Sunday of Advent does not include Mary’s canticle (Lk 1:46-56) and barely describes Mary’s visit with Elisabeth (Lk 1:39-45). In this brief commentary we take the liberty of including Mary’s canticle because it helps us better understand the meaning of the two women’s experience at the moment of this visit. The canticle reveals that what Mary experienced when Elisabeth greeted her helps her perceive the presence of God’s mystery not just in the person of Elisabeth, but also in her own life and in the history of her people.
As you read the text, try to pay attention to the following: “What gestures, words and comparisons made by Mary and Elisabeth express the discovery of God’s presence in their lives?”
b) A division of the
text to help with the reading:
Luke 1:39-40: Mary leaves home to visit her
cousin Elisabeth
Luke 1:41: When Elisabeth hears Mary’s greeting, she experiences God’s presence
Luke 1:42-44: Elisabeth greets Mary
Luke 1:45: Elisabeth praises Mary
Luke 1:46-56: The Magnificat, Mary’s canticle
Luke 1:41: When Elisabeth hears Mary’s greeting, she experiences God’s presence
Luke 1:42-44: Elisabeth greets Mary
Luke 1:45: Elisabeth praises Mary
Luke 1:46-56: The Magnificat, Mary’s canticle
c) Text:
39 Mary set out at
that time and went as quickly as she could into the hill country to a town in
Judah. 40 She went into Zechariah's house and greeted Elizabeth. 41 Now it
happened that as soon as Elizabeth heard Mary's greeting, the child leapt in
her womb and Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit. 42 She gave a loud cry
and said, 'Of all women you are the most blessed, and blessed is the fruit of
your womb. 43 Why should I be honoured with a visit from the mother of my Lord?
44 Look, the moment your greeting reached my ears, the child in my womb leapt
for joy. 45 Yes, blessed is she who believed that the promise made her by the
Lord would be fulfilled.'
46 And Mary said: My soul proclaims the greatness of the Lord
46 And Mary said: My soul proclaims the greatness of the Lord
47 and my spirit rejoices in God my Saviour;
48 because he has looked upon the humiliation of his servant. Yes, from now onwards all generations will call me blessed,
49 for the Almighty has done great things for me. Holy is his name,
50 and his faithful love extends age after age to those who fear him.
51 He has used the power of his arm, he has routed the arrogant of heart.
52 He has pulled down princes from their thrones and raised high the lowly.
53 He has filled the starving with good things, sent the rich away empty.
54 He has come to the help of Israel his servant, mindful of his faithful love
55 -according to the promise he made to our ancestors -- of his mercy to Abraham and to his descendants for ever.
56 Mary stayed with her some three months and then went home.
3. A moment of
prayerful silence
so that the Word of God may penetrate and
enlighten our life.
4. Some questions
to help us in our personal reflection.
a) What pleased or touched you most in this
text? Why?
b) What gestures, words and comparisons express Elisabeth’s discovery of the presence of God in her life and that of Mary?
c) With what gestures, words and comparisons does Mary express her discovery of God’s presence in her life, in that of Elisabeth and in her people’s history?
d) What is the source of the joy of both women?
e) What symbol from the Old Testament is recalled and realized in the description of this visit?
f) Where and how does the joy of God’s presence occur in my life and that of my family and community?
b) What gestures, words and comparisons express Elisabeth’s discovery of the presence of God in her life and that of Mary?
c) With what gestures, words and comparisons does Mary express her discovery of God’s presence in her life, in that of Elisabeth and in her people’s history?
d) What is the source of the joy of both women?
e) What symbol from the Old Testament is recalled and realized in the description of this visit?
f) Where and how does the joy of God’s presence occur in my life and that of my family and community?
5. For those who
wish to go deeper into the theme
a) Yesterday’s and
today’s contexts:
In Matthew’s Gospel, Jesus’ childhood is
centred on the figure of Joseph, Jesus’ putative father. It is through “Joseph
the husband of Mary” (Mt 1:16), that Jesus becomes David’s descendant, able to
fulfil the promises made to David. On the other hand, in Luke’s Gospel Jesus’
childhood is centred on the person of Mary, “the betrothed of Joseph” (Lk
1:27). Luke does not say much about Mary, but what he does say is very deep and
important. He presents Mary as model of life for the Christian communities. The
key to seeing Mary in this light is what Jesus says to his mother: “More
blessed still are those who hear the word of God and keep it” (Lk 11:28). In the
way Mary relates to the Word of God, Luke sees the best way for the communities
to relate to the Word of God; hear it, incarnate it, deepen it, ruminate it,
give birth to it and make it grow, allow oneself to overwhelmed by it even when
one does not understand it or when it brings pain. This is the background to
chapters 1 and 2 of Luke’s Gospel when they speak of Mary, Jesus’ mother. When
Luke speaks of Mary, he is thinking of the Christian communities of his time
that lived spread out in the cities of the Roman Empire. Mary is the model of
the faithful community. And, faithful to this biblical tradition, the last
chapter of “Lumen Gentium” of Vatican II that speaks of the Church, represents
Mary as model of the Church.
Mary’s visit with Elisabeth shows another aspect typical of Luke. All the words, actions and above all the canticle of Mary are one grand celebration of praise. It is like the description of a solemn liturgy.
In this way, Luke creates a double atmosphere: the prayerful atmosphere in which Jesus is born and bred in Palestine, and the liturgical and celebratory atmosphere within which the Christian communities live their faith. He teaches the transformation of a visit by God into service of the brothers and sisters.
Mary’s visit with Elisabeth shows another aspect typical of Luke. All the words, actions and above all the canticle of Mary are one grand celebration of praise. It is like the description of a solemn liturgy.
In this way, Luke creates a double atmosphere: the prayerful atmosphere in which Jesus is born and bred in Palestine, and the liturgical and celebratory atmosphere within which the Christian communities live their faith. He teaches the transformation of a visit by God into service of the brothers and sisters.
b) A commentary on
the text:
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Luke 1:39-40: Mary’s
visit with Elisabeth
Luke stresses Mary’s haste in responding to the demands of the Word of God. The angel informs her that Elisabeth is pregnant, and immediately Mary begins her journey to see what the angel had told her. She leaves home to help someone who needs help. It is more than 100 kilometres from Nazareth to the mountains of Judea. There were no coaches, no trains. Mary hears the Word and puts it into practice in the most efficient way.
Luke stresses Mary’s haste in responding to the demands of the Word of God. The angel informs her that Elisabeth is pregnant, and immediately Mary begins her journey to see what the angel had told her. She leaves home to help someone who needs help. It is more than 100 kilometres from Nazareth to the mountains of Judea. There were no coaches, no trains. Mary hears the Word and puts it into practice in the most efficient way.
Luke 1:41-44: Elisabeth’s
greeting
Elisabeth represents the Old Testament, which is coming to an end; Mary, represents the New about to begin. The Old Testament greets the New with gratitude and confidence, recognizing God’s free gift, which is given to realize and fulfil the expectation of the people. In the meeting of the two women, the gift of the Spirit manifests itself and causes the child in Elisabeth’s womb rejoice.
God’s Good News reveals his presence in one of nature’s most common events, two housewives who visit together to help each other. Visit, joy, pregnancy, sons, mutual help, house, family: Luke wants the communities (and us) to see and discover the presence of the Kingdom in these things.
To this day, Elisabeth’s words are part of the best known and most recited Psalm in the whole world, the Hail Mary.
Elisabeth represents the Old Testament, which is coming to an end; Mary, represents the New about to begin. The Old Testament greets the New with gratitude and confidence, recognizing God’s free gift, which is given to realize and fulfil the expectation of the people. In the meeting of the two women, the gift of the Spirit manifests itself and causes the child in Elisabeth’s womb rejoice.
God’s Good News reveals his presence in one of nature’s most common events, two housewives who visit together to help each other. Visit, joy, pregnancy, sons, mutual help, house, family: Luke wants the communities (and us) to see and discover the presence of the Kingdom in these things.
To this day, Elisabeth’s words are part of the best known and most recited Psalm in the whole world, the Hail Mary.
Luke 1:45: Elisabeth
praises Mary
"Blessed is she who has believed in the fulfilment of the word of the Lord". This is Luke’s message to the communities: belief in the Word of God that has the power to bring to pass what it says. It is the Word that creates. It gives birth to new life in the womb of a virgin, in the womb of the poor and abandoned people who welcome it with faith. Elisabeth’s praise of Mary is brought to completion when Jesus praises his mother: “Blessed are those who hear the Word of God and keep it” (Lk 11:28).
"Blessed is she who has believed in the fulfilment of the word of the Lord". This is Luke’s message to the communities: belief in the Word of God that has the power to bring to pass what it says. It is the Word that creates. It gives birth to new life in the womb of a virgin, in the womb of the poor and abandoned people who welcome it with faith. Elisabeth’s praise of Mary is brought to completion when Jesus praises his mother: “Blessed are those who hear the Word of God and keep it” (Lk 11:28).
Luke 1:46-56: Mary’s
canticle
It is most probable that this canticle was known and sung by the Christian communities. It teaches how one must pray and sing. It is also a kind of measure that reveals the level of the knowledge of the communities in Greece for whom Luke was writing his Gospel. To this day, it is possible to evaluate the level of awareness of communities from the canticles that we hear and sing there.
It is most probable that this canticle was known and sung by the Christian communities. It teaches how one must pray and sing. It is also a kind of measure that reveals the level of the knowledge of the communities in Greece for whom Luke was writing his Gospel. To this day, it is possible to evaluate the level of awareness of communities from the canticles that we hear and sing there.
Luke 1:46-50:
Mary begins by proclaiming the change that has taken place in her life under the loving gaze of God who is most merciful. Thus she sings joyfully: "My soul proclaims the greatness of the Lord and my spirit rejoices in God my Saviour, because he has looked upon the humiliation of his servant. Yes, from now onwards all generations will call me blessed for the Almighty has done great things for me. Holy is his name, and his faithful love extends age after age to those who fear him.” In order to understand the meaning of these very well known words, we need to remember that this is a very young girl, perhaps 15 or 16 years old, poor, from a remote village in Palestine, on the periphery of the world, but one who clearly knows her situation and mission, both hers and her people’s. Mary imitates the canticle of Anna, mother of the prophet Samuel (1Sam 2:1-10).
Mary begins by proclaiming the change that has taken place in her life under the loving gaze of God who is most merciful. Thus she sings joyfully: "My soul proclaims the greatness of the Lord and my spirit rejoices in God my Saviour, because he has looked upon the humiliation of his servant. Yes, from now onwards all generations will call me blessed for the Almighty has done great things for me. Holy is his name, and his faithful love extends age after age to those who fear him.” In order to understand the meaning of these very well known words, we need to remember that this is a very young girl, perhaps 15 or 16 years old, poor, from a remote village in Palestine, on the periphery of the world, but one who clearly knows her situation and mission, both hers and her people’s. Mary imitates the canticle of Anna, mother of the prophet Samuel (1Sam 2:1-10).
Luke 1:51-53:
Then Mary sings of Yahweh’s fidelity towards his people and proclaims the change that the power of God’s arm was accomplishing in favour of the poor and hungry. The expression “the arm of God” recalls the liberation of the Exodus. This change takes place by the grace of the saving power of Yahweh: he has routed the arrogant of heart (1:51), he has pulled down princes from their thrones and raised high the lowly (1:52), he has filled the starving with good things, sent the rich away empty (1:53). Here we see the level of awareness of the poor in Jesus’ time and in the time of Luke’s communities who sang this canticle and probably knew it by heart. It is worthwhile comparing this canticle with the canticles that today’s communities sing in church. Do we have the political and social awareness that we find in Mary’s canticle? In the 1970’s, at the time of the military dictatorships in Latin America, for the military Easter celebrations this canticle was censored because it was considered subversive. To this day, Mary’s awareness, the mother of Jesus, is still uncomfortable!
Then Mary sings of Yahweh’s fidelity towards his people and proclaims the change that the power of God’s arm was accomplishing in favour of the poor and hungry. The expression “the arm of God” recalls the liberation of the Exodus. This change takes place by the grace of the saving power of Yahweh: he has routed the arrogant of heart (1:51), he has pulled down princes from their thrones and raised high the lowly (1:52), he has filled the starving with good things, sent the rich away empty (1:53). Here we see the level of awareness of the poor in Jesus’ time and in the time of Luke’s communities who sang this canticle and probably knew it by heart. It is worthwhile comparing this canticle with the canticles that today’s communities sing in church. Do we have the political and social awareness that we find in Mary’s canticle? In the 1970’s, at the time of the military dictatorships in Latin America, for the military Easter celebrations this canticle was censored because it was considered subversive. To this day, Mary’s awareness, the mother of Jesus, is still uncomfortable!
Luke 1:54-55:
Finally the canticle reminds us that all this is an expression of God’s mercy towards his people and of his fidelity to the promises made to Abraham. The Good News is not a reward for the observance of the Law, but an expression of the goodness and fidelity of God towards his promises. This is what Paul taught in his letters to the Galatians and to the Romans.
Finally the canticle reminds us that all this is an expression of God’s mercy towards his people and of his fidelity to the promises made to Abraham. The Good News is not a reward for the observance of the Law, but an expression of the goodness and fidelity of God towards his promises. This is what Paul taught in his letters to the Galatians and to the Romans.
c) Further
information:
Luca 1 e 2: the end
of the Old Testament and the beginning of the New Testament
In the first two chapters of Luke, everything
revolves around the birth of two persons: John and Jesus. These two chapters
give us a pleasurable taste of Luke’s Gospel. The ambience in them is that of
praise and gentleness. From beginning to end, the mercy of God is praised and
sung, a mercy that finally breaks out to fulfil its promises. These promises
are fulfilled in favour of the poor, the anawim, of those who know
how to wait for their fulfilment: Elisabeth, Zachary, Mary, Joseph, Simeon,
Anna, the shepherds and the three magi.
The first two chapter of Luke’s Gospel are well known but only superficially. Luke writes imitating the Old Testament scriptures. It is as though the first two chapters of his Gospel were the last of the Old Testament, thus opening the way for the coming of the New. These two chapters are the threshold between the Old and New Testaments. Luke wishes to show to Theophilus that the prophecies are being fulfilled. Jesus fulfils the Old and begins the New.
These two chapters of Luke’s Gospel are not history in our present day understanding of history. They act much more like a mirror where those for whom the Gospel is written, the Christians converted from paganism, discover that Jesus came to fulfil the prophecies of the Old Testament and to respond to the deepest aspirations of the human heart. They also symbolize what was happening in their communities in Luke’s time. The communities originating from paganism will be born from converted Jews. But they will be different. The New does not completely correspond to what the Old imagined and hoped for. It was a "sign of contradiction" (Lk 2:34), caused tensions and was a source of much pain. In Mary’s attitude, Luke presents a model of how to react and persevere in the New.
The first two chapter of Luke’s Gospel are well known but only superficially. Luke writes imitating the Old Testament scriptures. It is as though the first two chapters of his Gospel were the last of the Old Testament, thus opening the way for the coming of the New. These two chapters are the threshold between the Old and New Testaments. Luke wishes to show to Theophilus that the prophecies are being fulfilled. Jesus fulfils the Old and begins the New.
These two chapters of Luke’s Gospel are not history in our present day understanding of history. They act much more like a mirror where those for whom the Gospel is written, the Christians converted from paganism, discover that Jesus came to fulfil the prophecies of the Old Testament and to respond to the deepest aspirations of the human heart. They also symbolize what was happening in their communities in Luke’s time. The communities originating from paganism will be born from converted Jews. But they will be different. The New does not completely correspond to what the Old imagined and hoped for. It was a "sign of contradiction" (Lk 2:34), caused tensions and was a source of much pain. In Mary’s attitude, Luke presents a model of how to react and persevere in the New.
6. Praying Psalm 27
(26)
The Lord is my
light, whom shall I fear?
Yahweh is my light and my salvation,
whom should I fear?
Yahweh is the fortress of my life,
whom should I dread?
whom should I fear?
Yahweh is the fortress of my life,
whom should I dread?
When the wicked advance against me to eat me
up,
they, my opponents, my enemies,
are the ones who stumble and fall.
they, my opponents, my enemies,
are the ones who stumble and fall.
Though an army pitch camp against me,
my heart will not fear,
though war break out against me,
my trust will never be shaken.
my heart will not fear,
though war break out against me,
my trust will never be shaken.
One thing I ask of Yahweh, one thing I seek:
to dwell in Yahweh's house all the days of my life,
to enjoy the sweetness of Yahweh,
to seek out his temple.
to dwell in Yahweh's house all the days of my life,
to enjoy the sweetness of Yahweh,
to seek out his temple.
For he hides me away under his roof on the day
of evil,
he folds me in the recesses of his tent,
sets me high on a rock.
he folds me in the recesses of his tent,
sets me high on a rock.
Now my head is held high above the enemies who
surround me;
in his tent I will offer sacrifices of acclaim.
I will sing, I will make music for Yahweh.
in his tent I will offer sacrifices of acclaim.
I will sing, I will make music for Yahweh.
Yahweh,
hear my voice as I cry,
pity me, answer me!
hear my voice as I cry,
pity me, answer me!
Of you my heart has said,
'Seek his face!'
Your face, Yahweh, I seek;
do not turn away from me.
Do not thrust aside your servant in anger,
without you I am helpless.
Never leave me,
never forsake me,
God, my Saviour.
'Seek his face!'
Your face, Yahweh, I seek;
do not turn away from me.
Do not thrust aside your servant in anger,
without you I am helpless.
Never leave me,
never forsake me,
God, my Saviour.
Though my father and mother forsake me,
Yahweh will gather me up.
Yahweh will gather me up.
Yahweh, teach me your way,
lead me on the path of integrity because of my enemies;
do not abandon me to the will of my foes
-- false witnesses have risen against me,
and are breathing out violence.
lead me on the path of integrity because of my enemies;
do not abandon me to the will of my foes
-- false witnesses have risen against me,
and are breathing out violence.
This I believe:
I shall see the goodness of Yahweh,
in the land of the living.
I shall see the goodness of Yahweh,
in the land of the living.
Put your hope in Yahweh,
be strong,
let your heart be bold,
put your hope in Yahweh.
be strong,
let your heart be bold,
put your hope in Yahweh.
7. Final Prayer
Lord Jesus, we thank for the word that has
enabled us to understand better the will of the Father. May your Spirit
enlighten our actions and grant us the strength to practice that which your
Word has revealed to us. May we, like Mary, your mother, not only listen to but
also practice the Word. You who live and reign with the Father in the unity of
the Holy Spirit forever and ever. Amen.
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