First Reading
Micah 5:1-4
Now you are walled about with a wall; siege is laid against us; with a rod they strike upon the cheek the ruler of Israel. But you, O Bethlehem Eph’rathah, who are little 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 days. Therefore he shall give them up until the time when she who is in travail has brought forth; then the rest of his brethren shall return to the people of Israel. And he shall stand and feed his flock in the strength of the LORD, in the majesty of the name of the LORD his God. And they shall dwell secure, for now he shall be great to the ends of the earth.
Second Reading
Hebrews 10:5-10
Consequently, when Christ came into the world, he said, “Sacrifices and offerings thou hast not desired, but a body hast thou prepared for me; in burnt offerings and sin offerings thou hast taken no pleasure. Then I said, `Lo, I have come to do thy will, O God, ‘as it is written of me in the roll of the book.” When he said above, “Thou hast neither desired nor taken pleasure in sacrifices and offerings and burnt offerings and sin offerings” (these are offered according to the law), then he added, “Lo, I have come to do thy will.” He abolishes the first in order to establish the second. And by that will we have been sanctified through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once for all.
Gospel
Luke 1:39-45
In those days Mary arose and went with haste into the hill country, to a city of Judah, and she entered the house of Zechari’ah and greeted Elizabeth. And when Elizabeth heard the greeting of Mary, the babe leaped in her womb; and Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit and she exclaimed with a loud cry, “Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb! And why is this granted me, that the mother of my Lord should come to me? For behold, when the voice of your greeting came to my ears, the babe in my womb leaped for joy. And blessed is she who believed that there would be a fulfilment of what was spoken to her from the Lord.”
Reflection
This passage captures a profound moment of joy and recognition between Mary and Elizabeth, two women with miraculous pregnancies, underscored by a deep sense of faith and blessing.
Verses 39-40 describe Mary’s journey to visit her relative Elizabeth. This visit is significant as it emphasizes the bond between these two women, both playing pivotal roles in God’s plan of salvation. Mary’s haste to visit Elizabeth reflects her eagerness to share her miraculous news and seek companionship with someone who would understand her extraordinary situation.
Elizabeth’s reaction to Mary’s greeting is remarkable: her baby (John the Baptist) leaps in her womb, a sign of recognition and joy at the presence of the unborn Jesus. Elizabeth, filled with the Holy Spirit, proclaims Mary’s blessedness among women and the blessedness of her child. This prophetic acknowledgment underscores the divine nature of Mary’s pregnancy and the significance of Jesus’ coming birth.
Elizabeth’s exclamation in verse 43 reveals her humility and awe at the honor of being visited by the mother of the Lord. Her words show her deep faith and recognition of God’s work through Mary.
Verse 45 emphasizes the importance of faith. Elizabeth blesses Mary for her belief in God’s promises. This acknowledgment of faith is a key theme, highlighting that trust in God’s word brings blessings and fulfillment.
This passage invites us to reflect on the joy and support found in shared faith experiences. It shows the importance of recognizing and affirming God’s work in others, and the profound blessings that come from believing in His promises. Mary’s and Elizabeth’s meeting is a beautiful example of how faith can unite and uplift, even in the face of extraordinary circumstances.