Make Haste to Find Community!

The Holy Gospel According to Saint Luke (1, 35-45)

In those days Mary arose and went with haste into the hill country, to the city of Judah, and she entered the house of Zechariah 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: We learn from the second Joyful Mystery the importance of having a Catholic Community. Mary was most faithful and trusting, accompanied by angels, filled with the Holy Spirit and Full of Grace...and yet, God knew She needed the support of a loving and believing friend.

Mary was sent to Her cousin Elizabeth, but their bond would be much more than familial. Elizabeth's own baby was, too, miraculously conceived and also pre-announced by the Angel Gabriel. Their experiences were so similar and their missions were so closely related that all Mary had to do was say, "Hello," and Elizabeth instantly knew and understood why Mary was there. No explanations needed.

Prayer: Mother Mary,  be a friend to me and make haste to help me in the daily duties of my vocation. I ask for all the graces needed to magnify the eternal goodness of the Lord with my life. Please ask God to bless me with true and holy friendships that will strengthen my discipleship and add zeal to my mission to please God.

Suggestion for meditation: Imagine overhearing Elizabeth and Mary pondering what the future holds for their boys. In your heart, join in the conversation and share with St. Elizabeth and our Blessed Mother a fear or hope you have for your own future or that of someone you love.

My soul magnifies the Lord

And my spirit rejoices in God my Saviour;

because He has regarded the lowliness

of His handmaid;

for behold, henceforth all generations shall call me blessed;

because He who is mighty had done

great things for me,

and holy is His name;

And His mercy is from generation to generation

on those who fear Him.

He has shown might with His arm,

He has scattered the proud in the conceit of their heart.

He had put down the mighty from their thrones,

and has exalted the lowly.

He has filled the hungry with good things,

and the rich He has sent away empty.

He has given help to Israel, his servant,

mindful of His mercy

Even as He spoke to our fathers, to Abraham

and to His posterity forever.