Holy Gospel of Jesus Christ according to Saint Luke 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.”
Mary as a missionary
1. Mary set out. Mary goes out, she doesn’t stay at home because she recognizes a need. She doesn’t complain because it´s hot or cold outside or because she lacks time, she sets out because she recognizes that there are people that need her. It never crosses her mind to question like we do, “what will happen to me if I do something for others?” This is not the way she thinks. Rather, her question is “what will happen to the person if I don’t do something for him or her?” She teaches us to think about others first, always lending a hand. Those who have God in their hearts will always have a helpful attitude, they’ll really look at and help others in need. This is something that you and I have to take care of. Helping others isn’t only about giving to charity or distributing Christmas boxes. It goes beyond: it’s a life attitude. It involves your daily actions, it means going out to meet those who need you, to fulfil their needs, to give them dignity and respect. You can change someone’s life with your simple and heartfelt help.
2. Leaped for joy. We all have an enemy: pessimism. We’re almost at the end of the year and our faith falters. We keep wishing for everything to be over, because we have a lot to do. Live these days with joy and fervor. Jesus is coming and will reign in our lives. He wants to share the joy of being forever in your heart. He wants to share his love and stay with you always. Cheer up! Life with Jesus is beautiful and fulfilling.
3. Blessed are you who believed. Faith is what drives and motivates you. Faith is what allows you to reach out to others. Faith leads you to trust and to face whatever comes your way. Faith motivates you to go on when everything looks dark and hard around you. Faith lets you face illnesses, disappointments, falls, temptations and fears. Faith allows you to abandon yourself in God because He supports you. Faith gives you the strength to confront anything. We all have limits, and we must rest in God´s hands. Faith makes you whole and happy. Your faith can contribute to make someone happy and to make you happy, as well.
Always remember that something good is on the way!
God bless you, be with you and protect you in the name of the Father, of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.
