As we get ready to celebrate Christmas, the Church has us read the story of Mary’s visit to her cousin Elizabeth. There was no easy way for Mary to travel from Nazareth to Judea.  The most direct route was very hilly, and took one through hostile Samaria.  The more level route along the Jordan Valley meant a climb from Jericho to Jerusalem through the Judean wilderness, a haven of robbers.  Yet Mary sets out on her journey without hesitation.

The Holy Spirit inspires Elizabeth to grasp what God is doing through Mary, and Elizabeth hails Mary as specially blessed by God.  Mary is blessed because she believed that what was “spoken to you by the Lord would be fulfilled.”  Mary is the model for us of believing and acting on God’s word.

It was a journey of faith for Mary.  Gabriel had told Mary of two children conceived each in his special way: John and Jesus.

In this meeting of Mary and Elizabeth, the elderly Elizabeth represents God’s work among the people of ancient Israel.  Mary represents the new work that God will do in the sending of the Messiah.  In Elizabeth, the old esteems the new; in Mary, the new honors the old.

What better message for us to think about as we get ready to celebrate Christmas.  Mary is the model of discipleship for us.  After receiving the good news, she hastens to share it with another.  She is full of gratitude for all that God is doing within her.  She surrenders her life to God’s plan.

As we once again receive the Good News of the birth of Jesus Christ on Christmas morning,  let us, like Mary, hasten to share it with others.  Let us be grateful to God for all He has done for us.  Let us surrender our life to God’s plan as did Mary our Mother.

HAPPY CHRISTMAS!!

Msgr. Powell