Sunday Readings: Micah 5.1-4; Hebrews 10.5-10; Luke 1.39-45
Mary set out in haste into the hill country to a town in Judah, where she entered the house of Zechariah and greeted Elizabeth, her kinswoman. When Elizabeth heard Mary’s greeting, the baby stirred within her womb. Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit and cried out in a loud voice. “Blessed are you among women and blessed is the child of your womb. Who am I that the mother of my Lord should come to me? The moment I heard your voice, the baby within me stirred for joy. Blessed is she who trusts God’s words to her will be fulfilled.” – Luke 1.39-45
In Mary and Elizabeth, the gospel focuses on two model believers who welcome God’s word into themselves, into their bodies. Their faith and trust in God’s Spirit is bearing fruit in their wombs. In their visit together, these two women share their faith in what God is doing in them for the world.
Mary sets out to visit Elizabeth right after saying yes to the angel’s invitation to bear God’s Son. Her coming touches Elizabeth deep within, where the child in her long-barren womb stirs. Elizabeth proclaims three blessings. She blesses Mary. She blesses Mary’s child, the fruit of her womb. She wonders, “Who am I that the mother of my Lord should come to me?” Lastly, Elizabeth blesses every woman of faith, “Blessed is she who trusts God’s words to her will be fulfilled.”
Who supports and affirms the Spirit’s stirrings in you? Who are we that God should come to us?