Ebanghelyo: Lucas 1:39-45
Nang mga araw ring iyo’y nagmamadaling naglakbay si Maria papunta sa isang bayan sa mataas na lupain ng Juda. Pumasok siya roon sa bahay ni Zacarias at binati si Elizabeth. Nang marinig ni Elizabeth ang bati ni Maria, sumikad ang sanggol sa sinapupunan niya, at napuspos ng Espiritu Santo si Elizabeth at malakas siyang sumigaw at sinabi: “Lubos kang pinagpala sa mga kababaihan. Pinagpala rin ang bunga ng iyong sinapupunan! Sino nga ba naman ako’t naparito sa akin ang ina ng aking Panginoon? Nang umabot sa aking pandinig ang iyong pagbati, sumikad sa tuwa ang sanggol sa aking sinapupunan. Pinagpapala ang naniniwalang magaganap ang mga sinabi sa kanya ng Panginoon.”
Pagninilay
The visit of Mary elicits a joyful surprise to Elizabeth: “Sino nga ba naman ako’t naparito sa akin ang ina ng aking Panginoon?” Elizabeth seemed to already have heard the news that a Savior is coming through Mary: “Lubos kang pinagpala sa mga kababaihan… Pinagpapala ang naniniwalang magaganap ang mga sinabi sa kanya ng Panginoon.” Blessed indeed are those who believe in the Word of God. The event of the birth for the Savior seemed to be prepared by stories of joyful encounter moments, astonishing experiences of blessings, attitudes of humility and faith: Elizabeth getting a son despite of her old age; Zachariah, Joseph, and Mary’s saying “yes” to the call despite of questions and difficulties. There is an interesting connection among these keywords: joy-blessing-humble faith. Maybe the better arrangement would be humble faith-blessing-joy. The actors of these stories were humble, and because of that they were open to believe in God’s action; the gift of blessing is effective when our heart is docile to God’s action; authentic blessing results to joy, not only for the person but mostly to edify others. From humble Bethlehem will come the Savior; from the one generous sacrifice of Jesus comes the blessing that leads to joy and holiness of his believers. In Advent season, we are invited to cherish and live these same salvific moments: humble faith (openness to God’s action) – blessing (recognizing the benevolence of God in our journey) – joy (celebrating authentic joy that edifies others).
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