Having reflected a little on Elizabeth yesterday, we now look at Mary just before she decides to visit Elizabeth. Mary is a young person, probably still a teenager. She is ‘betrothed’ (similar to being engaged) to Joseph. Why is she visiting her cousin at this time?
The angel Gabriel has appeared to Mary with the message that she is
to conceive, give birth to a child, and name him Jesus. This child “will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. The Lord God will give him the throne of his father David, and he will reign over Jacob’s descendants forever; his kingdom will never end.” (Luke 1:26-38)
When Mary voices her concern and confusion at this happening to her, a virgin, Gabriel explains, “The Holy Spirit will come on you, and the power of the
Most High will overshadow you. So the holy one to be born will be called the Son of God.”
How do you think this unexpected request made her feel? What is the magnitude of what she heard?
The angel also told her that her cousin, Elizabeth, was six months pregnant. How amazing and exciting that her cousin, who has not been able to have children, now has a God-given pregnancy!
Just like she has! She will hurry there, and they will share their joy, fears, and questions. Who better to understand Mary’s overwhelming experience than Elizabeth?
Today, try and find times for silence to hear God’s voice.
Am I open to saying ‘yes’ when I know God’s will for me?
When I have felt overwhelmed or excited? What
did I do?
Is sharing my life, especially my spiritual life, with one I trust important? How do I or will I do this?
Reflect on the following thoughts:
God has chosen me to bear fruit for him,
God has chosen you to bear fruit for him,
God has chosen us to bear fruit for him.
Reflections by Kath Knowles
