Elizabeth’s pregnancy, in her old age, was a miracle and something out of the ordinary. I sometimes wonder how the people around her reacted to her pregnancy. What did her neighbours and other people at the time think? Judging from our human relations, we can guess and assume that there was much gossip, Elizabeth was pregnant in her fifties. We have wrongly spoken out of turn about
women we know who became pregnant late in their lives.
I believe this was true for Elizabeth, and so she chose to stay home. Mary learns from the angel that Elizabeth is pregnant. Mary, in her excitement about the news of Elizabeth’s pregnancy, hurries to visit Elizabeth to share the good news with her.
Before Mary can congratulate Elizabeth, Elizabeth announces the
news of Mary's pregnancy. She calls her blessed among women and tells her so is the fruit of her womb. This must have been such a joyous encounter between the two women. Mary had not given birth yet; however, Elizabeth had already given her the honour of Mother of God.
“Blessed are you among women and blessed is the fruit of your womb.” How did Elizabeth know all these things? She was filled by the Holy Spirit (Luke 1:41). When
the Holy Spirit fills us, our actions and speech no longer come from our thoughts and words but from God. When the Holy Spirit fills us, our actions and words become directed and inspired by God.
The Lord invites us to a Spirit-filled life. How might that look like for your life? What should you do to live such a life? Spend time in conversation with Jesus about this today.
Reflections by Morongoa Selepe
