Advent 4: Gospel, Luke 1:39-45                                                      

Luke 1:39-45

I advocate that we need to know as much about the mother of Jesus as Scripture can tell us. So often we, as those outside of Rome or Orthodoxy shy away from her because of the perceived excesses we see in those communions. But Mary, the mother of Jesus is important. She is indeed as the councils named her, “Mother of God,” the God-bearer. That’s a big deal.

In her caring visit to Elizabeth, there are words spoken and Presence felt which are truly awe-inspiring. The pre-born prophet leaps in his momma’s womb at the very greeting Mary speaks to his mother. John was excited about His Messiah-Cousin throughout his whole adult life and added many sterling words to the mix spoken in today’s text. Elizabeth, filled immediately with the Holy Spirit then makes a proclamation of blessing three times, two blessings upon the virgin and one blessing upon “the fruit of your womb,” meaning of course, the infant Jesus.

What can this be but the fountain of the Father’s heart? He is speaking through Elizabeth. His joy has become hers (and John’s). His blessing has become hers and passed through her to the virgin mother and child. And if I may encourage, read on in Luke to hear the culmination which bursts from the mother of the Savior, herself. It is all about Jesus. She was all about Jesus.

That is why all generations call her “blessed.”