December 21, 2022, Wednesday of the Fourth Week in Advent-A

Song of Songs 2:8-14 or Zephaniah 3:14-18

Psalm 33

Luke 1:39-45

The Lord your God, is in your midst, a mighty savior; Zep 3:17

During those days Mary set out and traveled to the hill country in haste… Luke 1:39

Lord, Mary didn’t do things half-way. Her “Yes” to the angel was a lifelong firm commitment to be the Mother of a Savior. She went in “haste” all the way to Judea to be with Elizabeth who was in a high-risk pregnancy in her senior years. She didn’t send an email or just hope for the best for her. She undertook a long, hard journey on foot to honor you and her relative. How exciting it must have been for these two women! They were filled with joy over the unexpected and miraculous children in their wombs.  How they must have praised God for the growing life within them. Even the baby of Elizabeth leapt for joy as you came to him. I know the two mothers couldn’t stop smiling. They couldn’t stop offering praise and thanksgiving for the favors and blessings they were receiving. You have blessed me too with the gift of your Spirit. I too have received the faith to believe. I also carry your presence within. May my heart and spirt leap for joy because you have rescued me from sin and death.  Amen