Today’s Gospel is the story of Mary, having just accepted her role in salvation history (agreeing to become the mother of Jesus), who set out to visit her relative, Elizabeth (the mother of John the Baptist). What comes to mind are two things.
First, here is this young woman, Mary, traveling in haste (we presume by herself) to visit and help with her older relative who was expecting a baby. Of course, there were no trains, cars, buses, or taxis in those days, so Mary traveled on foot or on an animal. The one-way trip was about one hundred miles. But she felt compelled to go to her relative and help. So, one question to ponder is how much do we help others in our family and friends in their time of need?
Second, I think of all the people who are traveling at this time of the year. Many are traveling home for Christmas; others are journeying to visit family or friends. Still others like Mary and Joseph (which we will hear more about during the Christmas Season),
are traveling to escape persecution and other problems in their own country. Another question to ponder: how much do we try to help them or do we even pray for them? (Some are even in our own community!)
Think about those traveling and those in need as you prepare for the coming of our Lord and Savior, Jesus, who was born in a stable since there was “no room for Him in the Inn.”
Finally, may I ask that you invite a friend, neighbor or even someone who has not been to church in a while – to join you and us in coming to Christmas Mass with you this year! The schedule is below. I hope the remaining time of Advent is peaceful and prayerful and I look forward to seeing you during the coming days of the Christmas Season. —Father Steve
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