22Â December 2024
Lectionary Readings: Micah 5:1-4;Psalm 79 (80):2a,2c,3b-c,15,18-19;Hebrews 10:5-10;Luke 1:39-45
Theme: “Embrace the joy and cherish your blessings”
The gospel reading a week before Christmas offers a profound opportunity for reflection, particularly for Catholics, as it is associated with the second joyful mystery of the Rosary of Our Blessed Virgin Mary. This concise passage is rich in meaning and draws attention to the honor that Elizabeth and the unborn child in her womb extended to Mary and Jesus.
When Elizabeth greeted Mary, the infant John the Baptist leaped for joy in her womb (Lk 1:41). This leaping not only symbolizes the joy of recognizing Jesus but also connects to other biblical narratives, such as the story of Jacob and Esau, who struggled within their mother, Rebekah’s womb. The word “leaping” evokes a sense of joyful anticipation, resonating with the eschatological prophecy that speaks of joyous celebration: “You shall go out leaping like calves from the stall” (Mal 4:2). In this context, John’s joyful leap signifies his future role as the herald of Jesus.
Elizabeth’s acknowledgment of Mary as “blessed” three times (vv. 42, 42, 45), underscores the value of blessings in their faith. As devout Jews, Mary and Elizabeth would have deeply understood what it meant to be blessed. The Hebrew term “Baruch” signifies blessing, and nearly every Jewish prayer, apart from the Shema, begins with the invocation “Baruch Ata Adonai” (Blessed are You, our Lord). This context enriches our understanding of their encounter and emphasizes the importance of recognizing and celebrating the divine blessings in our lives.
In the Magnificat, Mary proclaims, “From now on, all generations will call me blessed” (v. 48). Scholars have debated the Magnificat’s authorship, with Johnson suggesting it symbolizes Mary and personifies Israel. Brown, on the other hand, argues that the hymn primarily depicts Israel, focusing on the poor and oppressed remnant. Yet, Elizabeth’s praises (vv. 42-45) directly acknowledge Mary. She is blessed for carrying the child, referred to by Elizabeth as “the Mother of my Lord.” When a woman in the crowd exclaimed during Jesus’ ministry, “Blessed is the womb that bore you and the breasts that nursed you,” Jesus responded, “Blessed rather are those who hear the word of God and obey it” (11:27).
In Luke’s view, Mary is blessed in two profound ways. Elizabeth affirmed, “Blessed is she who believed that there would be a fulfillment of what was spoken to her by the Lord.” Mary embraced her role, saying, “Here I am, the servant of the Lord; let it be done according to your word” (1:38). This Christmas season of 2024, let us find joy like John and share it wholeheartedly. May we strive to discern God’s will as Mary did, saying, “Your will be done, Lord.” And let us, like Elizabeth, celebrate the blessings that surround us.
For Reflection and Discussion: 1. What wonderful blessings have you experienced this year that have made your heart skip with joy? In what sense? 2. How can you spread joy to others and live in accordance with God’s purpose?
Bibliography: McKenzie, J.L. Dictionary of the Bible (New York: 1965); Etz Hayim, Torah and Commentary: The Rabbinical Assembly, The United Synagogue of Conservative Judaism, 1999; New American Standard Bible, Third Edition, 2010; The Catholic Prayer Bible (Lectio Divina Edition copyright 2010 by Paulist Press); The Catholic Study Bible 3rd Edition.
This week’s Sunday Liturgy Commentary was prepared by
Dunhill Malunar Timkang, Israel-Jerusalem, Bat Kol Alumnus: 2023
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