Coffee With God

 

Reflection: Luke 1:39-45

After the annunciation to Mary by Angel Gabriel, she takes up a commitment to visit her cousin Elizabeth, who is already six-months pregnant. Gospel says Mary remained with her for about three months before returning home – perhaps until the birth of John the Baptist. The visit of the Angel of God brought Mary blessings and happiness and the Holy Spirit of God. God the Son was conceived in her womb. And now Mary returns the favour by visiting Elizabeth. What does Mary bring to Elizabeth? She brings her the same gifts that she had received from God: Happiness and the Holy Spirit. Elizabeth noticed it right away: “As soon as your greeting reached my ears, the baby in my womb jumped for joy.” Remember, during the annunciation, the angel had promised Mary: “the Holy Spirit will come up on you…” And now, when Mary visits Elizabeth, she transmits the same Holy Spirit to her. Today’s Gospel tells us that Elizabeth “was filled with the Holy Spirit.” Important things are transmitted like a contagion. Like faith, trust, love, hope … What we carry in our hearts are shown on our faces and words. During her visit to Elizabeth, Mary also receives something in return. She receives the confirmation of the path that she has begun: Elizabeth gives two important confirmation when she says: “Blessed are you who have believed …”. and “why am I so blessed that the mother of my Lord visits me?” confirming Mary that she is the Mother of the Lord. The visits of God are both a gift and a task. Like Mary and Elizabeth, we too are loved and chosen for a mission. That mission puts us on the path to visit others, who might be in need of our words of encouragement, words of comfort and appreciation and also in need of our patient listening. When we give, we receive new gifts. In this Christmas, visiting our friends and family may not be a possibility, and Christmas parties and exchange of gifts may not be a good idea. But then, find time to call up your family members who are away from you, and also greet the elderly neighbour or a friend who is ill, inquire of their well-being in this time of isolation and financial struggles. Share time, talent and treasure with those in need of them the most.