December 1994 - JOHANNINE HOURS - Luke 1,39-45

[The "Johannine hours" are meant as a way of seeking God in silence and
prayer in the midst of our daily life. During the course of a day, take
a moment to read the Bible passage with the short commentary and to
reflect on the questions which follow. Afterwards, a small group people
can meet to share what they have discovered and perhaps for a time of
prayer.]

Mary said yes to the angel's words. She will be the mother of the
Messiah, of Jesus who is to be born. But what is happening to her is
still her secret. She cannot talk about it; no one would understand. So
she goes to visit Elizabeth, who will not ask her for any explanations.
With her relative she will be understood; she will be in peace.

But there is still more. The visit to Elizabeth is a kind of prelude to
the great joy of Christmas. Mary is in a hurry not out of fear, but out
of joy. She runs, just like the shepherds who, on Christmas night
"hurry" (Luke 2,16) to see the Child, Mary and Joseph.

When Mary meets Elizabeth, it is first of all her child who understands,
the future John the Baptist, who is not yet born but who is already
filled with the Holy Spirit. In his mother's womb he leaps for joy. Then
Elizabeth begins to bless Mary and Jesus. In the old days, people dared
to praise in one breath God and those in whom God was at work.

Although Mary is blessed for being the mother of the Lord, she is called
"happy" on account of her faith. It is therefore clear that her
happiness can become ours. She alone is Christ's mother according to the
flesh. But, through faith, "Christ is formed in us all" (Gal 4,19).
Jesus will later say, comparing everyone who believes to his mother,
"Happy those who hear the word of God and keep it" (Luke 11,28).

Q: Who can become an Elizabeth for me, in other words someone who is able
   to understand me without many words?

Q: How can we dare to rejoice in what God is accomplishing in and around
   us?

Q: Have I discovered a happiness in believing, in saying yes to the words
   God speaks to me?

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file: /pub/resources/text/taize/johannine: jh9412.txt