Saturday of the Third Week of Advent
Whenever I have read the Scripture passage in today’s Gospel (Luke 1:39-45), I am often struck by the phrase “in haste”. Mary traveled quickly and without hesitation to visit Elizabeth. I usually think that is because Elizabeth is in urgent need of help and Mary is so generous that she comes to aid Elizabeth right away. However, in light of joy, the theme for this week of Advent, I now think that Mary also went to Elizabeth in haste because she is joyful about Elizabeth’s pregnancy especially since Elizabeth and her husband Zechariah were old and waited to have a child for a long time. I reflect on when I wanted to share joyful news and share joyful moments with others. Then, Mary’s reaction makes sense. Elizabeth likewise extends this joy when Mary arrives. Even John in Elizabeth’s womb is joyful.
Similarly, all of today’s readings are filled with joy. One option for the first reading from the Song of Songs (Sg 2:8-14) describes the joy of encountering a lover, symbolizing the relationship of love between God and God’s people. The other option for the first reading from Zephaniah (Zep 3:14-18a) depicts the joy of returning to God–the joy between God and the people of God when their relationship is restored. The Responsorial Psalm, too, is joyful, “Exult, you just, in the Lord! Sing to him a new song,” (Psalm 33:1a, 3a).
We began this week with Gaudete Sunday (Gaudete means “Rejoice”). Now, we end this week with joy. There is a joy in anticipating Christmas when Jesus Christ will be born in our world. Today’s readings can inspire us to look back on the times we have been joyful this week. If you’re like me and find Advent and preparing for Christmas a more busy and stressful time than a joyful one, it can help to look back and be grateful for what you received and experienced in the past week (and/or Advent). Gratitude brings joy. I pray that you may find many things and people to be thankful for.
—Sr. Emily Sandoval, FMI