From The Bishop

In the Gospel for the Fourth Sunday of Advent St. Luke describes the Visitation. Mary sets out with haste to the house of Zachariah and Elizabeth because the angel has told her that her cousin has in her old age also conceived a son. (Luke 1:36-37) When they meet, Elizabeth exclaims to Mary, “And why has this happened to me, that the Mother of my Lord comes to me?” (Luke 1:43) This is a question that we should all take some time to ponder. Why would Mary come to us? For the same reasons that she visited her cousin Elizabeth. After hearing the news that she had been chosen to be the Mother of God, Mary did not focus on herself. Her initial response was to go to Elizabeth to offer assistance and share in her joy. Mary wants to do the same for us her children. She offers us her maternal affection and care, showing us the way to her Son, Jesus Christ. We may feel unworthy to have such a mother; however, her presence in our lives should cause us to “leap for joy” like John the Baptist. Mary is the “Christ bearer” and she comes as a mother so that we too can come to know and love her Son bearing Him in our hearts and proclaiming Him to the world. Readings: 1st Reading: Micah 5.2-5a 2nd Reading: Hebrews 10.5-10 Gospel: Luke 1.39-45