Word for the day by Christian Education Forum

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 Visitation of Mary to Elizabeth 

Luke 1:39-45
 
V41”When Elizabeth heard Mary’s greeting, the baby leaped in her womb”.
 

The visitation of Mary to Elizabeth is an epitome of Christian fellowship. This is the meeting of two women who experienced the Grace of God in a way that was incomprehensible to the world. Both were called to the plan of God. But their physical condition would invite them the humiliation and even wrath from the public. While Elizabeth bear the shame of getting pregnant in old age and Mary faces the disgrace of getting pregnant out of wedlock. It is not possible for others to understand the experience they go through. So at the time of meeting they both share agony, pain, fear and shame in their own way. It is the quality of fellowship they enjoyed empowered them to face the challenges involved in their calling.
 
The warmth of relationship: The intimacy of relationship they enjoyed was so deep and therapeutic that healed the pain inside.  The greeting itself was so powerful that even the baby in the womb sensed the love and he leaped with joy.
 
Unconditional Positive Regard: Elizabeth is so generous in accepting Mary with due respect and praising her for what she is now. Her acceptance and encouragement gives Mary a fresh outlook. The ‘pregnancy’ which worried Mary has now been the reason for her to be the blessed among women.
The meeting became instrumental in making way for the way maker as well as the Savior.

 
PRAYER
God, Help us to extend the warmth of intimate relationship and care of unconditional love to the broken world. Amen.
 
THOUGHT FOR THE DAY
Is our presence a blessing to others?
 
Rev. Denny Philip
Keezhillom Nazreth MTC, Ernakulam., Kerala.
 
Christian Education Forum, Diocese of NAE of the Mar Thoma Church

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