Word for the day by Christian Education Forum
Meeting of virgin Mary and Elizabeth: The meeting that shares the good news of salvation
Luke 1: 39 – 45Today we ponder upon the good news of the historical meeting of two women who are revered by the whole world in the Advent days. Their meeting is highly significant as there are many experiences and feelings shared by them in common. Both of them were greeted and encountered by God’s angel and foretold about their offsprings yet to be born. Both of them had pregnancy at an unexpected time in their lives and both were susceptible to ridicule by the world around them.
However, the divine meeting of Mary and Elizabeth became a time of sharing good news and their joy was doubled and apprehensions halved. The households of Zechariah and Joseph were Godly, where there was dwelling of the Holy Spirit. Moreover we read when Mary met Elizabeth in her own house, Elizabeth became filled with Holy Spirit. (V. 41). We become filled with the Holy Spirit only when we, along with our households are inclined to God. If we want to become ambassadors of Christ in this world, we need to be filled with the divine spirit.
God could have chosen Elizabeth well before for this divine purpose for which Mary was chosen. Also it was the hope and prayer of each Jewish girl to be means of the Messianic birth as prophesized. But God chose Mary who was a simple docile girl. Though God showed greater mercy and favour to Mary, Elizabeth was not jealous towards her. Instead, Elizabeth respects Mary and she becomes a refuge and source of encouragement for Mary.
It is well pleasing for us to hear that we are blessed and favoured by God in times of pain. In fact in human thoughts Mary’s future was like a closed door - without hope, filled with fears and doubt. But the words of blessing by Elizabeth helped Mary to face life courageously. Elizabeth became a beacon of hope and light in Mary. The soothing relationship of these two women was so influential and relieving to each other that we see Elizabeth who was secluded herself in a hill town for five months in severe anguish, hosted Mary in her house for the next three months (v. 56).
Even in the midst of shattering thoughts and seclusion, they longed for the presence of each other. Initially they received the good words from the angel, but now both are taking the role of an angel to each other – by greeting, respecting, encouraging and saying good words. As we have entered another season of Advent, let’s prepare our hearts and become a ray of hope for others. what God wants us through this text is to share our sorrows and joys, respect and encourage one another so that our celebrations will become relevant and meaningful.
However, the divine meeting of Mary and Elizabeth became a time of sharing good news and their joy was doubled and apprehensions halved. The households of Zechariah and Joseph were Godly, where there was dwelling of the Holy Spirit. Moreover we read when Mary met Elizabeth in her own house, Elizabeth became filled with Holy Spirit. (V. 41). We become filled with the Holy Spirit only when we, along with our households are inclined to God. If we want to become ambassadors of Christ in this world, we need to be filled with the divine spirit.
God could have chosen Elizabeth well before for this divine purpose for which Mary was chosen. Also it was the hope and prayer of each Jewish girl to be means of the Messianic birth as prophesized. But God chose Mary who was a simple docile girl. Though God showed greater mercy and favour to Mary, Elizabeth was not jealous towards her. Instead, Elizabeth respects Mary and she becomes a refuge and source of encouragement for Mary.
It is well pleasing for us to hear that we are blessed and favoured by God in times of pain. In fact in human thoughts Mary’s future was like a closed door - without hope, filled with fears and doubt. But the words of blessing by Elizabeth helped Mary to face life courageously. Elizabeth became a beacon of hope and light in Mary. The soothing relationship of these two women was so influential and relieving to each other that we see Elizabeth who was secluded herself in a hill town for five months in severe anguish, hosted Mary in her house for the next three months (v. 56).
Even in the midst of shattering thoughts and seclusion, they longed for the presence of each other. Initially they received the good words from the angel, but now both are taking the role of an angel to each other – by greeting, respecting, encouraging and saying good words. As we have entered another season of Advent, let’s prepare our hearts and become a ray of hope for others. what God wants us through this text is to share our sorrows and joys, respect and encourage one another so that our celebrations will become relevant and meaningful.
Prayer
Lord, teach us to respect and encourage each other unconditionally. Make us channels of your salvation in this world so that others also will know your love, and together we glorify you.
Thought for the Day
“Sorrow, when shared becomes half; and joy when shared, becomes double”
Rev. Dr Jacob George
Vicar, Mar Thoma Church , South Florida