“Mary set out in those days and traveled to the hill country in haste to a town of Judah, where she entered the house of Zechariah and greeted Elizabeth.” (LK 1: 39-40)
We don’t like to be “in haste”; it is not good for our work and not good for our family life. The only good thing when we are “in haste” is when we take care of our relationships.
“O Emmanuel, our King and Giver of Law: come to save us, Lord our God!” (Gospel Acclamation)
“Mary said, ‘Behold, I am the handmaid of the Lord. May it be done to me according to your word.’ Then the angel departed from her.” (LK 1: 38)
Our Lord’s word can change our lives and our relationships. When we listen to Him daily, we experience how everything changes. He knows best what we need; He knows where we should go because He knows our destination.
“O Key of David, opening the gates of God’s eternal Kingdom: come and free the prisoners of darkness!” (Gospel Acclamation)
“In the days of Herod, King of Judea, there was a priest named Zechariah of the priestly division of Abijah; his wife was from the daughters of Aaron, and her name was Elizabeth. Both were righteous in the eyes of God, observing all the commandments and ordinances of the Lord blamelessly. But they had no child, because Elizabeth was barren and both were advanced in years.” (LK 1: 5-7)
In St. Luke’s narration, everything is so detailed: “in the days of Herod… a priest named Zechariah of the priestly division of Abijah,…daughter of Aaron, and her name was Elizabeth.” Every name is important, and every relationship is important because this the beginning of a collection of stories about the birth and childhood of Jesus, who came to save us. Not the world and mankind, but us—everyone by name.
“O Root of Jesse’s stem, sign of God’s love for all his people: come to save us without delay!”
“When Joseph awoke, he did as the angel of the Lord had commanded him and took his wife into his home.” (MT 1: 24)
Our relationship with God is not only in our hearts or thoughts, but also in our actions: “when Joseph awoke, he did as the angel of the Lord had commanded him.” Every day we can put our faith and relationship with God into action: at home or in our office, on the street or in the shop.
“O Leader of the House of Israel, giver of the Law to Moses on Sinai: come to rescue us with your mighty power!” (Gospel Acclamation)
“Rejoice always. Pray without ceasing. In all circumstances give thanks, for this is the will of God for you in Christ Jesus. Do not quench the Spirit. Do not despise prophetic utterances. Test everything; retain what is good. Refrain from every kind of evil.” (1 Thes 5: 16-22)
Between “rejoice always” and “in all circumstances give thanks,” there is “pray without ceasing.” Prayer helps us to “rejoice always” and “give thanks in all circumstances.” Prayer connects us with God and with our brothers and sisters. Prayer is a gift from Our Lord.
“The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he has anointed me to bring glad tidings to the poor.” (Gospel Acclamation)
“In those days, like a fire there appeared the prophet Elijah whose words were as a flaming furnace. Their staff of bread he shattered, in his zeal he reduced them to straits; By the Lord’s word he shut up the heavens and three times brought down fire.” (SIR 48: 1-3)
When we admire God’s words and when we listen to Him daily, every day becomes an opportunity to proclaim His message: we are loved, we are His children, we are called to heaven. We want, like Elijah, in our homes and offices to “prepare the way of the Lord [and to] make straight his path.”
“Prepare the way of the Lord, make straight his paths: All flesh shall see the salvation of God.” (Gospel Acclamation)
“Thus says the LORD, your redeemer, the Holy One of Israel: I, the LORD, your God, teach you what is for your good, and lead you on the way you should go.” (IS 48: 17)
Leadership is so popular in these days. We can find many leadership trainings, books about leadership and video instructions on how to be a better leader. We have the best ever Leader—Our Lord, Who “leads us on the way we should go.” We can learn from Him, Who “teaches us what is good for us.”
“The Lord will come; go out to meet him! He is the prince of peace.” (Gospel Acclamation)
“I am the LORD, your God, who grasp your right hand; it is I who say to you, ‘Fear not, I will help you.’ Fear not, O worm Jacob, O maggot Israel; I will help you, says the LORD; your redeemer is the Holy One of Israel.” (IS 41: 13-14)
Our Lord is never tired of telling us how important we are to Him, how much He loves us, and how He can help. We can listen to His message all the time, happy with our hands united: “I am the Lord, your God, who grasp[s] your right hand.”
“Let the clouds rain down the Just One, and the earth bring forth a Savior.” (Gospel Acclamation)
“They that hope in the LORD will renew their strength, they will soar as with eagles’ wings; they will run and not grow weary, walk and not grow faint.” (IS 40: 31)
Our Lord takes care of everything in our lives: He helps us to grow in love and improve our relationships within family and with neighbors, and always draws us closer to Himself. When we are weak, He “will renew our strength” in all areas of our lives. He loves us. And we love Him.
“Behold, the Lord comes to save his people; blessed are those prepared to meet him.” (Gospel Acclamation)
“Most blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb. And how does this happen to me, that the mother of my Lord should come to me? For at the moment the sound of your greeting reached my ears, the infant in my womb leaped for joy. Blessed are you who believed that what was spoken to you by the Lord would be fulfilled.” (LK 1: 42-45)
We celebrate today the Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe, the “most blessed among women,” who became the Mother of Our Lord. She is always with us whenever we need her help, and whoever will ask her for intervention will be heard. She always comes with a blessing and always helps us to be more connected to Our Lord.
“Blessed are you, holy Virgin Mary, deserving of all praise; from you rose the sun of justice, Christ our Lord.” (Gospel Acclamation)