Song of Songs 2:8-14
Luke 1:39-45
Ellizabeth has experienced her own shame and exclusion but now rejoices
and greets Mary with honor even though Mary is betrothed and yet is pregnant and could be socially ostracized, socially judged, and shamed.
But at the visitation, they both bestowed honor and blessings upon each other. They shower each other with inclusive love and acceptance. They both acknowledge God’s love at work even though they are shamed by their society.
This Gospel reading should cause us to ponder during this Advent season. What is God doing through the vulnerable and forsaken in our society? Is God working through people that society excludes and treats as shameful?
May we come to be like these women of faith and joy by becoming a society that cares, loves, and supports each other as we wait and hope for the coming of our Savior Jesus Christ.
Fr Joseph Osho
