You shall surely be honored at the Lord’s visitation.
Song of Songs 2:8-14
Luke 1:39-45
Our first reading for today comes from the Song of Songs which has often been seen as an allegory of God’s love for his people. In this passage the groom represents God, and we see God inviting the beloved to come and live with God in happiness. These texts remind us that God is renewing us with affirming love. Have you ever thought that God is glad because of you and me? This fills me with Advent hope. The first two texts are about living our life in union with God and about our being restored in God’s life and love. “God sings joyfully because of you” (Zephaniah 3: 18). Can we imagine that God is singing joyfully because of us? Like Jerusalem, we too have fallen short of our best selves at times.
Today’s gospel recounts the visitation of Mary to Elizabeth, this passage is filled with advent’s expectation and joy and we are invited to encounter the same joy shared by these women hope shared as they expected the savior into the world. Their joy radiated within them from their deep faith that transforms their encounter into a hymn of praise. The reason for their rejoicing is Jesus Himself who brings true and lasting joy. They are women who were poor women who were filled with gratitude of God’s mercy and fidelity to them. Their joy is what we long for and desired. We too can rejoice in the promise if we turn to encounter the one who is the source of our life and existence.- the infant king. Let us experience the presence of the Lord and be filled with joy and hope as we welcome the savior of the world.
Our God yearns to be one with us. God is the Great Restorer. In these final days of Advent let us take some time to be mindful and joyful as we prepare for Christmas
Fr Joseph Osho