Today the Church offers us two options for the Gospel, one of them being Luke 1:39-47. In this passage, we witness an encounter between two women, the Virgin Mary and Elizabeth. Their encounter is not just a visit, but a sacred moment filled with divine grace. When the Virgin Mary, the woman chosen to be the mother of the Son of God, visits her cousin Elizabeth, the Holy Spirit fills the space with joy and anticipation. This encounter invites us to reflect on hospitality and the importance of preparing our hearts for the coming of Christ. Just as Elizabeth welcomed the Virgin Mary into her home, we too are called to welcome Christ into our hearts. In our busy lives, we can sometimes neglect the act of hospitality.
However, it is through acts of love, kindness, compassion, and generosity that we can truly prepare for the coming of Christ. By welcoming others into our homes, offering a listening ear, and willing our talents to help others, we can prepare our hearts for the coming of Christ. As we approach the Christmas season, let us daily and consciously strive to imitate the example of the Virgin Mary and Elizabeth, who were filled with the Holy Spirit and open to God's plan.
