Fr. Albertus Magnus Herwanta, O.Carm
Now, we can hardly live without information and messages. Every second of our lives is connected to a message, and we are easily anxious when we cannot find it. For example, those who profit from the stock exchange constantly have to watch its changes. There are so many other messages people are attracted to.
The Fourth Sunday's readings are rich with profound messages. One such message is the One the Virgin Mary brought to her relative, Elizabeth. "In those days, Mary arose and went with haste into the hill country, to a town in Judah, and she entered the house of Zechariah and greeted Elizabeth" (Luke 1:39).
She came not to bring a message regarding financial gain and political victory but a message of faith. She shared her faith experience of being chosen to be the mother of the Lord.
She came to bring Jesus to Elizabeth and her family. Elizabeth, filled with the Holy Spirit, exclaimed, "Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb" (Luke 1:42). Then Elizabeth called Mary a faithful person, "Blessed is she who believed that there would be a fulfillment of what was spoken to her from the Lord" (Luke 1:45).
The Virgin Mary, filled with the Holy Spirit, brought Jesus to her relatives. This brings some important messages to us. First, those filled with the Holy Spirit cannot keep the power of the Spirit for themselves. Second, those who have received Jesus are called to preach about him.
Mother Mary, the first missionary, left her house to proclaim Jesus. She shared Jesus among her relatives and introduced him to people at the wedding feast at Cana (John 2:1-11).
As we prepare to welcome Jesus Christ, the Church reminds us of our baptism and its profound responsibilities. Being baptized means that we are united with the Lord Jesus. Like Mother Mary, we are to bring Jesus to others.
Second, we are called to be missionaries who proclaim Jesus in our lives. As Mother Mary leaves her house in Nazareth to bring Jesus to her relatives, we are called to preach Jesus to those who have not known Jesus yet, especially those living near us.
Third, good missionaries let their lives be filled with the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit's power works in the missionaries. The Holy Spirit opens the way and equips his missionaries with all the graces they need.
Finally, we are called to be the missionaries of Jesus, proclaiming the most important message from heaven, Jesus Christ, the One who will come on Christmas. Are we ready to be the missionaries of Jesus, following the example of Mother Mary and bringing the message to our present -world?🎄 (*)