Wednesday 21 December 2016

Psalm: Psalm 25

Background

As we noted yesterday the stories of Mary andElizabeth, and also the children they are carrying in their wombs,are woven together throughout this chapter. Today's short passagetells of their meeting and the joy which their encounterbrings.

Once again you might look at for pictures old and new which seek to convey thescene. Consider how best they express the differences in age andstation of life between these two people. Elizabeth was well pastthe age for normal child bearing, but most likely an honoured ladybelonging to a well-known and respected priestly family. Mary wasmost likely in her teens, and her ancestry is not mentioned.

Yet Elizabeth gives precedence to Mary, and sees herselffavoured that Mary, "the mother of my Lord" (v. 43) should come toher. The baby in her womb leaps for joy (verse 41), but also as asign that he, too, will give precedence to Mary's child.

In this joyful scene note how Elizabeth is filled with the HolySpirit and, as a prophet, speaks out her praise to God. However herjoy is not in her own situation. Her focus is entirely on Mary. Sheconcludes with a beatitude - blessed is the woman who believes thatGod will fulfil his promises to her.

To Ponder

• Reflect on the reasons for Elizabeth's humility as she welcomesMary.

• The passage ends with Elizabeth's beatitude for Mary, rejoicingthat she is blessed because she believes God's promise to her. Haveyou ever sensed that God has promised you something, and have youseen that promise fulfilled? Give thanks to God for that.