Mary, Our Model

As we get closer to Christmas, the Church places before us Mary, as our model of preparation for this special feast. Luke’s gospel tells us that: “Mary went in haste” to tend to the needs of her cousin Elizabeth. While Mary rushed off to help Elizabeth, she was ever aware of the child in her womb. These are days of haste for all of us. Much of what we do is geared towards giving pleasure to others in the form of gifts, cards, meals, parties and tokens of appreciation. In the spirit of this season we show our concern also for the poor, the needy, and the lonely in our midst. In a special way we are conscious of those for whom the holiday season is a difficult time because of the loss of a loved one, or those who are separated from their loved ones through military service or some other reason. We remember, too, all those in our nursing homes, the sick and those who have suffered from natural disasters.

Just as Mary’s gesture toward Elizabeth was motivated by the presence of Christ in her, so too, many of our activities are motivated by God’s goodness and generosity, especially in the greatest gift of all, his son, Jesus. This is the reason for the season, and while we might easily forget it, the goodness and kindness of God is the spirit which motivates all our good deeds. “Joy to the World” we sing. We bring joy to others in our sharing and caring.

In visiting Elizabeth, Mary became the first missionary. She brought Christ to Elizabeth, Zechariah, and John the Baptist. When we reach out and bring joy and hope to others, we do what Mary did – we share God’s blessings to us with those who need to feel those blessings. The archangel Gabriel said to Mary: “Blessed are you among women.” Elizabeth felt that blessing and cried out: “Who am I that the mother of my Lord should come to me?” (Luke 1:41-43) Elizabeth felt the blessings of Mary and the child Jesus in her womb. This Fourth Sunday of Advent, we are blessed in even greater ways. Mary is placed before us as a model of faith and trust in God’s promise. She is also our model in reaching out to those who need us. We are also blessed because Mary’s son, the risen Lord Jesus, comes to us and makes his dwelling place in us, through Holy Communion. What a gift! What a cause of joy!