God reveals his presence in the most common things of human life.

God reveals his presence in the most common things of human life. 

Good morning, happy Monday, and many blessings.

Luke (1:39-45) stresses the readiness of Mary in serving, in being a handmaid. The angel speaks about the pregnancy of Elizabeth, and immediately Mary rises and sets out as quickly as she can to go and help her. From Nazareth to the house of Elizabeth there were more than 100 km, at least four days of traveling! There were no buses or trains. Mary begins to serve and fulfills her mission on behalf of the people of God.

Elizabeth represents the First Testament, which was about to end. Mary represents the Second Testament. The First Testament accepts the Second one with gratitude and trust, recognizing in it God’s gift which is going to be realized and is going to satisfy people’s expectations. In the encounter of the two women the gift of the Spirit is manifested. The child leapt with joy in Elizabeth’s womb. This is Elizabeth’s faith-filled reading of things.

Elizabeth said, “And blessed is she who believed that there would be a fulfillment of what was spoken to her from the Lord” (

1:45

). Mary was blessed not only because of her privilege in being the mother of the Christ, but also because of her faith in believing that there would be a fulfillment of what was spoken to her from the Lord. By using the third person pronoun, she, Elizabeth was indicating that God would bless everyone who has faith in Jesus Christ.

The Good News of God reveals His presence in the most common things of human life: two housewives who visit each other to help one another. Visit, joy, pregnancy, children, mutual help, house, family: Luke wants us and the community to precisely see this, and to discover in this, God’s presence.

Mary brought God to Elizabeth in her heart and in her womb. We bring God to everyone we meet, and everyone we meet brings God to us. Mary was called to cooperate in the salvation of the world. Her first thought was to go and visit her older cousin, who was in need. Is there anyone who needs me today? Now, Elizabeth’s humility is remarkable. We should note that she was not jealous at all that Mary had received the greater honor. Let us not become jealous when God gives greater privileges and gifts and blessings to others. But rather, let us in humility rejoice in God’s gifts to us, and also in his gifts to others.

I marvel at the instincts and insight of mothers. While husband Zechariah is baffled and struck dumb, and foster-father Joseph has misgivings, it is a woman, Elizabeth, herself pregnant, who recognizes the action of the Lord in her young cousin. She is given the special grace of an intimate appreciation of what is happening and who is really present. In life do I always appreciate what is happening and who is really present?

Putting myself in the place of Mary and Elizabeth: am I able to perceive and experience the presence of God in the most simple and common things in everyday life?

Blessings,

Fr. Luis+