Meditation: Do you recognize the indwelling presence of
the Lord Jesus in your life? Blessed are you if you see and recognize
the Lord with the "eyes of faith". The word "blessed" [makarios in
Greek] literally means "happiness" or "beatitude". It describes a kind
of joy which is serene and untouchable, self-contained, and independent
from chance and changing circumstances of life.
God gives us supernatural joy with hope in his promises
There is a certain paradox for those "blessed" by the Lord. Mary was
given the "blessedness" of being the mother of the Son of God. That
blessedness also would become a sword which pierced her heart as her
Son died upon the cross. Anselm, a great teacher and Archbishop of
Canterbury (1033-1109), spoke these words in a homily: "Without God's
Son nothing could exist; without Mary's son, nothing could be
redeemed." To be chosen by God is an awesome privilege and
responsibility. Mary received both a crown of joy and a cross of
sorrow. Her joy was not diminished by her sorrow because it was fueled
by her faith, hope, and trust in God and his promises.
Jesus promised his disciples that "no one will take your joy from you"
(John 16:22). The Lord gives us a supernatural joy which enables us to
bear any sorrow or pain and which neither life nor death can take away.
Do you know the joy of a life given over to God in faith and trust?
They were filled with the Holy Spirit
What is the significance of Mary's visit to her cousin Elizabeth before
the birth of Jesus? When Elizabeth greeted Mary and recognized the
Messiah in Mary's womb they were filled with the Holy Spirit and with a
joyful anticipation of the fulfillment of God's promise to give a
Savior. What a marvelous wonder for God to fill not only Elizabeth's
heart with his Holy Spirit but the child in her womb as well. John the
Baptist, even before the birth of the Messiah, pointed to his coming
and leaped for joy in the womb of his mother as the Holy Spirit
revealed to him the presence of the King to be born.
The Lord wants to fill each of us with his Holy Spirit
The Holy Spirit is God's gift to us to enable us to know and experience
the indwelling presence of God and the power of his kingdom. The Holy
Spirit is the way in which God reigns within each of us. Do you live in
the joy and knowledge of God's indwelling presence with you through his
Holy Spirit?
Prayer: Lord Jesus, fill me with your Holy Spirit and give me
joy in seeking you more earnestly. Increase my faith in all your
promises, my hope in the joy of heaven, and my love for You as my All.
This reflection is courtesy of Don Schwager, whose website is located at: http://dailyscripture.servantsoftheword.org/readings/