FOCUS ON GOD

When two persons who are greatly blest meet, what usually happens? They engage in a very lively exchange. This is what happens today in the Gospel. Elizabeth, even in her old age and barrenness, conceived. Mary, despite her young age and virginity, conceived as well. Both women were not only greatly blest; they were blest even beyond imagining. Today, the Gospel focuses on the meeting of these two unimaginable blest women and their exchange was so lively that Elizabeth's child even jumped in the womb while Mary rejoices unto her soul.

Mary's canticle,the Magnificat, highlights their rendezvous. The Magnificat, in turn, highlights what God has done. The canticle focuses on God's action on behalf of His People, Israel. God's action underscores His fidelity to His promise of mercy to Abraham and his children forever. How greatly blest we can really be if in every meeting we have with anyone highlights God's works in our life! Instead of talking about other people's lives, speak about God's action in our life. Discern with everyone we meet how God moves in our life. Focus on God's faithfulness to us rather than on the infidelity of others.

Christmas can be a whole year round celebration if we proclaim everyday with everyone how God comes and enters into our life. Christmas should not be reduced to a mere annual commemoration of the Lord's birth. It must be a daily experience when we focus not on our selves nor on others but on God. Fr. Bobby T.

REFLECTION QUESTION: Christmas is primarily God's gift to us, not our gift to God.

Thank You, Jesus, for choosing to come to us and becoming part of our race. Help us to bring You to anyone we meet each day in our life. May our life always be a song of praise and thanksgiving to Your fidelity to us. May we ourselves be the proof of Your faithful love. Amen.

adapted from Kyregma