Mary Visits Elizabeth - Missionary Commentary for Sunday, December 22

Readings for the Fourth Sunday of Advent, Year C

Micah 5:1-4
Psalm 80:2-3. 15-16, 18-19
Hebrews 10:5-10
Luke 1:39-45
USCCB Link to the Readings

Share as a .pdf document!

The Visitation story is chronicled in today’s gospel (Lk 1:39-45). The scene presents Mary, filled with the Holy Spirit and impelled by love, rushing to the aid of her cousin Elizabeth who also is pregnant—even in her old age. What a scene of great joy! Mary and Elizabeth, both faithful women of Israel, have been blessed by God. When Mary enters Zechariah’s house, Elizabeth replies to Mary’s greeting and feels the child leap in her womb; she greets Mary enthusiastically: “Of all women you are the most blessed, and blessed is the fruit of your womb” (Lk 1:42). 

Missionary Urgency. Note the clear sense of mission in this scene. Mary, prompted by the Spirit undertakes a difficult journey into the hill country; she went in haste; she was on a mission of service. She could have rationalized staying at home; she was pregnant and the journey was long. It seems that every word of Elizabeth’s greeting has a special meaning: “Yes, blessed is she who believed that the promise made her by the Lord would be fulfilled” (Lk 1:45). Who is blessed? It is the one who, like Mary, believes in God’s promises and acts upon them. 

Moved by the Spirit. Note that the evangelist says that Elizabeth was “filled with the Holy Spirit” (Lk 1:41). Indeed, those filled with the Spirit can recognize God’s plan, praise and thank God for it, and joyfully accept their role in the unfolding of this loving design. These two generous, holy women shared their faith. Truly, faith-filled, Spirit-inspired women are central to the workings of God’s Spirit. In addition, we can reflect upon the fact that Mary clearly manifested a lively sense of mission and service. We recall that both Pope-Saints Paul VI and John Paul II affirm that the Holy Spirit is indeed the principal agent of mission and evangelization (EN 75; RM 21). 

Mary’s Spirit-inspired Magnificat. During the visitation Mary breaks into her hymn of praise known as the Magnificat (Lk 1:46-55); it is sung daily in the heart of the Church during Vesper prayers. Paul VI writes: “It was the Holy Spirit who filled her [Mary’s] soul with jubilant gratitude and moved her to sing the Magnificat to God her Savior.” When the Church celebrates Marian feasts, the liturgy notes that “it is our special joy to echo her song of thanksgiving [Magnificat]. What wonders you have worked throughout the world! All generations have shared the greatness of your love” (Preface of the Blessed Virgin Mary). 

Song of Gratitude. The Magnificat, sung under the Spirit’s inspiration, is a brief, yet profound, synopsis of how God intends to unfold what his plan of salvation entails, and what role Mary will play within this unfolding design. The Magnificat asserts many profound truths: salvation comes from a loving God and is a cause for rejoicing; lowly servants like Mary play important roles in God’s design; God does great deeds for his faithful people. The Magnificat is a sublime example of the great transformations the Holy Spirit brings about. During this Advent-Christmas season, contemplate the marvels God has accomplished in your life; let your heart overflow with gratitude!

Notes on the Sunday Readings

First Reading 
Micah 5:1-4 – Written in the eighth century before Christ, this reading from the prophet Micah contains a famous Messianic prophecy, asserting that the Messiah will come from Bethlehem, David’s own hometown of origin.

Responsorial Psalm
Psalm 80:2-3. 15-16, 18-19 – This psalm refers to the Shepherd of Israel who will come to save us; he will take loving care of the people, the vine, which his right hand has planted. 

Second Reading 
Hebrews 10:5-10 – Paul, in chains, instructs the Christians in Philippi on prayer, and to follow his own example throughout his life: rejoicing even in the face of adversity.

Gospel 
Luke 1:39-45 – Today’s Gospel is drawn from the infancy narrative of Saint Luke, chapters 1-2 of his Gospel. As we prepare for the Lord’s nativity, we read the delightful story of the visitation of Mary to Elizabeth and her profound praise of God and his marvelous plan of salvation.

Notes and Commentary by Maryknoller James H. Kroeger, who has recently published Walking with Pope Francis: The Official Documents in Everyday Language (Orbis Books – 2023) and Exploring Vatican II Treasures: Actors, Events, Insights, commemorating the sixtieth anniversary of the close of Vatican II [1965-2025] (Faith Alive Books – 2024)

Please pray for the missions.
May God bless you in all the ways you Go Forth…
Support our work! 
Donate online today