Monday of the Fourth Week in Advent
(Song of Songs 2:8-14; Luke 1:39-45)
In a novel a gardener critiques a sign that reads, “Vine-grown tomatoes.” The gardener says something like, “What’s so great about that? Where else are tomatoes going to grow? What we want are vine-ripened tomatoes.” The comment enlightens the gospel reading today in two ways.
First, something like the difference between vine-grown and vine-ripened tomatoes, the blessing Elizabeth bestows on Mary is not so much that she is the mother of Jesus but that she “believed that what was spoken to you by the Lord would be fulfilled.” It is an awesome responsibility to be the mother of God. But to act consistently on the belief that God has made us His own with the words, “I baptize you in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit,” at the pouring of the water is a more remarkable accomplishment.
Second, Caryll Houselander, a twentieth century English mystic, wrote that during Advent Christ is to grow within us as he grew in the Virgin’s womb. At this late date he should be almost full-term or, if you don’t mind, ripened. Each of us, if we have reflected on the meaning of his coming as related in the Scripture readings at mass, should realize that he is our best consolation and ultimate hope. Promised as a comfort to Israel in their suffering, Jesus is the true wisdom that guides us through difficulties and temptations to spiritual peace. He also gives life to our desire that when our individual trajectories have run their courses, we do not drop into oblivion but into the merciful arms of our loving Father.
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