Monday of the
Fourth Week of Advent
(Song of Songs 2:8-14; Luke 1:39-45)
Pope Francis’ itinerary in Mexico has been
announced. He will visit the shrine of
the Virgin of Guadalupe, the country’s patron, in the capital. But that is the only major commercial center that
he will go to. Rather than Guadalajara and
Monterrey, Francis will travel to San Cristóbal de las Casas, Morelia, and
Ciudad Juarez. These cities have
undergone grave troubles recently. The
pope’s intentions are obvious. He intends
to comfort victims of violence and poverty.
God seems to show the same concern in today’s gospel.
Two women take center stage. Elizabeth suffered the disgrace of never
having a child. Mary has shown implicit
obedience to God’s word by rushing to Elizabeth. Both represent the poor who continue trusting
despite the hardships they face. Now God
is acting on their behalf.
We may never duplicate the humility of Elizabeth and the
obedience of Mary. But we can imitate
their example. We can curb our desire
for recognition and our need to have things our way. When we do, we will know the full joy of
Christmas. We will realize that God has truly
come to share with us His peace.
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