Thursday of the
Fourth Week of Advent
(Song of Songs 2:8-14;
Luke 1:39-45)
“Come Holy Spirit, fill the hearts of your
faithful and kindle in them the fire of your love.” If we don’t pray this prayer every day, we
are likely missing out on many blessings.
The Spirit’s thrust is vividly seen in today’s gospel.
In the previous passage Mary received the Holy
Spirit. She was overshadowed by God’s
life-giving love to accept His Son in her womb.
She also was moved to visit her relative Elizabeth who may need assistance
with her improbable pregnancy. When Mary
arrives at Elizabeth’s door, the Spirit acts visibly again. The elderly woman blesses her visitor while the
fetus within her jumps for joy. The blessing
not only gives Mary due praise, it also bestows on her a new identity. She is “the mother of (our) Lord.”
The Spirit is palpably active among us at
Christmas. It inspires us to remember
the many blessings we have received through the years. It moves us to reflect on the mystery of God’s
love being retold once again. It sends
us out to those in need.
