19 December 2021
Fourth Sunday of Advent
This year may be one where we most understand the joys of Mary visiting Elizabeth. The world has been weary from isolation. Now, we come to a point where, as the carol “O Holy Night” tells us, “a weary world rejoices.” The joy I was able to feel this summer hugging my grandma for the first time in a year will be hopefully be felt by people all over the world as they come together, weary yet rejoicing.
Yet as we seek to come together, we should be mindful that people come together for all sorts of reasons. The past year has shown us that, as well: people so desperate to come together that they will do so for good or for evil. Coming together with good news is what brings true joy into the world. Coming together for less virtuous causes brings nothing but destruction and further division. As we gather together this Christmas, we ought to do so only for good.
The example of Mary and Elizabeth may be of help here. When Mary came to Elizabeth, she came bringing news of great joy. Mary brought news of Jesus, and Elizabeth was able to rejoice at this news, declaring “blessed is the fruit of your womb!” (Lk. 1:42) For all the difficulties of the past year, be aware how God has been at work in your life, what places Jesus has burst into the scene to bring newness. Be able to share in a real way the saving work of Jesus, and gather with loved ones in joy.