WEEKLY REFLECTION 

During this time of the year, the two words that are quite often used are “Merry Christmas”. At least it is often used in Church. Christmas is only a few hours away we just can’t wait to keep saying it, because Christmas is already here.

And that’s what we saw in the gospel account of what is commonly known as “The Visitation.” The gospel account began by saying that Mary set out at that time and went as quickly as she could to a town in the hill country of Judah to visit her cousin Elizabeth. Certainly, it was not a casual or ordinary event. Mary has just conceived Jesus in her womb, and she had her own worries and anxieties to handle. It was certainly not a time to go traveling over the countryside. 

But having known that her cousin Elizabeth was already in her sixth month of pregnancy, Mary knew that she must be there for her. It was a call to an act of mercy – to show kindness to Elizabeth in her time of need, and to share in her joy and anxiety of pregnancy. 

The gospel passage reminds us that there is always something that we can give, even if it is only kindness and compassion. Because life’s most persistent and urgent question is: “What are you doing for others?” 

Let us remember that every act of kindness, every act of compassion, every act of mercy, is a steppingstone towards heaven. 

Every corporal and spiritual work of mercy is to make us be merciful, just as the Father is merciful. May this Christmas be a “Merry Christmas” for us. And may this Christmas also be a “Merciful Christmas” for us as we give to others the gifts of kindness and compassion.

Reflections courtesy of Evengeli.net.