Leaping with Joy: A Reflection on Faith and Humility
Reflection on Luke 1:39–56
August 15,2005
In today’s Gospel, we encounter one of the most beautiful and spirit-filled moments in all of Scripture: the Visitation. Mary, having received the angel’s announcement that she would bear the Son of God, travels in haste to the hill country to visit her cousin Elizabeth, who is also miraculously expecting a child.
This passage, though familiar, offers a profound meditation on faith, humility, and the joy that comes from recognizing God at work in our lives.
Let us enter the scene:
Mary, a young woman, has just said her great “yes” to God — “Let it be done to me according to your word.” Immediately, we see her respond not with self-absorption or anxiety, but with action — she goes to serve. She travels a long and possibly dangerous journey to be with Elizabeth. Mary is not passive in her discipleship; she is active, joyful, and self-giving.
When Mary greets Elizabeth, something extraordinary happens: “The infant leaped in her womb.” Even before birth, John the Baptist recognizes the presence of the Messiah. This is the first proclamation of Jesus, not with words, but with joy. The unborn John leaps, Elizabeth is filled with the Holy Spirit, and she exclaims, “Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb!”
Here, we see something deeply important for our spiritual lives: when we welcome Christ into our hearts and lives, it causes others to rejoice. Mary carried Jesus physically, yes — but more importantly, she carried Him in her heart with faith and love. And in doing so, she became a living tabernacle, bringing Christ’s presence to others.
Elizabeth’s reaction is not just a greeting of courtesy. It is a moment of deep spiritual insight. She recognizes in Mary not only her physical pregnancy but her deep faith: “Blessed is she who believed that the promise made her by the Lord would be fulfilled.” This verse is key. Mary is not only honored because she is the Mother of the Lord, but because she believed — she trusted in God’s promises, even when she did not yet see how everything would unfold.
Then, in response, Mary sings her great hymn — the Magnificat: “My soul proclaims the greatness of the Lord, my spirit rejoices in God my Savior…”
Mary's song is not about her greatness — it's about God’s. Her humility is striking. She rejoices not in her own status, but in how God has looked with favor on her lowliness. She gives glory to God for lifting up the lowly, filling the hungry, scattering the proud. Her soul reflects the truth of the Kingdom of God — one that reverses worldly expectations.
What can we take from this today?
-
Like Mary, we are called to say “yes” to God, even when we don’t have all the answers. Our faith doesn’t depend on certainty or control, but on trust in God's goodness.
-
We’re invited to bring Christ to others. Mary carried Jesus in her womb, but we carry Him through our words, our actions, and the love we share. When we live in His presence, we bring joy and hope into the lives of others.
-
We must recognize and celebrate God’s work in others. Elizabeth’s greeting reminds us to be grateful and affirm the faith we see in others. This strengthens our community and builds each other up in love.
-
True greatness lies in humility. Mary’s Magnificat shows us that the humble, the lowly, and the faithful are at the center of God's plan. We don’t need to be powerful or perfect — just open.
Key Takeaway:
Mary’s journey to Elizabeth reminds us that discipleship is active, joyful, and rooted in humility. When we carry Christ within us — through faith, love, and service — we bring joy to others, and our lives become songs of praise to the God who lifts up the lowly and fulfills His promises.
No comments:
Post a Comment