Lessons for the Sunday Gospel: Dec. 20

Reflecting
Today’s Gospel tells us about Mary’s visit to her cousin Elizabeth. Elizabeth is expecting a baby, too, a baby whose words we’ve been hearing in the Gospels of the past two Sundays. Elizabeth will give birth to John who will become the Baptist. John will call people to prepare the way for the coming Messiah. These two women are very important in God’s plan for the salvation of all people.

This last Sunday of Advent is a good time to reflect on Mary’s and Elizabeth’s complete hope and trust in the goodness of God. Now is a good time to renew our own hope and trust in the Lord.

It might be helpful to consider how we would respond to these questions: Do I trust in God’s goodness? Do I truly believe that Jesus is with me in the Sacraments, most powerfully in the Eucharist? Do I recognize Jesus in the good people I know? Do my attitudes and actions reflect my faith in Jesus? Do I believe that Jesus will come again in glory? Or do I fail to think about these things altogether?

Sharing
Tell about people you know and admire because of their hope and trust in God.

Acting
Review the Joyful Mysteries of the Rosary.

Praying
Loving Jesus, may the greatest gift we give all people this Christmas and always be love. Amen.