4th Sunday of Advent - Journey's End in Sight

Our journey is almost done. We have come a long way in four weeks. We are ready to celebrate the birth of our savior.  The Gospel for today speaks about Mary visiting Elizabeth.  Notice that Elizabeth's infant leaped in her womb as Mary greeted her.  John the Baptist already recognized that the Christ was in Mary's womb. Elizabeth tells Mary that she is "Blessed among women and blessed is the fruit of your womb."  Mary carried in her body, the Body, Blood, Soul, and Divinity of Christ.  She was the first tabernacle, the new Arc of the Covenant, she was the new Eve who negated Adam and Eve's no by saying "Yes."  It was to be her privilege to be the Mother of God!  

Mary is our mother too. We are adopted sons and daughters in the Household of God.  She calls us her sons and daughters.  She stands next to her Son in heaven and she constantly prays for us to Him.  Jesus perfectly obeyed all of the commandments the Father passed down to us on Mount Sinai.  This includes the fourth commandment, "Honor thy father and they mother."  Jesus honors His mother and we too as members of the household claim her as our mother too.  This is why Catholics honor Mary because Christ our Savior did it first and we want to imitate him as well. 

As we look forward to the celebration of the Holy Birth, let us thank God for giving us a spiritual mother who understands us and who loves us and speaks for us to the Lord our God.