GOD AS THE CAUSE AND GOAL OF OUR LOVE - 12/21/22 (Wednesday of the Fourth Week of Advent)

Luke 1:39–42

In those days Mary arose and went with haste into the hill country, to a city of Judah, and she entered the house of Zechariah and greeted Elizabeth. And when Elizabeth heard the greeting of Mary, the child leaped in her womb; and Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit and she exclaimed with a loud cry, “Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb!” 

For the full readings, click here: 

https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/122022.cfm

Blessed Wednesday! When we think of Christmas, we remember that this is the day we celebrate the birth of our Savior. At the same time, this is also an opportunity to express our love for our families, friends, and for our neighbors. This is why we also become excited as Christmas comes nearer. But, what is the reason and purpose behind our love and service for our neighbors? As seen in the life of the Blessed Virgin Mary, God is both the cause and the goal of our love. When St. Gabriel visited the Blessed Virgin Mary, he revealed to her that St. Elizabeth, despite her old age, was pregnant due to the intervention from God. After Mary expressed her abandonment and trust to God's will, she decided to go with diligence to the place of St. Elizabeth. The Blessed Virgin Mary, as she was filled by the love of the Holy Spirit and the presence of Jesus Christ in her womb, caused her to express her love and care for her cousin. Because she is full of grace and immaculate, all of her actions are done out of love for God and with pure intentions. She did not just desire to help her cousin merely because she wanted to help, but because it's God's will that Mary should show her love and bring joy though the presence of Jesus Christ in her womb. 

As we continue in the gospel reading, St. Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit and St. John the Baptist, in her womb, leaped for joy when they heard the voice of Mary who was carrying God in her blessed womb. God is the cause of authentic joy in our souls, and we can only be instrument for happiness of other people if we are filled with God's love. Jesus is also reminding us that even amidst difficulties with our families, friends and with other people, we should make the sacrifice of being patient with them and loving them because these are the means by which we can love God. Money and entertainment are not the true sources of happiness. God desires that we may see Him as the cause of interior joy in our hearts, especially as we prepare for Christmas. It may be the case that it's difficult to love other people. We may dislike their imperfections and pride. We may be sad by the fact that some of the people whom we love do not practice the Catholic faith and may even commit blasphemy against God. The more we see how difficult it is to love, the more we should depend on God and also on the prayers of our Mother Mary. If the greeting of Mary became the instrument for St. Elizabeth to be filled by the Holy Spirit, we have assurance that the prayers of Mary will help us to be filled by the Spirit of Love and to enable us to share the love of God to other people. Let's rejoice in the gift o God's love especially as we prepare for the celebration of the birth of our Savior, Jesus Christ. 

Amen +

Jesus, Mary, and Joseph, be with us always until the hour of our death. Amen. +

May the Lord + bless us, protect us from all evil and bring us to everlasting life. Amen. +  

Reflection by: Dominic

Optional Memorial of St. Peter Canisius:

https://mycatholic.life/saints/saints-of-the-liturgical-year/21-december-saint-peter-canisius-priest-and-doctor--optional-memorial/

Examination of Conscience and Guide to Sacrament of Confession:

https://mycatholic.life/catholic-prayers/examination-of-conscience/

Ultimate Catholic Parents Guide:

https://youtube.com/watch?v=Ls6IcexZAls

Summary and Defense of Catholic Teachings:

https://www.catholic.com/tract/pillar-of-fire-pillar-of-truth