The sunday of St. Mary's journey to Elizabeth

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Devotional Thoughts for the sunday of St. Mary's journey to Elizabeth - 30th Nov 08
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Reading: From the Gospel according to St. Luke 1: 39-56

Dear and Respected Brethren,

The context of today's reading is well known to each and every one of us, as we are so familiar with the text. St. Mary went to the city of Judea in haste. If we want to do something in haste, we must have pre-determination and aim of our purpose. This is very relevant as far as a true Christian is concerned. All our attempts to increase our spirituality must have a clear aim and a definite and solid determination.

As soon as St. Mary entered the house of Zacharias and Elizabeth, she saluted Elizabeth and immediately the baby in her womb leaped in great joy and was filled with the Holy Spirit. This incident is the basis of the Orthodox teaching that even babies also could have Holy Spirit, if granted by God Almighty. The baby St. John's faith or confession of the faith was not a matter for the indwelling of the Holy Spirit,

The song of Elizabeth from verses 42 onwards is so great and significant, She said in loud voice, "Blessed art thou among women, and blessed is the fruit of thy womb'. Our Church Fathers insist us to recite these Biblical verses as a prayer to honor St. Mary, Mother of God. We often get confused when we are criticized by the people who do not have faith in the intercession of Mother of God or of any Saints. In verse 43 Elizabeth asks "And from where is this to me that the mother of my Lord should come to me". The credit goes to Elizabeth in addressing St. Mary as Mother of God for the firs time in the history. In our personal lives also, we often get a number of blessings. Often we ignore the mercy and compassion of Lord God behind such gifts and services. But often we fail in recognizing them as the gifts from God Almighty. Whenever we get a mercy from God, we must thank Him with all our heart, instead of praising ourselves for the gains and achievements.

From verse 46 onwards we listen to the reply of St. Mary. She said' "my soul magnify the Lord and my spirit has rejoiced in God my Savior.". She has her own reason for magnifying God and for rejoicing in the Lord, as He has regarded the low estate of his handmaiden. This is the greatness of St, Mary Mother of God.


Let us try to follow the life style and footsteps of St. Mary. May God bless us all

Jose Kurian Puliyeril
Kottayam