Daily Scripture Reflection & Prayer: December 12, 2024

Date: Thursday of the 2nd Week of Advent/ Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe

Scripture Text: Luke 1:39-47

Mary set out and traveled to the hill country in haste to a town of Judah, where she entered the house of Zechariah and greeted Elizabeth. When Elizabeth heard Mary’s greeting, the infant leaped in her womb, and Elizabeth, filled with the Holy Spirit, cried out in a loud voice and said, “Most blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb. And how does this happen to me, that the mother of my Lord should come to me? For at the moment the sound of your greeting reached my ears, the infant in my womb leaped for joy. Blessed are you who believed that what was spoken to you by the Lord would be fulfilled.”

And Mary said:

“My soul proclaims the greatness of the Lord;

my spirit rejoices in God my savior.”

Breaking the text open – background and summary:

The gospel reading for today recounts Mary’s visit to the home of Elizabeth, her cousin. Both women are “with child” through the power of the LORD.

Meditating on the text with personal questions:

Do I recognize the power and presence of Christ around me? Do I recognize Christ present in others?

Praying:

LORD, Open my mind and heart more fully to You and to your divine and loving presence in others and through others. On this feast of the Virgin Mary, of Our Lady of Guadalupe, grant that I may be as receptive to You and to your will as she. I ask this in the name of your Son, Jesus Christ, who lives and reigns with You and the Spirit, one LORD, forever and ever. Amen.