LUKE 1:45 (Today’s Gospel Reading: Luke 1:39-56)

Jakarta, 31 May 2021 [Feast of the Visitation of the Blessed Virgin Mary]

A Christian Pilgrim

 

BLESSED ARE YOU AMONG WOMEN, AND BLESSED IS THE FRUIT OF YOUR WOMB!

BLESSED ARE YOU AMONG WOMEN, AND BLESSED IS THE FRUIT OF YOUR WOMB!

(A biblical reflection on the feast of THE VISITATION OF THE BLESSED VIRGIN MARY – Monday, 31 May 2021)

Gospel Reading: Luke 1:39-56

First Reading: Zephaniah 3:14-18 or Romans 12:9-16; Psalms: Isaiah 12:2-6

The Scripture Text

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 babe 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! And why is this granted me, that the mother of my Lord should come to me? For behold, when the voice of your greeting came to my ears, the babe in my womb leaped for joy. And blessed is she who believed that there would be a fulfilment of what was spoken to her from the Lord.” And Mary said,

“My soul magnifies the Lord, and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior, for He has regarded the low estate of His hand maiden. For behold, henceforth all generations will call me blessed; for He who is mighty has done great things for me, and holy is His name. And His mercy is on those who fear Him from generation to generation. He has shown strength with His arm, He has put down the mighty from their thrones, and exalted those of low degree; He has filled the hungry with good things, and the rich He has sent empty away. He has helped His servant Israel, in remembrance of His mercy, as He spoke to our fathers, to Abraham and to his posterity for ever.”

And Mary remained with her about three months, and returned to her home. (Luke 1:39-56 RSV)

It was remarkable that God chose to bring about His work of redemption through two human babies and their mothers. Jesus was still in Mary’s womb, yet in His presence Elizabeth and her own unborn son, John, were filled with the Holy Spirit. This short but powerful scene gives us a glimpse of the forceful love of God, who simply cannot wait to pour out His life. What a foreshadowing this is of the glory of the risen Christ, who wants to pour out His Spirit on all people!

Elizabeth’s pure and humble response to the work of God in their lives must have brought great comfort to Mary. In Elizabeth she finally found someone with whom she could share her joy and awe at what was happening in her. Who else at this time could understand the song welling up within Mary’s heart (Lk 1:46-56)? Rather than being jealous of her younger relative’s exalted position, Elizabeth rejoiced with Mary and embraced her own supportive role. For her part, Mary did not wait for Elizabeth to come to her, but hastened to her side.

While this meeting between Mary and Elizabeth is unique, there is something here that we can all experience. As baptized believers, each of us is capable of bearing Christ to others. If our eyes were opened to the glory of this truth, we too would rejoice and be humbled in the presence of so holy a vessel as a sister or brother in Christ. Even non-believers would move us to great reverence because they too are created in God’s image and have just as much potential of being filled with the Holy Spirit. If God has so highly honored human beings this way, how could we fail to show them equal honor?

God used His Son, Jesus, even when He was just a fetus in the womb of Mary, to pour out divine life. Everyone, no matter how strong or weak, has been created as a dwelling place for God. So how can we long for God’s presence and yet disregard Him in the people all around us?

Prayer: Lord Jesus Christ, as You opened Elizabeth’s eyes in the presence of Mary, so open our eyes to those who also bear Christ. Help us to honor the potential of each person to be filled with the Holy Spirit. Amen.

Jakarta, 31 May, 2021 [The Feast of the Visitation of the Blessed Virgin Mary]

A Christian Pilgrim

 

MATTHEW 28:18-20 (Today’s Gospel: Matthew 28:16-20)

Jakarta, 30 May 2021 [HOLY TRINITY SUNDAY]

A Christian Pilgrim

 

THE SIGN OF THE CROSS IS MORE THAN A ROUTINE PROCEDURE TO BEGIN AND END A PRAYER

THE SIGN OF THE CROSS IS MORE THAN A ROUTINE PROCEDURE TO BEGIN AND END A PRAYER

A biblical reflection on TRINITY SUNDAY – 30 May 2021)

Gospel Reading: Matthew 28:16-20

First Reading: Deuteronomy 4:32-34,39-40; Psalms: Psalm 33:4-6,9,18-19,20,22, Second Reading: Romans 8:14-17

The Scripture Text

Now the eleven disciples went to Galilee, to the mountain to which Jesus had directed them. And when they saw Him they worshiped Him; but some doubted. And Jesus came and said to them, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to Me. Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, to the close of the age.” (Mt 28:16-20)

The Sign of the Cross is more than a routine procedure to begin and end a prayer. It is a prayer; a very profound one. This visible sign is a powerful profession of our faith in the existence of the Holy Trinity. In fact it is a mini-liturgy, doing and saying something that is distinctively religious.

One of the ways to augment today’s celebration of the Feast of the Holy Trinity is to concentrate on the reverent use of this sacred sign.

We touch our heads showing our assent of faith, as we pronounce the name of the Father, our divine Creator. It is a dedication of our minds to God. Our fingertips next come to rest at the base of our hearts, symbols of love. We speak the name of the great Lover, the Second Person of the Blessed Trinity, God-Man and Savior. The sign is concluded as the fingers move from one shoulder to the other, signifying eagerness to give our arms and hands to good works under the guidance of the Holy Spirit. Finally the hands interlock, showing we are united and single-minded in our efforts. With this conclusive gesture we say “Amen” – so be it.

In the name of the Trinity we were signed in baptism, have had our sins forgiven and received many blessings. Although basic to our faith, the Trinity is not to be understood but professed and admired. Some people, desirous of solving every mystery, overly simplify God and claim to know His intimate nature and thoughts. They “interpret” the Bible avoiding scholarly assistance, which they say only complicates matters. This approach may be attractive but is not honest, for God is not simple, nor is religion.

We believe God is one nature but three persons, but the full meaning of those words is far beyond our poor comprehension. However, the Trinity is a unique model and sign of harmonious unity – a unity God expects to see in the daily lives of His children.

Every blessing of the Church flows from the Trinity, traced out through the Sign of the Cross. Under that sign we sealed our wedding vows, and that same familiar sign will bid us safe passage to the eternal Kingdom. May the Trinity Sunday inspire each and everyone of us to manifest faith with our minds, love with our hearts, service with our hands, in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen.

Prayer: Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit. As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.

Jakarta, 29 May 2021

A Christian Pilgrim

 

MARK 11:30 (Today’s Gospel Reading: Mark 11:27-33)

Jakarta, 29 May 2021

A Christian Pilgrim

 

MARK 11:25 (Today’s Gospel Reading: Mark 11:11-26)

Jakarta, 28 May 2021

A Christian Pilgrim

 

MARK 10:51-52 (Today’s Gospel Reading: Mark 10:46-52)

Jakarta, 27 May 2021

A Christian Pilgrim

 

MARK 10:45 (Today’s Gospel Reading: Mark 10:32-45)

Jakarta, 26 May 2021

A Christian Pilgrim

 

MARK 10:29-30 (Today’s Gospel: Mark 10:28-31)

Jakarta, 25 May 2021

A Christian Pilgrim

 

JOHN 19:26-27 (Today’s Gospel Reading: John 19:25-34)

Jakarta, 24 May 2021

A Christian Pilgrim