4th Sunday of Advent 2024 - Year C

Luke 1:39-45. When Elizabeth heard Mary's greeting, the infant leaped in her womb, and Elizabeth, filled with the holy Spirit,

Today, the 4th Sunday of Advent, we reflect on the Visitation of Mary to her cousin Elizabeth. This encounter is filled with joy, faith, and the presence of the Holy Spirit. Mary, who was filled with the Holy Spirit in the Annunciation, now visits her cousin St Elizabeth. At Mary’s visit, Elizabeth, being filled with the Holy Spirit, exclaims, "Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb!"

1. The Holy Spirit's Presence in Mary: Mary was filled with the Holy Spirit from the moment of the Annunciation to be the Mother of God. Mary’s love for God, her faith in Him and acceptance of His Will made her well disposed to receive and be filled with the Holy Spirit. Lk 1:26-38: So the angel told her, “Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God. [...] The angel said to her, “The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you;” Now Mary brought God in her heart, soul and womb to Elizabeth with her visit.

2. At this visit, St Elizabeth receives the Holy Spirit: As soon as Elizabeth heard Mary's greeting, the baby in her womb leaped for joy, and Elizabeth herself was filled with the Holy Spirit. Through Mary’s greeting God conveyed grace to both John the Baptist, who jumped with joy, and Elizabeth who recognised God’s presence within Mary, “And why am I so honored, that the mother of my Lord should come to me?”.

3. The Ripple Effect of the Holy Spirit: This encounter illustrates how the Holy Spirit works through us to touch the lives of others. Mary's faith and openness to the Holy Spirit allowed her to be a vessel of God's grace, which then overflowed to Elizabeth. It reminds us that when we are filled with the Holy Spirit, we can also bring His presence into our homes and workplaces, our social groups and to all we meet, inspiring faith, joy, and love.

4. A Call to Be Filled with the Holy Spirit: As we reflect on this story, we are called to open our hearts to the Holy Spirit, just as Mary did. By doing so, we can become instruments of God's love and grace in the world.

St. Monica, the mother of St. Augustine, prayed fervently for his conversion for many years. St. Ambrose told St. Monica, "The child of those tears shall never perish." Her persistent prayers and unwavering faith eventually led to Augustine's dramatic conversion. St Ambrose also played an important part in St Augustine's conversion with his words and example. St Agusutine went on to become one of the most important theologians in the history of the Church.

St. Francis Xavier, like many young men of his time, was driven by worldly ambitions. He sought fame, wealth, and social status, and was focused on building a successful career. St. Ignatius meeting St. Francis Xavier at the University of Paris inspired him to look to God’s glory and service. St Francis Xavier became one of the greatest missionaries in the history of the Church, spreading Christianity in Asia.

St. Camillus de Lellis, was a soldier and a gambler who struggled with a life of vice. After a series of personal failures and illnesses, he met St. Philip Neri, who pointed him to God. Under Philip's guidance, Camillus reformed his life and founded the Order of the Ministers of the Sick (Camillians), dedicated to caring for the sick and dying.

This Advent season, let us pray for the Holy Spirit to fill us, so that we too can bring His presence to others, spreading joy and love in our communities.