Each year on the 4th Sunday of Advent, we hear some reference to the visitation of the angel Gabriel to Mary, announcing that she has conceived and will bear a son. This year we hear of it through Mary’s visit to Elizabeth. “When Elizabeth heard Mary’s greeting, the infant [John the Baptist] leaped in [Elizabeth’s] womb, and Elizabeth, filled with the Holy Spirit, cried out in a loud voice and said, “Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb (Jesus)” (Luke 1:41-42)
We sing of Elizabeth’s proclamation in our song at the presentation of the gifts, “Hail Mary: Gentle Woman”.
On this final Sunday of Advent, we are on the third day of the O Antiphons during the office hours (refer to last week’s article for info on that!) as we sing ‘O Come, O Come, Emmanuel’ once again – O Radix Jesse (O Root of Jesse) is the O Antiphon for today.
Our second Communion song, ‘Holy is His Name’ is Mary’s response in the scripture passages immediately following today’s Gospel (Luke 1: 46-55):
“My soul proclaims the greatness of the Lord; my spirit rejoices in God my savior.
For he has looked upon his handmaid’s lowliness; behold, from now on will all ages call me blessed.
The Mighty One has done great things for me, and holy is his name.
His mercy is from age to age to those who fear him.
He has shown might with his arm, dispersed the arrogant of mind and heart.
He has thrown down the rulers from their thrones but lifted up the lowly.
The hungry he has filled with good things; the rich he has sent away empty.
He has helped Israel his servant, remembering his mercy,
according to his promise to our fathers, to Abraham and to his descendants forever.”
May our season of preparation this Advent allow us to respond to God in this same way in our lives.