Saturday of the Third Week of Advent

Readings of the Day

Today’s gospel (Luke 1:39-45) shows John the Baptist as a “Herald of Jesus." As an infant in his mother’s womb John recognized Jesus, and in a very real way he is among the first evangelists of Jesus. Artwork throughout Christian history tries to capture this moment. We are told that Mary “in haste” makes her way to Elizabeth. No doubt she is excited and enthusiastic to celebrate with Elizabeth, since to be barren in those times was believed to be a punishment from God. For John’s part, he “leaps” in Elizabeth’s womb when Jesus and Mary arrive. 

Today, images of the scene are spreading across social media with the caption, “The first person to recognize Jesus was an unborn child." The gospel account indeed witnesses to when life really begins and is perhaps the clearest and most profound scriptural response we have to offer our culture on the dignity of the unborn. In fact, the scene is profound in many ways: infant John recognizes infant Jesus, man recognizes God, and all this without cell phones, ultrasounds, or technology. They did, however, have an archangel!

The Church calls us to prepare for Christ’s coming and be “prepared always."  Advent encourages us to be ready for “wonder and awe." While there are many devotions available during Advent, quieting ourselves and making ourselves available to God’s love while reflecting on today’s gospel scene may help “well up in our hearts” what the Church envisions.

As we draw our attention to Christmas, let us celebrate in advance - -like Mary and Elizabeth did - - at the wonder of God becoming man. Emanuel, God with us: wonder and awe indeed!

Deacon Brian Selsor is Director of Mission Integration at Catholic Charities for the Archdiocese of St. Louis, Missouri. He was ordained a deacon in June of 2007, holds a Master’s in Theology from Aquinas Institute of Theology and a certificate in Catholic Social Teaching from the Pontifical Academy Centesimus Annus Pro Pontifice, Catholic University of America, Washington D.C. 

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