Scripture Reading
“Blessed are you who believed that what was spoken to you by the Lord would be fulfilled.” Luke 1:45
Reflection
On this Fourth Sunday of Advent we come near to the end of the Advent journey with a passage from the Gospel of Luke describing Mary’s journey to visit Elizabeth, her cousin, and the ensuing gifts of welcome, joy and faith they bring to one another as they anticipate the birth of their children.
In this Gospel passage we read of Elizabeth’s great joy in welcoming Mary, even to the point where the child in her womb leapt for joy. At the end of the reading we recall the blessing spoken by Elizabeth, her words of faith in the fullness of God’s promise spoken to Mary and to all of us.
Practice
At the end of this Advent journey, how can we look back over these days of Advent and the days to come in the Christmas season and recognize the daily experiences of welcome, joy and faith God sends our way, a fulfillment of the promises made to all of us.
Reflecting on the Advent season and the Visitation we can ask ourselves:
Do we welcome others as Elizabeth welcomed Mary?
Do we bring joy to those we encounter each day as Mary and Elizabeth did with one another?
Do we share our faith with others as Mary and Elizabeth did in this passage?
A native of Connecticut, Sister Anne Kilbride, O.P. has deep ties to the city of New Haven where she graduated from St. Mary’s High School and Southern Connecticut State University. Sister Anne received master’s degrees from the University of Notre Dame in Theology and Boston College in Pastoral Ministry. She served as prioress of the Congregation of the Dominican Sisters, St. Mary of the Springs (currently known as the Dominican Sisters of Peace). She served as a member of the Board of Trustees of the College for nearly 25 years. In 2009, the College conferred upon Sister Anne the degree of Doctor of Humane Letters honoris causa. Her primary focus has been to promote Dominican life and mission now and into the future. She currently serves the College as the Special Assistant to the President for Dominican Mission.