Advent, 21 December – Zeph 3:14-18; Luke 1:39-45

Mary arose and went with haste into the hill country,

to a town in Judah (Luke 1:39).

Joy multiplies when it is shared with others. This was the case for Mary, who after the Annunciation set out on a journey of Mary arose and went with haste into the hill country, to a town in Judah about 95 miles to the home of Zacharias and Elizabeth in Ain Karim. She came there to help her cousin Elizabeth. In this way, she becomes an image of the pilgrim Church, which devotes itself to the service of the most needy and brings the Good News.

Mary “went with haste” because “the needs of her older cousin became a challenge for her.” Despite being God’s choice, she did not withdraw, but thought more of others than of herself. She thus showed that mercy does not allow for indifference, but invites us to be available to our neighbours, to put the needs of others above our own.

Mary shows through her attitude that “the mercy of words gains credibility through the mercy of deeds”. Gazing at Mary, we are invited to develop in ourselves the “imagination of mercy” in order to see – evaluate – act. And also, to constantly resort to her motherly care.