The Virgin Mary Visits Elizabeth – By Father Andrew Bahhi
We are getting closer and closer to the birth of our savior. Today, we’ll discuss the visitation of the Virgin Mary to Elizabeth.
Last week we spoke about the angel Gabriel meeting with Mary, and she accepted, “Let it be to me according to what you said.” The angel then gave a sign that Elizabeth is pregnant. And then Mary ran to see the beautiful fulfillment of the birth of John the Baptist.
Luke Chapter 1 offers another angle. How our spiritual life can impact our social life. Today’s text is giving one of the most beautiful images. When they meet each other, the way they greeted each other and the way the Holy Spirit was in that place – this was very beautiful and important as a role model in our life.
Because we are social beings, we always talk with people and visit people. But we do not always glorify God in our relationships together. Not always do we have the Holy Spirit when we talk one to another. That’s why this Sunday is important to see the significance of our spiritual life on our social life.
What do I mean? Our appearance on the outside is a reflection of what is going on the inside.
Like Mary, once we have Jesus in our lives, we run to share it with everyone.
When we have Jesus, we can share Him with everybody. The minute Mary arrived at Elizbeth, she blessed her. This is what happens when you have the Lord in your heart. When we find people who we want to be with, we feel peace. And who is the Prince of Peace? Jesus.
When you feel Jesus, you see people around you, and you want to help them. You don’t need to be invited to share; you don’t need to be called to say good things. It will affect your social relationships.
St. Paul is telling us, when you have Jesus, you have no reason not to be a good human. If you have Jesus in your heart, you’ll have to forgive everybody. And if you have Jesus in your heart, Jesus will also shape your social life.
When the rich man came to Jesus and asked what is the commandment that he can learn. Jesus said “Love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your strength, and with all your mind; and your neighbor as yourself.” (Luke 10:27) – can you see how beautiful our faith is? When you have Jesus, you have to love others as you love yourself!
Christianity is a style of life – either you are a believer, or you are a Christian by name. When you are a Christian by name then you are going to have a hard time and be in a struggle with people around you.
If we don’t have the savior in our heart. If we don’t submit ourselves to God. If we don’t accept Him as a savior, then we will be Christians only by name, THEN we will bring curse to the name of our savior. But if we accept Him, and be a true believer, believe me the name of Jesus will come as sweet fragrance in our lives. People will smell Jesus from our behavior.
Learn more in Father Andrew’s sermon video here.
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