Grace of Baptism

Today’s Gospel Text: In those days Mary arose and went with haste into the hill country, to a city of Judah, 40 and she entered the house of Zechari'ah and greeted Elizabeth. 41 And when Elizabeth heard the greeting of Mary, the babe leaped in her womb; and Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit 42 and she exclaimed with a loud cry, "Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb! 43 And why is this granted me, that the mother of my Lord should come to me? 44 For behold, when the voice of your greeting came to my ears, the babe in my womb leaped for joy. 45 And blessed is she who believed that there would be a fulfilment of what was spoken to her from the Lord." Luke 1:39-45

Reflection: How did Elizabeth come to know that that Mary along with the child in her womb was special and blessed?

From this incidence in Scripture we learn that Elizabeth's source of knowledge was a divine one, rather a divine infusion of knowledge merely by hearing the voice of Mary’s greeting.

Simultaneously another miracle that took place was this; the healing of the child in Elizabeth’s womb and that is why we have another instance of one born sinless besides Jesus and Mary who were even conceived without original sin.

In a way, what we see happening in Elizabeth and John the Baptist are the graces of baptism, at work in them.

When one is baptized in the grace of the Holy Spirit one begins to recognize the divine presence in their midst and God's hand at work in the many things of creation.  

When Elizabeth was filled with Holy Spirit, she began to exclaim in a loud voice recognizing this presence of God in her midst. Further, she acknowledges Mary to be blessed too and bursts forth in praise of the Mother of the Lord of all ages. 

It is a grace of humility, which acknowledges the presence of God in Mary’s womb and the blessedness of her state, irrespective of her age, experience or position as legitimate wife of a priest.

This grace brings about a great healing; the fruit of our reconciliation with God - An action accomplished by non other than Christ the reconciler.  This healing in the inner spirit brings joy, happiness and peace to the one who receive it and a great sense of wisdom and maturity. 

The child in the womb of Elizabeth shows all these qualities of health, joy, happiness and peace and what is more he now knows in whose presence he must leap with joy.

This is the grace that needs to be working in each one of us; if not then we need to ask God to renew in us the grace of Baptism, in order that we may become effective instruments of his grace.

Prayer:  Heavenly Father, the giver of all life, help us to be totally reconciled to you and receive from your presence the graces to be your instrument to others.

DD = Dedicated Discipleship:  Come grow in the Lord with us