Daily Prayers

Prayer is Love, I want to Love

The Visitation (1)

Jesus’ Life: Chapter 2 – Jesus’ Birth And Childhood

Being childless yet wanting a child is a difficult burden to carry. When a couple marries, they generally hope and pray that they will be blessed with children.

Silhouette of parents and child

Elizabeth, Mary’s cousin, and her husband Zechariah were in their old age and childless but had prayed for children all their married life. Then an Angel from God appeared to Zechariah and told him his wife would have a son, John the Baptist.

When a pregnant Mary heard the great news she hurried to visit Elizabeth, “in the hill country”, probably to talk about the very special things that were happening to both of them and be a support to each other.

At the moment of their meeting, Elizabeth exclaimed, “Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the child in your womb… For the instant the sound of your greeting reached my ears, the baby in my womb leapt for joy.”

On this special occasion, there were two families; two very special mothers, a Prophet and the Son of God. (Lk 1:39-45)

Thought

We celebrate Advent immediately before Christmas. The word is Latin for, “to come to.” It is a special time for us to prepare for three comings:

  • The coming of Christ’s Birthday or Christmas.
  • A renewed coming of Christ into our own lives as we reflect, repent and receive the holy sacraments particularly, Holy Communion.
  • The second coming of Christ, the day when our judgement awaits us.
Reflection

Lord Jesus, help me to prepare for your coming. Give me the wisdom to realise that I am on this earth, for but a very short time.

Prayer: Holy Michael The Archangel

Holy Michael the Archangel,
defend us in the day of battle.
Be our safeguard against the wickedness and snares of the devil.
May God rebuke him, we humbly pray,
and do thou, O Prince of the heavenly host,
by the power of God,
thrust down to hell satan
and all the wicked spirits
who wander through the world for the ruin of souls.

Wasn’t this a dangerous journey for Mary?

Yes, it was – travelling for 5-6 days through hill country! For that reason, some suggest it was so dangerous Joseph and Mary’s family wouldn’t have allowed it to happen.

However, God also wouldn’t have allowed any harm to come to Mary and the unborn Baby Jesus.