Day 30 ( Wk 3 - Day 4) seeking to understand Jesus better

[MariaChristi]

Dear Brothers and Sisters,

Today’s Mass readings speak volumes to us of Jesus’ great Love, helping us to understand Him better. There are two options for the first reading. The second option especially blessed me:

Shout for joy, O daughter Zion!
Sing joyfully, O Israel!
Be glad and exult with all your heart,
O daughter Jerusalem!
The LORD has removed the judgment against you,
he has turned away your enemies;
The King of Israel, the LORD, is in your midst,
you have no further misfortune to fear.
On that day, it shall be said to Jerusalem:
Fear not, O Zion, be not discouraged!
The LORD, your God, is in your midst,
a mighty savior;
He will rejoice over you with gladness,
and renew you in his love,
He will sing joyfully because of you,
as one sings at festivals.(Zep 3:14 - 18)

Both options correspond with the Gospel from Luke in which we see Mary bringing Jesus in her womb to Elizabeth and Baby John in Elizabeth’s womb. All are rejoicing in that Gospel Scene (Lk 1:39-45) . Baby John leaps in Elizabeth’s womb. Elizabeth and Mary both rejoice in the wonder of God’s mighty works. What greater understanding can this give of Jesus? He comes in joy to bring us joy. He loves us so much, He desires us to share in His Life and so He comes to us. I underlined words telling us even in the Old Testament, God says: “He will rejoice over you with gladness, and renew you in His love”. May our giving ourselves totally to Him, through Mary, be our “gift” of love.

In the First option for today’s Mass Reading from the Song of Songs we also see Jesus’ Love in the womb of Mary coming to us:

Hark! my lover–here He comes
springing across the mountains,
leaping across the hills…(SG 2:8-14)

Old and New Testaments help us understand Jesus better. St. John of the Cross wrote: “God spoke One Word and His Name is Jesus”. In the Responsorial Psalm 33 we hear:

Our soul waits for the LORD,
who is our help and our shield,
For in Him our hearts rejoice;
in His Holy Name we trust.

Let us pray waiting for His special coming at Christmas, and for the grace to see Him as He comes today.

Litany to the Holy Spirit HERE
Ave Maris Stella HERE
Litany of the Holy Name of Jesus HERE