Saturday of the Third Week of Advent
This week, we have reflected on the joy of God’s presence, revealed through His transforming work, His faithfulness across generations, His strength in trials, and His surprising ways. Today, we gather all these threads together in the readings, which show us the culmination of joy in the fulfillment of God’s promises.
In the Song of Songs, we hear the voice of the beloved, calling to rise and come. This is a song of love and invitation, full of beauty and longing. The beloved’s arrival heralds a new season: winter is past, flowers appear, and the time of singing has come. This poetic imagery captures the joy of God’s presence as something deeply personal and transformative. God does not remain distant; He comes to us, inviting us to step into the new life He offers.
In the Gospel from Luke, this longing and joy take tangible form. Mary, newly bearing the Christ within her, visits Elizabeth, who herself is carrying John the Baptist. The moment of their meeting is filled with the Spirit: John leaps in Elizabeth’s womb, and Elizabeth proclaims Mary as “blessed among women.” Here we see the joy of promise fulfilled—not just in Mary’s “yes,” but in the intimate, tangible presence of Christ now among His people.
These readings remind us that the joy of God’s presence is not abstract or distant. It is real, transformative, and deeply personal. This joy calls us to rise and come, just as Mary went in haste to share the gift she carried.
As we prepare for Christmas, ask yourself: How is God calling me to rise and come closer to Him? How can I bring the joy of His presence to others? Like Mary and Elizabeth, may we rejoice in the fulfillment of His promises and share that joy with all we encounter.
Reflection by Fr. Etienne Huard, OSB
Posted in Articles for Advent, Daily Reflections