Elizabeth heard Mary's greeting

When Elizabeth heard Mary's greeting, the infant leaped in her womb, and Elizabeth, filled with the Holy Spirit, cried out in a loud voice and said, "Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb.”  (Luke 1:41-43) 

Reflection 

These days, I get texts that jump right to the chase:  no hello, no greeting, no “how are you.”  In this fast-paced culture, we don’t take time to begin messages with “I hope you are well” or “Peace to you during these days of Christmas.”  I do have a Jesuit friend who sends emails and letters to me with two or three sentences of salutation, asking how I am and sending along his best wishes.  Some Jesuits insert the familiar “P.C.” after the Dear Pat, which means, “Pax Christi” (the peace of Christ).  But, sometimes we are too busy to honor the gift of greeting one another with good news or stated blessings and support.

In this Sunday’s Gospel, we see that Elizabeth is greatly inspired by the greeting of Mary.  Elizabeth is so happy to hear the first words of her cousin that her body responded in motion and voice.  Powerful stuff those greetings – words to acknowledge the blessed presence of your friend, the prayers and wishes for good health, the hopes for a blessed new year.  Let’s make a habit of using similar greetings and words of respect in our messaging.  

Look at the 16^th chapter of Paul’s letter to the Romans:  nothing but greetings.  At least twenty!  And at least six times Paul encourages believers to greet one another “with a holy kiss.”  How would I do that on line?  I would take time to write a sentence or two which conveys a blessing, a good wish, or a hope for joy.  Before jumping in with your 144 tweet characters, take a minute to type “Peace to you” or “May your week be a blessed one.”  See the power Good News has in cyberspace this season.