The Divine Plan

12-22-2024Weekly ReflectionFr. Bing Colasito

In the Gospel, we hear the Blessed Mother travels in haste to Judah to visit her cousin Elizabeth. It was not haste due to pressure or obligation but one filled with awe and joy for all the marvelous things happening according to God’s Divine plan. A Holy Haste, which did not leave Mary stressed, exhausted, and frustrated. The haste of Mary reflects her obedience, humility, and trust in something or someone greater than herself. Mary’s haste comes from the joy in her heart after the events of the Annunciation: the prophecies of the Old Testament are happening; God’s divine plan is unfolding, and she plays a significant role in this plan.

The Gospel is the scene of the 2nd Joyful Mystery, The Visitation. Elizabeth blesses her cousin after knowing the gift of Mary’s motherhood of the Son of God. She cries out, "Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb" (Lk. 1:41-42). The Holy Spirit fills Elizabeth’s heart with joy; the nearness of the baby in Mary's womb made it possible for the child in the other womb to leap for joy at the presence of Jesus’ Mother.

The Blessed Mother is the closest to the cause of salvation, the mystery of God’s plan for humanity. The Old Testament Scriptures contain many allusions to the Messiah. But nobody, including Mary herself, could have imagined how God would fulfill The Promise. The Divine Plan of Salvation is too great or magnificent to comprehend; it is a mystery and still is. Although the prophets made allusions to the coming of the Messiah, they are just a glimpse of the whole plan of God. Take note: In this plan, the Blessed Mother, the blessed among women, plays a significant role in the grand scheme of salvation.

The book of the prophet Micah did not know the exact time when the Messiah would come. Looking into the future, he prophesied of the mother of the Messiah: "She who is to give birth has borne." Elizabeth recognizes Mary as the mother of the Lord. The prophet Micah identifies the little town of Bethlehem, too small among the clans of Judah, as the birthplace of the Messiah. It is also the birthplace of King David, the lowly shepherd who became Israel’s greatest king. The prophet foresees the coming of a new King in the Davidic lineage—the greatest shepherd-king: "He shall stand firm and shepherd his flock by the strength of the LORD."

A gentle reminder to all of us, myself included, to avoid the unnecessary haste in the preparations, the obligations, and the deadlines associated with the Christmas season. While writing this reflection, I realized the stress of meeting all the advance deadlines for submitting reflections for Advent and the Christmas season. Father, today, on the Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe, is the deadline for the 4th Sunday of Advent reflection. Slow down; I have to finish three (3) reflections today: The Homily for tonight, the Homily for the 3rd Sunday of Advent, and the 4th Advent Bulletin Reflection. See how all these pressures could lead one to forget the real reason for Christmas. When we allow Christmas to become an agendum or a function, we reduce its meaning and value and the inner satisfaction we get from it. Remember: Christmas is about a person, about relationships and missions. It is something that gives so much joy, fulfillment, and meaning. Christmas is all about life, about the Baby Jesus. Christmas is about submitting to The Divine Plan or seeing the bigger picture in God’s plan.