The second coming of Christ could mean the coming back of Christ at judgment day. For us, His more important coming is through the Eucharist. How do we prepare ourselves for this most important event in our lives? Let our families learn from Mary as she experiences the coming of His Son, Jesus, as related in the Gospel this Sunday by Luke in 1:39-45.

          Refresh their memories first on the Annunciation of the birth of Jesus (Luke 1:26-38). Relate in your own words the conversation between the angel Gabriel and Mary. Focus on the reaction of Mary upon hearing the announcement. Luke said Mary was first afraid, as she did not understand the words of Gabriel. For the family to understand how Mary felt upon hearing that she will be with child, request the mother of the children to share her feelings when she knew that she was with child. Was it a good news? A good news that a mother would be proud to tell and announce and share with everyone?

          Was that the reaction of Mary?

          Then, read the Gospel to the family. Point out to them the presence of the Child within her. This time, focus on what Mary did. Let the family feel the joy of Mary as she would travel to another town just to meet another mother with child, Elizabeth, whom God had blessed.

          Let the family feel the joy of the two mothers as they meet each other and reflect on the blessings they both received from the Lord. Feel the joy of John as he pleads not to be left out but to join his mother in the happy occasion.

          Mary knew that Elizabeth could have a difficult pregnancy as she was old at that time. She showed concern for another mother with child by travelling to another town even with her condition. Was she endangering the Child in her? She knew that the Lord’s message would come true for her and for Elizabeth.

          As the family prepares to go to Mass this Sunday, let each one be aware of the coming of Jesus in the Eucharist. Let them prepare themselves to receive an important guest in their lives, a friend Jesus. Soon after, as Mary did, request each one to spend moments of reflection on the Holy Presence of the Lord within each one. Be an Elizabeth to Mary and a Mary to an Elizabeth. How important a guest is, can be manifested in how much one would want that guest to stay. So be it with Jesus.

Prayer and Reflection ~

THE CATHOLIC ARCHDIOCESE OF MANILA'S
ONLINE RESOURCE FOR FAMILY MINISTRIES
www.simbahayan.org
servants@simbahayan.org