The Bible is filled with blessings – they are the attribute of all those whose relationship with God has a special character.
The PSALMS tell us about those who are blessed:
“Blessed is the man whose delight is in the law of the Lord” (Psalm 1:1).
“Blessed are all who fear the LORD, who walk in his ways” (Psalm 128:1).
The PROPHETS also speak of the person who is blessed:
“Blessed is the one who trusts in the LORD, whose confidence is in him” (Jeremiah 17:7).
In the chapter 5 of Matthew’s GOSPEL, we hear Jesus’ words telling us about those who are especially blessed.
« Blessed are those who mourn… the meek… those who hunger and thirst for righteousness… the merciful…
the pure in heart… the peacemakers… those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake”.
Each group has a special reason for being blessed.
It is said that, in the Bible, the word “blessed” shows up 306 times! (in the ESV version).
Today’s gospel text (Luke 1:39-45) gives us to meet someone who is especially blessed –
not a prophet, not an apostle, not a king, but a young woman.
In the last verse of today’s text we hear Elisabeth, the cousin of Mary, who exclaims:
“Blessed is she who has believed that the Lord would fulfill his promises to her!”
A very special type of blessing, one would say.
And Mary was also someone very special as she was carrying in herself the child who was God’s own Son.
But I believe that each one of us could claim… the same blessing –
the blessing of someone who believes in the Lord’s promises.
Could we fail to claim such a blessing?…
Note: Another reflection is available on a different theme in French at: https://image-i-nations.com/4e-dimanche-de-lavent-annee-c-2024-2025/