Tuesday of the Fourth Week of Advent

Memorial Feast: Saint Peter Canisius (1521-+1597)—Patron Saint of Catholic Press

Song of Songs 2:8-14, or Zephaniah 3:14-18a, Psalm 33:2-3, 11-12, 20-21,

& Luke 1:39-45

The Visitation by Jernimo Ezquerra

Sharing one's faith is not always easy. Many of us were taught never to get into discussions about religion or politics from a young age. An evangelical preacher said, "When I tell people about my experience of joy since becoming a Christian, they often scoff that this Jesus stuff is just a crutch for weak people! Do you know what I think? If Jesus is a crutch, then give me two!" We need to share what we feel, and it can benefit us and those with whom we share our own spiritual experience.

In today's Gospel narrative, Mary and Elizabeth felt the saving grace of God flowing through their lives and were not afraid to encourage each other by saying so. Many of us were raised on the principle 'God helps those who help themselves' and that displays of need are out of place in the pursuit of holiness. Maybe we must recognize again what Elizabeth says clearly: God is a gracious God, and it is blessed to believe in that graciousness.

Thought for the Day: Ponder the power and joy of the Visitation of Mary with her cousin Elizabeth.

Prayer: "Exult, you just, in the Lord! Sing to Him a new song." (Psalm 33)