Thursday December 21st: Encounter: knowing, deep listening a stirring to serve.

” When Elizabeth heard Mary’s greeting, the baby leaped in her womb…        

Luke 1:39-45

I remember when Sheila Maria was pregnant with, Jae Marc. Every time the baby heard Jon’s voice; he would move around in her tummy, pushing outwards, eager to join his brother outside of his dark, watery haven. It was an amazing sight to behold. The wonder of life in the womb responding to life outside of the womb; amazement of encounter through voice and listening; awe of the unborn communicating with the born; bonding that takes place between people in two different worlds. That, in a greeting, the baby leaped in her womb; an encounter experienced within could lead to proclamation of joy and revelation

This is synodality – an encounter begins with knowing what is happening. Elizabeth is pregnant, a deep listening and a stirring to serve Elizabeth in her time of need, Mary sets off on a journey despite her own situation. “There is no such thing as purely ‘spiritual’ love. True love literally ‘em-bodies’ the whole person – spirit, mind, emotion and body.”

Lord, free me from being self-absorbed and self-centered. Fill me with an eager and generous heart.