There are two optional readings that we can read for the First Reading, today. One is from the Songs of Songs and the other from Zephaniah. Both speak of Joy and exultation, the Song speaks of Joy in the presence of our beloved, and Zeph speaks of the joy that comes because God has taken away our reproach/our stay outside the camp, and made us whole by bringing us back into His presence. Here you should remember, Adam/Eve were cast out of God’s Presence.

The Gospel is a parallel to the reproach of humanity, they were cast away from God’s Presence, and so represented here in Elizabeth. Elizabeth was advanced in age and had no child, we can draw parallel to this in the status of Israel, as God’s beloved, it had nothing to show for it… But at last God has come and the reproach is gone, Elizabeth rejoices as does Israel/world in the presence of its saviour. Gone is the strife, gone is the anxiety, gone is the shame. Now there is only that joy the overflows and the laughter that can be heard all around.

“And why is this granted me, that the mother of my Lord should come to me?” Let us say that with Elizabeth, knowing we are unworthy, but also worthy, because God grants us the favour of coming into our life. This is like at mass when we utter the words of the centurion, “Lord I am not worthy to receive you, but only say the word and I shall be healed.” The word has been said in Jesus’ death and resurrection, go, believe; you are healed.