Journeying With Christ: The Coptic Month of Kiahk of the Nativity FastSample

Week 3 Theme: St. Mary’s visit to St. Elizabeth (Luke 1:39-56)

Day 1: The Joy of Encounter

As we journey with Christ, we are called to embrace the power of meaningful encounters and the transformative effect they can have on our lives. Today, we reflect on the joyous meeting between the two cousins, St. Mary and St. Elizabeth, filled with the presence of the Holy Spirit. Their encounter reminds us of the importance of encountering others in Christ's love, fostering community, and sharing the joy of Christ's presence. May this be a reminder for us to also open our hearts to encounter one another and experience the transformative power of genuine connections.

The passage from St. Luke's Gospel tells the story of St. Mary's visit to St. Elizabeth, who was also miraculously expecting a child. As St. Mary entered St. Elizabeth's house and greeted her, the Holy Spirit filled Elizabeth and she recognized the presence of the Messiah within the Virgin Mary. Elizabeth exclaimed, “Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb!” (Luke 1:42). This encounter was marked by joy, affirmation, and the tangible presence of the Holy Spirit.

In our own journey with Christ, encountering others in His love is an essential aspect of our spiritual growth. St. John Chrysostom, an Early Church Father, emphasizes the importance of community and mutual encouragement. He writes, "For just as the power of the sun's heat is greater when its rays are combined and not scattered, so a common life is more beneficial and more pleasant than living alone". When we come together in genuine encounters, we experience the vitality and transformative power of Christ's love working among us.

Through encounters with others, we share in the joys and challenges of life and we become witnesses to one another's journeys, providing support, encouragement, and a reflection of God's love. Just as St. Elizabeth recognized the presence of Christ in St. Mary, we too can see Christ in one another when we approach each encounter with open hearts and a spirit of love.

In the meeting between St. Mary and St. Elizabeth, we witness the power of mutual encouragement. St. Elizabeth's words of affirmation and blessing uplifted St. Mary and confirmed God's favor upon her. In response, St. Mary burst forth in a song of praise and thanksgiving known as the Magnificat, and this encounter between two expectant mothers became an occasion for worship and celebration.

In our own encounters, let us be agents of encouragement, speaking words of affirmation and blessing to one another. Let us rejoice in each other's victories, lend a listening ear in times of struggle, and offer words of hope and inspiration and by doing so, we create spaces where the Holy Spirit can work, bringing joy, healing, and transformation.

As we journey with Christ, let us remember that our encounters with others are not random or insignificant. God allows for our encounters for others as a way to evangelize and uplift the downtrodden, to strengthen the faithful, and to bring to repentance His beloved who are lost. Each encounter has the potential to be infused with the presence of the Holy Spirit, bringing about transformation and a deepening of our faith. Let us seek meaningful connections, fostering communities of love, and sharing the joy of Christ's presence with those around us.