Joy often breaks in unexpectedly turning darkness to light. It is a moment, an instance in time, captured by an intensity of well-being and happiness that can only be described of as pure joy.
The readings today encapsulate that feeling of joy. The texts include an extra reading the Magnificat, the outpouring which follows the wonderful meeting of Elisabeth and Mary (Luke 1: 39-56).
As Elisabeth hears Mary greet her on arrival, she feels the quickening of her baby. She acknowledges it with those well-known words, “the child in my womb leaped for joy.” This is followed by Mary’s rejoinder, “My spirit rejoices in God my saviour.” (41). It is a moment of joy for both women. Although, the breaking in of joy was a moment in time as the baby danced in the womb, the impact was huge in the lives of both women. It brought forth an outpouring of praise. I’m sure the experience remained with both women for a lifetime.
Joy always seems to elicit a response in others. As Mary arrived it evoked a joyous response from Elisabeth, which in turn, brought forth a further response from Mary. Joy seems to bring forth more joy.
The second gospel reading today (John 1:6-8, 19-28) jumps to when the fruit of those two pregnancies meet about thirty years later. Mary and Elisabeth obviously shared a close relationship. Therefore, John must have grown up knowing the story of his cousin Jesus’ birth —a cousin only about three or four months younger. I wondered, what must that have felt like? Did John always have that surge of joy that caused him to leap in the womb whenever they met? Or were they just ordinary boys growing into adulthood together. Either way John clearly knows the role assigned to him.
John was not the light, merely bearing witness to the light (7). John also clearly stated he was not the Messiah nor a prophet of old (20-21). John knew exactly who he was. John knew his role and the importance of it. John had a voice and used it to proclaim rightness. I think John is a great example for us of how to live.
John looked for joy, found joy and shared joy. I like to think of John standing in the midst of the crowds proclaiming “I am the voice of one crying in the wilderness” with his face radiating joy as he heralds events about to begin.
During this third Sunday in Advent, and in the approaching Christmas season, I hope many will look for joy, find joy and share joy. I hope there will be many moments to treasure. I hope the privilege of those experiences will bring deep and lasting enjoyment. It may only be a moment in time, a fleeting happening, yet the memory is precious. Joy came, and because of it, life is a little richer.
