Reflection for the 4th Sunday of Advent

He had just gotten the promotion he had worked so hard for — then came the unexpected offer from another company. The new job would mean a move but more money and opportunity. What to do: Risk a move to new opportunities or stay where he’s starting to make his mark? Move on to a new city and new beginnings or stay in the place that has become home for him and his family? So he does what he always does whenever he has faced a big decision in his life: he calls his dad and the two go fishing and there, on the lake, they talk it out.

She’s always been able to talk to her mother’s sister about anything. Her aunt listens and responds honestly, asking the right questions, never patronizing or treating her like a child, offering sage advice learned from her own adventures growing up. Truth be told, the aunt has always seen herself in her niece. She is her niece’s go-to person, whether it’s an issue at school or work ­— or a matter of the heart.

Many of us are blessed with “visitation” moments like today’s Gospel between Mary and Elizabeth. Sometimes we are the young Mary looking for guidance at a critical moment in our lives; at other times we are the wise Elizabeth offering love and counsel. In every “visitation” experience, the Spirit of God is present in the love and care we give and receive. On this last Sunday of Advent, let us give thanks for the Marys and Elizabeths in our lives and seek the blessings of God’s Spirit in our “visitation” experiences in our circle of family.