This weekend the Church enters into the final moments of Advent. In the Gospel, Mary visits with Elizabeth, who greets her with words we say each time we pray the Hail Mary, “Blessed are You among women and blessed is the Fruit of Your womb.” When you think about it, the Hail Mary prayer is a combination of greetings. The prayer opens with the greeting of the Archangel Gabriel, “Hail Mary, full of grace, the Lord is with You.” Then Elizabeth’s greeting is added, “Blessed are You among women and blessed is the Fruit of Your womb.” We end the prayer with our own greeting and petition, “Holy Mary, Mother of God (our greeting), pray for us sinners now and at the hour of our death (our petition).” Let us be mindful of the words we use while greeting our Mother; and, let us use these final moments to prepare a place in our hearts for Christ. “Come, Lord Jesus!”
