The Filipino women in my family tend to be short, which makes some people think we are also quiet. But if you ever get invited to our family parties, you will hear us before you see us because we’ll be talking and laughing at the tops of our voices, telling stories and jokes, and singing songs for hours. Though small in stature, we make our presence known and heard, and you will get caught up in that family spirit.
In today’s Gospel, we meet two women at their own family get-together. Like the women in my family, they often get typecast as demure, muted by a sentimental glow. But the Gospel today shows us that Elizabeth and Mary are loud and will not be restrained when the Spirit takes hold.
Through their faith visible in their actions, Elizabeth and Mary amplified that earth-shaking message: God remembers; God is faithful. Click To TweetI picture youthful Mary calling for her cousin from the roadside for all the neighbors to hear. And Luke says that elderly Elizabeth uses her outside voice to greet her with blessings. Even John in her womb can’t help joining the clamor.
What keeps this commotion from becoming cacophony? Both women were first listeners of God’s voice and believers of what they heard. Through their faith visible in their actions, they amplified that earth-shaking message: God remembers; God is faithful. God chooses the lowly and those who will not remain silent to announce God’s reign.
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