silent prayer
"Thereupon Mary set out, proceeding in haste into the hill country to a town of Judah." —Luke 1:39
The silence at the home of Zechariah and Elizabeth must have been deafening and deadening. Elderly Elizabeth was carrying her first child. Her husband had been struck dumb ever since the child was conceived. He had not said a word for six months. Elizabeth may not have been able even to talk to Zechariah since he may have been not only dumb but deaf (see Lk 1:62). She could only talk to herself and to the Lord asking for His help.
The Lord sent Mary as the answer to Elizabeth's silent prayer. "When Elizabeth heard Mary's greeting, the baby leapt in her womb. Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit and cried out in a loud voice" (Lk 1:41-42). The silence was broken. Elizabeth prophesied; Mary sang God's praises and proclaimed "the greatness of the Lord" (Lk 1:42-46). They shouted for joy, sang joyfully, and exulted with all their hearts (Zep 3:14). Three months later, at the baby's circumcision, even Zechariah joined the chorus. "His mouth was opened and his tongue loosed, and he began to speak in praise of God" (Lk 1:64).
When Mary makes a visit, "all heaven breaks loose." The silence of sin gives way to silent prayer, which leads to shouts of praise. Ask Mary to visit you today.
Prayer: Jesus, send Your mother Mary to mother me, to lift me from depression and sadness to joy and praise.
Promise: "He will sing joyfully because of you, as one sings at festivals." —Zep 3:17-18
Praise: Praise to Jesus, Who baptized John in the Spirit and caused him to leap in the womb of his mother.
Nihil Obstat: Reverend Edward J. Gratsch, October 4, 1999
Imprimatur: †Most Reverend Carl K. Moeddel, Vicar General and Auxiliary Bishop of the Archdiocese of Cincinnati, October 12, 1999