When Elizabeth heard Mary’s greeting, the child leaped in her womb. And Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit and exclaimed with a loud cry, “Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb. And why has this happened to me, that the mother of my Lord comes to me? For as soon as I heard the sound of your greeting, the child in my womb leaped for joy. And blessed is she who believed that there would be a fulfillment of what was spoken to her by the Lord.”
Luke 1:41-45
The excitement of the presence of God is palatable in this story. Mary feels the baby jump in her womb and Elizabeth exclaims with great joy. This is not a rational, well-thought out response, but radiant, unbounded delight. These women were both givers and receivers of the grace of God and in finding that grace in one another, they overflowed with joy.
In my work, I am blessed to experience the presence of God in many ways as I work to coordinate social ministries connecting those who want to serve with those who are vulnerable. While I am passionate about serving those who are vulnerable, I am often surprised that the outpouring of delight is more often found in those who are blessed to give. When they realize that God worked through them to bring a bit of healing and hope into the world, it is as if they are set on fire with possibilities. The donations multiply. There are more volunteers. Those who serve bring together their friends and fellow church members to take the next step into service.
The good news of God’s presence with us in Jesus Christ moves through our service with overflowing grace. The joy of service is contagious with radiant, unbounded delight when we open ourselves to that joy. Mary and Elizabeth show us that our service is never a burden, but a privilege.
God of joy and delight, fill us with joy as we encounter your presence through service. Make us shine with delight as a sign of your grace for the sake of the world. Amen.
Rev. Jennifer Ollikainen serves as Executive Director of Lutheran Congregational Services.
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