For a long time, after Isaiah and Micah, the voice of the prophets had remained silent in Judah. Now, a new prophet, Zephaniah, had emerged. His song of praise is statement of hope is in the face great political upheaval, impending wars and destruction and the rebirth of nations. Assyria, the most powerful nation of the day, was on the verge of collapse. This is good news to Judah which had suffered under the Assyrians whose "abominable practices" and "idolatrous worship" has swept across the land and even entered the temple in Jerusalem. Already there were signs that religious reform was taking place. So, the prophet cries out, "rejoice, exult with all your heart" and "have no fear" for "the Lord is in their midst".

In the Gospel passage, we hear another cry of joy. Upon Mary's visit, John and then Elizabeth, receive the Spirit in the presence of Jesus. Elizabeth cries out, "Of all women you are the most blessed, and blessed is the fruit of their womb". The question of Elizabeth, "Why should I be honoured with a visit from the mother of my Lord...?" recalls the words of King David when the ark of the covenant was being brought back to Jerusalem, "How can the ark of the Lord come to me?" (2 Sam 6: 9). The ark symbolised the presence of Yahweh, the God of Israel. Mary's visit to Elizabeth sanctifies her home with the presence of the Lord. As we wait eagerly for the coming of the Lord, may we too cry out with hope and joy. For with him in our midst, there is nothing to fear.