December 1: Beginning Advent with the Joyful Mysteries and the Call to Selfless Love
Today is December 1st, and I began my day by praying the Joyful Mysteries. On the bus ride to work, I sat in silent meditation, pondering Mary’s profound love for her neighbor. This brought to mind the passage I read last night from 1 John 3:
“For this is the message you have heard from the beginning: we should love one another. We must not be like Cain, who belonged to the evil one and murdered his brother. And why did he murder him? Because his own deeds were evil, while his brother’s were righteous. Do not be surprised, my brothers and sisters, if the world hates you. We know that we have passed from death to life because we love one another. Whoever does not love remains in death. Everyone who hates a brother or sister is a murderer, and you know that no murderer has eternal life residing in him. This is how we know what love is: Jesus Christ laid down his life for us. And we ought to lay down our lives for one another. If anyone has material possessions and sees a brother or sister in need but has no pity on them, how can the love of God be in that person?” (1 John 3:11–17)
One of the most beautiful pictures of “love thy neighbor” is Mary’s hasty journey to Elizabeth after the Annunciation. Newly pregnant with the Word Incarnate, exhausted, and facing a difficult road through the hill country, Mary could have stayed home and tended to her own needs. Instead, the very first thing she does with the Christ Child in her womb is bring Him to someone else who needs Him. For three months she serves, cooks, cleans, encourages—pouring herself out when she herself was most in need of care. That is love without motive, love without calculation, love that seeks nothing in return. In the Visitation we see the Gospel in motion: the Savior is carried, not hoarded; grace is shared, not stored. Mary shows me that true charity begins the moment I stop asking “What do I need?” and start asking “Who needs Him through me?”
To love those around us without selfish motive is a lifelong journey in becoming true children of God. Today’s Joyful Mysteries, together with last night’s reading, have prompted me to examine my own heart: How often have my selfish desires prevented me from giving freely and loving others without conditions or expectations?
Scripture tells us that if we ask with a pure heart, Christ will give us everything we seek. But when we ask with selfish intent, He withholds — because true love cannot coexist with self-centeredness.
Mary’s fiat during her pregnancy is the perfect model for us. Carrying the Christ Child, she trusted completely that God would provide for her every need. Her “yes” kept her under the mantle of divine protection and care.
So today I am reminded: I, too, must surrender the desires of this world and place my full trust in God’s providence and perfect plan for my life.
Amen.
God Bless 🙏💕
Be Inspired! 
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