16th August – Notes on the Gospel, by Monsignor O’Sullivan
When we read the account of the coming of the Ark of the Covenant to the City of David, and compare it with the account given by Luke of Mary’s visit to Elizabeth, we see a remarkable similarity, as Luke presents Mary as the real Ark of the covenant:
The Ark is brought to the country where David was; Mary went to the hill country to visit Elizabeth.
The Ark remained there for three months; Mary remained with Elizabeth for three months.
David gave a loud cry at the approach of the Ark; Elizabeth gave a loud cry at Mary’s approach.
David danced before the Ark; the baby, John the Baptist, jumped in the womb of Elizabeth.
There is no doubt that Luke is presenting Mary as the real Ark of the Covenant.
In the days of the Old Testament, the Ark held the 10 Commandments and was believed to be where God dwelt among his people. At the time of the Babylonian invasion, the prophet Jeremiah hid it and it was never seen again. Yet, in the New Testament, some 500 years later, here we are with the Ark being centre stage.
The Ark was believed to be the location of the mysterious presence of God; but in the womb of Mary, the God-Bearer, He was present in a much more marvellous way!
