To Accompany, Welcome, and Listen
Don Prisby, Founder/Director SongWalk
- BA, Philosophy, University of San Diego, San Diego, CA
- STB, Theology, Pontifical Gregorian University, Rome Italy
- Spiritual Direction Certificate, Institute for Psychological Sciences, Divine Mercy University, Sterling, VA
The Journey and Welcome
"The Road to Emmaus" (Lk 24: 13-35) is a compelling story of Jesus accompanying the two disciples in their time of concern.
I love that story!
And, there's another.
Mary's "Walk to Ein Karem."
Imagine Mary journeying to see her cousin Elizabeth.
Elizabeth is my inspiration.
- She is married to Zechariah who listens to and trusts the angel's
"The Road to Emmaus" (Lk 24: 13-35) is a compelling story of Jesus accompanying the two disciples in their time of concern.
I love that story!
And, there's another.
Mary's "Walk to Ein Karem."
Imagine Mary journeying to see her cousin Elizabeth.
Elizabeth is my inspiration.
- She is married to Zechariah who listens to and trusts the angel's call (Luke 1: 5-25).
- She is the mother of John, who listens to and follows his vocation to be, "the prophet of the Most High" (Luke 1: 76).
- Most inspiring, Elizabeth listens to Mary (Luke 1: 39-56).
Look at Mary, with such a calling to share. Feel her astonishment at being summoned to be the mother of the Son of God. Picture Mary's need to tell that story. Mary chooses Elizabeth.
Elizabeth is an inspiration of welcome, hospitality, of making a safe space, and listening.
Elizabeth gives her whole presence to Mary. At Mary's greeting, the infant in Elizabeth's womb, "leaps for joy" (Luke 1: 44).
Jesus on the Road to Emmaus models walking with another.
Elizabeth has moved others who now call her the "Patroness of Listeners."
Elizabeth inspires me in this sacred ministry of listening.
My Prayer
"That I may accompany others as Jesus did on that frantic road.
That I would welcome, listen to, and acknowledge God's work in others, as Elizabeth did for Mary.
Amen."
"Were not our hearts burning within us..." (Luke 24: 32).
Two disciples on the Road to Emmaus.
"For at the moment the sound of your greeting reached my ears, the infant in my womb leaped for joy" (Luke 1: 44).
Church of the Visitation, Ein Karem
From the SongWalk Ensemble
Advent Evenings of Music and Catholic Insight
The song "Elizabeth" was written for the SongWalk Advent Evening of Music and Catholic Insight. It colorfully illustrates the unique role Elizabeth played in making Mary's wonderful news known to the world. That we would each respond to do the same.
Elizabeth
By Don Prisby
This is a song of Elizabeth
She was the mother of John
Joyful one of the Holy Land
Among the first to know the Lord
When Elizabeth was welcoming Mary
She felt her baby move
Elizabeth cried, "Looks like you and I
Have some heavenly work to do."
For Mary cried, "My soul proclaims the greatness of the Lord
Elizabeth said, "Get ready world for the coming of God"
And her heart sang
REFRAIN
"Hail Mary, full of grace
The Lord is with you
Blessed are you among women
And blessed is the fruit of your womb.
Hail Mary, full of grace
The Lord is with you
Blessed are you among women
And blessed is the fruit of your womb
Jesus."
VERSE 2
This is a song of fidelity
For each one had a role of her own
One would give birth to the son of God
One would make the story known
Mary was called to be the handmaid
Elizabeth, the prophet's care
Oh, to see the will of God
Flourish in the sisters there
For Mary cried, "My soul proclaims the greatness of the Lord."
Elizabeth sang, "Get ready world for the coming of God."
And her heart sang (to REFRAIN)
VERSE 3
Be joyful in your service
In every role you play
At times we are called into the presence of God
And other times to ready the way
Mary needed Elizabeth
At a time like this
To hear her story, to share her joy
And to recognize the gift
For Mary cried, "My soul proclaims the greatness of the Lord."
Elizabeth sang, "Get ready girl for the coming of God."
And her heart sang (to Refrain)
Move from your head to your heart!
Join us on an 8-week journey sharing movements from Pope Francis' latest Encyclical, "Dilexit Nos" (He Loved Us). Embrace how the heart calls us to love in this Jubilee Year of Hope and in every day of the year.