Readings for Dec. 21-22, Fourth Sunday of Advent
By Lyn Zahorik | For On Mission
There is a beautiful hidden message in the Gospel for this Sunday in the story of Mary going to visit Elizabeth.
However, the clues to this message lie in two additional verses from Luke that we will not be hearing, “The angels said and behold, Elizabeth, your relative, has also conceived a son in her old age, and this is the sixth month… Mary remained with her (Elizabeth) about three months and then returned to her home” (Lk 1:36, 56).
Gabriel only makes the announcement of Elizabeth’s pregnancy, but the angel does not tell Mary to go to Elizabeth. Of her own accord, a young woman — having just learned she is pregnant by astounding means — chooses to make a 90-mile journey to visit her cousin. The journey, at that time, would have likely taken four to five days, possibly longer.
Why did Mary make that choice?
She went to support Elizabeth, offering companionship and encouragement. The length of time that she stayed could also indicate that she assisted Elizabeth as her midwife.
Mary’s encounter with Elizabeth was a moment of profound spiritual connection between the two women. Elizabeth’s joyful response and the baby’s leaping in her womb highlighted the divine significance of both pregnancies. This shared joy deepened the bond between the two mothers and reinforced their faith.
By spending time together, Mary and Elizabeth could share their experiences, fears and hopes. Elizabeth’s support, affirmation and spiritual connection provided Mary with the strength and encouragement she needed during a pivotal moment in her life.
The visit also symbolizes the strength that comes from female companionship and is a beautiful example of how women uplift and empower each other through shared experiences and faith.
Mary chooses to remain with Elizabeth for three months, to learn from her, to be encouraged by her and to assist Elizabeth as her pregnancy advanced and the time came for Elizabeth to give birth. Then, in what would be the third month of her own pregnancy, Mary once again made the difficult journey back to her home in Nazareth. By this time, she may have begun to “show” and would have to endure the side glances given and the gossip mongers at the local well.
In our Christmas representations, we see Mary as a quiet, obedient, serene figure. That is not the Mary who set out to visit Elizabeth. She must have been fiercely brave, not quiet and serene, with a heart set upon her mission.
As Advent draws to a close, today’s Gospel illustrates Mary’s powerful example of strength, courage and faith.
In our days ahead, let us unite ourselves to the fierceness of Mary who, with incredible passion and determination, accepted the physical and emotional challenges of giving birth to Jesus.
Perhaps, during this Christmas, God will not invite us into a “silent night,” but to one filled with our own fierceness of faith and passion, that, like Mary, we may cherish the bonds we share with others and embrace the transformative power of love and generosity in our lives.
Zahorik is director for spiritual engagement at St. Mary Parish, Omro, and St. Mary Parish, Winneconne.
The readings for Sunday, Dec. 22, can be found at Fourth Sunday of Advent | USCCB.