The story of the Blessed Mother is an integral part of the incarnation story, and we hear that story in the visit to her cousin Elizabeth. An important aspect of this story is Elizabeth's revelation: "Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the child you will bear! Who am I, that the mother of my Lord should come to me? (Lk. 1:42-45). Mary and Elizabeth give us a legacy of love and friendship needed in today’s family settings.
In these holy women, we find examples of friendship couched in love, service, blessedness, favor, grace, commitment, faith, and obedience to God’s will, “Blessed are you who believed that what was spoken to you by the Lord would be fulfilled.” Mary believed right from the beginning, that God’s word would be fulfilled for humanity through her obedience of faith.
Mary’s legacy of love can be viewed from her conformity to Christ’s love. Mary receives two messages from the angel. First is that she would be the mother of the expected messiah, a mission made possible by the power of the Holy Spirit. Second, she is informed that her cousin Elizabeth is pregnant at an old age. Both messages anchor on God’s will to save mankind through the maternity of Mary. The Vatican Fathers describe Mary as “having cooperated by charity that faithful might be born in the Church, who are members of that Head" (Lumen Gentium 53).
During Mary’s visit, Elizabeth declares, “And how does this happen that the mother of my Lord should come to me?” Elizabeth emphasizes the humility of the Blessed Mother who does not count risks and cares less about the inconveniences involved in her trip. Mary conveys the practicality of commitment based on her trust in God. All she does is live up to her words, “Behold the handmaid of the Lord, be it done to me according to your will.” Mary's visitation encapsulates a true Christmas spirit, namely, bringing the joy of Christ to families and friends.
Mary presents us with the model for family and friendship portrayed in her meeting with Elizabeth. Mary brings Christ to Elizabeth whereas Elizabeth embraces Christ in the Blessed Mother. The joy of this friendship depicts commitment and sacrifice, a compendium of the willingness to help, to give of self, to motivate, and to provide encouragement. Their story invites us to cherish the risks involved in being a source of support for others. Mary dares the rough road from Nazareth to Judea and walks through the hills to be with Elizabeth. Authentic friendship does not count costs.
In today’s family life, people still find themselves alone, isolated, and anxious. Some people live in the hill country of life amidst scary paths. They are like Elizabeth, needing someone to visit. The irony is that we live in a society characterized by individualism. Everyone seems busy in their own way. Mary has reasons to be busy, too. Everyone seems focused on their tasks in meeting deadlines. Mary had tasks and goals. She abandoned everything to travel to the hill country. Yes, someone loses their jobs around us. Someone experiences family challenges. Someone struggles with anxiety. Someone is aging. Mary reminds us that everyone needs some friend who would care.
The joy of friendship is found in companionship. At creation, God says of Adam, “It is not good for the man to be alone. I will make a helper suitable for him” (Gen. 2:18). The Blessed Mother's visit reminds us of the importance of connection and the value of authentic friendship. She takes friendship to Elizabeth, and networks Jesus with John the Baptist. Hence, Elizabeth goes into a holy frenzy, “For at the moment the sound of your greeting reached my ears, the infant in my womb leaped for joy” (Lk. 1:44).
As we prepare for Christmas, we might need to discover just what we can do to be that friend. Someone needs us. The real love story is the story of Jesus’ presence to others which is why God places us in people’s lives. Finding true friendship brings joy and excitement, as seen in the encounter between Mary and Elizabeth. We all desire this joy. We all desire this excitement. Yet, we fail to realize the importance of those whom God has placed in our lives. What is God asking of us? Be that friend. Be that family member who builds the right connection. Your authentic presence can be the real gift. It can spark a joy hidden in the one who benefits from it.
Readings: 1st- Mi. 5:1-4; 2nd- Heb. 10:5-10; Lk. 1:39-45
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