A reflection on the story of Elisabeth and Mary in the Gospel of Luke, Chapter 1.

How must Mary have felt finding out that she had "found favour with God" and was going to give birth? She an unmarried woman! Given the social mores of the time, when she heard from the Angel Gabriel that she was with child, she must have been terrified. The repercussions for her once her pregnancy became known were enormous. In favour with God or not, in real terms, she was in serious trouble. Her response is one of incredible faith in the face of very real danger.

Mary made a long journey to see her see her cousin Elisabeth. The danger to a young woman making such a journey alone is palpable. When she arrives she discovers that her cousin Elisabeth, an older woman, who has until now been barren, was also with child. Elisabeth, we are told is a descendant of Aaron, and so part of the holy line. Her husband Zechariah had also heard from the Angel Gabriel that their child would be special - it would pave the way for the son of God. Zechariah, who did not immediately believe the words of the angel, questioning him how his barren wife could become pregnant, has his mouth stopped until the birth of his child. Despite being a priest, he did not understand as the women did.

And so when Elisabeth saw her kinswoman Mary, she responded with great joy. Not, as an older, wiser relative berating a younger one who has fallen into error, but as one blessed by God to have the "mother of my lord" visiting her. Elisabeth too does not fear the social consequence of harbouring her young unmarried relative who ought to be punished for her crime; she exalts her as the mother of her savior. Even the "child in my womb leaped for joy." Elisabeth's courageous faith in God allowed her to understand and accept the word of the Angel Gabriel, no matter how 'unreal' it may have seemed.

What follows this story is Mary's "Song of Praise" to God; her Magnificat. One of the most beautiful passages of the gospel, made more so with the realization that Mary, who ought to have been terrified by her pregnancy, is able to embrace this gift from God. More than that, she sees herself as a lowly servant of God, one who does the work of God, who from that time on would be seen as blessed. Her faith enabled her to accept a pregnancy which put her in perilous danger and gave her strength for the journey which was to follow.

This Christmas, let's meditate on the God given faith of Elisabeth and Mary, these two great women of faith. May God bless us all with a modicum of such faith in the face of the trials and tribulations of our lives.

Merry Christmas!

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