4th Sunday of Advent [C]

December 19, 2021

Luke 1:39-45

Mary was going to the place of Elizabeth in haste. But, why did she have to go in haste? Mary was full of excitement and joy Mary because she knew that her beloved relative had received the miracle from God. Elizabeth who called barren, was pregnant with a child. Mary was full of joy as she would like to witness this mighty deed of God.

The excitement and joy were shared by Elizabeth when Mary arrived and greeted her. By the Holy Spirit’s guidance, Elizabeth recognized who Mary is. She is not just another relative, but Mary is the blessed among women because she was with God-made-man. Thus, Elizabeth dared to call her the mother of her Lord. Mary’s encounter with Elizabeth is also the first encounter between two great protagonists in the Gospel: Jesus and John the Baptist, between the Messiah and the one who prepares His way. Elizabeth immediately felt that the baby in her womb was leaping for joy upon hearing Mary’s greetings. Joy and excitement are not being shared by Mary and Elizabeth, but by John.

However, behind excitement and joy, there were great dangers and uncertainties. Mary was pregnant without a man. According to Torah [Deu 22:20], she could have been stoned and died. If she survived the death, Mary would bear the stigma and shame for her entire life. Elizabeth’s situation was not much better. As a woman who was already advanced in age, pregnancy and the process of deliverance could be extremely risky and even leading to death. Things just do not look good for these two mothers.

Yet, despite these terrible possibilities, both Mary and Elizabeth chose to rejoice and be full of excitement. What are the reasons? Firstly, both Mary and Elizabeth believed in the word and plan of God. Elizabeth herself said, “Blessed are you who believed that was spoken to you by the Lord would be fulfilled.” Both Mary and Elizabeth both understood that God’s plan for them was not always readily comprehensible and often involved great sufferings. Mary was facing the real possibility of stoning, and Elizabeth may not survive the childbearing, but both believed that God’s will is always the best plan for them. Joy springs after Mary and Elizabeth die to their own selves and let God’s will live in their wombs. Joy is always a pure gift, and these women are amazingly strong to open their hearts to God’s works.

Secondly, Mary and Elizabeth do not work alone. Another reason Mary visited Elizabeth is to accompany and assist her in the days of pregnancy and birth. Mary as a much younger and stronger relative opted to give her best supports in Elizabeth’s life-giving moment. We may argue that Elizabeth safely gave birth to John because Mary was giving her helping hands. At the same time, Elizabeth as an elder relative of Mary, strengthened and comforted Mary in this troubled time. Both survived and flourished because of God’s grace and also their love and care for one another.

Mary and Elizabeth are strong women because they rely on each other. Mary and Elizabeth are the happiest women because they give themselves up to God.

Valentinus Bayuhadi Ruseno, OP