Exploring the Scripture
After the angel Gabriel tells Mary she has been selected by God to be the mother of Jesus, Mary visits her cousin Elizabeth. This passage describes the patience and faith present in that community long ago and is read in today’s church communities during Advent as part of the waiting and preparation for Christmas.
Mary’s reason for visiting Elizabeth is not entirely clear, but Elizabeth becomes the first to hear the news. We can infer that Mary sensed the need to reach out to her community as she responded faithfully to God’s call. This intimate exchange between two faithful women demonstrates how people in community can provide one another affirmation, support, and encouragement when they choose to be vulnerable to divine grace.
Mary may have gone to seek counsel and support from Elizabeth because of her misgivings. Gabriel’s news was stunning. When we sense God calling us to action, we naturally seek counsel with a trusted confidant. Such affirmation from trusted disciples helps us consider our understanding and response.
Another reason Mary may have gone to visit Elizabeth might have been Mary’s wish to share her growing awareness of how the two cousins were connected in God’s unfolding vision. As Mary began to understand the role of Jesus, she may have also had insight into the role of Elizabeth’s baby, John. For us, as we read this passage knowing the whole story, it is easy to see the connection between the two women and their sons: one son, the messenger; and one son, the message.
Elizabeth’s description of her baby jumping for joy in the womb when he heard Mary’s voice provides us a preview. This passage hints how Elizabeth’s baby, John, will serve as a person who will herald Jesus’ arrival and prepare the way for his message. The baby’s response to Mary led Elizabeth to a greater understanding of Mary’s calling and who her baby was. Elizabeth was led by the Holy Spirit to bless Mary and the baby she carried.
In response to the blessing received, Mary responded with a song of faith we now call “Mary’s Song” or the “Magnificat.” It is a song shared in humility. It is a statement of Mary’s faith in God’s goodness, faithfulness, and mercy. In Mary’s song, we find words that express our understanding of God’s nature. Mary also articulates a powerful vision of justice and peace as part of God’s message to her.
From Mary and Elizabeth we learn that among the blessings of community is that the gospel of Jesus Christ is expressed best in community life where people become vulnerable to God’s grace and one another. As we ponder the journeys of these two pregnant women, we are reminded that we need to be patient as we wait for God’s purposes to come forth through our faithful acts. We are also reminded—as we wait and listen with one another—that we are prepared for new opportunities for mission, which are being birthed into the world.
Project Zion Podcast
Hosts Karin Peter and Blake Smith consider how this week's scripture connects to our lives today.
Central Ideas
- Mary’s news was surprising. She sought her cousin’s embracing love to help her come to terms with what God had called her to do. Sharing with others brings affirmation and clarity about God’s vision of shalom.
- One of the blessings of community is that the gospel of Jesus Christ is expressed best in community life where people become vulnerable to God’s grace and one another.
- In Mary’s song, we find words that express our understanding of God’s nature and a powerful vision for justice and peace on Earth.
- The story of Mary and Elizabeth reminds us faithful discipleship often requires patience and waiting.
Questions to Consider
- How do you seek affirmation of the Holy Spirit?
- How do we develop such a community where we can both give and receive support for mission?
- What is God trying to “birth” through the giftedness of you and your congregation?
- In what ways does your congregation embody the message of justice and peace on Earth found in Mary’s song?
- What can you do to prepare as you patiently wait?