December 22, 2024; Luke 1: 1-39-45; 4th Sunday of Advent
In today’s gospel Mary visits her cousin, Elizabeth. It is not a social call. When Mary hears from the angel Gabriel that Elizabeth, although advanced in years, is six months pregnant, she understands that Elizabeth will need her help. She sets out at once so that she can support her cousin in what certainly will be a difficult delivery.
Elizabeth has no idea that Mary is coming. Remember in those days there were no cell phones, telegraphs, or postal service. There was no way Mary could inform Elizabeth of her intentions to visit. Moreover, the distance between Elizabeth and Nazareth was about 100 miles. That’s four to five days on foot. It would not be a journey that anyone would take casually. So Elizebeth was simply unaware that Mary was on her way to her. The biblical text beautifully points to the moment when Elizabeth realizes what is happening, It says that Elizabeth heard Mary’s greeting. We should picture Elizebeth at home doing some common task, when suddenly she hears a voice at the door calling her name. In a rush she realizes that it was her cousin. She goes to the door and opens it, and there is Mary, the unexpected guest.
This story of the visitation reminds us that God often enters our life in unexpected ways. Therefore, we should always be attentive to those moments of our lives when we are surprised or caught off guard. They can be indications that God is at work. This is especially true during the holidays. When we receive a holiday text or card from someone we have not heard from in a long time and they share some wonderful or difficult news about their lives, we should do more than say to ourselves, “I wasn’t anticipating this card.” We should consider whether God is asking us to reach out to that person by phone or even by a visit and to celebrate with them their joy or to support them in their need. When we hear a favorite Christmas carol or unwrap a particularly thoughtful gift and our heart softens and or eyes tear up, we should do more than think, “I didn’t see that coming.” We should pause and reflect on what is moving our emotions and give thanks to God who has given us life and the people we love. When we find ourselves at an office or family gathering and run into the person who is always difficult and irritating, and uncharacteristically that person says something positive or thoughtful, we should do more than say to ourselves, “Well that’s a surprise.” We should consider whether God is asking us to respond in kind and let that person know how much their thoughtfulness meant to us. Afterall God could be working to heal what is broken.
When Mary appeared at her door, Elizabeth was not only surprised, but she realized that God was at work. We should follow her example. During this holiday season we should be attentive to any surprising moments of God’s grace. We should be ready to welcome the unexpected guest.