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Gospel: Luke 1: 39-45
Mary set out in those days
and traveled to the hill country in haste
to a town of Judah,
where she entered the house of Zechariah
and greeted Elizabeth.
When Elizabeth heard Mary’s greeting,
the infant leaped in her womb,
and Elizabeth, filled with the Holy Spirit,
cried out in a loud voice and said,
“Most blessed are you among women,
and blessed is the fruit of your womb.
And how does this happen to me,
that the mother of my Lord should come to me?
For at the moment the sound of your greeting reached my ears,
the infant in my womb leaped for joy.
Blessed are you who believed
that what was spoken to you by the Lord
would be fulfilled.”
The Gospel of the Lord.
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This is the only encounter in the Gospels between two women… and they’re both carrying secrets.
Mary and Elizabeth are holding onto the most intimate secret a woman can physically experience – being pregnant. Why either of them is pregnant is strange, almost unbelievable.
Mary conceived by the overshadowing of the Holy Spirit and Elizabeth in her old age.
Instead of celebrating, throwing huge baby showers surrounded by their family and friends, they must celebrate together… quietly, unnoticed by the outside world.
They might not have much … but they have one another. And that’s what counts in the end.
In fact, we see just how strong and nourishing their relationship is, as Mary stays with Elizabeth for three full months.
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This encounter between them reminds all of us just how much we need other people – we need friends who bring out the best in us; who encourage us; who nourish our hearts with love; who affirm us in our faith.
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How am I a friend for others? How do I nourish other people with love, much like Mary and Elizabeth nourished one another?
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Sometimes being a friend comes at a cost.
Elizabeth offered Mary the comfort of her home, her food, and above all, her heart for three full months. Sacrifices she made while pregnant herself.
But that’s what we’re called to do as Christians – to love and support one another – no matter what the cost may be.
Strangely enough, being kind and generous towards others makes us happier, too.
***
