Church of the
Annunciation

Mary says to the Angel Gabriel: “Behold, I am the handmaid of the Lord. May it be done to me according to your word.” We have a beautiful painting of the Annunciation hanging in Selbert Hall. You can see Mary as a young girl receiving God’s invitation from the Angel Gabriel to become the mother of Jesus. The angel is unseen except for the wings that come together to steady Mary. But then the angel leaves. Mary, humanly speaking, is left alone. Our Gospel today of the Visitation tells us that Mary goes in haste to visit her relative Elizabeth, an older woman, also with child. We can ask the question why. Is it to hide her pregnancy and avoid shame in the village? Is it out of concern to help her cousin who is much older and also pregnant? Or is it to seek the comfort, the wisdom and support of Elizabeth? Like the wings of the angel Mary needs someone to steady her! With the baby already stirring in her womb, Elizabeth is inspired to say to Mary: “Blessed are you who believed that what was spoken to you by the Lord would be fulfilled.” Elizabeth confirms Mary in her living out the promise that she made to the angel. Christmas is a time when we visit or welcome older relatives into our homes. Perhaps the best present that we can offer, besides ourselves, is an explicit expression of our appreciation for their living and sharing the gift of faith with us. Christmas can be an occasion to thank older folks who, like Angel Gabriel and wise Elizabeth, have steadied us to be faithful during difficult/challenging times.