The Gospel reading for the Feast of the Assumption is that of Mary visiting her cousin Elizabeth.
It is perhaps one of the most homely and intimate encounters, yet one filled with the ripples that will impact history. I wonder what it was like for Mary, having discovered recently that she is pregnant and that her cousin Elizabeth is also pregnant. Did she tell anyone? Perhaps her mother or both her parents. Imagine those
conversations.
She seems compelled to be with her cousin, Elizabeth, who she knows must also be reeling with shock and wonder at what God is doing in her life. In part, she may have wanted to be there to help her cousin as she approached the end of her pregnancy. But, she probably also longed to spend time with someone she sensed would understand and would be able
to help her understand the significant impact of the experience she has just had.
She makes the journey from Nazareth to Judah – probably on foot. One wonders who accompanied her on the journey. As she travelled, was she tired, perhaps suffering from morning sickness? What were her thoughts and feelings as she thought back over the encounter with God’s messenger? Was she afraid of what others would say or think? Was there a deep sense of
joy and a longing to feel the baby moving in her?
Have there been moments when you have suddenly realised that your life has changed unexpectedly? Who was the person with who you most wanted to share that experience?
