The Nazareth Page - A gospel meditation for your home

December 22, 2024 – Fourth Sunday of Advent  - Luke 1:39-45

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Right from the beginning of the greatest event in human history, there are surprises. But they are not the kind one might expect. For instance, think about the conception of Jesus. Mary his mother was an ordinary woman who lived in an ordinary place. My guess is that she blended in with the crowd as she passed each day with her family members and neighbors.

And clearly Mary was totally surprised with the visit of the angel inviting her to be a part of God’s entrance into our world. Her first thought was likely some version of “why me? I’m a nobody. Nothing special at all.” She might have asked why wasn’t the daughter of a king, a high priest or someone already distinguished? Are you sure God want me?

Let’s continue with the story. Already pregnant with Jesus, Mary learns that her cousin Elizabeth is also with child. Being the kind of person she is, Mary decides to visit her to see if she can be of assistance. She didn’t have comfortable transport like we do. Likely she had to walk on the trails nearby. Not easy for one with child. That’s what we read about in today’s gospel. Again, we are invited to think about God’s plan to use ordinary people in simple circumstances to achieve God’s decision to become one of us. God involved people of ordinary means, just like most of us.

And that’s my thought on this Sunday’s gospel. Artists and historians will add to this totally commonplace event elements that will make it more dramatic or “out of the ordinary.” But it wasn’t. That’s not how God works in our world.

In the recently concluded synod (meeting) called by Pope Francis, there was an effort to make those in attendance (about 400 selected from around the world) a representative sample of church membership. It was no small challenge given that previous synod gathering were overwhelmingly bishops and cardinals. But in my judgment a move in the right direction.

Throughout my career as a theologian and educator, I have tried to advocate for the view that in God’s eyes we are all essentially equal. We have different tasks to accomplish but we are all God’s people. And all that each of us do counts. To use church language, we are all disciples and the good that we accomplish, however hidden and ordinary in our daily lives is important to God. Two of those who fist knew this were named Mary and Elizabeth.

David M. Thomas, PhD