The encounter between Mary and Elizabeth is one of the few times we see women in the Bible relating to each other. In the Old Testament Ruth pledges her loyalty to the older Naomi. Today Elizabeth acknowledges the younger Mary to be her superior. Both rejoice in what God has done and is doing for them. The role of women in spreading the faith and handing it on to their children is crucial to the life and mission of the Church. The courage of Elizabeth and Mary is replicated many times over not only in the lives of the great saints but also of our mothers, grandmothers, aunts and female religious who have nurtured us and shown us the meaning of faith in a sometimes hard and unforgiving world. We can also think of ourselves as bearers of the Word sown in us and that when we yield the fruit of the Word we also honour the memories of those women who have cared for us and loved us so much even through times of suffering and hardship. After all, Elizabeth has a husband who had been struck dumb and Mary was indanger of being stoned to death by having committed adultery.
No comments:
Post a Comment