“You’ve got a friend”

By Rev. Michael Stonhouse

Meditation – Tuesday, May 31, 2022

Luke 1:39-57 (Forward, p. 33) CEV p. 1055

I have often wished that I could get inside the heads of today’s two featured women, Elizabeth and Mary, the mother of our Lord. We cannot know for sure, but I imagine that both of them were understandably nervous and afraid in terms of their present condition and their futures. Neither of them had been pregnant before, and of course, never given birth, so that in itself was perhaps a daunting prospect. I have often wondered, ‘is a childbirth more difficult later on in life?’ I would think so, as the ol’ body is not as supple and ‘giving’ as it once was. So, I think that there may well have been some anticipatory trauma on her part. And, I think that this would have been true of Mary as well, being a very young girl, and inexperienced in this sort of thing. It would have been good for them to be together in this.

But worse by far were the future prospects. Elizabeth had doubtless already endured her share of tongue-wagging, questions, innuendoes and recriminations over her childless state, and this was only ‘just’ to begin with Mary. So, to have a friend, someone who could understand and commiserate with you, and be there for you, would be a great help and comfort.

One of the former primates of the Anglican Church of Canada, Michael Peers, I think, once said that he thought a new title for Jesus, that of friend, might well come into vogue. Saviour, Lord, Teacher, and healer had all ‘had their day’, but he thought that the title ‘friend’ would soon come into its own. He felt that because people need a friend, and what better friend could there be than Jesus Himself? I think that this is something of how Mary and Elizabeth felt for and with each other, and I delight that we can also know it and experience it with Jesus. Fortunately, with whatever we are going through, we can always go to Him, in prayer. As the old hymn reminds us, “What a friend we have in Jesus, all our sins and griefs to bear! What a privilege to carry everything to God in prayer!” Yes, indeed, we have one, in Jesus Christ, who is closer than a brother and is indeed the best friend we could ever have. Amen.

Forward notes: “When Elizabeth heard Mary’s greeting, the child leaped in her womb. And Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit and exclaimed with a loud cry, ‘Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb’” (verses 41-42).

The Commemoration: The Visitation of the Blessed Virgin Mary

“I walked a few blocks away to visit my daughter’s former neighbors in their new home. They have four daughters, with the oldest about to enter college. In the garage, I talked with the mother, who herself was in her second year of college. She told me about her angst and insecurities as well as how much completing college meant to her. Her dilemma was whether to take a full load and finish a half-semester early or continue at a more reasonable pace. She was excelling and had an excellent scholarship. Her degree and her classes, indeed her whole life, were about helping people. I said, ‘Love is being where people are, not where you expect them to be or where they ought to be. That is what you risk by rushing.’ And everything clicked.”

“Like Mary and Elizabeth, I knew God was at work, and I rejoiced that I had been able to help in some small way. Mary and Elizabeth were aware that God works with our friends and family. Praise God, and enjoy a holy visit.”

Moving Forward: “Visit a friend or a family member today.”