Spiritual Companions

This December, a series of daily Advent, devotional postings is running from December 1st to December 25^th. Journey beside Mary, the Mother of God, as she waits for the birth of Jesus.

STRENGTH

Scripture: “Now the body is not a single part, but many” (1 Corinthians 12:14).

Quote of the Day: “Friendship is the source of the greatest pleasures, and without friends even the most agreeable pursuits become tedious” (St. Thomas Aquinas).

Song Suggestions:
“Burning in My Soul,” by Matt Maher
“When We’re Together,” by Mark Harris

Questions: Do I have any spiritual companions? Have I asked God for friendships centered around Him?

MIND

Now that all is well between Joseph and Mary, Mary explains to her betrothed that her cousin Elizabeth is also with child. With Joseph’s blessing, and only a few months till Mary enters Joseph’s house, Mary hastens on a journey to visit Elizabeth.

Mary sets out with a small caravan from Nazareth, a village in the northern region of Galilee, to the southern desert region of Judea, where the priest, Zechariah, lives. Mary’s cousin, Elizabeth is Zechariah’s wife.

Mary walks through the pale desert hill country amid a couple dozen travelers. Most of them are families heading toward Jerusalem and the surrounding towns and villages.

Usually, Mary only sees Elizabeth once a year when Mary travels to Jerusalem for the Jewish Feast of Passover. Yet, these circumstances are different. Oh, how Mary longs to share the Presence that resides within her. Silently, she speaks to little Jesus in her womb—a habit she has formed.

Elizabeth is a dear relative of Mary’s. She is indeed several years older than Mary but the bond of friendship is strong between them. Surely Elizabeth will believe her when Mary tells of her encounter with the angel, for Elizabeth’s pregnancy is also miraculous!

Mary picks up her pace, walking toward the front of the caravan. Behind her are a variety of elders, mothers, and fathers, children, and donkeys and mules packed with supplies.

It won’t be long now.

Whenever Mary and Elizabeth meet, they speak of the heavenly. Spiritual matters are on their tongues as they recount the presence of the Lord in their lives. Mary fondly remembers a time when she herself was a little child visiting the house of Zechariah with her parents for the feast of Passover. At that time, Elizabeth had been married to Zechariah for at least a decade.

“Little Mary,” Elizabeth called in greeting as she briskly walked across the courtyard of her husband’s house, toward the young girl who had just arrived.

Smiling, Mary matched the pace of Elizabeth to meet her in the center of the yard. Evening sunlight trickled through the opening of the limestone court. The two women met in a tender embrace. At this time, young Mary only reached a few inches above Elizabeth’s waist.

“Elizabeth,” Mary looked up at her cousin. She noted the stress lines on Elizabeth’s forehead and the corners of her eyes.

“Dear one,” Elizabeth said, putting her arm around Mary’s shoulders. “Tell me how you are.”

Mary’s young, round eyes opened widely, glowing like stars. “We visit the Temple tomorrow for the feast! I can hardly stand being so close to its proximity without actually entering God’s House.”

“Wait for the Lord, take courage; be stouthearted, wait for the Lord,” Elizabeth quoted the Scriptures in encouragement, squeezing Mary’s shoulder.

“We will wait for Him together,” Mary decided, scanning the courtyard filled with servants, relatives, and other visitors.

“I forget my privilege living here in Judea. The Holy City of Jerusalem is so close to me.” Elizabeth sighed deeply, her eyes lowering. “I have been waiting ten years for the Lord.”

Mary touched Elizabeth’s hand that rested on her shoulder. “And the Lord will not forsake you.”

“Yet I am as barren as this desert land.” Elizabeth frowned. Who was she to encourage others to be patient, when she herself was filled with the turmoil of delay?

“The Lord willed you to marry Zechariah.” Mary softly stroked Elizabeth’s hand. “One of God’s own priests! He may still give you a child.”

Elizabeth gave a bitter chuckle. “At least I have you to pray for me.”

Mary’s memory of her time with Elizabeth is interrupted as a friend from the caravan speaks to her. “We’ll be there by sundown,” The friend says. “You will be a joyous surprise for Elizabeth and her household.”

Indeed. Mary thinks. They have no idea she is coming, let alone that she comes with the Savior of the world!

(Scripture Reference and Inspiration: Psalm 27:9-10, 14; Luke 1:39)

HEART

Let us also go with eagerness and haste to our spiritual companions. Maybe we have companions at a bible study. Perhaps we have a spiritual director. Maybe we can share our faith with our friends and families. We know we can relate to people at our parishes because they are also believers in the Lord Jesus Christ.

If you do not have spiritual companions, I pray with you that the Lord will lead you to them. Be not afraid to actively search for companions—not just for this Advent journey—but for the journey to Heaven.

For it is not good that man should be alone (Gen 2:18). You were made for community. That is why you are a part of the Body of Christ; why we were created together. Perhaps you are the knee for the body, but the knee is nothing without the legs! Perhaps you are the hands of the body, but what are the hands if there are no arms? As these body parts connect, so must you connect with your fellow humans.

Companions can aid us as we wait for the Lord. Think of today’s meditation. Elizabeth encouraged Mary to wait and Mary encouraged Elizabeth to wait. We know they waited together for the birth of John and Jesus as well. They waited together in prayer, trust, and thanksgiving.

SOUL

Come, Lord Jesus, come. Mary went with haste to visit Elizabeth. Likewise, I make haste to You and I ask that you give me all that I need for the journey. Give me companionship and friendship. Heal my broken relationships and inspire me to create new ones. I offer my friends to You as I offer all parts of the Body to You, the Head.

Mary, teach me how to wait.