WISDOM

Theotokos: Monday of the 2nd Week of Advent

“Mary entered the house of Zechariah and greeted Elizabeth” (Luke 1:40)

We understand more about Mary’s haste when we understand more about Elizabeth. Elizabeth was more than a relative.

Elizabeth was a woman of wisdom. Luke 1:36 tells us that Elizabeth was a woman advanced in her age. While we do not know exactly how old, we do know what her age implies—wisdom. As with most Semitic cultures, ancient Judaism revered the aged because of their wisdom.

While our contemporary Western culture idolizes the young, Mary and her fellow Jews would have revered the old because they were wise. In addition, Elizabeth was married to Zechariah. Zechariah was a priest who served at the great Jerusalem temple two weeks out of the year. Luke 1:6 says that he and Elizabeth were “righteous before God.” Zechariah’s honored status within Judaism reveals his being a man of wisdom. Thus, as Mary “entered the house of Zechariah (and Elizabeth)” she entered a house of wisdom.

Mary was at a crucial spot in her life, so Mary sought out wisdom. Mary realized that none of us should navigate our spiritual journey alone. Each of us needs a wisdom figure—a spiritual director, a holy priest or religious, or even a fellow disciple with lots of experience. Each of us needs a wisdom figure to help us in our relationship with God.

Who in your life shares wisdom? Who shares, not just encouragement or advice, but real wisdom? If you have someone, connect with them soon so that God’s wisdom can anchor your life during this busy time. If you don’t have someone, ask God to reveal who that might be. Spend the day with Mary. Get to know her voice. The Theotokos is the “seat of Wisdom” and Mary can’t wait to share her wisdom with you!

For your prayer

Mary would have often prayed with the Book of Proverbs. Prep your imaginative prayer by slowly reading Proverbs 8. Use your spiritual senses and imaginatively pray with Mary in Luke 1:40

“Father, I ask for the grace today to hear your voice. I beg you to attune my ears to your voice so that your words may guide all my actions.”

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