Ask

In Luke, we find Mary leaning into curiosity as she ponders the story of the shepherds and how they came to find her and Jesus (Luke 2:19). And before that moment, she wondered how she would become pregnant as a virgin, asking the angel, “How will this be?” (Luke 1:34). Farther back in the story we read that she was troubled and discerning when the angel first greeted her and called her “favored one” (Luke 1:29). What we find in Mary is not a silent woman who is stepped all over, but a woman who thinks deeply, considers her situation, and is curious about what God is up to. She is also a woman who moves and acts, knowing that she cannot carry this calling alone. She carries it to her cousin (Luke 1:39).

Mary runs to share her reality and curiosity with Elizabeth, and Elizabeth rejoices in the magnificent and miraculous words of God. Elizabeth pours blessing out on Mary. She speaks love and truth, and she shares in the work God is doing in her as well, attesting to the reality of what Mary is going through (Luke 1:40–45). Mary is not alone.

Both women carry a physical miracle. As Elizabeth has experienced the shame of barrenness, Mary is subject to the judgment of her virgin birth and eventual pain and humiliation of her son. Elizabeth knows Mary needs her love, support, and a reminder of God’s presence with her. She offers this joyfully. Both women are in awe of God’s wondrous works, and they share in it together.

As the women shared in wonder, they cultivated curiosity and gave courage. Many of us have lost our sense of wonder. Throughout the years we were quieted, we were told we asked too many questions, or maybe we were told we should not ask questions. Questions, wonder, and curiosity were the enemies of truth. Yet these things lead to deeper and richer truth. The exploration of our doubts and voicing our questions grows in us space to receive what God may be saying in different ways through a variety of people. After all, God is a creator! His creativity is far beyond our imagination, and we will never out-question God! We are invited to stay curious, listen to God, and connect in community. In community we share, we receive, and we explore what God is doing and saying in each of us. We pay attention to how he is moving through others, remaining open to new ways he is revealing his truth. We stay curious and we see the beauty of his creativity in and through his creation. We don’t want to miss it!