“Mary stayed with Elizabeth about three months.” (Luke 1:56)

Think of a small group you’re most comfortable with - family, church, neighborhood, colleagues. What makes them so? Acceptance, similar interests, common goals? Stay with them long enough, grow with them long enough, they will act like a compass to orient you, a safe harbor to welcome you back when you have to venture into the scary world out there.

Mary steps away from what was likely her community of comfort (family and neighbors) because, soon enough, it will be anything but that when they learn she’s pregnant out of wedlock. Mary visits her cousin Elizabeth, a much smaller community to be sure, but definitely one of understanding and shared interests. Elizabeth has also had a supernatural encounter with God others won’t understand. Their goal is shared as well: centuries of waiting are coming to an end when Elizabeth’s son, John, will announce the arrival of Mary’s son Jesus, the long-awaited Messiah.

Mary found herself in a sudden, unexpected transition. She needed help finding her way. Like Mary, we are entering a significant transition season as we emerge from what feels like a century’s worth of pandemic restrictions. What will it be like to talk, unmasked, to someone in the produce department? Will we ever feel comfortable shaking hands again or standing less than 3’ from another? We might need help with the transition (as did Mary) as we leave the sanctity and safety of homes to return to the once-abandoned work cubicle, the crowded classroom, the indoor gatherings we have avoided. 

Has church been one of those places you’re now approaching with caution? It became easy and certainly more convenient to watch streamed services. Many of us may find it difficult to leave what’s been comfortable (but what has also been isolating) and return to our faith community. Something wonderful is waiting, though. If you have stayed with a small group during Covid, you’ve known the encouragement and camaraderie it brings. Communing with Elizabeth fortified Mary for what would be a difficult return to Nazareth. She’ll likely face hostility, ridicule, even opposition from her family and friends. How will she move forward in God’s will? She will need a friend-in-the-Spirit, someone who knows God, knows her, and will stand with her as she faces a challenging future.

The church can be for you what Elizabeth was for Mary.  Come back to a community that shares common goals, is accepting and loving and, crucially, supports each other as we navigate re-entry into what is likely to be a period of uncertainty. Let the church refocus you and give you back your self. We’re not meant to do this, any of this, on our own.

If you haven’t yet reconnected with your church, how might looking at what Elizabeth offered Mary help you do so? If you have already reconnected, how might you help others find their way back to the blessings of like-minded, Christ-centered community?