One of the challenges of Advent is keeping the events and persons fresh and relevant. There is a tendency to come up with some basic ideas and become stuck there. In an effort to get some new perspective, I have been reading Adam Hamilton’s book The Journey in recent days. He combines biblical reflection, observations about the places mentioned, and some preaching imagination to bring new insights to Mary, Joseph, and others in these familiar stories.
As he writes about Mary’s visit to Elizabeth (which probably lasted several months), Hamilton identifies the mentor and protégé relationship that was established between the two women. It is one worth unpacking.
First, when Mary finds herself miraculously pregnant, she must have thought of her kinswoman Elizabeth who also had been unexpectedly blessed. Through the family grapevine, Mary learned that elderly, revered woman was expecting. Although their circumstances were different, Mary identified enough with Elizabeth to seek her out for support and guidance.
This often happens in a mentoring relationship. Someone in a new position or setting seeks out a more experienced person for insight, support, and dialogue. They look for someone who “knows the ropes.”
Second, Elizabeth was not only open to this role of mentor, but she enthusiastically embraced it. As the child in her womb responded to the present of the child that Mary carried, the elder woman immediately accepted the role of supporter and rejoiced in the opportunity.
A worthy mentor must not only be willing to accept the role but be enthusiastic about it. The mentor welcomes the opportunity to share and to guide.
Third, a mentoring relationship is mutually beneficial. Elizabeth was willing to share her wisdom, but she also was open to learning what God was doing in Mary’s life. As she heard Mary’s witness to divine intervention and her humble response, Elizabeth understood more about the role that she, her husband, and her son (John the Baptist) would play in God’s plan.
As a mentoring relationship evolves, often the mentor realizes that she or he is not only giving but receiving. It is a blessing to both.
Hamilton presents us with this challenge: “Who is your Mary? Who is your Elizabeth?” Who are you willing to mentor? Who are you seeking as a mentor? This is a good lesson as we reflect on how we can best serve and learn in the coming year.
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