I was thinking about Mary’s trek to the hill country to help her cousin Elizabeth after hearing from the angel Gabriel not only that she herself would give birth to a son who she was to name Jesus, the messiah, but that her cousin Elizabeth [who was barren and old] was already 6 months pregnant as well.

 

Mary went “in haste,” so give or take a few days, so far we’re tracking 6 months.

 

In today’s Gospel preparing us for the celebration of the birth of Jesus in just a few days, we read the following:

“Mary remained with Elizabeth about three months and then returned to her home.”

 

Do the math!

 

Elizabeth was 6 months when Mary left for Elizabeth.. .add another 3 months…that’s 9 months… guess what happens then?

 

So what’s the chances Mary decided at the stroke of 9 months when Elizabeth went into labor and was to deliver would up and say “adios guys!”

Nada.

 

By my reckoning, that makes Mary a doula.[The word “doula” comes from the Greek word doulē, the meaning of which translates to female helper or maidservant].

 

I picture her holding John the Baptist – “the baby” – high in in the air upon his arrival in praise of God. … the one who would announce to the world the coming of the Messiah, ALSO present at the birth of John the Baptist, still just 3 months old in Mary’s womb.

Who is that woman with Zachariah and Elizabeth and Baby John in the picture? Mother Mary of course.