Book of Hours, Visitation, Walters Manuscript W.267, fol. 38r
Judges 13: 2-7, 24-25
Psalm 71:1-8
Luke 1: 5-25
There are few periods in a woman’s life more steeped in anticipation than a first pregnancy. Imagine (or perhaps remember) the thrill of conceiving after believing oneself to be ‘barren’ for many years. Such was the experience of the mothers of Samson and of John as described in today’s readings.
In Luke we read of the angel Gabriel appearing to Zechariah with the news that, “Your wife Elizabeth will bear you a son, and you shall call his name John. You will have joy and gladness, and many will rejoice at his birth.” (Luke 1: 13-14)
We also know that Mary, upon learning from the angel Gabriel that she was to conceive and bear a son and name him Jesus, hurried off to see Elizabeth. “When Elizabeth heard Mary’s greeting, the baby leaped in her womb; and Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit.” (Luke 1: 41)
This first sensation of a baby moving within the womb is called “quickening”. The same word is associated with pilgrims, who go to sacred places to “quicken” the divinity within themselves, to experience spiritual awakening or receive a blessing or become healed. (1)
Alas, for some women, pregnancy and motherhood is an unwelcome burden. Comfort those who have given up their child(ren) for adoption or choose not to give birth. May we always be mindful, sensitive and supportive of women who may need our assistance at this tender and challenging time in their lives.
Elizabeth Walker
(1) Bolen, Jean Shinoda. Crossing to Avalon: A Woman’s Midlife Pilgrimage. (1994) p.28.