Why Did Mary Go on Pilgrimage?

At that time Mary got ready and hurried to a town in the hill country of Judea, where she entered Zechariah’s home and greeted Elizabeth. When Elizabeth heard Mary’s greeting, the baby leaped in her womb, and Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit. - Luke 1:39-45

Both the journey and the destination matter in a pilgrimage. And for most pilgrimages, the very destination can be seen as part of a larger journey in life. So when we come to this passage about the pregnant Mary, we can think of Elizabeth’s home as a destination for Mary’s pilgrimage or as just another step along the way. Both are helpful ways to look at it.

Mary had been told by an angel that her child was conceived by the Holy Spirit in her. Certainly that would be enough to send anyone on a quest! The angel also mentioned that her cousin Elizabeth was miraculously pregnant, so Mary decided to go see her, even though traveling while pregnant would not have been easy in the least.

Take a few moments and really ponder this question: What do you think Mary was looking for on her journey?

Now ask yourself if you might be looking for some of the same things that Mary was looking for. Talk to Jesus about the thoughts and emotions that are surfacing for you.