Today's Reflections
Mary Visits Elizabeth
Lk 1:39-56
39Mary set out and traveled to the hill country in haste to a town of Judah, 40where she entered the house of Zechariah and greeted Elizabeth. 41When Elizabeth heard Mary’s greeting, the infant leaped in her womb, and Elizabeth, filled with the holy Spirit, 42cried out in a loud voice and said, “Most blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb.
43And how does this happen to me, that the mother of my Lord should come to me? 44For at the moment the sound of your greeting reached my ears, the infant in my womb leaped for joy. 45Blessed are you who believed that what was spoken to you by the Lord would be fulfilled.”
46Mary said:/ “My soul proclaims the greatness of the Lord;/ 47my spirit rejoices in God my savior./ 48For he has looked upon his handmaid’s lowliness;/ behold, from now on will all ages call me blessed./ 49The Mighty One has done great things for me,/ and holy is his name./ 50His mercy is from age to age/ to those who fear him./ 51He has shown might with his arm,/ dispersed the arrogant of mind and heart./ 52He has thrown down the rulers from their thrones/ but lifted up the lowly./ 53The hungry he has filled with good things;/ the rich he has sent away empty./ 54He has helped Israel his servant,/ remembering his mercy,/ 55according to his promise to our fathers,/ to Abraham and to his descendants forever.”
56Mary remained with her about three months and returned to her home.
My soul proclaims the greatness of the Lord. The
Annunciation depicts Mary as the obedient handmaid of the Lord. She
delights in her election to be the mother of the Savior, freely opening
herself to God’s plan of salvation. With her total and free Yes (fiat)
she becomes the perfect model of prayer in Luke’s gospel.
“To
sing is to pray twice.” I recall these words of our Italian formator
(during my high school seminary years) when I reflect on the Magnificat,
Mary’s song or canticle at the Visitation. Mary is so filled with joy
that she needs to share it with someone. Instead of being jealous of
Mary’s blessedness, Elizabeth rejoices with Mary and accepts her
supportive role. For her part, Mary does not wait for Elizabeth to come
to her; she hastens to be of service to her cousin.
When you visit relatives or friends,
does your presence bring joy to them?
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