5. Mary's Visit to Elizabeth (Lk 1:39-56)

The angel departed and Mary arose and went into the hill country to the house of Zechariah. When Elizabeth heard Mary’s greeting, the baby leaped in her womb, and Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit. She called out with a loud voice, “Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb! Why am I so favored, that the mother of my Lord should come to me? For behold, when the voice of your greeting came into my ears, the baby leaped in my womb for joy! Blessed is she who believed, for there will be a fulfillment of the things spoken to her from the Lord!”

Mary said,

“My soul magnifies the Lord.
    My spirit has rejoiced in God my Savior,
    for he has looked at the humble state of his servant.
From now on, all generations will call me blessed.
    For he who is mighty has done great things for me.
    Holy is his name.
    His mercy is for generations of generations on those who fear him.
He has shown strength with his arm.
    He has scattered the proud in the imagination of their hearts.
He has put down princes from their thrones.
    He has exalted the lowly.
He has filled the hungry with good things.
    He has sent the rich away empty.
He has given help to Israel, his servant, that he might remember mercy,
    As he spoke to our fathers,
    to Abraham and his offspring forever.”

Mary stayed with her about three months, and then returned to her house. 

 

For Reflection

    The Bible doesn't say why Mary visited Elizabeth, but part of the reason had to be their shared experience of miraculous pregnancies. I wonder how many times they said to each other, “Can you believe this is really happening?”

Have you ever had a profound sense of wonder at God's presence in your life? Sharing that sense with others creates a deep connection with them. How long has it been since you’ve done that?

Prayer: Remind me, Lord, that my intimate moments with you are to be shared with others in building a spiritual community.