(Feast of the Visitation of the Virgin Mary to Saint Elizabeth, 31 May)
“And why is this granted me, that the mother of my Lord should come to me?” With these words Elizabeth acknowledged the incarnation of the Word.
The Feast of the Visitation on 31 May reminds us of a great event: the Virgin Mary’s visit to her kinswoman Elizabeth shortly after the Annunciation. The Gospel records the Visitation as an important teaching.
As for John the Baptist, he received the good news of the Incarnation and tasted true joy while still in his mother’s womb: “the babe leaped in her womb”. That is why he gave his life so that people might reach the mystery of this joy, repentance and the fullness of relationship with God: “He said therefore to the multitudes that came out to be baptized by him, ‘… Bear fruits that befit repentance… Even now the axe is laid to the root of the trees; every tree therefore that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire'”
(Luke 3:7-9).
In those days Mary arose and went with haste into the hill country, to a city of Judah, and she entered the house of Zechariah and greeted Elizabeth. And when Elizabeth heard the greeting of Mary, the babe leaped in her womb; and Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit and she exclaimed with a loud cry, “Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb! And why is this granted me, that the mother of my Lord should come to me? For behold, when the voice of your greeting came to my ears, the babe in my womb leaped for joy. And blessed is she who believed that there would be a fulfilment of what was spoken to her from the Lord.” And Mary said, “My soul magnifies the Lord, and my spirit rejoices in God my Saviour, for he has regarded the low estate of his handmaiden. For behold, henceforth all generations will call me blessed; for he who is mighty has done great things for me, and holy is his name. And his mercy is on those who fear him from generation to generation. He has shown strength with his arm, he has scattered the proud in the imagination of their hearts, he has put down the mighty from their thrones, and exalted those of low degree; he has filled the hungry with good things, and the rich he has sent empty away. He has helped his servant Israel, in remembrance of his mercy, as he spoke to our fathers, to Abraham and to his posterity for ever.” And Mary remained with her about three months, and returned to her home.
(Luke 1:39-56)
And Mary said: “My soul magnifies the Lord, and my spirit rejoices in God my Saviour, for he has regarded the low estate of his handmaiden. For behold, henceforth all generations will call me blessed; for he who is mighty has done great things for me, and holy is his name. And his mercy is on those who fear him from generation to generation.”
“All generations will call me blessed”… These words foretell the honour the Church must give her in every generation. This canticle is often recited or sung in various prayers, especially after praying the Rosary:
My soul magnifies the Lord, and my spirit rejoices in God my Saviour, for he has regarded the low estate of his handmaiden. For behold, henceforth all generations will call me blessed; for he who is mighty has done great things for me, and holy is his name. And his mercy is on those who fear him from generation to generation.
He has shown strength with his arm, he has scattered the proud in the imagination of their hearts, he has put down the mighty from their thrones, and exalted those of low degree; he has filled the hungry with good things, and the rich he has sent empty away. He has helped his servant Israel, in remembrance of his mercy, as he spoke to our fathers, to Abraham and to his posterity for ever.
Prepared by Rita of the Sawt el Rab team
