REFLECTION

Gospel  

Mary Visits Elizabeth

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. In a loud voice she exclaimed: “Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the child you will bear! But why am I so favored, that the mother of my Lord should come to me? As soon as the sound of your greeting reached my ears, the baby in my womb leaped for joy. Blessed is she who has believed that the Lord would fulfill his promises to her!”                                 Luke 1: 39-45

Reflection

Having learned from the angel that she will give birth to the Son of God, Mary hurries to visit her pregnant relative Elizabeth in the hillside country. The Spirit of God in Elizabeth rejoiced in the presence of Mary. Through the Spirit Elizabeth knows who Mary’s child will be, for she calls Mary “the mother of my Lord.” Her prophecy will soon be fulfilled when her own son prepares the way for the Lord.

Women — so often overlooked or ignored both in society at large and in biblical narratives. Mary’s first words prompt an immediate, silent, response from Elizabeth’s unborn child. John leaps, acknowledging both her presence and the significance of the child she carries in her womb. John’s reaction to Mary’s voice fulfills Gabriel’s prophecy, “Even before his birth he will be filled with the Holy Spirit” Elizabeth is given the special grace of an intimate insight and appreciation of what is happening and who is really present. In life do we always appreciate what is happening and who is really present?

Let us be spectators at this lovely encounter of cousins, the second joyful mystery: the Visitation. Let's contemplate it as Mary and Elizabeth must have done later, savouring the joy of mutual recognition, and of a shared experience of pregnancy.

May we give thanks to those who have been friends to us, for all whose companionship or example lift our hearts.

Julie Leonard Religious Education Leader/Wellbeing Leader