Word to the Wise
Thursday, May 31, 2018 - May 31 - Visitation of the Blessed Virgin Mary
[Zeph 3:14-18a or Rom 12:9-16 and Luke 1:39-56]My soul proclaims the greatness of the Lord; my spirit rejoices in God my Savior, for he has looked with favor on his lowly servant. From this day all generations will call me blessed: the Almighty has done great things for me, and holy is his Name. [Luke]
The story of Mary's visit to her cousin, Elizabeth, is truly one of the more poignant encounters in the New Testament. Two unexpectedly pregnant women meet joyfully and no doubt will have a great deal to share in the three months that Mary would spend with Elizabeth. One might be forgiven for believing that Mary was present for the birth of John the Baptist, but the text says nothing about that. The angel, Gabriel, [1:36], said that Elizabeth was six months along, and v. 56 says Mary stayed with Elizabeth about three months.
Much has been made over the "recognition" of Jesus in the womb by his cousin John in his own mother's womb. But I think the main thrust of the event is held in Elizabeth's words, "Blessed are you who believed that what was spoken to you by the Lord would be fulfilled." That is what a true disciple would believe, and that is how Mary is portrayed in the Gospel According to Luke. The ultimate fate of both the unborn boys is not allowed to cloud the occasion.
The Canticle of Mary (the "Magnificat") is said or sung every day in the church at Evening Prayer, a constant reminder that the Almighty accomplished great things through both these women. AMEN