Word to the Wise
Friday, May 31, 2024 - May 31 - Visitation of the Blessed Virgin Mary
[Zeph 3:14-18a or Rom 12:9-16 and Luke 1:39-56]When Elizabeth heard Mary's greeting, the infant leaped in her womb, and Elizabeth, filled with the Holy Spirit, cried out in a loud voice and said, "Most blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb. And how does this happen to me, that the mother of my Lord should come to me? For at the moment the sound of your greeting reached my ears, the infant in my womb leaped for joy. Blessed are you who believed that what was spoken to you by the Lord would be fulfilled." And Mary said: 'My soul proclaims the greatness of the Lord...." [Luke]
It is hard to know where to begin in reflecting on the story of Mary's visit to Elizabeth because there are so many levels to consider. The story itself has its own charm. "Mary went in haste?" Travel was by foot or donkey and not pleasant for anyone, let alone a pregnant woman. (The trip to Bethlehem would be worse!). The joyful reunion of cousins sharing very unexpected pregnancies enters into consideration. The Holy Spirit is standing by with a smile! But the evangelist Luke has crafted a story that fits into a larger narrative of God's plan of salvation as recounted in Mary's song known as The Magnificat. The subordination of John the Baptist to Jesus is made clear as well. There may be an implied contrast of Mary to Zechariah, the father of John the Baptist, who was doubtful of the promise made by the angel Gabriel about the conception of John the Baptist. "Blessed are you who believed that what was spoken to you by the Lord would be fulfilled."
The Holy Spirit, Mary, Elizabeth and the two babies come together to create a marvelously rich tapestry to contemplate. AMEN