Daily Reflection Feast of the Visitation of the Blessed Virgin Mary

This beautiful passage captures a moment of encounter between two women, Mary and Elizabeth, both chosen by God for significant roles in the unfolding of salvation history.

Mary's journey to the hill country of Judah, to stay with Elizabeth, is not merely a physical journey but also a spiritual one. It reflects her willingness to respond to God's call with haste and obedience. As she enters the house of Zechariah and greets Elizabeth, the Holy Spirit fills the scene, igniting a profound exchange between these two expectant mothers.

Elizabeth, filled with the Holy Spirit, recognizes the significance of Mary's visit and the miraculous nature of her own pregnancy. She exclaims with joy, acknowledging Mary as "most blessed among women" and recognizing the divine presence within her. In this moment, Elizabeth's unborn child, John the Baptist, leaps for joy, a foreshadowing of his future role in preparing the way for the Messiah. This is the first moment when an individual acknowledges and celebrates the presence of Christ in someone else. This leaping for joy calls us to do the same. How do we recognize Christ in another? Leaping for joy is the simplest celebration of goodness within. 

Mary, in turn, responds with a song of praise known as the Magnificat. Her soul magnifies the Lord as she reflects on the greatness of God's mercy and the fulfillment of His promises. The song of the Magnificat is one of overflowing gratitude to God. In her humility, she recognizes herself as the handmaid whom God has chosen to play a vital role in His plan of salvation.

The Magnificat echoes themes of justice, mercy, and the reversal of worldly power dynamics. Mary celebrates God's preferential treatment of the lowly and humble, His lifting up of the oppressed, and His provision for the needy. Her words reveal a deep understanding of God's character and His faithfulness to His people throughout history. 

Mary's stay with Elizabeth for three months signifies a period of mutual support and encouragement as they share in the wonder of their pregnancies. It also symbolizes the importance of community and solidarity among believers, as they journey together in faith.