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.
Luke 1:39-40
Newly pregnant herself with God Incarnate, Mary makes the long journey to be by her elderly cousin Elizabeth’s side as Elizabeth prepares to give birth to John the Baptist, itself a miraculous event.
Despite the incredible events in her own life, Mary’s first act is one of generous friendship. Her joy and gratitude for what God has done in her life propels her to a radical act of service and love for her cousin.
When Elizabeth is greeted by Mary, John leaps for joy in the womb, filling Elizabeth with the Holy Spirit and allowing her the grace to understand she is now in the presence of the Lord.
“Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb!”
Luke 1:42
When I am experiencing big changes in my life, I am sometimes overwhelmed and tempted to retreat and focus inwardly on my own reaction and needs.
Mary and Elizabeth, however, show us that it is precisely in these moments that we are given the opportunity to experience the graces that come about when we trust that God is always working for good in our lives.
A joy shared is a joy magnified – not only do the cousins recognise God’s hand in their own lives, they rejoice in His generosity to others.
Mary’s response to her cousin’s greeting, in the canticle of the Magnificat, invites us to share in her joy:
Luke 1:46-49
“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 is who is mighty has done great things for me,
and holy is his name.”
Mary’s visit to Elizabeth can inspire us to pray that we remember to give thanks for God’s greatness and generosity and joyfully say our own ‘yes’ to Him so that we too might ‘magnify’ the Lord to those we meet.
~ Meg Kennedy
Meg lives in Melbourne’s west. She is married to Peter and they have two delightful young boys. She loves books, gardens and tea, often all at the same time!
