Reflections on the readings for the Feast of the Visitation of the Blessed Virgin Mary (May 31, 2022): ZEP 3:14-18; IS 12:2-3,4,5-6;LK 1:39-56
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And Mary said: “My soul proclaims the greatness of the Lord.” (Luke 1:46)
On this feast we first look back to the Annunciation that we celebrated two months ago when the Blessed Virgin Mary was told by the Angel Gabriel that God called her to become the mother of His Son. Gabriel also told her that, because nothing is impossible for God, her cousin Elizabeth had conceived a son in her old age. Mary embraced the will of God for herself and, in doing so, helped change the future of the world. Soon afterwards, we hear that she did a very natural thing -- she went to visit Elizabeth. It may have been a long time since the two had seen each other. Obviously, the young woman was anxious to see her and to talk about all that had happened to the two of them through the Almighty. But, she also must have simply wanted to be kind and helpful to her older relative at an important but possibly difficult time. So putting aside her own questions and concerns for the future, she set out for the little town in the hill country where Elizabeth and Zechariah lived.
We learn from the Gospel that as soon as Mary greeted her cousin, Elizabeth’s baby “leapt in her womb.” In the presence of the Son of God, the one who would prepare the way for the Messiah was filled with the Holy Spirit. Those unseen infants carried within their mothers’ bodies are truly at the heart of this sacred meeting. Elizabeth praises the Blessed Virgin for having faith in God and entrusting herself to His will. “And Mary said: ‘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 1:46-49). Mary was certainly right: all generations have called her blessed. The Holy Trinity, has brought about all things necessary to save His people all that it evil, all that is eternally deadly. The Son of Mary, who was both human and divine, has come among us. Quietly, He waited to fulfill the plan of salvation. His cousin John also waited to be born and grow and serve the Almighty as he was called to do. Mary and Elizabeth, along with their husbands, Joseph and Zechariah, obeyed the Divine will with fidelity, devotion, and humility. Just as we are called today -- to difference tasks, but still to follow the same Lord.