By Sr M Rita Baysari SM
In the Maronite calendar we celebrate the Visitation of Mary, our dear blessed Mother to her cousin Elizabeth during November.
This is not just a narrative within scripture but more importantly a message that God wants to reveal to us today.
The encounter between these two expectant mothers goes beyond just a beautiful meeting; it is imbued with divine purpose and prophetic insight.
It serves as a prelude to pivotal events in salvation history, exhibiting themes of faith, humility, hope and divine intervention.
The context of Mary’s visit
Mary’s visit to her cousin Elizabeth begins with the angel’s announcement to Mary informing her of her miraculous conception and that her cousin Elizabeth is also with child.
Immediately after the astonishment and wonder of this announcement, Mary gets up and sets out on a journey. She travels from her hometown in Nazareth over the hillside to Judea, a trek that would have taken several days.
This journey displays her determination and the urgency she feels to support her elderly cousin. The physical distance between their homes highlights the emotional and spiritual closeness that binds the women, who have been specifically chosen for extraordinary roles in God’s plan.
Mary does not choose to protect herself; she does not fear dangers and the judgements of others but goes out towards other people. She goes to Elizabeth as a pilgrim of hope, bringing Jesus in her womb to share her faith and hope in the fulfilment of God’s promises.
Elizabeth’s reaction
When Mary arrives at Elizabeth’s home, an extraordinary spiritual event unfolds. Elizabeth, filled with the Holy Spirit, recognises Mary’s blessed state. This immediate burst of spiritual insight is profound, elevating their encounter to a moment of deep spiritual communion.
“Blessed are you among women and blessed is the fruit of your womb!” Her exclamation is more than just a greeting; it carries a prophetic weight.
It recognises the magnitude of Mary’s unique role in the divine plan and also acknowledges the significance and sanctity of the child Mary carries.
The Magnificat: Mary’s song of praise
Faced with Elizabeth’s exclamation, Mary does not speak of herself but instead sings praise to God. Her spontaneous outpouring of joy and worship is captured in the Magnificat.
This exaltation which gushed forth from her humble heart, reflects Mary’s deep spiritual insight and awareness of God’s unfolding plan.
It is a hymn that transcends personal gratitude, displaying the collective memory of her people and echoing the ancient promises made to their ancestors. Mary’s hymn emphasises her personal relationship with God and her profound joy.
She uses the language of the Hebrew Scriptures drawing on the Psalms and the songs of other biblical figures. Mary praises God’s actions in history acknowledging his mighty deeds, his mercy and strength and faithfulness.
Lesson to be learned
The encounter between Mary and Elizabeth highlights the themes of faith, divine election, and the fulfillment of God’s promises. The interaction between Mary and Elizabeth, their shared experiences of miraculous conception and divine favour reflect God’s intervention in human history.
The spiritual bond between Mary and Elizabeth serves as a testament to the power of faith and the ways in which God’s purposes are revealed through time and human relationships.
We live in a world of technology. Social media is supposed to connect millions of people yet instead it leaves us empty and leads to many anti-social behaviours.
The feast of Mary’s Visitation to Elizabeth reminds us of the importance of physical visits, of pilgrimage, of encounter and connection.
What must it have meant for Elizabeth when Mary unexpectedly showed up as she did?
That Mary went to the trouble to travel over the hillside to be with her, that she chose to stay, assist and support her in this time despite carrying God in her own womb, brought Elizabeth to a profound act of praise.
Mary’s response, her act of humility and service, of putting others’ needs before hers, is a powerful lesson.
When we visit one another, we convey something social media can never bring. We are all going through something, but through Mary’s visit to Elizabeth, we can learn to look beyond our own situations, challenges and difficulties. We are called to imitate Mary, to journey with one another, to go out of our way to visit, talk and spend time with one another.
Mary is a mother who understands. Elizabeth did not ask Mary to come but upon hearing about Elizabeth’s situation, Mary immediately ran to her aid.
This quick and selfless response is a testament to Mary’s understanding and empathy. She didn’t hesitate to help. She knows what we need before we even ask it. She truly is our mother who loves and cares for us unceasingly.
Mary’s visit to Elizabeth fulfilled a prophecy. This teaches us that God has a plan for our lives; he makes us promises and never fails.
He cares for us so much that He gave us His only Son for our salvation. This allows us to hope and pray, trusting always in God’s plan of love for us even when we cannot see or experience it at times.
So let us ask the Lord today for the grace to be like Mary and faithfully wait for the fulfilment of every one of His promises. Help us to daily strive to imitate and follow her example as a pilgrim of hope.