Even at a purely human level, the story of Mary’s visitation is touching and beautiful. After hearing of Elizabeth’s pregnancy, Mary set out and arrived at Elizabeth’s home. She visited to share in her joy and offer her companionship and support. The two expectant mothers embraced, rejoiced, and Mary voiced her ecstatic song of praise. This may seem like blessing enough, but it is Elizabeth’s words that alert us to where the supreme good is to be found: ‘…and blessed is the fruit of your womb.’ For, carried in the secret of their hearts and being formed in the tabernacle of Mary’s womb is a still more excellent visitation.

Mary saw Elizabeth’s need, but God saw our fragile and wounded humanity. Mary departed her home to be with Elizabeth, yet in Christ, God descended from the heights of heaven, not simply to visit us, but by taking upon Himself our human nature in the womb of the Blessed Virgin, God became truly one with us. Mary praised God’s faithfulness with glorious words, still sung with reverence today. Yet, in the visitation of Christ, the Word was made flesh and dwelt among us. Finally, those things which Mary and Elizabeth praised and looked forward to are actually made present and accomplished through Christ’s having visited our world.

On this feast of the Visitation, then, let our hearts also swell with praise. For truly, ‘the Mighty One has done great things,’ not only for Mary, but through her. For in Christ, her Son, God has visited us. Blessed indeed is the fruit of her womb.

By Fr Michael Grace