Scripture: Luke 1:39-56 (WEBBE)
39 Mary arose in those days and went into the hill country with haste, into a city of Judah,
40 and entered into the house of Zacharias and greeted Elizabeth.
41 When Elizabeth heard Mary’s greeting, the baby leaped in her womb, and Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit.
42 She called out with a loud voice, and said, “Blessed are you amongst women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb!
43 Why am I so favoured, that the mother of my Lord should come to me?
44 For behold, when the voice of your greeting came into my ears, the baby leaped in my womb for joy!
45 Blessed is she who believed, for there will be a fulfillment of the things which have been spoken to her from the Lord!”
46 Mary said, “My soul magnifies the Lord.
47 My spirit has rejoiced in God my Saviour,
48 for he has looked at the humble state of his servant. For behold, from now on, all generations will call me blessed.
49 For he who is mighty has done great things for me. Holy is his name.
50 His mercy is for generations of generations on those who fear him.
51 He has shown strength with his arm. He has scattered the proud in the imagination of their hearts.
52 He has put down princes from their thrones and has exalted the lowly.
53 He has filled the hungry with good things. He has sent the rich away empty.
54 He has given help to Israel, his servant, that he might remember mercy,
55 as he spoke to our fathers, to Abraham and his offspring forever.”
56 Mary stayed with her about three months, and then returned to her house.
Reflection:
This passage captures a moment of profound joy, humility, and faith. Mary, having just received the news from the angel Gabriel that she would bear the Son of God, visits her relative Elizabeth, who is also miraculously expecting a child. The encounter between these two women reveals deep spiritual truths about the joy of faith, the power of humble surrender, and the faithfulness of God.
1. The Joy of Faith:
When Mary arrives and greets Elizabeth, something extraordinary happens—Elizabeth’s baby, who would become John the Baptist, leaps in her womb, and Elizabeth is filled with the Holy Spirit. With great joy, Elizabeth recognizes Mary’s unique blessing and honors her as the mother of the Lord. She exclaims, “Blessed is she who believed, for there will be a fulfillment of the things which have been spoken to her from the Lord!” (Luke 1:45).
Elizabeth’s words highlight the blessing that comes from faith. Mary believed the angel’s message, even though it seemed impossible. Her faith was not a passive acceptance but an active trust in God’s word. This kind of faith brings joy, both to the one who believes and to those around them. Elizabeth’s joy is a response to Mary’s faith, and the presence of Jesus within her. This reminds us that our faith can be a source of joy and encouragement to others.
2. The Power of Humble Surrender:
Mary’s response to Elizabeth’s greeting is known as the Magnificat, a song of praise that reveals Mary’s heart. She begins with the words, “My soul magnifies the Lord. My spirit has rejoiced in God my Saviour, for he has looked at the humble state of his servant” (Luke 1:46-48).
Mary’s humility is evident in her recognition that all generations will call her blessed, not because of her own merits, but because of what God has done for her. She sees herself as God’s humble servant, chosen to play a part in His divine plan. Her surrender to God’s will is complete and joyful, rooted in the recognition of God’s greatness and mercy.
The Magnificat goes on to speak of how God has shown strength, scattered the proud, brought down the powerful, and lifted up the lowly. Mary’s song is a celebration of God’s justice and mercy, and it reveals the radical nature of God’s kingdom, where the humble are exalted, and the mighty are brought low.
3. The Faithfulness of God:
Mary’s song also reflects on God’s faithfulness to His promises. She recalls how God has helped His servant Israel, remembering His mercy and fulfilling the promises made to Abraham and his descendants forever (Luke 1:54-55). In her own life, Mary sees the fulfillment of these ancient promises, and she rejoices in God’s unwavering faithfulness.
This reminds us that God is faithful to His word. He remembers His promises and brings them to fulfillment in His perfect timing. Just as Mary’s faith was met with God’s faithfulness, so too can we trust that God will be faithful to the promises He has made to us.
Prayer:
Heavenly Father, we thank You for the example of Mary, who believed in Your promises and humbly surrendered to Your will. Help us to cultivate the same faith and humility in our own lives. May our souls magnify You, and may our spirits rejoice in Your salvation. Strengthen us to trust in Your faithfulness, knowing that You will fulfill all that You have spoken. Amen.
Contemplation:
Take a moment to reflect on the faithfulness of God in your own life. Consider the promises He has made to you through His word and how He has been faithful to fulfill them. How can you cultivate a more humble and surrendered heart, like Mary? Spend some time in silence, allowing God to speak to you and fill you with His joy and peace.