Mary’s cousin Elizabeth asks, “And why am I so honored, that the mother of my Lord should come to me?” Mary replies, “… For He has looked with favor on the humble state of His servant. From now on all generations will call me blessed. For the Mighty One has done great things for me. Holy is His name … Mary stayed with Elizabeth for about three months and then returned home.” (Gospel of Luke, Chapter 1:39-56)
The joy of these two women! Also the joy of an unborn, leaping John the Baptist in his first official act of heralding! Love, courage, mercy and justice meet here. The story of Mary’s song and their visit is found uniquely in the Gospel of Luke. Did you know Søren Kierkegaard regarded Mary as a “Knight of Faith,” just like Abraham? (See Fear and Trembling, written under Kierkegaard’s pseudonym, Johannes de Silentio)
Scene from the film, The Nativity Story (2006)
THE WOUND THAT HEALS 
Thank you very much, Mary Jo, for your most encouraging words:)
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You are very welcome, Martina. If not now, when is the time to celebrate these two heroic women of faith? Their husbands were a little shaky at first, but they came around too. 🙂
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You are absolutely right Mary Jo. Thank you! 🙏🏻❤
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These two women were living under oppressive Roman occupation and yet had their humble faith rewarded. Who would have thought their Messiah would arrive under such circumstances! Filipa, have a joy and hope filled weekend.
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Thank you for this Historical explanation. I keep learning from you Mary Jo.
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I point you to my source…the Bible! 🙂
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The best source of all. My mother always says that every answer is there. And History too.
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🙂 🙂
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:):)
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It has been so wonderful to see how Mary has been honored in blog posts recently, with her humanity and courage highlighted. My dad would have loved your post, particuarly the header image.
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Liz, love to you and your father’s memory.
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You’re welcome, Mary Jo. He’s been on my mind a lot lately. I don’t want him to be forgotten.
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With your writing you’ve shared him with many of us. 🙂
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“The Visitation” is a profound testament to faith and community. This is one of my most cherished passages for it is a testament to love – for each other and for their unborn children. The is an expectation and anticipation that hope is ever present, ever near, ever fresh. “Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the child you will bear.” They were in the moment, unconcerned about where their journeys would lead. When I read your post, Mary Jo, I did a research on the paintings that portray this moment. I especially appreciated Raphael’s portrayal. https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Visitation_(Raphael)
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In the moment, indeed. Their journeys would lead to deep sorrow, yet I imagine they would always treasure this time of joy, hope and faith. Love to you and yours, Rebecca.
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Our lives are ebb and flow, beginnings and endings. Yes, Mary Jo – you are so right – in the moment. When difficult times come, we remember and cling to those special moments in our lives. Sending much love and many hugs back your way with speed.
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The Song of Mary:
“My soul magnifies the Lord,
and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior,
for he has looked on the humble estate of his servant.
For behold, from now on all generations will call me blessed;
for he who is mighty has done great things for me,
and holy is his name.
And his mercy is for those who fear him
from generation to generation.
He has shown strength with his arm;
he has scattered the proud in the thoughts of their hearts;
he has brought down the mighty from their thrones
and exalted those of humble estate;
he has filled the hungry with good things,
and the rich he has sent away empty.
He has helped his servant Israel,
in remembrance of his mercy,
as he spoke to our fathers,
to Abraham and to his offspring forever.”
Luke 1:47-55
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