The Magnificat is a hymn of praise that was recited or sung by the Blessed Mother when she visited her cousin Elizabeth, shortly after the Annunciation. Picture yourself in the courtyard of Elizabeth's house... Elizabeth cries out to Mary "How is it that the mother of my Lord should come to me?" Mary replies singing God's praises:
"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. He has mercy on those who fear Him in every generation. He has shown the strength of His arm, He has scattered the proud in their conceit. He has cast down the mighty from their thrones, and has lifted up the lowly. He has filled the hungry with good things, and the rich He has sent away empty. He has come to the help of Israel His servant for he has remembered his promise of mercy, the promise He made to our fathers, to Abraham and his children forever." Luke1:46-56
Today May 31st we celebrate the Visitation of Mary to her cousin Elizabeth.
Visitation means "to visit." The Archangel Gabriel told the Blessed Virgin Mary that her cousin Elizabeth was going to have a baby boy in her old age. Mary loved Elizabeth very much and knew she could use some help. So she set out at once to visit Elizabeth.
Mary was also expecting a baby, the baby Jesus! The trip into the hill country where Elizabeth lived was long, dangerous and uncomfortable. But that did not stop Mary and she rode there on a donkey, as that was the best way to travel in the hill country.
Mary reached her cousin's house and greeted Elizabeth. At that moment, the Holy Spirit revealed to Elizabeth that Mary had become the mother of God our Savior.
Elizabeth asked joyfully, "How have I deserved that the Mother of my Lord should come to me?" Mary was not boastful or proud of this great honor, but remained humble and quickly gave all the credit to God. He had blessed her so richly.
"My soul magnifies the Lord, and my spirit has rejoiced in God my Savior," she said. "For he has regarded the lowliness of his handmaid, and holy is his name."
What graces the Blessed Mother brought to the home of her cousin! Saint John the Baptist, while still hidden in his mother's womb, was cleansed of original sin. His father Zachary who had lost his voice, was able to speak again. Saint Elizabeth was filled with the gifts of the Holy Spirit.
Mary stayed three months at her cousin's home. With great kindness and love, she helped Elizabeth.
