The visitation mystery question

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Why do people say that The Blessed Virgin Mary went to visit Elizabeth because of charity for Elizabeth since she was pregnant and wanted to help her out. That could have been part of it I guess, but wasn’t she just obeying the angel since the angel said behold, your cousin elizabeth is pregnant. Wasn’t the angel telling her…go see your cousin and confirm that she really is pregnant even though she was thought to be barren in her old age? I don’t understand people saying the virtue you get from contemplating this mystery is charity like helping people out and all that. Isn’t it more like obedience and faith? Because then, when Mary shows up, Elizabeth says, blessed are you who believed. Isn’t Elizabeth saying…you showed up because you believed the angel and did what he told you to do? I always thought that Mary was showing that she believed that she herself was pregnant, and she showed that by going to visit Elizabeth like the angel told her to.

Thoughts?
 
The story troubled me too. So, as I prayed and meditated, I wanted an explanation for why a sinless woman would behave the way Mary did. She couldn’t have gone to Elizabeth seeking confirmation of the Annunciation. Instead, I think what Mary did was profoundly human and profoundly loving. I don’t think she heard about Elizabeth’s pregnancy other than from Gabriel. When she heard her cousin of advanced years was pregnant, she just had to go and help! Having a new baby is tough on younger parents who have plenty of energy. During those first few months, it can be a real trial and help is a real blessing.

Mary didn’t seek added confirmation but she received it anyway as the children leapt in their mothers. You’ll note the added confirmation happens in the Nativity and Presentation as well.

Billy
 
Mary didn’t have to go and she wasn’t told to go. She went out of love for her cousine and wanted to do all she can to make things much easier for her cusine.
 
I see Mary as the Mother of all Mothers. I wonder how she helped other mothers where she lived. I don’t see the Angel telling her what to do, but did announce the news of her cousin’s pregnancy and I believe she was excited and wanted to share in that joy and help how she could.

Even as an infant in the womb, Jesus was still serving.

Lord, May I follow John’s example, by being filled with joy in your presence.
 
Oren said:
Why do people say that The Blessed Virgin Mary went to visit Elizabeth because of charity for Elizabeth since she was pregnant and wanted to help her out. That could have been part of it I guess, but wasn’t she just obeying the angel since the angel said behold, your cousin elizabeth is pregnant. Wasn’t the angel telling her…go see your cousin and confirm that she really is pregnant even though she was thought to be barren in her old age? …

Thoughts?
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Behold doesn’t necessarily mean “Go see.” If we read the whole section on the annunciation, behold is used 3 times in the RSV-CE translation. When the angel Gabriel tells Mary in verse 31 to behold, that she will conceive, bear a son and call him Jesus, it doesn’t mean go and see.

26 In the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent from God to a city of Galilee named Nazareth,
27 to a virgin betrothed to a man whose name was Joseph, of the house of David; and the virgin’s name was Mary.
28 And he came to her and said, “Hail, full of grace, the Lord is with you!”
29 But she was greatly troubled at the saying, and considered in her mind what sort of greeting this might be.
30 And the angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God.
31 And behold, you will conceive in your womb and bear a son, and you shall call his name Jesus.
32 He will be great, and will be called the Son of the Most High; and the Lord God will give to him the throne of his father David,
33 and he will reign over the house of Jacob for ever; and of his kingdom there will be no end.”
34 And Mary said to the angel, “How shall this be, since I have no husband?”
35 And the angel said to her, “The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you; therefore the child to be born will be called holy, the Son of God.
36 And behold, your kinswoman Elizabeth in her old age has also conceived a son; and this is the sixth month with her who was called barren.
37 For with God nothing will be impossible.”
38 And Mary said, “Behold, I am the handmaid of the Lord; let it be to me according to your word.” And the angel departed from her. (Luke (RSV) 1)

One definition of the word is it’s “used in the imperative, especially to call attention.” I think that’s how it’s used here. For more on the word, check this out: LINK. 🙂
 
In Pope Benedict XVI’s book on The Infancy Narratives he also points to the fact that the visitation links Jesus with John the Baptist before they are born and makes their relationship visible.
So although she probably went to assist the elder Elizabeth in her pregnancy, she was probably led to do so by the Holy Spirit as well for John recognized the messiah and “leaped” in Elizabeth’s womb. Another point- for John to “leap” would also mean the Mary was already with child when she saluted Elizabeth.
 
Why do you think Mary was “commanded” to go? I see nothing in the text that suggests such.

Even if she was, though, I don’t see a problem with it. Even if we are asked to do something, we still must choose to do what we are asked, and the act is no less good because we were asked.
 
dee_burk said:
In Pope Benedict XVI’s book on The Infancy Narratives he also points to the fact that the visitation links Jesus with John the Baptist before they are born and makes their relationship visible.
So although she probably went to assist the elder Elizabeth in her pregnancy, she was probably led to do so by the Holy Spirit as well for John recognized the messiah and “leaped” in Elizabeth’s womb. Another point- for John to “leap” would also mean the Mary was already with child when she saluted Elizabeth.
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This!🙂
 
I always like to think that Mary was learning what pregnancy was going to be like for herself… did they make baby clothes? But, Mary didn’t stay around long after John the Baptist was born? I guess there were plenty of other women to help with the baby???
 
Not to be overlooked is the idea that Mary’s visitation to Elizabeth sanctified infant John the Baptist from the very beginning. St. John was the second Elijah who was predicted to come before the Messiah came.

Just an added thought.​

“You will be mine and I will be your God, for I will wash you clean.” (hymn)
 
good thought fred. As for the other posts, I don’t think you addressed all of my points. The angel clearly tells Mary about Elizabeth being pregnant and she immediately goes and sees Elizabeth and Elizabeth says blessed is she who believed. My point is that the whole point of the mystery seems to me that Mary believed and she showed she believed by going to see Elizabeth. Yes, she helped out probably, but I don’t see why people always say that’s the main point of the mystery. It seems to me the main point of the mystery is FAITH that Mary showed by going to see Elizabeth.
 
Oren said:
good thought fred. As for the other posts, I don’t think you addressed all of my points. The angel clearly tells Mary about Elizabeth being pregnant and she immediately goes and sees Elizabeth and Elizabeth says blessed is she who believed. My point is that the whole point of the mystery seems to me that Mary believed and she showed she believed by going to see Elizabeth. Yes, she helped out probably, but I don’t see why people always say that’s the main point of the mystery. It seems to me the main point of the mystery is FAITH that Mary showed by going to see Elizabeth.
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Why can it not be both? Many events from Scripture have significane on more than one level. It doesn’t have to be a competition. 😛
 
Oren said:
good thought fred. As for the other posts, I don’t think you addressed all of my points. The angel clearly tells Mary about Elizabeth being pregnant and she immediately goes and sees Elizabeth and Elizabeth says blessed is she who believed. My point is that the whole point of the mystery seems to me that Mary believed and she showed she believed by going to see Elizabeth. Yes, she helped out probably, but I don’t see why people always say that’s the main point of the mystery. It seems to me the main point of the mystery is FAITH that Mary showed by going to see Elizabeth.
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Her strong unrelenting faith is a strong point.

“Yes, blessed is she who BELIEVED that the PROMISE made her by the Lord would be FULFILLED.” (Lk. 1;45) St. Elizabeth extolling Mary for her complete trust in God’s promise.
She didn’t ask for proof or a sign, and that is the beauty of her simple faith and trust. And the grace followed her act of perfect faith.

In contrast, the father of St. John, Zechariah, in his old age, and knowing that his wife Elizabeth was in her old age, asked the angel for a sign(proof) that his wife would conceive.
And then the angel said that he would be dumb until the child was born. It was in a way a punishment for his doubt of asking for proof.

Mary’s faith never waivered. She believed from the first moment. When she said “how can this be since I know not man”, she was just asking how this will happen since she was a virgin, and not whether it would happen.

I might add, this same simple faith is required of us in using the miraculous medal which the same Mary gave to us. And she said, “… All who wear it will receive GREAT graces; they should wear it around the neck. GRACES will ABOUND for persons who wear it with CONFIDENCE.” She requires of us that same confidence that she gave to the archangel, unwaivering trust in her and a belief that will not be shaken.

This mystery gives us an example to follow in faith, offering our faith to Jesus to make up for those who do not believe, to place our hope in him for those who do not, and to offer our love to him for those who who are indifferent. In this we are using the three theological virtues given to us at baptism which pleases Jesus.

Just some thoughts.​

“My soul proclaims the greatness of the Lord, and my spirit exalts in God…my…Saviour.” Magnificat
 
Oren said:
good thought fred. As for the other posts, I don’t think you addressed all of my points. The angel clearly tells Mary about Elizabeth being pregnant and she immediately goes and sees Elizabeth and Elizabeth says blessed is she who believed. My point is that the whole point of the mystery seems to me that Mary believed and she showed she believed by going to see Elizabeth. Yes, she helped out probably, but I don’t see why people always say that’s the main point of the mystery. It seems to me the main point of the mystery is FAITH that Mary showed by going to see Elizabeth.
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Love of neighbor/Charity are the fruits of the mystery. The angel did not tell her to go see her cousin as proof that she believed what was said. She went to see Elizabeth out of her love for her neighbor (her elder cousin) whom she found out was with child as well. Otherwise it would sound more like “if you dont believe me, go see for yourself”.
Is that better?
 
To finish a homily on a lighter note, one priest in our parish suggested that Mary went to visit Elizabeth because she didn’t want to miss the baby shower. 🙂

God bless,
Dan
 
I wasn’t ruling out that charity was involved. Of course not. I don’t think it was a ‘test’ for Mary either of whether she believed or not. She always believed, of course. BUT we still have to do actions, or works, to show our faith. Maybe in Mary’s case it was to give other people help in their faith. But still, I think the main point of the story was to show her faith by her action of going to visit her cousin. I guess I’m the only one. Oh well.
 
I LOVE this question. I do not believe that charity had everything to do with the visit. When Mary agreed to become the mother of the Promised One even though she did “not know man” (or have relations in the modern versions) she really did not have any real way of knowing the whole story was true or not. Remembering that Elizabeth, advanced in age, was ‘supposedly’ pregnant and in her 6th month, Mary saw this as a PROOF that she she could believe what she had been told was really true. So, she made the trip to Ain Karem, having sent word to Joseph that she would be gone for some time (probably until their wedding day – they were betrothed, remember). When she was greeted in that beautiful way by Elizabeth, “Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb”, the TRUTH of Gabriel’s announcement to her was proven to her as he had said, for she knew she was pregnant, and she did find Elizabeth in her 6th month. Just as Gabriel had said. So she stayed out of charity to help her cousin, and probably learned much more of the scriptures than what she already knew – remember too, that Zachariah was the high priest in the temple in Ain Karem, and (even dumb) knew and would pass along the prophecies to her. This visit was a time of learning for Mary, who was taught the “woman-things” from Elizabeth which she needed to know about pregnancy and motherhood. I have always drawn much beauty from this gospel story, because Mary, young and completely innocent, was being given by our Wise God, all the knowledge she would need to take good care of herself and her child, to give birth by herself, and to function correctly to fulfill what had been written about the Messiah. She was given to see the responsibility and blessing she was being given, and to know in a real way, how much would be required of her. :signofcross:
 
It seems to me that the real charity here lies in the fact that Mary was herself in a time of need, being pregnant with her first (and ONLY) Child, but that she went to help another in need. Our Lady didn’t give out of her surplus but, like the widow in Jesus’ parable, gave out of her need.

Fr. Larry Richards points out that this mystery also shows us humility. Our Lady could have sat at home and rightly expected to be cared for and catered to, as she was the new Ark of the Covenant, but made a conscious decision to serve another. Even though she was going to be the Mother of God, the Theotokos, she lowered herself to become a servant.

Marjanne, you make some excellent points about what would have happened between Elizabeth and Mary. I’ve never heard anyone speak (or read any writings) on this before, but it would seem we could infer that St. Anne had already passed at this point. If not, wouldn’t she have accompanied Mary to care for Elizabeth? Also, Mary would not have received or needed such instruction from Elizabeth, but would instead have had St. Anne to instruct, guide and counsel her. Much food for thought there.
 
Permit me to share my usual meditation from the second joyfull mystery: Mother Mary is young, only 14 going on 15. She had cousins and aunts but spent most of her life in the temple. As were MANY of the great ones from the Bible, she was born to older parents and most likely was in the temple because she was an orphan. Thats why now a marriage to a man of very high moral standing was arranged, so she would be protected when she left the temple.
After the annunciation, Mary was thinking and thinking. The Messiah! Her child. She did not run to the temple to announce…we see no proof she told Joseph. Her heart was exploding with news. If Elizabeth was also miraculously expecting…she was the ONLY person Mary could talk to about these things held in her heart. Also the only one she could ask for counsel because now, she was also an unwed mother, subject to stoning!!! Zacariah was a priest, knowing the rules and the Torah so all three had alot to discuss. John the Baptist was in for a fated life, narrowly escaping the Holy Innocent’s martyrdom and the birth of the Messiah was THE most important event that could happen in the Jewish life.
So Joseph understood the kind sweet girl wanting to help her elderly cousin. With no telephone or mail and pregnacy kept hidden for the first few months, it made sense six months were gone by. I see him walking beside her donkey till they met up with a larger caravan by Samaria…cleaning stones out of her little sandles and going over instructions for safety with her and a young person, cousin maybe, who would accompany her. to Elizabeths. It was a four to six day journey (75 Miles) and she was half way there when he would turn back to go home.
Walking along the flat ridge of a hill she saw the tidy sundrenched home. The boy had run ahead to telll them who was coming and the old couple were watching and waiting.
Mary ran to her cousins arms, a young girl in need of a Mother at this special time. And both in need of the thought processes of how to adjust to their roles in this great event…Mary needed to make the layette for her child, to hear the tales of child rearing and all…she was an only child and had no idea of any of this. She was comforted by the joking and ease that went on at the birth and the miracle of the first cry of St. John…she couldnt know that she, being without sin, would not have a “normal” childbirth like this, for pain at birth was part of Eves punishment. Hers would be a painless event, away from prying eyes in the peacefull little town in the shadow of Jerusalem.
Now Zachariah could talk and his months of silence and prayer surely allowed much good thought and advice to give his young relative so she returned home with stregth and resolve
 
Hi everyone,

Some beautiful meditations, thanks so much for sharing.

I love all of them, however there’s something bugging me, from a meditation I heard once from a priest (his own meditation) - probably along the lines of the post above.

According to him, Mary didn’t tell Joseph before she went off to visit Elizabeth, for what reason I’m not exactly sure - probably because she didn’t know how to tell him, or she wasn’t ready etc - but basically, when she went back to Joseph, she would’ve been already visibly pregnant by then.

I can’t remember exactly what the priest said, but these 2 points stuck with me, and it’s bugging me, because what I’m interpreting out of is that it somehow makes it less “charitable” that Mary went to Elizabeth even though she herself was pregnant - in a way it seemed like she didn’t know how to handle telling Joseph, so she went away for a while.

As per the post just before this - it makes quite some sense that Elizabeth was the only person Mary could talk to etc - but it just somehow made it seem less “charitable” in someway - that Mary actually had no one else to turn to. I know these are just meditations, but I don’t want to think any less of our Blessed Mother, and I can’t get this “negative” interpretation out of my head!

Thoughts?
 
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