1. And Mary arose in these days and went into the hill country with haste, into a city of Judah; and entered into the house of Zacharias and saluted Elisabeth. And it came to pass, when Elisabeth heard the salutation of Mary, the baby leaped in her womb; and Elisabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit; and she lifted up her voice with a loud cry, and said, Blessed art thou among women, and blessed is the fruit of thy womb. And whence is this to me that the mother of my Lord should come unto me? For behold, when the voice of thy salutation came into mine ears, the baby leaped in my womb for joy. And blessed is she that believed; for there shall be a fulfilment of the things which have been spoken to her from the Lord". Luke 1, 39-45

2. Two women meet, two generations embrace each other… Elizabeth, an older woman who is amazed to receive such a visit "How is it possible...?" Together with her son, who "jumps in her womb", lives with enthusiasm the joy of this encounter. Elizabeth has the experience, in the greeting of Mary, of the presence of Jesus, "Blessed is the fruit of thy womb! Blessed is she that believed!" with these words she confirms the faith of Mary. Mary, "Mother of the Lord", will respond with great humility and simplicity to this greeting. Her Magnificat (Lk.1,47-55) is the answer. The Lord has done great things for me...!

3. Mary, woman of faith who feels she is loved and responds to love with love, took off and went "with haste" to meet who she knew needed her.

4. Mary, a believer, who listened to God from the moment she said “yes” to the Incarnation of the Son: “be it unto me according to thy word" Lk 1, 38

5. Mary, carrier of joy, has been the first to hear God's invitation; "Rejoice, the Lord is with you", and now, with an attitude of service she spreads that joy. Two lives that intertwine assuming the will of God.

6. The Lord has done wonders in you. Do you recognize and thank Him for all the gifts He gives you every day? Do you feel the call to go “in haste” to meet someone? Who? The God in whom you believe, does He make you feel blessed?

7. Come Lord Jesus, increase my faith in You and my ability to serve with joy my brothers and sisters! Text: Mariela Peña Kipper, rscj