Topical Bible: Joy of Mary, when She Visited Elisabeth

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The Joy of Mary during her visit to Elisabeth is a profound moment recorded in the Gospel of Luke, illustrating the deep spiritual connection and divine purpose shared between these two women. This event is a significant part of the narrative surrounding the birth of Jesus Christ and highlights themes of faith, fulfillment of prophecy, and divine joy.

Biblical Context

The account of Mary's visit to Elisabeth is found in Luke 1:39-56. After the angel Gabriel announced to Mary that she would conceive the Son of God, Mary, filled with wonder and obedience, traveled to the hill country of Judea to visit her relative Elisabeth. Elisabeth, who was miraculously pregnant with John the Baptist in her old age, was herself a testament to God's power and faithfulness.

The Meeting and Joyful Revelation

Upon Mary's arrival, the encounter between the two women is marked by a profound spiritual recognition. As soon as Mary greeted Elisabeth, the baby in Elisabeth's womb leaped for joy. Elisabeth, filled with the Holy Spirit, exclaimed with a loud voice, "Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb! And why am I so honored, that the mother of my Lord should come to me?" (Luke 1:42-43). This spontaneous declaration underscores the divine revelation given to Elisabeth, recognizing the Messiah within Mary's womb.

Mary's Magnificat

In response to Elisabeth's blessing, Mary offers a song of praise known as the Magnificat (Luke 1:46-55). This hymn is a profound expression of joy and gratitude, reflecting Mary's deep faith and understanding of God's redemptive work. Mary proclaims, "My soul magnifies the Lord, and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior" (Luke 1:46-47). Her song echoes the themes of God's mercy, strength, and faithfulness, celebrating the fulfillment of His promises to Israel.

Theological Significance

The joy experienced by Mary and Elisabeth is not merely personal but is deeply rooted in the unfolding of God's salvific plan. This joy is a response to the recognition of God's intervention in human history through the incarnation of Jesus Christ. The leaping of John the Baptist in Elisabeth's womb is seen as a prophetic acknowledgment of Jesus' divine identity and mission.

Mary's visit to Elisabeth also highlights the role of women in God's redemptive history. Both Mary and Elisabeth are portrayed as faithful servants who play crucial roles in the advent of the Messiah. Their joy is a testament to their faith and the fulfillment of God's promises.

Spiritual Reflection

For believers, the Joy of Mary during her visit to Elisabeth serves as a reminder of the joy that comes from recognizing and participating in God's work. It encourages a response of faith and praise in the face of divine revelation and fulfillment. This event invites Christians to reflect on the joy of salvation and the blessings of God's promises, as well as the importance of community and shared faith in the journey of faith.

Nave's Topical Index

Luke 1:46-56
And Mary said, My soul does magnify the Lord,
Nave's Topical Index

Library

C. The "Magnificat. " Ch. 1:39-56
... the babe leaped in my womb for joy.45 And ... mother of her Lord, by which phrase she
means the ... the phrase "Mother of God." Elisabeth congratulated Mary upon her ...
/.../erdman/the gospel of luke an exposition/c the magnificat ch 1 39-56.htm

The Second Homily. On the Annunciation to the Holy virgin Mary.
... "And she entered into the house of ... "And it came to pass, that, when Elisabeth heard
the salutation of Mary, the babe leapt with joy in her womb; and ...
/.../the second homily on the.htm

A Statement of the Manner in which Luke's Procedure is Proved to ...
... of David, to be taxed [741] with Mary his espoused ... And she brought forth her
first-born son, and wrapped Him ... I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall ...
/.../augustine/the harmony of the gospels/chapter v a statement of the.htm

His Schools and Schoolmasters.
... and during her five months of seclusion she nursed great ... was Elisabeth also who
recognised in Mary the mother ... fading sunset, and talk of Zion, their chief joy. ...
/.../meyer/john the baptist/iii his schools and schoolmasters.htm

C. The Third Period. Chs. 6:12 to 8:56
... as evil, for the Son of man's sake.23 Rejoice in that day, and leap for joy: for
behold ... By this title she was distinguished from Mary the mother ...
/.../erdman/the gospel of luke an exposition/c the third period chs.htm

Proofs of the Foregoing, Drawn from the Gospels of Mark and Luke.
... And Mary, exulting because of this, cried out, prophesying ... says, appeared to the
shepherds, proclaiming joy to them ... like manner glorified God when she saw Christ ...
/.../irenaeus/against heresies/chapter x proofs of the foregoing.htm

The Gospel According to St. Luke
... the cross (xxiii.28), of the double joy of Elisabeth ... which are many, are forgiven,
for she loved much ... and the indignation of the disciples at Mary's costly gift ...
/.../pullan/the books of the new testament/chapter v the gospel according.htm

part i
... her wonderful, heart-penetrating song which she said in ... the other: into a state of
peace, joy, expansion of ... the intercession of Our Lady, the Holy Virgin Mary. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/calvin/my life in christ/part i.htm