Mary the Mother of God – Blessed is the Fruit of Your Womb

Our Lady, after learning of the Angel Gabriel’s news that she was to become the mother of God, went in haste to visit her cousin Elizabeth, as she too was with child. St. Josemaria said, “Turn your eyes towards the Blessed Virgin and see how she practices the virtue of loyalty. When Elizabeth needs her, the Gospel says that she went joyfully making haste. Learn from her!” (The Furrow, #371, St. Josemaria Escriva) Her first thoughts were of her cousin and her condition; her own news she humbly pondered in her heart. As soon as she entered Elizabeth’s house the Holy Spirit stirred the soul of St. John the Baptist causing him to leap for joy in his mother’s womb. At that precise moment St. John was cleansed of original sin, and his mother Elizabeth, also filled with the Holy Spirit, knew without a word from Our Lady, that she was in the presence of the Lord Himself. She proclaimed “Blessed are you among women and blessed is the fruit of your womb. Why should I be honoured with a visit from the mother of my Lord?” (Luke 1: 42-43) How very beautiful that the Holy Spirit chose the unborn babe in Elizabeth’s womb to be the catalyst that moved her to announce the news of Our Lady’s divine motherhood. Thus the feast of Our Lady’s visitation to Elizabeth became a celebration of rejoicing for she brought great joy to Elizabeth that day. Our Lady’s heart too was filled with joy as she poured out her deep gratitude to God the Father in the Magnificat. 

 

MAGNIFICAT

 

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, and 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 His servant Israel for He has remembered His promise of mercy, the promise He made to our fathers, to Abraham and his children for ever.

 

Recommended Reading:

Mother of the Redeemer – Encyclical Letter of Pope John Paul II, 1987