Detail: Jacopo Pontormo, The Visitation (c. 1528–29)
Joyful Mystery 2 of 5.
Scripture
And Mary said: ‘My soul magnifies the Lord, and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior.’
Luke 1:39–56
Meditation
Mary, newly carrying Jesus in her body, sets off into the hill country to help her older cousin Elizabeth, who is also pregnant. The first errand of the Incarnation is a visit. When Mary’s greeting reaches Elizabeth, the child John leaps in his mother’s womb, and Elizabeth is filled with the Holy Spirit. Mary’s response is the Magnificat — her great song of praise. Joy spreads by being carried to someone who needs it.
Fruit of the mystery
Love of neighbor