Our Gospel accounts for us the Visitation where Mary traveled with haste to be with Elizabeth who was also found with child, John the Baptist. Interestingly enough we are told that she went to the town of Judah. This is important because the town of Judah was where David found the ark of the covenant. As a reminder the ark of the covenant was the pure and spotless vessel which contained the presence of God. So too does Mary become the new ark of the covenant for within her womb is Christ who is God.
Elizabeth understands the importance of this moment and thus she exclaims, “How does it happen to me that the mother of my Lord should come to me?” Even John the Baptist was touched through this encounter for we are told that he leaped for joy within her womb.
If we go to 2 Samuel 6 that David asked, “How can the ark of the Lord come to me? This is very similar to the statement that Elizabeth made to Mary. We are also told in 2 Samuel 6 that there was “leaping and dancing before the Lord.” This was very similar to John the Baptist who leapt with joy within the womb of his mother due to his encounter with the Lord.
If we go to verse 56 of this Gospel we would be told, “Mary remained with her about three months and then returned to her home.” This parallels the fact that the ark of the covenant remained in the home of Obededom for a period of three months.
Through this whole encounter Elizabeth came to exclaim something with should be very familiar to us, “Blessed are you, among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb.” She understands that the ark of the covenant is in her midst. She does not take this gift for granted, but comes to fully accept and acknowledge it’s saving effect upon her and her family.
As we continue this Advent journey towards the Nativity may we come to realize the one whom we behold. So many take this gift for granted and act as if it is just one among many things. The one who we prepare for is God. The one who we encounter in the Eucharist is God. The one whose return we prepare for is God. We therefore have the opportunity to encounter the same gift which came into the home of Elizabeth.
Our Gospel passage ends by stating, “Blessed are you who believed that what was spoken to you by the Lord would be fulfilled.” Let us cut away all from our life which keeps us from encountering the Lord with true joy. Make use of the sacrament of confession and invite the Lord and His mercy to enter into your life. Whenever we pray the “Hail Mary” let us come to do so with true faith, for not only do we ask her to pray for us, but we are taken to God whose presence was within her womb.
May these finals days of Advent assist us in welcoming God into our homes in order that He may dwell with us.
