Luke 1:39Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

Upon receiving the message from the angel about Elizabeth's miraculous pregnancy, the Virgin eagerly made her way to see her relative. She was filled with joy for Elizabeth's flourishing condition, yet, as a wise and discerning woman, she sought to be thoroughly assured of the truth of the angel's words. This was important to her so that she could align the divine revelation regarding Elizabeth with her own circumstance, ensuring that her faith remained steadfast. Although she held hope in her heart, a sense of trepidation lingered, not arising from disbelief but from a sincere wish for clarity about her situation. Since Zacharias resided in the mountainous region, the Virgin promptly traveled there.

Mary arose and went to visit Elizabeth (cf. Lk. 1:39-40) to confirm whether her experience was real, seeking assurance so that she would have no uncertainty regarding her own situation. Mary approached Elizabeth, who was in a lesser position than she, just as the Lord had visited John. “How is it that the mother of my Lord has come to me?” (Lk. 1:43).

It was appropriate for Him who demands faith to also fortify it. Thus, when the angel revealed divine mysteries, he affirmed faith through evidence, declaring to Mary that a barren and elderly woman had conceived, demonstrating that nothing is impossible with God. Upon hearing this announcement, Mary joyfully journeyed to the hilly region, firmly believing in the prophecy. She had confidence in the message delivered, doubted not the evidence, and celebrated what had been entrusted to her, filled with reverence for the enormity of her calling. Where else could she go but to the heights? The grace of the Holy Spirit knows no barriers to faith.

The region known as the Mount was a town in Judea, where Elizabeth resided. She journeyed there, inspired by the Holy Spirit, so that the unborn child within Elizabeth leapt and she proclaimed a prophecy, allowing her to receive further confirmation.

Let us now reflect on the encounter between two exalted women, two remarkable mothers, and two divine sons, each unique in his own right, even while they were still within the womb. “But when Mary arose in those days, she went into the hill country with haste to a city of Judah.” The phrase “having arisen” is a Hebrew idiom, and “in thy days” indicates not an immediate action, but rather occurring over a few days. The message conveyed by the angel occupied Mary's heart and mind, prompting her to engage in profound contemplation; hence the desire to visit her relative may have arisen within her. Various motivations could have prompted this visit. The Holy Virgin might have reasoned that the angel’s announcement concerning Elizabeth’s pregnancy was a sign for her to go see her.

The example set by our Lord, along with that of the Holy Virgin and the Apostles, demonstrates, as a highly insightful theologian remarks, that there is no existence more perfected than one where external life is sanctified by internal devotion. Individuals who conduct their lives in this manner remain ever aware of God's presence amidst their worldly tasks; they continually receive nourishment from above, akin to the angel who assisted Tobiah during his earthly journey. Mary, humble despite her elevated status, puts aside the challenges of her journey and visits her relative Elizabeth out of pure love.

After the angel fulfilled his task, he departed, leaving Mary in solitude. At that moment, the gravity of her situation must have struck her with full intensity. Often, in less dramatic circumstances, following an unexpected occurrence, one's first inclination is to question the reality of the event: Was it truly real? Was it merely a dream or a figment of the imagination? Mary certainly pondered these questions, yet it was unmistakable that she recognized the powerful influence of the Most High, initiating the wondrous formation of Jesus' flesh from this pivotal moment. Aware of the significance of the event unfolding within her and concluding that the angel's visit was not without purpose, she was reminded of Elizabeth's steadfastness in keeping her own secret.

After the Archangel Gabriel departed from the Blessed Virgin, she swiftly made her way to Elizabeth's home to witness the sign that had been bestowed upon her by the divine messenger. At Elizabeth's residence, Mary encountered two affirmations of the truth conveyed in the Archangel's announcement. Firstly, she personally witnessed the fulfillment of the Archangel's words regarding Elizabeth. Secondly, through the revelation of the Holy Spirit, it was made known to her that she was indeed the Mother of God. Upon hearing Mary’s greeting, Elizabeth experienced an extraordinary movement in her child, leading to a profound sense of joy (v. 44). In that very moment, the Holy Spirit, who enveloped her, unveiled the significance and reason behind this movement.

Having received such a profound and wondrous message, the blessed Virgin felt an irresistible urge to share this joy with someone she cherished deeply. The righteous Joseph, because of his age and role, was not the right person to whom she could reveal her sacred delight. Thus, it was most fitting for her to convey this joy to her elderly relative Elizabeth, who had also experienced this same blessedness and had been like a second mother to her while she was raised in the temple. Without delay, she prepared for her journey. The path ahead was neither short nor easy, requiring three to four days of travel through rugged landscapes.

"But rising with determination": Mary prepared herself for the journey. - "In these days": shortly after receiving the angelic announcement, she was brought into a profound mystery related to the message she had just been given. This prompted her to feel closeness with Elizabeth, as well as to contemplate the shared nature of their revelations. Despite her hope, there was a sense of trepidation about possible deception, driven by a sincere desire for clarity about the situation. Thus, the gracious Virgin resolved to visit her elderly relative. - "With haste": the joy that filled Mary's heart after such a momentous announcement left no room for delay. - "Went": it was uncommon for unmarried women engaged to travel alone in Jewish culture.