Luke 1:56Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

But when Elisabeth was going to bring forth, the Virgin departed, as it follows, And she returned; or, probably because of the multitude, who were about to assemble at the birth. But it became not a virgin to be present on such an occasion.

After three months, she went back to her home because the Lord would not serve as a subordinate to his servant. She approached her husband to disclose the truth, for had she been carrying a human fetus, she would have preferred to escape from him.

Mary abode with Elisabeth until she had accomplished the time of her bringing forth; as it is said, And Mary abode, &c.

Mary spent approximately three months with Elizabeth, having been allowed to do so by her betrothed, Joseph. He regarded both Zacharias and Elizabeth as holy individuals and, filled with great joy, entrusted the Virgin to their care, recognizing them not only as family but also as virtuous people. Mary remained with Elizabeth until the time of her childbirth, sharing in her secret and experiencing mutual affection. Eventually, she returned home, taking precautions to avoid those gathering at Zechariah’s house in anticipation of the baby’s arrival. It was customary for young women to distance themselves when a pregnant woman was nearing her time to give birth.

For it is the custom for virgins to go away when the pregnant woman brings forth. But when she reached her own home, she went to no other place, but abode there until she knew the time of her delivery was at hand. And Joseph doubting, is instructed by an Angel.

For the chaste soul which conceives a desire of the spiritual word must of necessity submit to the yoke of heavenly discipline, and sojourning for the days as it were of three months in the same place, cease not to persevere until it is illuminated by the light of faith, hope, and charity.

The evangelist wraps up the narrative of Mary's visit to Elizabeth here. Following the sequence laid out by the Evangelist, we can infer that Mary returned home just prior to the birth of Elizabeth's son. The evangelist notes that during the sixth month of Elizabeth's pregnancy, Mary shared the message, yet she did not leave immediately to see Elizabeth; instead, she remained with her for approximately three months. It raises the question of why Mary chose not to stay until John's birth. Some early Church Fathers suggest that Mary might have witnessed John’s birth herself. The phrase ‘Her house’ refers to ‘Her own’—indicating that it is in contrast to Elizabeth's residence, which was not hers. It's also possible that during this time, Mary was welcomed into Joseph's home. This reflects the Gospel accounts detailing the earthly experiences of Jesus Christ, particularly highlighting the interaction between Mary and Elizabeth.

Mary resided in Elizabeth's home for approximately three months, departing when Elizabeth was in her sixth month of pregnancy, as noted in Luke 1:26. Consequently, she returned home just prior to the birth of John the Baptist.

Following a visit of approximately three months with Elizabeth, the Blessed Virgin made her way back to Nazareth. It is likely that she did not remain for the birth of John the Baptist, as indicated by the absence of her name in Luke's account of those who came to celebrate the arrival of Elizabeth's son. Moreover, the Evangelist recounts the birth of the Baptist only after detailing the Virgin's return to her home.

Mariam remained with her for a period of three months, until the arrival of John; however, it is likely that out of her virgin modesty, she refrained from being present in Elizabeth's home during the delivery of her son. This three-month period was likely spent engaged in domestic tasks as well as deep spiritual discussions and reflections on the significant events that were about to unfold. Mary took on Elizabeth’s responsibilities, and in return, she drew strength for her faith and hope from the joyful anticipation that Elizabeth expressed as she awaited the realization of what the angel had disclosed to her husband.

The familial bond and generous welcome of Zacharias and Elizabeth provided support for the Blessed Virgin for a period of three months, after which she made her way back to Nazareth.

Approximately three months passed, nearing the time of the Forerunner's birth (see Luke 1:26 and Luke 1:36). "To her house" refers to the residence of Joseph, her promised husband, located in Nazareth of Galilee (Lk. 1:26-27).

Following the joyful visit and uplifting greetings, the life of the Blessed Virgin unfolded peacefully within the harmonious abode of Zacharias and Elizabeth, who were both righteous. The Chosen One engaged in holy and enlightening discussions about celestial matters; their united prayers were sincere and fervent. As they contemplated the transformation of their lives, the two conversants felt a profound urge to share their innermost thoughts, to articulate all that the Lord had accomplished in their lives, and to recount the experiences of Divine guidance that had been revealed to them. They reflected on the past and recognized the many valuable insights regarding their future!