The bull of St Luke

THE GOSPEL OF LUKE

The Visitation: Lk 1,39-56

Read through this scene, though with just a glance at Mary's canticle at this stage. Notice how the scene has a beginning and an end. Who is the focus of this scene?
What is the evangelist's purpose with the journey of Mary in verse 39? Note how the house is described in verse 40.

In verse 41 the child leaps in Elizabeth's womb, recalling Gen 25,22. How does this anticipate what will follow (see verse 76)? Elizabeth is now filled with the Holy Spirit, see also 1,15.35.67.

Verses 42 to 45 give us Elizabeth's praise of Mary, so acting as a commentary on the previous scene of the Annunciation. "Blessed" is said in verses 42 and 45 but with different meanings. The first is the same meaning as in verse 68. See Judges 5,24 and especially Judith 13,18. Then look at Dt 28,1.4.

We can note the title given to the unborn Jesus in verse 43.

The second "blessed" in verse 45 is similar to that of Psalm 1,1, found also in 6,20. See also 11,27-28. What picture of Mary emerges in this verse?

Mary's song of praise, the Magnificat, 1,46-55 now follows which we will read on the next page. Note how simply it is introduced at the beginning of verse 46 in contrast to 1,67.

Finally, what is the significance of verse 56?

Worth noting is the relationship between Elizabeth and Mary. Old Testament examples would be Genesis 16,1 or 1st Samuel 1 (which is part of the background to this scene). By contrast look at the story of Ruth.

Now take a look at my response.

Having now looked at the scene of the Visitation as a whole, we can look more closely at its climax. Mary proclaims a song of praise which traditionally we call the Magnificat. (1,46-52).