Elizabeth's question: "And how does this happen to me that the Mother of my Lord should come to me? ... recalls David's question when the Ark of the Covenant was being brought back to Jerusalem after having been captured by the Philistines. "How can the Ark of the Lord come to me?" (2 Sam. 6:9).

Mary's visit to Elizabeth sanctifies her home with the presence of the Lord. Graced by God and each other, two women come to the fuller dimensions destined for them. Elizabeth's gladness at the sight of Mary took a quantum leap as John recognised Jesus while still in the womb. In body language of the Spirit, greetings bounced from unborn to unborn. The history of God's people is seen anew through Mary's song of joy, as she proclaims the final outcome of God's plan for humanity. Without knowing it Mary anticipated how her Risen Son would make hearts burn in those He met, re-reading history, making God present in their lives.

What God called Mary to be, we are called to be as well. We are called back again and again, ritually, sacramentally, and in the proclamation of the Word in our midst. Elizabeth is the first to honour Mary. All of us follow in her wake. We sing the praises of Mary as we sing the praises of God and rejoice as we are part of that wonder, the mystery of salvation unfolding.