Jesus taught his disciples in many different ways. The most fundamental way, of course, was his spoken word. However, in prayer we learn to look at his gestures, his actions, his attitudes, as equally powerful revelations of God's love and truth. Similarly, in the Gospel passages which we read in this time of Advent, The words which different people speak are vehicles for teaching the Gospel spirit, but the actions, gestures and attitudes of these people also reveal elements of the Gospel spirit. Thus over the ages many people have noticed that Mary went in haste to her cousin and have pondered the significance of her haste. The fact that Mary went to Elizabeth teaches that all Christian spirituality contains an element of service, of care for others. Mary's haste symbolizes the promptness and generosity and eagerness which should characterize our service.

It seems significant that Mary sang her Magnificat, not when she received Gabriel's message but when she visited Elizabeth and shared her joy with her. Sharing deepens our appreciation of what we receive.

Elizabeth recognized Mary's blessedness: the recognition of the presence of Christ in others is one of the graces which the Church enjoys.