Elizabeth heard Mary’s greeting, the child leapt in her womb and Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit. (cf. Luke 1:40++) 

Elizabeth’s greeting is very familiar to us as a part of the Rosary which we recite daily. “Of all women you are the most blessed, and blessed is the fruit of your womb.” (Luke 1:42)

We often visualize this scene with only the two women greeting one another, but in reality, I think many people surrounded them: the members of Elizabeth’s and Zacharias’ household, the people of the village who heard about Mary’s arrival, and not but least, travelers who accompanied Mary on her journey. She certainly did not travel all alone to the hill country, for companionship, for security and just because people then traveled in groups for many reasons. So, I think the greeting of the two women, even its intimacy, was surrounded by people, many people, and witnessed by them, unaware as probably were, of this special and “wonder-filled” event. 

Jesus in Mary’s womb encountered John in Elizabeth’s womb in a very real manner as soon as Elizabeth felt John leap for joy in her womb. “For the moment your greeting reached my ears, the child in my womb leapt for joy. Yes, blessed is she who believed that the promise made her by the Lord would be fulfilled.” (Luke 1:44-45) 

I think that we can also experience similar encounters in our lives. They are like sparks of God on our journey. Moments in prayer can be “sparks of God” which bring fleeting moments of joy into our 

consciousness. In our encounters with others, whether they are physically intimate, or simply a “sparkling” connection, we may experience God alive in us in very special ways that leave us with much joy and wonder. These moments may not last long or we may not be conscious of them at that moment, but the results are long-lasting in joy, serenity, calm, openness; if we are attentive, wonder and peace may permeate our life. God speaks to us, reaches out to us, and guides us in lavish yet subtle ways! 

Mary’s response to Elizabeth’s greeting is known to us in the Magnificat we recite each day at Evening Prayer. We can use Mary’s praise at any time that we recognize God communicating to us. 

The Magnificat 

My soul proclaims the greatness of the Lord,
my spirit rejoices in God my Savior,
for he has looked with favor on his lowly servant.
From this day all generations will call me blessed;
The Almighty has done great things for me, and Holy is his Name.
He has mercy on those who fear him in every generation.
He has shown the strength of his arm.
He has scattered the proud in their conceit.
He has cast down the mighty from their thrones.
And lifted up the lowly.
He has filled the hungry with good things,
and the rich he has sent away empty.
He has come to the help of his servant Israel
for he has remembered his promise of mercy.