Most of what we know about today's saint, Saint Elizabeth we learn from Scripture. Elizabeth was the wife of Zachary, the temple priest. She was the cousin of the Blessed Virgin Mary and the mother of John the Baptist. The Blessed Virgin Mary visited Elizabeth soon after the Annunciation of the birth of Jesus to Mary. This "visitation" is also described in the second joyful mystery. Below are meditations for each Hail Mary of this mystery:
- Mary's cousin Elizabeth conceived a son in her old age . . . for nothing is impossible with God.
- Charity prompts Mary to hasten to visit Elizabeth in the hour of her need.
- The journey to Elizabeth's home is about eighty miles requiring four or five days.
- Though long and arduous, the journey is joyous, for Mary bears with her the Incarnate Word.
- At Mary's salutation, John the Baptist is sanctified in his mother's womb.
- Elizabeth exclaims: "Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb."
- "How have I deserved that the mother of my Lord should come to me?"
- "Blessed is she who believed that the Lord's words to her would be fulfilled."
- Mary replies: "My soul proclaims the greatness of the Lord, and my spirit finds joy in God my Savior."
- Mary serves her cousin in all humility for three months until the birth of John the Baptist.
Saint Elizabeth became pregnant very late in life. Elizabeth is described in the Gospel of Luke as "righteous in the eyes of God, observing all the commandments and ordinances of the Lord blamelessly."
Saint Elizabeth is the patron saint of expectant mothers.
"NOTHING IS IMPOSSIBLE WITH GOD."
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