E
lizabeth took Mary’s face in her hands and said, “And how is it permitted me that the mother of my Lord should come to me? Hm?” Mary’s eyes glistened. “Did you know that the moment I heard your voice the babe within me leaped for joy?” She paused to let the words have their effect. “Oh my child, I am so proud of you for believing the things that were told to you by the Lord. You are so richly and deservedly blessed!” Mary at last found her speech,
“Elizabeth,” letting her hands meet in front of her exclaimed, “My soul is exploding!” A not un-butterfly-like pirouette. She flounced to her knees. “Oh how I love the Lord! Oh God my Savior, how my spirit soars!” Everything was an exclamation. “He’s chosen me, Elizabeth! Me! I am nobody! I am not a princess! I am poor. How has he chosen me!? Elizabeth!” She reached for the older woman embracing her vigorously, “Elizabeth, from this time forth all generations will call me blessed! Can you imagine? God has done a great thing to me! Holy is his Name!”
Beyond her understanding of historical and national events and far beyond her adolescent comprehension, using her voice, her lips, the Spirit within her exulted in jubilant song . . .
“His mercy is upon all who reverence him
from age to age.
He has shown his strength
by scattering the arrogant
in all their imaginations.
“He has put down the mighty
and exalted the humble.
“He has filled the hungry
with good things
and sent the rich away empty.
“In remembrance of his mercy,
he has come to Israel
as he promised to Abraham
and his seed forever.”
