A reflection on Luke 1:46 to 56 showing how Elizabeth’s support gave Mary the courage to sing. (22-12-25)
Praise be to Jesus Christ
In a school, there was a boy who struggled with almost everything. Studies frightened him, public performance terrified him, and repeated failure slowly convinced him that he was useless. Teachers corrected him, scolded him, and finally decided that he did not belong there. On the day he was asked to leave, one teacher quietly stepped forward and asked that the boy be allowed to remain. The teacher did not promise improvement or success but only said that he would personally take responsibility for the child. Over the following weeks, the teacher spent time with him, encouraged him, corrected him patiently, and protected him from harsh judgment. Gradually, fear loosened its grip. When the boy later stood on the stage and performed confidently, people spoke of talent, but the boy spoke only of one teacher who believed in him when he was afraid.
This story opens a door into today’s Gospel from Luke 1:46 to 56. We often speak about Mary going to help Elizabeth, but the Gospel itself gently invites us to look deeper. Mary had just received a message that turned her life upside down. She was pregnant by the Holy Spirit, not by any human being. According to the law of that time, this situation could lead to shame, rejection, and even death. Mary carried God’s promise, but she also carried fear, uncertainty, and unanswered questions. In such a moment, she did not go out to serve. She went to seek safety.
When the angel spoke to Mary, Elizabeth was already six months pregnant. Mary stayed with her for about three months. This means that Mary left just before Elizabeth’s delivery, the time when an elderly woman would normally need the greatest physical help. This simple detail tells us something very important. Mary did not remain because Elizabeth needed help. Mary returned because her own situation had become clear. Joseph had accepted her. Her path was now settled. It even seems possible that Elizabeth herself encouraged Mary to go back and face her future with courage.
Elizabeth, therefore, was not mainly the one being helped. She was the one giving strength. Like the teacher who stood up for the fearful child, Elizabeth became a shelter for Mary. She did not question her. She did not doubt her story. She trusted God’s work in her before understanding everything. In that atmosphere of acceptance, fear slowly gave way to faith. Only then did Mary sing the Magnificat. The song was not born from certainty, but from reassurance.
The first reading from 1 Samuel helps us see this pattern clearly. Hannah too lived with deep pain, misunderstanding, and silent suffering. God listened to her prayer and later she offered her child back to Him. Hannah’s prayer prepares the way for Mary’s song. In both women, God shows that He lifts the lowly not by removing all fear immediately, but by placing supportive people along the journey.
Saint Elizabeth teaches families, teachers, and communities a powerful lesson. People often do not need advice or correction. They need someone who believes in them until they can believe again. Children flourish when parents become their support rather than their judges. Marriages heal when spouses hold one another during moments of fear. Faith deepens when prayer is shared in trust.
Saint John Bosco once said that young people are not bad at heart, but wounded by lack of love. Mary sang because someone stood beside her when fear was strongest. This must happen in our homes. Our presence must help others find their song.
Lord Jesus, help me to help others when they are in need of my help.
⇒If you find this reflection meaningful and fruitful, please share it with others
The Team Search offers retreats, reflections, and classes for religious and others on various biblical themes, the Eucharist, prayer, spiritual direction, Missiology, English phonetics (basic & advanced), Mariology, the Sacraments, the Desert Fathers, and more. We are happy to assist you if you find it hard to get a resource person for any Christian topic.
♦Contact: thesearch1994@gmail.com
