Gospel in Art: Mary entered the house of Zechariah and greeted Elizabeth

The Visitation by Rogier Van der Weyden, 1435 - 1440 © Maximilian Speck von Sternburg Stiftung, Leipzig

Source: Christian Art

Gospel of 21 December 2024
Luke 1:39-45

In those days Mary arose and went with haste into the hill country, to a town in Judah, and she entered the house of Zechariah and greeted Elizabeth. And when Elizabeth heard the greeting of Mary, the baby leaped in her womb. And Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit, and she exclaimed with a loud cry, 'Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb! And why is this granted to me that the mother of my Lord should come to me? For behold, when the sound of your greeting came to my ears, the baby in my womb leaped for joy. And blessed is she who believed that there would be a fulfilment of what was spoken to her from the Lord.'

Reflection on the painting

Over the coming days of Christmas, many of us will find ourselves visiting family, friends, and neighbours, while also welcoming visitors into our homes. This tradition of reaching out to others is one of the joys of the Christmas season. We often make a special effort to visit those who may be alone at this time of year, ensuring they feel connected and valued. Similarly, we try to create a warm and welcoming atmosphere for those who come to see us. Today's Gospel story of Mary's visit to Elizabeth sets a profound example for all our Christmas visits. Mary brought the Lord to Elizabeth, and Elizabeth, in turn, recognised the presence of the Lord through Mary. Their meeting reminds us that Christ is to be at the heart of all our encounters., whether we are visiting others or being visited.

Our Gospel reading has always left a deep impression on me. It tells of the meeting of two extraordinary women of faith, Mary and Elizabeth, and of two unborn children, Jesus and John the Baptist. When Mary greeted Elizabeth, we are told that the child in Elizabeth's womb leapt for joy. Even before his birth, John recognised and rejoiced in the presence of Jesus. How beautiful is that! Both Elizabeth and her unborn son recognised that Mary's visit was, at the same time, a visit from the Lord Himself. This powerful moment of recognition highlights Mary's unique role in bringing Christ to the world. She also exemplifies the mission of every Christian: to carry the Lord within us and to share His presence with others in our daily encounters.

Rogier Van der Weyden's The Visitation is a moving depiction of the meeting between the Virgin Mary and Elizabeth, two women united in faith and miracle. Their tender interaction becomes the focal point, as each gently places a hand on the other's womb, acknowledging the divine mystery they both carry. The gestures of their hands-Elizabeth's pale, outstretched arm set against the rich cobalt blue of Mary's robe-speak volumes, conveying tenderness, reverence, and shared wonder. Their facial expressions, serene and filled with quiet joy, mirror the depth of their encounter. The surrounding details add further richness to the narrative: the winding roads behind Mary hint at her long journey to visit her cousin, while the open door behind Elizabeth suggests her haste to greet Mary. Zechariah, seen outside playing with a dog, offers a subtle nod to the symbolic qualities of the animal-fidelity, guidance, and faithfulness.

LINKS

Gospel in Art: https://christian.art/
Today's Reflection: https://christian.art/daily-gospel-reading/luke-1-39-45-2024/