That her going to visit Elisabeth was of the Lord is seen from the greeting she received—a greeting, moreover, which must have, in a remarkable manner, confirmed her faith. As soon as Elisabeth heard the salutation of her kinswoman she was reminded of her own condition, and at the same time, filled with the Holy Spirit, she was inspired to proclaim the blessedness of the one whom the Lord had so distinguished by His grace. “She spake out with a loud voice, and said, Blessed art thou among women, and blessed is the fruit of thy womb. And whence is this to me, that the mother of my Lord should come to me? For, lo, as soon as the voice of thy salutation sounded in mine ears, the babe leaped in my womb for joy. And blessed is she that believed: for there shall be a performance of those things which were told her from the Lord.”
Before considering Mary’s response to Elisabeth, a few observations may be made upon these remarkable words. It will be at once observed that Elisabeth, as “filled with the Holy Ghost,” is in entire communion with the mind of God as to Mary. Gabriel had said to her, “Blessed art thou among women,” and Elisabeth now says, “Blessed art thou among women,” adding, “and blessed is the fruit of thy womb.” With her eyes opened by the power of God, she saw as God saw, and pronounces His own estimate upon the one He had chosen for this singular favor. As filled with the Spirit, moreover, she in meekness and humility acknowledged the exaltation of Mary by the grace of God. “And whence,” she proceeded, “is this to me, that the mother of my Lord should come to me?” Herself the object of the divine favor, she yet took the lowest place before the one who was to become the mother of her Lord.