Easter Season · Visitation of the Blessed Virgin Mary · Year B
Luke 1:39-56
Blessed Is She Who Believed
May 31, 2027
Overview & Insights
“My soul magnifies the Lord, and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior.” (Luke 1:46-47)
Luke has built his infancy narrative out of paired scenes, and here the two annunciations meet. The greeting is exchanged between women, with no priest, no angel and no temple, and recognition comes first from the unborn child (v. 41), which takes up Gabriel’s promise that John would be filled with the Spirit before birth (1:15). Elizabeth’s beatitude in verse 45 praises belief, and stands against Zechariah’s silence, since he asked for proof and was given muteness (1:18-20). The song that follows depends closely on Hannah’s prayer at 1 Samuel 2:1-10, including the reversal of the mighty and the hungry, and a few Old Latin manuscripts attribute it to Elizabeth rather than Mary. Verse 56 sends Mary home and verse 57 brings Elizabeth’s own time to term, closing the pair the chapter opened.
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Commentary
Commentary on Luke 1:39-45 [46-55] Working Preacher
Lectionary commentary on Mary's visit to Elizabeth and the Magnificat.
Luke 1 Commentary Enduring Word
Verse-by-verse commentary on the Visitation and Elizabeth's blessing of Mary.
Luke 1:39-45 (46-55) Commentary Center for Excellence in Preaching
Reformed preaching commentary on Elizabeth's role in affirming Mary and the child she carries.
Luke 1 Commentary Precept Austin
Detailed study notes on the Visitation and the Magnificat.
Luke 1 - Haydock Commentary Online Haydock
Catholic verse-by-verse commentary on the Visitation narrative.
Background & Word Study
The Church Fathers
Study Hub
Mass Readings Explained: The Fourth Sunday of Advent, Year C Catholic Productions
Dr. Pitre's Catholic study of the Visitation and Magnificat readings.
Gospel of Luke, Lesson 2: The Annunciation and Visitation Agape Bible Study
A Catholic Bible study lesson devoted to Luke 1:39-56.
Barnes' Notes on Luke 1 StudyLight
Classic verse-by-verse notes on the chapter, useful for close reading.
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