This reflection is based on Luke 1:39-45 and the Joyful Mysteries: The Visitation.
At the sound of Mary’s greeting the pre-born child John leaped in his mother Elizabeth’s womb. I often wonder about Mary’s greeting, what she said, how far off she was etc.
I imagine the words of Mary’s greeting to be the common Hebrew greeting, “Shalom!” Shalom as you probably know is the Hebrew word for peace but it also means completeness, which implies wellness or wholeness. This greeting coming from our mother who alone received the fullness of grace is a great blessing indeed. Jesus greeted the disciples this way so it is fitting that Mary should greet us this way also. In her many apparitions Mary repeats the phrase, “Peace, peace, peace.” So when I pray the Joyful Mysteries of the Holy Rosary and I get to the Visitation, I now imagine Mary entering the room (her relative’s room and also my own room) and greeting everyone with, “Peace!” and blessing us from the fullness of grace that she received.
Notes:
In paintings Mary is often (but not always) pictured greeting Elizabeth outside the home yet in scripture it is written that she entered before she spoke her greeting. This may be a cultural custom or it may be that the outside grounds are considered part of the home. This also shows me how today Mary enters the homes of those who welcome her in prayer.
Various paintings of the visitation showing the greeting outside:
O blessed Virgin Mary, conceived without sin, pray for us who have recourse to thee.