14th century wall-painting in the Timios Stavros Church in Pelendri.The unborn John the Baptist bows before the unborn Jesus. Such depiction appears only in three more churches in Cyprus.
Except for the fact that Pentecost falls today, May 31, it is the day celebrated as the Feast of the Visitation. Like most feasts of Mary, it is closely connected with Jesus and his saving work. The more visible actors in the visitation drama (see Luke 1:39-45) are Mary and Elizabeth. However, Jesus and John the Baptist steal the scene in a hidden way. Jesus makes John leap with joy—the joy of messianic salvation. Elizabeth, in turn, is filled with the Holy Spirit and addresses words of praise to Mary—words that echo down through the ages.
Then comes the Magnificat (Luke 1:46-55). Here Mary herself (like the Church) traces all her greatness to God.
- American Catholic
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