Mary’s Humility at the Visitation (Origen d. 253)

Mary’s Humility at the Visitation (Origen d. 253)

"Since the Virgin was most thoughtful, not only did she go to Elizabeth's house without any conceit about the angel's words, but she even took the first step in greeting her cousin, showing her the respect due to her more advanced age and dignity as a mother. It wasn't Elizabeth who greeted Mary first, but Mary who greeted Elizabeth."[1]

 

"One must observe that Mary, who was superior, went to Elizabeth, who was inferior, and that the Son of God came to the Baptist: this teaches us that we shouldn't hesitate to help those who are inferior to us, and it also teaches us modesty."[2]

 

Elizabeth was with child, "she rose up in haste and went into the mountain country, and entered Elizabeth's house." Jesus was in her womb, and He hastened to sanctify John, who was still in his own mother's womb."[3]

 

 

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[1] H. CROUZEL, Origen, Homilies on the Gospel of Luke: Sources Chretiennes 87, Paris Cerf 1961, p. 477

[2] Origen, In Jo. Com., VI, 49, GCS 159,16 (Preuschen)

[3] Origen, Homily on the Gospel of Luke VII, 1. Taken from Origen, by Joseph T. Lienhard; Catholic University of America Press, 1996.