Episode 1621: Sts. Zachary and Elizabeth

Elizabeth said the following words to the Blessed Mother:Show more

"Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb! And why is this granted me, that the mother of my Lord should come to me? For behold, when the sound of your greeting reached my ears, the babe leaped for joy in my womb. Blessed is she who believed that there would be a fulfillment of what was spoken to her by the Lord!" (Luke 1:42-45)

These words, which are now known as the Magnificat, are a beautiful expression of Elizabeth's faith and joy. She recognizes Mary as the mother of her Lord, and she praises her for her belief in God's promises. Elizabeth's words are also a reminder that God is faithful and that he fulfills his promises to those who trust in him.

The Magnificat is a popular prayer among Christians, and it is often prayed during the Vespers service. It is also a beautiful meditation on the mystery of the Incarnation, and it can help us to appreciate the great gift that God has given us in his Son, Jesus Christ.
Now for more background
Saints Elizabeth and Zechariah were the parents of John the Baptist. They are mentioned in the Gospel of Luke, where we learn that they were both righteous people who were devoted to God. However, they were also barren, which was considered to be a punishment from God in those days.

One day, while Zechariah was serving as a priest in the temple, the angel Gabriel appeared to him and told him that his wife would bear a son, who would be named John. The angel also said that John would be a great prophet and would prepare the way for the Messiah.

Zechariah was skeptical, because he and his wife were old, but Gabriel assured him that it would come to pass. As punishment for his doubt, Zechariah was unable to speak until after John was born.

Meanwhile, Elizabeth became pregnant. When her cousin Mary, who was pregnant with Jesus, came to visit her, Elizabeth's child leaped in her womb. Elizabeth then spoke the words that are now known as the Magnificat, in which she praised God for his goodness and mercy.

John was born a few months later, and Zechariah's speech was restored. He then prophesied about John's role in the coming of the Messiah.

Elizabeth and Zechariah were both faithful servants of God, and they played an important role in the salvation of the world. They are remembered and honored by Catholics and Orthodox Christians alike.

Here are some additional details about the history of Saints Elizabeth and Zechariah:

According to tradition, Elizabeth was a relative of Mary, the mother of Jesus. Some sources say that they were cousins, while others say that they were aunt and niece.
Elizabeth is often remembered for her faith and her humility. Even though she was barren for most of her life, she never lost faith in God.
Zechariah is also remembered for his faith and his courage. Even though he was skeptical of the angel Gabriel's message, he eventually came to believe and to accept God's plan.
Elizabeth and Zechariah are both considered to be prophets. They both prophesied about the coming of the Messiah and about the role of their son, John the Baptist.
Elizabeth and Zechariah are celebrated as saints by the Catholic Church, the Orthodox Church, and other Christian denominations. Their feast day is November 5th.
Saint Bernard of Clairvaux: Saint Bernard was a Cistercian monk and abbot who lived in the 12th century. He wrote extensively about the Virgin Mary and other saints, including Saints Elizabeth and Zechariah. In his homilies on the Annunciation, Saint Bernard reflects on the role of Elizabeth and Zechariah in the salvation of the world. He writes, "Elizabeth and Zechariah were filled with the Holy Spirit, and so they were able to recognize the Messiah in Jesus even before he was born."

Saint Bonaventure: Saint Bonaventure was a Franciscan friar and theologian who lived in the 13th century. He wrote extensively about the sacraments and the spiritual life, including a commentary on the Gospel of Luke. In his commentary, Saint Bonaventure reflects on the significance of the Visitation, in which Mary visited Elizabeth. He writes, "The Visitation is a reminder that we are all called to visit and care for one another, especially those who are in need."

Saint Alphonsus Liguori: Saint Alphonsus Liguori was a Redemptorist priest and bishop who lived in the 18th century. He was a prolific writer, and he wrote extensively on a variety of topics, including Mariology, moral theology, and the spiritual life. In his book "The Glories of Mary," Saint Alphonsus Liguori devotes a chapter to the life and virtues of Saint Elizabeth. He writes, "Saint Elizabeth was a model of faith, humility, and charity. She is an inspiration to all Christians, and we should pray to her for her intercession."

These are just a few examples of great Catholic writers who have written about Saints Elizabeth and Zechariah. Other notable writers include Saint Augustine, Saint Gregory the Great, Saint Thomas Aquinas, and Blessed John Henry Newman.