“And whence is this that the mother of my Lord should come to me?”

Some Catholic commentators have maintained that the purpose of this visit was to bring divine grace to both Elizabeth and her unborn child.

Even though he was still in his mother’s womb, John became aware of the presence of Christ, and leapt for joy as he was cleansed from original sin and filled with divine grace.

Elizabeth also responded and recognised the presence of Jesus.

And thus … Mary exercised her function as mediatrix between God and man for the first time.

What a nice thought!  Hail Mary, Full of Grace!