Both Mary and Elizabeth are women who are living simple lives and just going about their everyday activities, when they are asked by God to be a part of something great! Elizabeth, although old and barren, is to become the mother of John the Baptist, the greatest prophet, (Luke 7:28) who will prepare the way for Jesus (Luke 2:14)! Mary, the young virgin, is chosen to be the Mother of Jesus, the Son of God, the Prince of Peace, who will save those who trust in Him from their sins. The first part of the “Hail Mary” prayer comes in verse 28, as the Angel Gabriel “appears to Mary,” and says: “Hail, favored one! The Lord is with you.” When Mary visits Elizabeth, who is “filled with the Holy Spirit,” Elizabeth “cries out” in a loud voice, saying: “Most blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb.” As we pray this prayer today, we fulfill the prophecy of Mary: “Behold, from now on, all ages will call me blessed!”