Recognizing Jesus

Today, on the Feast of the Visitation of the Blessed Virgin Mary, we read about Mary's visit to Elizabeth in Ain Karim (or in Hebrew, Ein Kerem) in Luke 1:39-56. 

The interesting parts for me are that John the Baptist was filled with the Holy Spirit even before he was born (v. 15). When his mother, Elizabeth, heard Mary's greeting,

even if he was still in the womb, he leaped in her womb! Both Elizabeth and baby John were filled with the Spirit! He recognized Jesus!

How wonderful that Mary was such a kindred spirit to Elizabeth that she hastened to be with her. “While this meeting between Mary and Elizabeth is unique, there is something here that we can all experience. As baptized believers, each of us is capable of bearing Christ to others. If our eyes were opened to this truth, we too would rejoice and be humbled in the presence of so holy a vessel as a sister or brother in Christ.

"Even nonbelievers would move us to great reverence because they too are created in God's image and have just as much potential of being filled with the Holy Spirit. If God has so honored human beings this way, how could we fail to show them equal honor?" (From The Word Among Us) 

May our eyes be open, may our spirit be sensitive to all who bring Christ's love, words and teachings to us. May we not fall into the trap of thinking that it has to be a godly person, or someone we look up to and respect. It may be a child, an office mate, a prisoner, a telemarketer, or even a lowly beggar. 

May we recognize Jesus when He passes by us, when He lingers beside us, or gives us a call!