In the sixth month of Elizabeth’s pregnancy, Mary, who had been visited by an angel, now quickly goes to visit Elizabeth. Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit. Here is sister conversation across the generations. Elizabeth is the first to witness to the identity of “my Lord” and his incarnation into the world. Indeed, it is the first proclamation. Elizabeth exclaimed with a loud cry! No quiet whispering. No doubtful, “Do you think, maybe?” Mary hears surety and feels security in the words and arms of her relative, Elizabeth. Elizabeth is more than a “mere” relative; she is a sister in faith.
These sisters in faith believed in fulfillment. God does what God promises. God’s work, our bodies. God brings to fruition what God plans – even that which God implants in us and grows through us.
Some conceive in their womb. Some conceive an idea, a book or a blog. God may plant in you a vocation, a new journey, a call to care, a call to work for justice. What may God be growing in you?
This message is from the Bible study “Mary and Elizabeth, sisters across generations” by Norma Cook Everest in the May 2016 Gather magazine. Today we commemorate the Visit of Mary to Elizabeth.
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