"Elizabeth, filled with the Holy Spirit, cried out in a loud voice and said, "Most blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb.'" Lk 1: 41-42
More often than not, especially if we have good friends, a problem shared is a problem halved. The story of Mary's visit with Elizabeth always lifts our spirits as Mary reaches out for her cousin who is also pregnant for the first time. Elizabeth's response is full of delight, "How does this happen to me, that the mother of my Lord should come to me?" No doubt when Mary stays with her for "three months," she is even more consoled.
The feast of the Visitation not only plunges us more deeply into the mystery of God's unfolding love for us in Jesus, it suggests very practical advice for our everyday lives. When we try to interpret God's action in our lives without another set of ears, we risk conceit and self absorption. Elizabeth and Mary, both living the mystery of God's love for them in extraordinary ways, offer us a compass for our own lives. In Latin we say nemo judex in causa sua, no one is a judge in her own case. When faced with discerning how best to respond to God especially when we doubt our own insight, the counsel of a soul friend is essential.
Today, listen to the voice of a friend as you ask God for direction and peace.
What steps do you take when faced with decisions about how God is acting in your life?
No comments:
Post a Comment
Please be discreet in your comments. I will monitor the comments, and only exclude those that are patently offensive.