Divine visitation

Gospel: Lk 1:39-45

https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/122123.cfm

During this holiday season, we will encounter friends, family, and strangers. It’s a time when we can connect in a special way with others. For some, this connection can be an obligation, and for others, it can be something we seek out. We have our traditions and our surprises along the way. We can remember those we’ve celebrated with in the past who are no longer with us, and we can more deeply appreciate those who remain. We can see the holiday through the eyes of a child or see how the holiday has changed as we and the one’s we love have grown and changed through the years. We can desire a return to another time or hope for how things will be in the future.

There is a lot of beauty found in the present moment and what we can see in others. In today’s gospel, Mary visits Elizabeth. Mary and Elizabeth were cousins who I presume visited each other on occasion as we do with our relatives. Instead of expressing her excitement in seeing her cousin, Elizabeth is overjoyed to encounter Mary as the mother of her Lord. Elizabeth says, “And how does it happen to me, that the mother of my Lord should come to me?”

We are all created uniquely in the image and likeness of God. God willed us into being and loves us all individually. We each have our own special divine imprint; we can veer away from that imprint, but alas, it is still there. Throughout this holiday season, everyone that we encounter has their own special divine imprint as well. God is revealed in a special way through each of us. When we engage with others this season, it is good to call to mind the words of Elizabeth, “How does it happen to me, that the Lord should come to me?” There is a divine spark in all of us. Look around you and see God’s light in others and be grateful for the unique way God is revealed through that light.