In today’s Gospel reading we are presented with Mary, who has come to visit her relative Elizabeth who is expecting her child, John the Baptist. Both women recognize the action of the Holy Spirit in each other and praise God, as have other holy women we encounter in sacred scripture.  Each is aware of God’s closeness and it leads to joy and serving rather than competition. Listen to what these women filled with the Holy Spirit hope for. What am I hoping for in the graced season?
 
Prayer:
My soul proclaims the greatness of the Lord, 
my spirit rejoices in God my Savior
for he has looked with favor on his lowly servant. 
From this day all generations will call me blessed: 
the Almighty has done great things for me, 
and holy is his Name.
He has mercy on those who fear him
in every generation. 
He has shown the strength of his arm, 
he has scattered the proud in their conceit.
He has cast down the mighty from their thrones, 
and has lifted up the lowly. 
He has filled the hungry with good things, 
and the rich he has sent away empty.
He has come to the help of his servant Israel
for he remembered his promise of mercy, 
the promise he made to our fathers, 
to Abraham and his children forever.
(Lk 1: 46-55)

Action: Ponder the presence of the Holy Spirit in your life and the life of someone you know. Don’t be afraid to share this with the person that you notice who has given you an example of being filled with the Holy Spirit.