Filled with the Holy Spirit

My Dearest Brothers and Sisters in Christ:

Today’s gospel (Luke 1:39-45) is the joyful story of the Mary’s visit to see Elizabeth. Both Mary and Elizabeth, through the miracles of God in Heaven, are with child. Mary’s womb contained that which filled the universe, Jesus Christ our Lord and Savior. She was filled with the Holy Spirit and the fully human God of Heaven and Earth. An expecting mother is normally glowing with the elation that she has new life within her womb, but Mary had the Christ child. Can you just image the joy and happiness that radiated from Mary in her state of motherhood? We are told that when Mary entered Elizabeth’s house, the baby in Elizabeth’s womb (John the Baptist) leapt with joy as he was filled with the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit, radiating from Mary, embraced both Elizabeth and her unborn child. The Lord Jesus Christ had entered all three lives. Can you even imagine how happy and glorious Mary felt knowing that she was carrying the Lord of heaven above? Mary proclaimed, “My soul magnifies the Lord, and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior.” We too are filled with this same Holy Spirit through our baptism. Is it obvious that you have the Holy Spirit within you? Can your fellow brothers and sisters identify you as carrying Christ? To have the Holy Spirit dwelling in us one of the greatest graces God bestows upon us. We should be excited and sing out that we have God present within our souls. It is our job, through our actions, our words and thoughts to radiate outward the Holy Spirit. We are commanded to share the gifts which God has bestowed upon us and the Gift of the Holy Spirit is one that was given to us freely and we must share freely.

A Simple Prayer Lord Jesus Christ, Savior of the World, Thank you for filling my heart with the Holy Spirit. Thank you for allowing me to be a vessel of your love and joy. Give me the strength to share this love and joy with others so that they too may know you as I know you.

Yours in Christ Michael Marcon