God within us

My Dearest Brothers and Sisters in Christ:

Well the saga of Mary continues. In today’s Gospel reading (Luke 1:39-45), “Mary arose and went with haste into the hill country, to a city of Judah, and she entered the house of Zechariah and greeted Elizabeth.” Mary was so excited about the news from the angel of God that she had to go and confirm the news. When Elizabeth hears the voice of Mary, “the babe leaped in her womb; and Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit.” At this time, Jesus is probably only a week or so old in the womb of Mary and he is already changing the world. Can you imagine the joy and excitement that must have been shared in that house that day? What is most surprising is that Elizabeth recognized Mary as the mother of God immediately. She said to Mary, “Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb!” Immediately she recognized her Lord. At this moment, these two women must have been overwhelmed with the excitement of what they contained within their wombs. The life that they carried within them would forever change the world.

We too must recognize God within us. God dwells in our heart and soul. Once we realize he is with us, we too can be filled with the Holy Spirit. We can allow the Holy Spirit to change our lives forever. When Elizabeth recognized Christ within Mary, not only was she filled with the Holy Spirit, but so was her unborn son. John the Baptist would be special from birth. His mission started in the sixth month of his conception. The Holy Spirit is a wonderful grace which allows us to see Christ within us and to bring Christ to others for their salvation. Mary brought Christ to Elizabeth and Elizabeth was overwhelmed with God. This is exactly why we celebrate Jesus’ birthday. We celebrate the gift which God placed on this earth to save us from our sins. This wonderful gift is placed within us from our conception in the womb. So on Christmas morning, thank God for giving us his son, and for placing Christ within each and every one of us.

A Simple Prayer God, I am in joyful anticipation of the coming of the Messiah. May he enter my life and fill me with the Holy Spirit.

Yours in Christ Michael Marcon