Meditation 31
OUR LADY'S VISITATION AND THE BAPTIST
The wonderful blessings rich in abundant graces, brought to St. Elizabeth by her cousin's visit, were nevertheless surpassed by the favors bestowed on the child in her bosom. Let us consider the effects of Our Lady's visit on St. John
1. A Fruitful Visit.
The first effect that the child, a future forerunner of Our Lord, experienced whilst still in the bosom of his mother was an intimate joy, so great and uncontrollable that he leapt in the maternal womb, as Elizabeth expressed her immense joy to her august visitor.
OUR LADY'S VISITATION AND THE BAPTIST
The wonderful blessings rich in abundant graces, brought to St. Elizabeth by her cousin's visit, were nevertheless surpassed by the favors bestowed on the child in her bosom. Let us consider the effects of Our Lady's visit on St. John
1. A Fruitful Visit.
The first effect that the child, a future forerunner of Our Lord, experienced whilst still in the bosom of his mother was an intimate joy, so great and uncontrollable that he leapt in the maternal womb, as Elizabeth expressed her immense joy to her august visitor.
The spirit of God is peace, joy and contentment. You may have sorrows and displeasures. You may perhaps have to undergo very painful trials. Nevertheless, by being with Jesus and by enjoying His presence and the presence of your beloved Mother everything will become sweet. Do not seek for happiness and joy outside Jesus, because nowhere save in Him will you find it.
Moreover the joy of the child on hearing the words of Mary and on feeling the closeness of Jesus signifies the joy of an awakening world at the arrival of the Redeemer. Darkness is always sad, whereas the awakening of Creation is full of joy, life and beauty. Recall the sight of a world sunk in the eternal darkness of sin, and see it suddenly awakening. Night is over, day has arrived and the sweet awakening from such a horrible nightmare causes humanity to exult with happiness and immense joy. All that is pictured in the leap of joy which St. John made in the womb of his mother. It is the first sign of happiness. A happiness that will be eternal for all those who wish to avail themselves of the coming of Jesus.
Think of a prisoner loaded with chains under sentence to death, lying sadly in a dark dungeon. How he will welcome the dawn of the day of freedom, on which his fetters will be shattered, and he will begin a new life of light and joy! Such were the feelings of St. John, the representative of mankind. His happiness at that moment was the expression of the joy of all those who through Christ would one day enjoy the life of Heaven.
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