Monday of the Fourth Week of Advent - Today's Readings
Part of the reason I love the story of the visitation is because I know the joy of having good soul friends, women that help build me up spiritually and bring me closer to God. I think Mary and Elizabeth have this kind of relationship.
One friend that comes to mind when I think of soul friends is Clare. Clare and I were roommates for most of my undergraduate time. After college, we usually lived in different states but remain connected thanks to social media and texting. We don't see one another as often as I would like, but when we do, my soul feels safe and encouraged. Clare understands the movement of the Spirit in me. She trusts my ability to listen to the Spirit as well. We can share on a more intimate level without needing to know all the details of the other's life.
I imagine Mary and Elizabeth as soul friends. They lived in different towns so it's safe to assume they likely did not see each other often. Mary heard of Elizabeth's pregnancy through the angel, so it's no wonder she wanted to visit her. What a joy it would be for the two to share their pregnancies with one another, the joys, the pains, the fears and excitements. Both experienced miraculous pregnancies and likely had a different experience of God because of it.
God certainly graced Mary & Elizabeth with the gift of one another. And I am blessed to have soul friends like Clare who can nourish my spirit. Who is someone that does that for you?