Mary and John the Baptist both challenge us not only in witnessing to Christ by who we are, but also in recognizing his presence in others. Mary, because of the unique person she is, was able to carry Christ within her physically, and simultaneously radiate his living presence to both Elizabeth and John the Baptist. John, even though still in the womb, immediately sensed Jesus in Mary and he leaped for joy. Our struggle is thus twofold: because of our sinfulness we tend to obscure the Christ who dwells within and this makes it difficult for others to encounter Christ in us. Our other struggle (related to the first) is that we are not very adept at recognizing Christ in others—especially those we find difficult and unlikeable. And yet, this is one of the more tangible encounters with Christ that we have continual access to in our daily lives together. Through the intercession of both Mary and John the Baptist, may our growing union with Christ enable us to radiate his presence and easily recognize that same presence in one another.
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