Jesus, the Baby in Mary's womb, filled John, the baby in Elizabeth's womb, with the Holy Spirit (Lk 1:41, 15). Babies can receive God Himself. Babies are human beings called, loved, and transformed by God (see Is 49:1; Ps 139:13). This has been known for millennia, but today we need to be reminded of the obvious biological fact that babies are human beings. Despite the fact that embryology and the study of genetics have further confirmed that babies are human beings, our high-tech world simply ignores scientific data and just pretends that babies aren't human beings. Therefore, in our society, the events of Mary's visitation of Elizabeth are more significant than ever.

On this special day, may Mary, Elizabeth, John, and many other prophets and prophetesses prophesy. May their words penetrate, divide, and judge the thoughts and reflections of our hearts (Heb 4:12). May we be convicted of our participation in the secular "culture of death." May we repent of a worldly lifestyle, selfishness, and apathy. May the Lord confuse the proud and depose the mighty we have enthroned contrary to His will (Lk 1:51-52). On this day, may God visit His people, and may we repent.

Rescript:  †Reverend Joseph R. Binzer, Vicar General of the Archdiocese of Cincinnati, October 9, 2009

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