visiting privileges
"When Elizabeth heard Mary's greeting, the baby leapt in her womb. Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit." —Luke 1:41
On this feast of the Visitation, the Lord reveals to us that even infants in the womb can receive the Holy Spirit by the Lord's sovereign power (Lk 1:15). Old women can receive the Spirit merely by hearing the greeting of a Spirit-filled person (Lk 1:41). Teenage girls will also receive the Spirit as they let it be done unto them according to the Lord's word (Lk 1:38). "The Spirit is moving all over this land."
The prophecy of Joel continues to be fulfilled: "I will pour out My Spirit upon all mankind. Your sons and daughters shall prophesy, your old men shall dream dreams, your young men shall see visions; even upon the servants and the handmaids, in those days, I will pour out My Spirit" (Jl 3:1-2).
Mary is praying in heaven for you as she prayed for Jesus' disciples in the upper room (Acts 1:14). Repent. Give your life to Jesus. Thirst for the Spirit (Jn 7:37). Ask for the Spirit (Lk 11:13). "Then you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. It was to you and your children that the promise was made" (Acts 2:38-39).
Prayer: Father, stir into flame the gift of the Holy Spirit (2 Tm 1:6).
Promise: "The Lord, your God, is in your midst, a mighty Savior; He will rejoice over you with gladness, and renew you in His love, He will sing joyfully because of you." —Zep 3:17
Praise: Praise Jesus, in the womb of Mary, Who brought joy, life, and the gift of the Holy Spirit. Alleluia!
Reference: (For a related teaching, order our tape on Mary's Visitation on audio AV 73-3 or video V-73.)
Rescript: †Reverend Joseph R. Binzer, Vicar General of the Archdiocese of Cincinnati, XXX 11, 2011
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