May 31, 2024 Daily Dose of Discernment

“He who has the bride is the groom; but the friend of the groom, who stands and listens to him, rejoices greatly because of the groom’s voice. So this joy of mine has been made full.” (John 3:29)

We celebrate the Feast of the Visitation today, and commemorate the time when Mary, pregnant with Jesus, visited her cousin Elizabeth who was pregnant with John. When Elizabeth heard Mary’s greeting, John leaped in her womb and she was filled with the Holy Spirit, who obviously was also received by her baby. John must’ve also heard his mother call Mary the mother of her Lord and say to her, “Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb!” As yet an unborn child, he perceived who Jesus was. That experience and hearing the Bridegroom’s voice (Jn 3:29) obviously made him understand his identity and ministry. He knew that Jesus increasing, and he decreasing made his joy complete.

May we likewise be sensitive and recognize the voice of God in the voices around us so that we too may discern our calling and fulfill it, that our joy also may be full.