Like John, like Elizabeth, like Mary, like Jesus

Each of the principals in today's reading from St. Ambrose offers us something to emulate. Christ brings Grace, prenatal John recognizes His presence, Elizabeth responds to John's intrauterine testimony with humility and acknowledgement, Mary proclaims a wondrous canticle of God's greatness. Together, they offer, respond to, and acclaim the Father's wondrous grace and mercy.

At times in our lives we are each called to take on these various roles in the proclamation of the Gospel. Sometimes we are in need of grace; at others we are the one recognizing God's presence or proclaiming His love to someone else who desperately needs it.

We are all called to receive Christ and manifest His presence to the world.