"Prophets who bring the best in us to birth"

When Elizabeth heard Mary’s greeting, the child leapt in her womb. And Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit...Luke 1. 39 - 49

On this day in the church year we remember the Visitation, when young Mary pregnant with Jesus traveled over to visit her cousin Elizabeth pregnant with John. As the line above from Luke says, when Elizabeth heard Mary's greeting, the child in her womb leapt - John the Baptist and prophet recognized the presence of the Holy Spirit even in utero.

Who is the Mary to your Elizabeth?

Who makes the Child within you leap?

Who fills you with the Holy Spirit?

A great man died yesterday, and I dare say he was a prophet to thousands. His name was Barnum, and he had the greatest gift of bringing the best in people to birth. Barnum was certainly the "Mary to my Elizabeth."

I join with all those thousands of people who mourn his death, knowing that we are better people because we knew him. There must be rejoicing in heaven like never before; he would want us to rejoice, but it sure will be hard.

If you knew Barnum, you know what I mean. Please join me in prayer for his incredible wife Betty Ann and his daughters Shannon, Beth and Sara.

all of whom shared him with the world.

from The Visitation by Malcolm Guite

They sing today for all the great unsung

Women who turned eternity to time

Favoured of heaven, outcast on the earth

Prophets who bring the best in us to birth.