‘In everyone’s life, at some time, our inner fire goes out. It is then burst into flame by an encounter with another human being. We should all be thankful for those people who rekindle the inner spirit.’ ~Albert Schweitzer

Today (May 31st) is the feast of the Visitation when Mary made the journey to visit her cousin Elizabeth. Both were pregnant and we’re told that when they met, the child in Elizabeth’s womb leaped for joy. We don’t have a journalistic account of their meeting but we do have a poetic account of their encounter. Mary expresses beautiful words of praise to God for all that was happening in her life. These words have been put together to form the beautiful prayer called ‘The Magnificat’. We might say the story has no relevance for us and yet it has much to say as well. Mary and Elizabeth made quality time for each other, shared their innermost feelings, their joys, their worries, struggles, hopes and fears. They were more than just cousins and treasured each other’s friendship. Do I take for granted or do I really treasure my best friends?