The Visit

A Poem by Sr. Candice Tucci, OSF

Two pregnant women. One on in age and the other young.
Both open to the Word of God alive and present within them.

One baby will be called John. One baby will be named Jesus.
Both names divinely chosen.

Two women embrace. The babies leap within their wombs.

Hello John. Hello Jesus whispers in the heartbeats of the two
yet to be born pressed within the bellies of their mothers.

They meet for the first time in the flesh,
and will grow to manhood together.
Each with a mission. Each with a Godly task before them.

Hello John. Hello Jesus. Now on the shore of the river Jordan.
For the second time, in human form,
John acknowledges the sacred identity of Jesus as God speaks:
This is my son.

None of this without their moms, Elizabeth and Mary with their embrace.
None of this without each one’s affirmation of God’s will and chosen ones.
None of this without their hearts open to a profound experience of God.
None of this without their keen awareness of who they are, and their time in history.

An Angel spoke.
God spoke.
Each woman listened and said YES!
A YES to MYSTERY and WONDER!

Chosen women of faith proclaim with conviction this ominous yet promising mission!
Elizabeth speaks:
      Most blessed are you among women,
      And blessed is the fruit of your womb.

Mary speaks:
      My soul proclaims the greatness of the Lord;
      My spirit rejoices in God my Savior,
      For God has looked with favor on this lowly servant…holy is God’s Name.

Remembering God’s ancient promise of mercy.
They believe this promise will be kept.

Among you is the great and Holy One of Israel!
Thank you, Mary! Thank you, Elizabeth! Thank you, John! Thank you, Jesus!

Have you met them? Have you heard the WORD?
Has your heart leapt in Mystery with joy ?
Blessed are you who believed
That what was spoken to you by the Lord
Would be fulfilled!