Aelred of Rievaulx, the 12th century monk wrote in Spiritual Friendship; “what happiness, what security, what joy to have someone to whom you dare to speak on terms of equality as to another self”. This is truly an apt description of Mary and Elizabeth’s spiritual kinship. Both women faced unusual, yet joyous, and miraculous circumstances! While reading this gospel passage, can we recall some of our special friendships, current or past, we have experienced during our lifetime. Certainly you may need to call a friend or share a meal together, and reminisce about your friendship. Wholeheartedly tell you friend the ways in which you consider her or him as a blessing.