When You Hear the Voice

There are several options for today's readings. The one that struck me was that of Mary rushing to visit Elizabeth and the action/reaction of Elizabeth when she heard Mary's voice. She turned to Mary with welcome and a positive reaction. I understand the leaping of John the Baptist would be a strong hint to 'pay attention!'and I am very sure Elizabeth was filled with grace as well, after all she, too, was carrying a miracle within. But she reacted with welcome and compliments and joy. I admit that is not always my first reaction when I receive a phone call at work. I feel interrupted.  I hear incompetence in communication or indecisiveness, or multi-tasking lack of focus in a conversation.  I want to shout, 'get to the point!' I want to ask,'didn't your mother teach you the magic words of please and thank you?' I would not describe my reactions as one of welcome and compliments and joy. Today I will take my lesson from Elizabeth. I will think of her example when I answer the phone at work. I will use an attitude and voice of welcome. This is trekking Catholic.