There is a difference in...
Illustration
There is a difference in family gatherings. If a family is not "close," if there is uncertainty of love, then when members gather after a long separation, there is an atmosphere of "one-upmanship." Each member boasts of their accomplishments or the success of their children. There is little attentive listening as each member awaits his or her turn to "crow."
But, in the close family, whatever the time of separation, you will hear the members confirming one another, consoling one another, complimenting one another. Each seems to take more delight in the happenings of the others, and each leaves the gathering with greater confidence, assurance, love.
When Mary, having been told by Gabriel of the child she would bear, visits her cousin, Elizabeth, she is greeted with affirmation for herself and her child. She is honored by Elizabeth's humility and has her faith confirmed by her cousin: "And blessed is she who believes that there would be fulfillment of what was spoken to her from the Lord." God, who is Love, shows the greatest example of his love through a loving, human family.
But, in the close family, whatever the time of separation, you will hear the members confirming one another, consoling one another, complimenting one another. Each seems to take more delight in the happenings of the others, and each leaves the gathering with greater confidence, assurance, love.
When Mary, having been told by Gabriel of the child she would bear, visits her cousin, Elizabeth, she is greeted with affirmation for herself and her child. She is honored by Elizabeth's humility and has her faith confirmed by her cousin: "And blessed is she who believes that there would be fulfillment of what was spoken to her from the Lord." God, who is Love, shows the greatest example of his love through a loving, human family.
