Our Gospel narrates the famous meeting of these two women - two expectant mothers - and indeed the meeting of their unborn sons. It is a story of recognition and hospitality. Although the scene appears to focus on these two women, the sons within their womb are the true protagonists. There is immediate recognition even in the safety and darkness of the womb. The recognition of Jesus by John the Baptist prompts John's mother to do the same. It is much easier for us to recognise the divine in that which is apparently sacred, for example, within the Blessed Sacrament and within the confines of a church, than it is to recognize the Lord within our neighbour. But we must heed the message behind today's Gospel - we will never know that we are in the presence of the divine unless we are prepared to open our doors and hearts to all whom we meet. And thus, we too must be drawn into the hospitality of God. For the one who appears to extend hospitality would ironically be the one who will receive in turn. This was the case of Mary and Elizabeth. Mary enters Elizabeth's house, perhaps seeking hospitality during these early months of her pregnancy, only to find that she is bringing a far greater gift - the gift of the child Jesus, who brings true hospitality to the home of His mother's host.