"That is what makes joy different from happiness or pleasure or fun. All of the others depend on certain conditions – good health, a good job, a happy family, lots of toys and possessions. The only condition for joy is the presence of God. And so joy can break forth in a depressed economy, in the middle of a war, in an intensive care waiting room, or in the slums. The joy of the Lord and in the Lord is contagious. Elizabeth’s excitement ignited Mary’s, and Mary started singing the praises of God. Joy is an inner sense of God’s presence and God’s abiding love for us. It is a profound belief that God will have the last word; it is a still point in the storm of life. As St. Paul writes, “Rejoice…. The Lord is near. Do not worry about anything… the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus” (Phil 4:4-7). Why were these two women rejoicing and singing?  What is the cause of all of this singing? The answer is the Spirit. The Holy Spirit hovers over this new creation, these new children within the wombs of two cousins, just as the Spirit hovered over the world at creation."