A reading from the holy Gospel according to Luke 2:16-21
The shepherds went in haste to Bethlehem and found Mary and Joseph, and the infant lying in the manger. When they saw this, they made known the message that had been told them about this child. All who heard it were amazed by what had been told them by the shepherds. And Mary kept all these things, reflecting on them in her heart. Then the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all they had heard and seen, just as it had been told to them.
When eight days were completed for his circumcision, he was named Jesus, the name given him by the angel before he was conceived in the womb.
REFLECTION: "And Mary kept all these things, reflecting on them in her heart."
How important the little things of life are!! Here is a fourteen year old teenager, who loves God, gives up her life for Him, and is chosen to raise Emmanuel, Jesus Christ, God made man, the Messiah. We would say impossible for this young girl to do such a feat. She is too young, what does she know, she has no experience would be some of the murmurings heard in the neighborhood if we were asked our opinion. We would be suspicious or jealous of what was happening and maybe come up with a little bit of gossip about how she was raised or how she got herself in this state.
She was asked not only to give birth to God in a manger, but to flee to an unknown country, and in humility and poverty live in Nazareth working, cooking, cleaning, sewing and nurturing her family. She never asked "why" but always pondered and reflected --carefully thought about the situation. God would give her the answers. She just had to respond with humility, purity of intention and love. God loves the child-like. He loves sweet innocence. He loves Mary.
Do we ever stop to think before we speak? Do we assess the situation, control our reaction and emotion to what is happening and seek out God's will in every second of our life? Do we rely on ourselves to solve the problems of our lives or do we, in full abandonment, seek what God has in store for us? We are not innocent bystanders but active participants in our lives--allowing the Holy Spirit to direct us in all that we do. How can we become so dependent on God? Ask Him what to do in your current stage of life. By deepening our prayer life, doing small acts of kindness, performing our duties with fun and joy, seeking ways to love our family more, fasting and sacrificing for others needs, we can be close to God.
"The way you live your days is the way you live your life." (Annie Dillard, author) At the beginning of the day, ask God what does He have in store for you. Tell Him what you have planned and may His goals be first. Examine our life at the end of the day. See our joys but also our weaknesses and humiliations. Mary is our Mother as well. She has lived through difficult moments, worries, concerns, duties, emotions and tears . Ask her to be with you always, holding your hand as you approach her Son, in thanksgiving and praise.
Thanking God for 2019. Happy New Year 2020
God Bless
