Feast of the Holy Family

 Merry Christmas and Happy Feast of the Holy Family! (though I think my blog posts usually post the day after.)

It is a beautiful time of year, as we continue through the Christmas Octave, and prepare our resolutions for the New Year.  There is something awe-striking but also mysterious, as we meditate on the life of the holy family.  What was it like to be the mother/father of Jesus Christ Himself?  We can pray to Our Lady "Blessed are you among women!" as we ponder her motherhood.  To Joseph, to pray that our fathers may be good, holy fathers.  We hear so little from either parent in the Bible, yet their example rings out during those first days of Our Lord's life on earth.  

I pray that all families may be blessed with the wisdom and knowledge of the Holy Family, who always sought out God's will and perfect charity.

Second Week of Advent

 Here we are, entering into the Second Week of Advent!  I like to meditate on this Sunday's gospel, with the appearance of John the Baptist in the wilderness.  What does he say?  "Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand!"  St Matthew (the writer of this gospel account) also quotes the prophet Isaiah in exclaiming: Prepare the way of the Lord, make straight his paths.  

Advent is definitely a time of preparation.  And John the Baptist wants to prepare everyone for something new: the Messiah is coming, as foretold!  We may have decorated our houses for Christmas, but have we prepared our hearts afresh for the entering of something- Someone - new?  The Hebrew people have been eagerly awaiting Our Lord, but did not know how to look for Him.  So John makes his proclamation to be ready!  

Are we ready?

Reminders

 As we approach Holy Week, I have become more intentional in pausing before images of Our Lord that my husband and I have on display throughout the house: a crucifix, a divine mercy image, etc.  I slow down from chores and rushing to get ready for work.  Jesus is waiting to be noticed.  Do I stop and acknowledge His Presence?  Do I reflect on the rays coming from His Hands in the divine mercy image?  Do I whisper, "Jesus, I trust in You."  

I have especially found meaning behind seeing Jesus in the crucifix.  Do I realize the pain, the agony, that He goes through for us?  He is literally hanging there, but also loving me.  It reminds me to go beyond the comfortable.  And the choosing to forgive when I might not "feel" like forgiving.  Or doing an extra act of love because I want to save souls.  Jesus teaches me what it means to suffer and to love.

Our Lord waits for me to notice Him not only during my set prayer times, but throughout the day.  So I remember to slow down and acknowledge, love, and lean on Him; because He is the great I AM.

This is only "A Scratch Off the Surface" in living "In The Presence of God."