BEING LED
“And Mary kept all these things, reflecting on them in her heart.” - Lk. 2:19
Today’s Gospel reminds me of how God has guided me on my own journey. The shepherds went in haste to Bethlehem because they had been told about the birth of Jesus. When they saw Mary, Joseph, and the baby, Jesus, their faith was renewed and strengthened. It is easy to relate to the shepherds who let their faith guide them along the way to a place where they were affirmed of God’s love for them. A few days ago, I was looking back through photos of 2016. Each photo had a beautiful and loving memory of the year that started off with a Caritas retreat and ended up with my first silent retreat. Like the shepherds, I was being led to a deeper and more intimate experience with Jesus. I said yes to God in small ways throughout that year not knowing where the journey would lead me and only knowing in my heart that I should follow. It wasn’t always easy and some truths were revealed along the way that I had spent years avoiding because they were uncomfortable and difficult to deal with.
Reflecting on this passage, I am moved by Mary’s unshakable faith - her ability to let herself be guided and to understand the small ways that God affirmed her and her decision to be the handmaiden of the Lord. She was able to dwell, reflect and meditate on the small cairns on the road and keep them close to her heart to understand that these small acts of faith such as the shepherds visiting the Holy Family were all part of God’s plan.
How have you let yourself be guided by God? How has God affirmed you this Christmas season? May we be guided by Mary’s deep trust in God’s love for us.
Jeanalee Obergfell