After three days they found him

"After three days they found him in the temple, sitting in the midst of the teachers, listening to them and asking them questions, and all who heard him were astounded at his understanding and his answers.” (Luke 2:46) 

Reflection

This would not be the last time Mary waited three days before finding the real story about her Son.  Later in life, she would encourage his “coming out” at Cana, where He begins public ministry.  Even later, Mary and the disciples would wait another three day period for Jesus to “come out” again – this time as the Risen Lord.  Faith provides Christians with two gifts: 1) patience as we wait the three days – or however long that period in the tomb may be, and 2) spiritual insight into the new reality revealed – a clearer understanding of God’s plan for us.

So, as we contemplate the meaning of Christmas for our own lives, we take away these lessons: in the coming year, the human Jesus will show us how to be patient with the dark times of being lost.  He will also reveal to us (in His time) the Resurrection, the new life, a finding Him in a new light.  This new light often comes after a time of contemplation and patient prayer.  As “his mother kept all these things in her heart,” she waited for Jesus to advance in wisdom and favor through obedience to God’s greater plan.

May you be blessed with such Faith.

Elizabeth heard Mary's greeting

When Elizabeth heard Mary's greeting, the infant leaped in her womb, and Elizabeth, filled with the Holy Spirit, cried out in a loud voice and said, "Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb.”  (Luke 1:41-43) 

Reflection 

These days, I get texts that jump right to the chase:  no hello, no greeting, no “how are you.”  In this fast-paced culture, we don’t take time to begin messages with “I hope you are well” or “Peace to you during these days of Christmas.”  I do have a Jesuit friend who sends emails and letters to me with two or three sentences of salutation, asking how I am and sending along his best wishes.  Some Jesuits insert the familiar “P.C.” after the Dear Pat, which means, “Pax Christi” (the peace of Christ).  But, sometimes we are too busy to honor the gift of greeting one another with good news or stated blessings and support.

In this Sunday’s Gospel, we see that Elizabeth is greatly inspired by the greeting of Mary.  Elizabeth is so happy to hear the first words of her cousin that her body responded in motion and voice.  Powerful stuff those greetings – words to acknowledge the blessed presence of your friend, the prayers and wishes for good health, the hopes for a blessed new year.  Let’s make a habit of using similar greetings and words of respect in our messaging.  

Look at the 16^th chapter of Paul’s letter to the Romans:  nothing but greetings.  At least twenty!  And at least six times Paul encourages believers to greet one another “with a holy kiss.”  How would I do that on line?  I would take time to write a sentence or two which conveys a blessing, a good wish, or a hope for joy.  Before jumping in with your 144 tweet characters, take a minute to type “Peace to you” or “May your week be a blessed one.”  See the power Good News has in cyberspace this season. 

A voice of one

As it is written in the book of the words of the prophet Isaiah:  A voice of one crying out in the desert:

"Prepare the way of the Lord, make straight his paths …” (Luke 3:5,6)

Reflection

Growing up in a large family (as you can see by a look at my Facebook wallpaper), I have sometimes felt like my voice got lost in the crowd.  I was passed the potatoes, not because I asked for them, but because I just happened to be next in line.  If I had a favorite TV to watch, I got to see it in large part because it was the favorite of everyone else.   

Sometimes you might feel like your voice is rather puny and your pronouncements don’t matter much.In today’s Gospel, we hear the one single voice of one obscure desert Jew:  John the Baptizer.  He had funny clothes, food, and an even funnier job.  He likely thought no one would listen.  But it didn’t matter.  Even though he was “the voice of one,” his message was heard by one, then another, and on and on.Eventually the Baptist’s cry was heard my trillions, but it started with just one sound.   

You too have a particular sound – an opinion or a bit of Good news to share.  Don’t be shy.  Advent is a time to send Christmas cards, sometimes by way of speech and a nice word to someone in need.  Let your voice join John’s this season, so as to prepare the way of the other “One” who is to come.