Finding Humility with the Holy Family

Today, on the Feast of the Holy Family, my mind turns to the 5^th Joyful Mystery of the Rosary: Finding of the Child Jesus in the Temple in Luke 2:41-52

On the way home from a visit to the Temple, well into the journey, Mary and Joseph realize that Jesus is not with them, so they make the trek back to find him, frantic and anxious…as any parent would be. Upon entering the Temple, they find him surrounded by men who are dumbfounded by what he knows. When asked why he caused so much worry, his response is simple-Why wouldn’t he be in his father’s house? Luke then explains that while his parents stand there listening, “…they did not understand what he spoke to them.”

As I reflect on this Gospel, this is the verse that sticks out to me. “They did not understand.” It is so frustrating to find myself in the situation where I do not understand something or someone. It hurts my pride; it’s humiliating.  So, when I come across this verse, I feel myself getting a little frustrated for Mary and Joseph. They are his parents afterall. Of all people, they should be able to understand. Couldn’t God have given them some grace or some sort of code, so that they wouldn’t worry? “Oh yeah,” they could think, “He’s the Son of God, of course.” Then, they could walk in peace knowing that Jesus would be different.

But that’s not how it was to be; it’s not how God wanted it.  It wouldn’t be normal or right for them to have a ‘secret code’ of understanding everything and knowing just what being the Son of God meant or what being his parents would mean. That wasn’t their place. The grace they were given was to be his parents, in very human, ordinary, loving ways. As part of the mystery of the Incarnation, “The Word became flesh and dwelt among us,” and put himself in the humble place of needing humans. Jesus needed human parents who were loving, emotional, and real. He needed to learn how to be a man, how to be part of a family, and the human experience from his mom and dad. It was part of his formation. So, they had to search for him, like so many parents who have lost their children…physically or emotionally.

And their response? The only indication is about Mary, his mother. “And she kept all these things in her heart.” No anger. No resentment. And, really, no mention of anxiety after he was found.  She ponders and sits with it: something here, a truth, was yet to unfold and now was not the time for her to know. Mary, the mother of God, did not know everything, yet she knew all that she needed to know at the time.

I look at this ‘mirror’ that my Father has allowed me to reflect in while sitting with this passage. What does it mean for me when I’m hit with the realization of not understanding the events, path, or people in my life? Mary can teach us so much! If the Mother of God can accept that she is not to understand everything about her Son and all that’s to come and her reaction is to move on, while keeping these events in her heart, then who am I to say that I deserve more?

Peace comes with knowing that despite finding Jesus there was mystery for his own Mother. Mary had puzzles to be unlocked, questions to explore, and events to sit with. There flashes of light or Aha moments. Even in her intimacy with Jesus, she has to let grace enter in and grow in her heart. I am blessed that my Father lead me to this passage. I feel humbled and recognized in where I am. And, I know that the inner prayers of my learning to ponder heart are being heard…even as my Father’s response is, “That’s not for you to know right now.”

A Warm Welcome II

I arrive in Assisi around 10pm. It's cold, bone chilling, especially for this Texan. Two others get off the train, an elegant, older woman and a priest. We miss the bus by 5 minutes, so the woman is calling about a taxi. No answer at any of the numbers. Lack of sleep has caught up to me, so all I can do is just stand there...praying for a taxi to pull up. Finally, thankfully, one does. The woman and priest tell me to get in. They'll share it with me! The taxi drops me off, I go to pay the driver, and the woman points to herself and says, 'No, me. Bounasera!' Wow! 

I walk up the hill to my hotel and walk in. The man behind the desk, calls me by name...then says the words that no one likes to hear.."We have un problemo." Apparently, that day, they lost all heat...no heat in rooms and no hot water. No Bueno. I was really looking forward to staying in this particular hotel, so I thought..here it is, now the tough part starts. But he continues, "but it's no problem...I have a room for you at four star hotel across the way. I take you there in my car right now." This man. He waited for me, I was delayed from even the delayed time that I had already warned them about. All so he could welcome me and take me to the other hotel. The hotel was great, but I was still a little bummed because I had so wanted to stay at the other one. But, then came breakfast. 

To say that I have food issues is an understatement. I have allergies with allergies. When I come to breakfast buffets, there's usually not a lot for me because it's all bread, whole eggs, and fruit that I can't have. But this! This was a feast to behold AND partake in. They had gluten free bread (that I could eat) fruit that was me-friendly, and decaf coffee! It's like they knew I was coming!  I was taking photos of everything! I then found a table with a view of the hills and valley started eating and just laughing. I delighted in that breakfast. What a gift!

I feel loved and welcomed. The Lord has brought little things here and there and dear people with beautiful hearts to ensure that I'm taking care of and feel it, and this is just the first 24 hours. And, this type of hospitality has the hands of a mother all over it. I can't help but feel like Elizabeth in the Gospel of Luke at the Visitation, "Who am I that the mother of my Lord should come and visit me!?" I'm reminded that I don't always allow people to do things for me. I often prefer to do things myself and can get caught up in that. Then, there are those times that I expect things from others or from God. So really, how often have I allowed the Lord to care for me AND embraced it enough to cherish it? I'm sure He has some things that He wants to talk about while I'm here, but for now, I welcome, enjoy, and praise Him for this outpouring of generosity and undeserved love, which has brought me so much peace and grace.

A Warm Welcome Part I

"He will rejoice over you with gladness and renew you in his love" Zeph. 3:14-18

The Lord has called me to go to Assisi, Italy. He set it up and provided the means to go. He made me an offer I couldn't refuse, so here I am. Before embarking on this adventure, I didn't know what to expect. The entire month up to the weekend before I left had been CRAZY...really the past 6 months have just been out of whack, although they were also filled with much grace and healing. So as per usual, things pick up in the drama category before I'm about to go on a pilgrimage. Now, to explain, this is different from getting ready to go on a trip. Things can be stressful running errands, taking care of last minute details, etc, but this kind of drama hits you in a different place. It strikes you in your heart. I was feeling personally unsuccessful and out of sorts spiritually. All that and the fact that the Lord basically put this getaway together, had me preparing myself for some sort of surgery. However, day one comes and hits me in a different way, a pleasantly peaceful different way.

I'm struck by how personal our Lord is. We all talk about His love and that He loves us, but He loves me...and you...not just the whole lot of us...each of us. He knows each of us, our hearts, desires, and what makes us smile...what we delight in. He's the ultimate Lover, in the most honorable, intimate form of the word.

Have you ever visited someone's home and felt as if they knew you were coming? Like they bought your favorite cereal, or knew that you drank only decaf coffee. They went out of their way to make sure you were comfortable and felt special. As my Host for this adventure, The Lords has done likewise. 

It started in Rome. I had set up guides through one friend, but it didn't work out. The Lord had other plans. He worked through a priest friend to connect me with one of his priest friends to meet and guide me for the afternoon. As soon as we met up, he handed me an umbrella because it was supposed to rain and a bus ticket. Then he switched backpacks with me because I had my heavy hiking backpack. (I was supposed to be the one getting doing/things for him because he was offering his time!)  He took time out of his day to walk me to St. Peter's, the fountains, everywhere, asked questions for me, and really took the time to personalize the 'tour.' We had easy conversation, and it all made me feel like I was welcome. At the end of the day, he made I sure that I got to the right train to take to Assisi.