Greetings Prayer Warriors,
Have you ever been surprised by the path the Lord has set
you upon? Did you imagine your life’s
journey might be different? Perhaps you
have unfulfilled dreams for yourself, your marriage, or your family? You are not alone.
If you are prone to complaining or at least murmuring under
your breath, stop for a moment to contemplate the life of Jesus’s beloved mother,
Mary. She was asked to conceive out of wedlock, while having her virginity
untouched. Her husband was chosen for
her, yet she would have no relations with him. She would go into labor while
out of town, and Joseph would have to tell his very pregnant wife there were no
lodging vacancies. She would give birth
among the animals, and use a feeding trough for a crib. Yet, her faith was
unwavering. 40 days later she and Joseph would journey to Jerusalem, only to be
stunned again.
Simeon blessed them and said to Mary his mother, “Behold, this child is destined for the fall and rise of many in Israel, and to be a sign that will be contradicted (and you yourself a sword will pierce)* so that the thoughts of many hearts may be revealed.” Luke 2:34-35
Did she know this would be part of her “yes”? That she would
be a witness to and participant in Christ’s redemptive suffering?
Mary kept all these things, reflecting on them in her heart. Luke 2:19
Did she ever imagine
she and Joseph would have to flee to Egypt in the dark of night to save her son
from Herod? Did she anticipate a young Jesus would wander from the caravan and they
would not find him for days? Had the
thought ever crossed her mind, that she would lose her husband, provider, and
protector and be a widow raising her son alone? All this, yet there would be more…
Mary never
complained she just pondered the ways of the Lord. Immersed in contemplative prayer she found strength and peace. We have a lot to learn from
Mary’s example of faith, humility, and perseverance. Hers was a life of
self-giving love, magnifying the Lord.
Lord, on behalf of our family, loved ones,
and self, help us grow in the virtues that Mary so faithfully mirrored. Give us
the grace to faithfully walk the path you chose for us and to live a life
magnifying the Lord, praising Him in word and action, regardless of the
difficulty of our journey. In you, all things are possible!
Peace, Joy, and Love,
Janet
Prayer is a renewing respite during life’s journey, best
when you pass it on!
