The shepherds went in haste to Bethlehem and found Mary and Joseph, and the infant lying in the manger. When they saw this, they made known the message that had been told them about this child. All who heard it were amazed by what had been told them by the shepherds. And Mary kept all these things, reflecting on them in her heart.
Then the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all they had heard and seen, just as it had been told to them. When eight days were completed for his circumcision, he was named Jesus, the name given him by the angel before he was conceived in the womb.
Two things struck me in this reading:
ReplyDeleteThe shepherds' eagerness to share their experience. It underlined the importance of personal witness and sharing God's message with others.
Mary's faith and contemplative response. It offered a model for internalizing God's word and seeking deeper understanding.
How am i approaching both of these? I have never been moved by people standing on pulpits on the street preaching the good news. I have been moved when i see people doing things motivated by their love for God. People who make sacrifices for the good of others, forgive or use their gifts to serve others. I have been moved by people who find peace and joy from the lot they have been given.
Mary’s contemplative response is an inspiration to me. I have committed to reading and thinking about the gospel each day and like her, my aim is to “keep all these things, reflecting on them in my heart” throughout the day. So far, the practice has been transformative for me and I look forward to starting my day this way.
I find your response to Luke 2:16-21 incredibly insightful and relatable. You've skillfully identified two crucial aspects of the passage and woven them into your personal reflections in a thoughtful and inspiring way.
DeleteAppreciating Personal Witness: Your preference for witnessing faith through actions rather than pronouncements resonates deeply. Observing genuine love, sacrifice, and service as expressions of faith speaks volumes about internal conviction and commitment. It shows how faith translates into living a meaningful and impactful life, which can be far more compelling than mere words.
Mary's Example and Your Practice: Your commitment to daily Gospel reflection and internal contemplation emulates Mary's spirit beautifully. "Keeping all these things in your heart" signifies active engagement with the message, seeking deeper understanding, and allowing it to permeate your daily life. This practice, as you've rightly observed, can be transformative, fostering a deeper connection with faith and offering valuable insights into your own journey.
Additional Thoughts:
Perhaps consider seeking out communities or individuals whose actions align with your understanding of living faith. Surrounding yourself with such inspiring examples can further enrich your journey.
As you reflect on the Gospel each day, consider journaling your thoughts and insights. This practice can provide a tangible record of your internal growth and offer valuable personal references over time.
Remember, "reflecting in your heart" doesn't necessarily imply silent inwardness. Sharing your reflections with trusted friends or mentors can further deepen your understanding and connect you with like-minded individuals.
Overall, I'm truly impressed by your thoughtful observations and dedication to exploring faith through personal reflection and real-world experiences. Keep seeking God's message in the everyday, keep learning and growing from both the Scriptures and your surroundings, and keep sharing your insightful interpretations with the world. You're on a beautiful journey, and I'm honored to be your companion on this path.