Journey to Bethlehem

I write this reflection on the cusp of the Advent season just before us…I often reflect on Mary, the mother of our Lord and Saviour Jesus, and think of what a remarkable woman she really was and the timeless life lessons she modeled for us as one who followed the LORD her God whole heartedly, with a spirit of Holy Indifference, not spiritual indifference but Holy Indifference.  “Indifference means being detached enough from things, people, or experiences to be able either to take them up or to leave them aside, depending on whether they help us to “to praise, reverence, and serve God” (Spiritual Exercises 23). In other words, it’s the capacity to let go of what doesn’t help me to love God or love others—while staying engaged with what does. ”Marina McCoy

I know that as I reflect on her life I am challenged in my own personal journey to Bethlehem, to Jesus, Emmanuel, God with us and His call in my life.  What can we learn from Mary’s actions and responses to the great responsibility given to her at such a young age?  

These are a few things that stand out to me

She pondered or reflected on these things in her heart.  Three times Luke tells us Mary quietly but thoughtfully reflected on God’s work in her life.  She accepted them even if she didn’t fully understand them.  She allowed them to land in her heart, treasuring them, remaining faithful even through great times of suffering.

Mary accepts the commission brought by the angel…The news that she would have a baby with no husband!!!  Her response is not a dialogue of all the uncertainties and complications this would bring about in her life, a young, ordinary Jewish girl living in a hostile Roman occupied culture.  The angel doesn’t even give her any indication that things will go well for her but in spite of all of that, Mary accepts with great faith and makes her own choice to accept all the consequences that come with this blessing knowing that everything in her life will change. Notice too the peace that came for Mary when she said yes to God and her beautiful song or Magnificat found in Luke 1.  This Song speaks of the spirit and the power of God and the great sense of hope in God’s salvation.  In the same way, each of us have the opportunity to say yes to God’s invitation to us, trusting He has a greater purpose for us than we can see in the here and now.

In accepting this commission, Mary goes on to visit Elizabeth in Judea, more than 145 km away!!  This the first of many epic journeys Mary will take in her life with God.  This one is significant because she needs the understanding and support Elizabeth can offer. This models the importance of community. Just like Mary, we too need the help and support of Elizabeth people in our lives as we step out of the ordinary and into the purposes of God for our lives.  Their faith and encouragement can help carry us through difficult times we will encounter on our personal journey to Bethlehem…We too will embark on many epic journeys as we embrace God’s invitation to “Follow Me” in our lives and need a faithful community of people full of the Spirit of God…People who can affirm God’s work in and through us. People who can lovingly challenge us when we go awry.

Mary prayed a prayer of indifference.  We later see Jesus also pray this same type of prayer in the Garden of Gethsemane,“not my will but yours Father”.  Both released themselves to God’s invitation...His purposes.  In the same way we are invited to release our grip on the things we want and embrace God’s plan and purposes for our lives by offering our whole selves, body, mind, soul, and spirit.  Yes, we bring our needs and concerns to our loving Father and in doing so we are better able to surrender our whole selves, fully, to the Lover of our souls.   I have included this beautiful prayer to reflect on.

A Prayer of Abandonment

Father,
I abandon myself into your hands;
do with me what you will.
Whatever you may do, I thank you;
I am ready for all, I accept all.

Let only your will be done in me,
and in all your creatures—
I wish no more than this, O Lord.
Into your hands I commend my soul:
I offer it to you with all the love of my heart,
for I love you, Lord, and so need
to give myself, to surrender myself into your hands
without reserve and with boundless confidence,
for you are my Father.  Amen. – Charles de Foucauld

I look forward to seeing you this Sunday, December 1 at 7 pm in the chapel for our “Come to Bethlehem and See” Advent service... I know you will be blessed by the evening we have planned for you.  A beautiful time singing, scripture reading, reflection time to help prepare our hearts for the season of celebration and hope of our coming Lord!!

Warmly, Melody

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