Tuesday, September 8, 2015

Virtual Retreat

Feast of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary

Reflections based on the Daily Liturgical Cycle

Retreat Master: Deacon John Ruscheinsky

GOD IS AT WORK

No biblical story tells of the birth of our Blessed Mother. However, in her birth we catch the first light of the dawn and the redemption of the world made known in Jesus Christ. In her birth we catch a glimpse of the way God works in the world---through people and places that appear lowly and insignificant, like the humble young woman who will give birth to the world's Savior. The Old Testament prophet Micah sees God at work in the town of Bethlehem. The Christmas carol has it right. Bethlehem is a little town. God many times it seems, takes people and places that are not popular or in the spotlight? In the least expected places, we find God at work. Micah trusts that, in an out-of-the-way town, God is at work.

Do we rejoice in the promises of God and trust in His saving plan for our lives even in UN-expected places? There is a long tradition among many Christians of celebrating the birth of Mary, the mother of Jesus, on this day. Her birth prepared for our redemption in Jesus Christ. The long version of Matthew begins his Gospel with the genealogy of Jesus from Abraham through the line of David, King of Israel. Matthew concludes his genealogy by stating that both Mary, Jesus' mother and Joseph, His foster father, came from the line of David.

At the Annunciation, Mary was asked to assume in faith a burden of tremendous responsibility. It had never been heard of before that a child could be born without a natural father. Mary was asked to accept this miraculous exception to the laws of nature. That required faith and trust. Secondly, Mary not yet married. Pregnancy outside of wedlock was not tolerated at that time. Mary was only espoused to Joseph, and such an engagement had to last for a long time. She was asked to assume a great risk. She could have been rejected by Joseph, by her family, by all her own people. Mary knew that Joseph and her family would not understand without a special grace from God. She nonetheless believed and trusted in God's promises. Joseph, a just and God-fearing man, believed the message given to him to take Mary as his wife and to accept the child in her womb as the promised Messiah. Like Mary, Joseph is a model of faith for us. He is a faithful witness and servant of God's unfolding plan of redemption. And it seems to happen in UN-expected places and times. Are we willing to trust and obey God as Mary and Joseph did?

Trust and obey: Not always easy for us to do. We like to have things our way. Yet God may want us to consider a different way, his way. God's revelation can also help us to see and have that same faith and trust as Mary and Joseph did! We heard in the Gospel today these words: "Be not afraid," and "God is with us." When things do not go our way; we have problems and sometimes we do not know where to turn. Help is always there from a God who loves us, in His words in scripture and His body and blood to nourish us. It is also okay at times just to feel bad, wonder why, and be confused; as long as we know we can always turn to the one who says "come to me" be not afraid, I am with you!

We are not alone - we have God and each other.

If for any reason you do not receive your daily retreat, please go to www.ihrc.net to read it.

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