Reflection for Dec. 24, 2023 -- Fourth Sunday of Advent

Beautiful and enriching, thought provoking! Thank you! Have a Blessed Christmas!

Dear Very Special Sisters!

I read your lovely messages every week and sometimes comment on them. Today, I read them, but only want to use my space to tell you how grateful I am for all you have meant to me for all these years. Because of this wonderful ORDER, I believe I Graduated from Holy Cross Elementary in 1956 richly ready. I was as prepared as any student anywhere in the area, or any other student I've come across since then. You taught me how to be a very good person, and also a very sharp and flexible person in many ways. Whether it was as a Teacher, as a Principal at many Levels, or, as a Priest in 2003, or as a Pastor soon after, I was always prepared and unbelievably grateful for all who have contributed to my preparation over the years. As the Good Father DeVries would say, "My Dear Sisters - You Done Good!" My Dear Sisters, Past & Present, I too say, "You Done Good!" May God reward your goodness, wherever you may be... A very, very grateful - Father Bill Jacobs!

There are numerous surprises within the Mystery of Life. So many "a-ha's," "oh my's," "oh no's," and "I never thought this could / would happen."

In Mary's case it was, "How can this be?" And how often do we find ourselves saying that to ourselves, as well? We are never prepared for what God has in store for us.

Mary was likely about 13 when Angel Gabriel visited her Biblical scholars tell us - an adolescent child. It was quite natural for young girls who had begun their life-giving cycle, to be regarded as ready to bear children. She was likely not more than 14 when JESUS was born. This reality is foreign to us, as we have been saturated with pictures and images of two very mature women meeting and greeting each other in joy.

So, too, have we been saturated with images of Mary as an adult woman, kneeling at the manger, alongside husband Joseph, who was likely a good ten years -- or more -- older than her.

What Mary went through as an extremely young parent and wife, we really don't know. Certainly, she had to learn along the way. To have the support and understanding of an older (much older) cousin, meant a great deal to her, and it was what she needed. In her elder cousin, Elizabeth, God provided for what Mary needed. That is the great joy of their relationship! And joy is of the Holy Spirit.

I think of Mary's mother, Ann - maybe not more than 30 or so when she became grandmother to JESUS. Where was she at this time? What was she doing? How did she show her love and support for her daughter, Mary, during these difficult and uncertain years?

Nothing was known of what was to come. It was just a matter of living one day at a time, to the best of one's ability, with whatever came along.

I think this is how it is for each of us. We just don't stop to realize how "caught up" we each are in the Mystery-of-Life.

It is an Awesome Awakening -- awe, as in "inspiring," and awe, as in a heart-throbbing, adrenaline-rushing gasp of frightful wonder -- too much to take in all at once, when we do "stop to ponder."

Your reflection comes at such an appropriate time. I love this poem which I have never read before. Thank you and may the celebration of His birth bring more peace to our world.

Thank you for sharing the poem! So appropriate for this season. A beautiful reflection on Mary and Elizabeth!

Thank you, Sr. Fran, for your reflection reminding me that it was women who heard the message wrapped in mystery and whose YES gave us the gift of Emanuel. Much Gratitude!

Wonderful reflection. Thanks Sister Francis!