By

Kruger Family

Text of Reflection:  
December 21, 2007

The first reading reminds us that our Lord is our Savior and protector.  His love for us is unconditional – he does not make judgment against us but forgives us for our faults.  This is a lesson we all should apply to our daily lives.  We should learn to accept others for who and what they are, no strings attached.  How many times do children judge others by the clothes they wear or their grades in school?  How many times do teens and adults judge others based on their job, the type of car they drive or where they live?  Why don’t we focus in a positive way on the beauty that can be found on the inside, as the Lord does in this reading? How many times have we heard of people arguing and not talking to each other for years?  Do we need to be ill like Morrie Schwartz who said, "Forgive yourself before you die. Then forgive others" (Tuesdays With Morrie), before we realize we need to set things right?  Shouldn’t our love be unconditional too?

            This is the time of year to celebrate His coming and His love.  Some of the best gifts are those that do not need to be wrapped – they are not material things but gifts from the heart.  They can be as simple as a smile or kind words…sometimes something that small can brighten someone’s day or really make a difference in their outlook.  They can be a card or phone call to someone we haven’t spoken with in years.  Or we can give the gift of our time and talents. What gift can we give this holiday season and beyond?

Luke’s Gospel, 1:39-45, tells of Mary’s visit to her cousin Elizabeth.  Again we find joy in the coming of Jesus when John leapt in Elizabeth’s womb upon hearing Mary’s greeting.  Mary opened her heart and accepted God’s will without question.  This is an example for us to follow.  Though God may not ask great things from us as He did Mary, we should try to leave our minds open to hear His call and comply the best we can.  Some things we need to accept are difficult to bear, but if we trust in Him we can do it.

Too often in this fast-paced world we forget what is really important.  We sometimes forget that the simple things often bring more fulfillment than material wealth, and in doing so forget to listen for the subtle messages God is giving us.  Seniors in high school are often required to do volunteer work as part of a course requirement.  While some begin volunteering only to get the required hours, many later find there is a sense of pride and a “good feeling” that comes from helping others.  They have gone outside themselves, beyond the “me” mindset, which is what we must do to hear God’s will.

Especially during this season when we are getting ready for the holidays, it is easy to lose sight of why we celebrate.  We get caught up in the preparations like shopping and baking and forget the spiritual preparations we should be doing.  We need to make ourselves slow down and reflect.  This reading, with its connection to the Hail Mary, also reminds us we need to pray.  We need to take the time to tell others they matter and show our love, not through the gifts we buy but by our actions.  Elizabeth said, “Blessed are you who believed that what was spoken to you by the Lord would be fulfilled.”  Can we show others that we believe and trust in God and show them God’s presence in us?  Are we willing to take the time to listen to the sounds silence and see the blessings we have been given?  Will we take the risk of opening our hearts and give of ourselves without any expectations or conditions?  If nothing else, we can try.