Thursday, December 11, 2014

Already here!

"Sometimes we seem to 'discern' ourselves right past the moment of opportunity and on past the moment of grace, rather than see and hear the all-too-obvious signs of the reign of God being offered us--a hurt that needs healing, an injustice that demands righting, an offense calling for forgiveness."
Sr. Pat Kozak, "Give Us This Day"
 
This really resonates with me today.  Sometimes we get so caught up in the "waiting" of Advent we miss what is happening right now.  While we are waiting for Christ to be born are we missing the Jesus who is sitting right beside us?  I remember one Advent I was so intent on the waiting I'd finally just had enough of that by the Fourth Sunday of Advent and practically shouted, "I'm tired of waiting! Come NOW!"  It was then I sensed the presence of Jesus beside me saying, "I'm right here and have been all along...no need to shout, Heidi-dear." I wonder if we don't make all this so much harder and more complex than it really is by "over-discerning" as Sr. Pat suggests.  It also reminds me of one of Fr. Richard Rohr's comments:  You can quit knocking, you are already inside! Let's not over-think, over-stress or over-anything today.  Let's just bask in the presence of Jesus, who is, in fact, already here! Love, heidi

Wednesday, December 10, 2014

Come to me...

"Jesus said to the crowds, 'Come to me, all you who labor and are burdened, and I will give you rest.'"
Matthew 11:28
 
Jesus, I know you will give me rest, if I can just stop running around long enough to sit with you!  There's just so much to do this time of year getting ready for YOU!
Truth be told, Jesus would much rather have us sit quietly and spend time with him than all the hustle and bustle we think we need to do.  Festivities are hitting high gear from now on, but let's try to take some time to just be with Jesus.  He will give us rest. Love, heidi 

Monday, December 8, 2014

A change of heart

"Hail, full of grace! The Lord is with you."
Isaiah 1:28
 
In thinking and praying with this reading today, I pondered what being "full of grace" would look like in Mary's life.  It struck me how often I pray for a change of heart or a change of mind about someone or something and then it hit me.  I wondered if, in Mary's case, that didn't have to happen. Mary's heart and mind were already exactly where they needed to be.  I pray constantly that Jesus will fill my heart with his loving heart. My heart beats with judgments and criticism about people and I can't possibly love well with that hindrance.  I imagine Mary's heart already filled with Jesus even before he began to grow in her womb. She doesn't need a change of heart or a change of mind. Her mind and heart are already good to go. That is why we call her "Immaculate." That is how she could say "Yes" so readily and without hesitation to God's plan. Jesus, once again I pray that you fill my heart and it grows more into your heart...love, heidi