As preached by Sister Cecelia
Holy Wisdom Church
Jeremiah 31:2-4, 7-9; Colossians 2:8-14; Luke 2:21, 39-40
Christ is
born!
There are
few times in our lives when as a society we pause to reflect on what is, what
has been, and what lies ahead. The opportunity to make an account of our year
becomes an invitation to reflect on the Nativity of Jesus, which draws us into
reflecting on the realities of God’s love incarnate in our lives, just as Mary
did in keeping all these things in her heart. (Luke 2:19.)
Here are
some suggestions. Notice when and where God has been evident. Notice where you
have been invited to be more attentive to your life. Notice what has
given you more energy and joy. Notice what are the gifts and graces you need
most at this time in your life. And what can you hand over to God to
share the load? We need humility to realize that we are not responsible for everything,
only some things.
In the past
year, there were important moments of insight and challenge. Now we can entrust
the past to God, and look to the year ahead. When and how will we make space
for God? It is time to live life fuller rather than faster. Will our lives reflect God’s mercy and love?
Paul wrote
to Timothy that God “wills everyone to be saved.” (1 Timothy 2:4.) This divine
desire does not let us off the hook to behave however we wish. It calls forth
our true selves, which are rooted in the image of God in which we were all made.
If we stumble along the way or stray from our deepest identity as God’s adopted
ones, God does not give up on any of us. Jesus has said: “Do not be afraid…for
your heavenly Father is pleased to give you the kingdom.” (Luke 12:32.)
Reflecting
back on the past is one part of our equation. Now we are on the brink of
something new and unknown. We know from experience that there is no knowing
what the future will hold.
Yet, we can catch a glimpse of the mystery
captured in the Incarnation. God has
become human, and is joined irreversibly in hope and prayer with what will be.
Our lives and faith testify to that union. Our hope is placed in the One who
sanctifies time by entering into it. Embracing this mystery of the Incarnation
and celebrating it invites a leap of faith. We trust that God will be with us
wherever we go, just as God has been with us wherever we‘ve been.
Luke‘s
gospel reading this morning brings to mind that Mary and Joseph were keeping
the law regarding Circumcision. Some think that keeping the laws of the society
we are in is a guarantee that our lives are in order. That is not necessarily
true. We are called to a higher form of harmony, one that flows from an ongoing
and always deepening relationship with the God who loves us first, best, and
always. The God who insists that our neighbor is therefore also worthy of being
loved as best we are able.
We know many
who are searching for something. Some want to find a deeper meaning to their
lives. Some want to find the right career path; others want to find freedom
from whatever binds them. We have something to offer them in their search—not a
pat answer to their questions, but companionship on the journey of discovering
the love of God that gives meaning to everything else.
We might pray
to God in words like this: “Loving God be with us in the tasks we undertake,
and make us free to find You. Let us be
generous in opening our lives and hearts to others. Let us give time to those
who need it; but help us to hold on to the moments we need for our own
wellbeing, and grant us the sincerity and wisdom to know which is which. Help
us to face reality in each moment honestly and with love. As we begin this new
year, may it be filled with peace and love.”
Christ is
born anew and is with us.
