Monday December 29th: Joy and sorrow

“Look, he is destined for the fall and the rising of many….and a sword will pierce your own soul too” …

Luke 2: 22-35

WOW. What a message for a parent to hear! What a responsibility!

The overwhelming news is one of joy and sorrow. Joy, that her son would do great things. Sorrow, that he will also be persecuted, and that she too will experience deep sorrow.

The passage makes me reflect, with a humble spirit, on how much joy and confusion Mary may have felt at hearing the prophecy while trying to grasp the magnitude of the ‘assignment’, but she did it!!! Mary, with quiet confidence accepted, knowing that God would be with her, guiding her through the impending sorrows.

Lord, we thank you for these awesome examples of steadfast obedience and faith in You. Help us to also be patient, humble and full of faith, trusting that You would be with us, guiding us through, as we too experience situations that cause us suffering and sorrow.

Lord, help us to reflect on what You call us to do, to respond with trust and utmost faith, even while being overwhelmed. Show us how to use our sorrows to draw closer to You.