Happy Birthday to Our Queen and Our Mother!
Our Lady always faithfully prays for us, protects us, and leads us straight to her son Jesus. This article inspired me this morning concerning the roadway to Jesus which is fitting since prayer to our Blessed Mother is a sure sign that we will be led safely to HIM.
A New Road
Many ways led to Bethlehem: Mary and Joseph's long trip from Nazareth; the shepard's path over their fields; the wise men's arduous trek across the desert. Jesus' birth causes each of us to set out on a personal journey- a journey to meet this God who so humbly and surprisingly came into the world as a child lying in a manger!
The waiting of the holy family was interrupted by Rome's decree- what inconvenient timing! - so they set off. The way from Nazareth to Bethlehem was long, 90 miles by donkey and on foot. Mary had borne the anguish of wondering what Joseph thought of her pregnancy. We can imagine the two pondering the ancient prophecies, searching for understanding to ease the questions in their hearts. Did they share their fears with one another, or were they calmly silent because it was enough for them to rest in obedience to God's will?
Did Mary fret a bit as she packed, wondering whether to take the swaddling bands she had made- or would they be back home in their own village before her time came? Did Joseph cast a last look longingly back over his shoulder as Nazareth's security passed out of sight and the way stretched ahead with a pregnant wife at his side? Yet the same road that led away from familiarity and comfort led straight to the city where God's promise was to be fulfilled: " and you, Bethlehem, in the land of Judah, are by no means least among the rulers of Judah; for from you shall come a ruler who is to shepard my people Israel" ( Mt 2:6).
Have I ever experienced something fresh coming to birth in my circumstances once I have been willing to set out on a new road, leaving behind my old, familiar routines? Jesus, may I be just as willing to follow the road to you as Mary and Joseph were.
Written by Jeanne Kun
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