We often describe life as "a journey." I know I use this idea when I'm giving talks for Emmaus -- that we need to be aware of what we "pack" for our own journeys. I have also heard others refer to life as a journey. It is an interesting way of thinking of it -- wonderful sites to see, and some sites not so wonderful; easy parts of the journey and difficult parts; some things we would like a "do over" and some we celebrate and remember.
Today's Gospel reading is Luke 2:1-7 (remember we are doing Advent!!) as Mary and Joseph are going to Bethlehem. There journey has definitely not been easy - Mary a pregnant, unwed teenager, with Joseph trying to understand while both agree to go on "the journey" God is taking them on. Now Mary is 9 months pregnant and having to travel approximately 70 to 80 miles (depending on the route they took). Adam Hamilton, in The Journey, also points out she is leaving the family she knows to go to a place she doesn't know.
I wonder if she was remembering what she said when she and the "messenger" talked. I wonder if she was going "SAY WHAT??!" (I wonder because that is often our (my) reaction.) This new part of the journey would not have been easy under normal conditions but 9 months pregnant would have made it more difficult and very uncomfortable. I wonder what Mary, and Joseph, talked about during that long walk AND what they talked to God about.
What do we talk to God about when we realize the 'giant' we're facing, the answer we've given, the step we've taken is leading to a more difficult journey? Do we look back and remember when we have seen, felt and known God was/IS with us? Do we seek guidance from God's Word, our prayers and asking others to pray? It is definitely something to think about as we continue our journeys with God.
Today's Gospel reading is Luke 2:1-7 (remember we are doing Advent!!) as Mary and Joseph are going to Bethlehem. There journey has definitely not been easy - Mary a pregnant, unwed teenager, with Joseph trying to understand while both agree to go on "the journey" God is taking them on. Now Mary is 9 months pregnant and having to travel approximately 70 to 80 miles (depending on the route they took). Adam Hamilton, in The Journey, also points out she is leaving the family she knows to go to a place she doesn't know.
I wonder if she was remembering what she said when she and the "messenger" talked. I wonder if she was going "SAY WHAT??!" (I wonder because that is often our (my) reaction.) This new part of the journey would not have been easy under normal conditions but 9 months pregnant would have made it more difficult and very uncomfortable. I wonder what Mary, and Joseph, talked about during that long walk AND what they talked to God about.
What do we talk to God about when we realize the 'giant' we're facing, the answer we've given, the step we've taken is leading to a more difficult journey? Do we look back and remember when we have seen, felt and known God was/IS with us? Do we seek guidance from God's Word, our prayers and asking others to pray? It is definitely something to think about as we continue our journeys with God.
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