As we grow in
age and wisdom, we can be grateful for the times we did not get what we prayed
for: the job that would have consumed us, the relationship that would have
scarred us, the fame that would have swelled our pride. Similarly, at
Christmas, we can be grateful that God did not send humanity the type of messiah
we had longed for—a military warrior who would destroy our enemies and bestow
power, glory, and wealth on the downtrodden.
God did not
send us the messiah we wanted but the one we needed: a man anointed to teach us
that the height of being human requires humility, whole-hearted love of God, reverence
for all life, gratitude, and forgiveness of ourselves and others as we walk our
earthly path together.
At Christmas we
celebrate the birth of this very human messiah. After Christmas, our challenge
is to remember and honor God’s words that echo through the ages: “This is my
beloved son. Listen to him.”
And, may I add gratitude for something I didn't pray for: finding this blog quite by serendipity (grace?) in 2019. I pray that you continue to find in 2020 the time, space, and inspiration to share your insights on this marvelous oasis in the blogosphere. Mark S
ReplyDeleteThanks, Mark, for the encouragement to keep writing as we enter a new year! I'm grateful that my community gives me to time to keep writing for The Monastic Call. I look forward to staying connected with you and other readers through Spirit and Word in 2020.
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