the baby and the man

I love this time of year in the Church. Though the world has moved on from Christmas, Valentines Day is already out in the stores, as Christians we are called to live these remaining Christmas Days with focus and joy. (The last day of the Christmas Season is Saturday, January 11)

In the Liturgy of the Mass we hear and see Jesus, the man, demonstrate God's promise of love and care for all - the multiplication of the loaves and fishes. Yet at the same time, in the Christmas reflections (In Conversation with God) we hear and see the trust that Joseph had, while fathering Jesus the baby, in God's promise of love and care for all - the escape from Herod and the flight into Egypt.

Even these chosen two, Joseph and Mary, were not spared from hardship and difficulty. May we always remember in the trials of our life that God has our back. May we strive to be open to His grace and attentive to His guidance. May we trust, even when we do not understand how things will work out or where the road is leading us.  And, may we, like the apostles share our "five loaves and two fishes" for the glory of God and the benefit of others.

"...being close to God does not mean being free from pain or difficulties. God has only promised us the serenity and fortitude to face up to them." - In Conversation with God / January 7th