Fr. Frank Majka, SJ – The Bridge

Post-Christmas Pondering

The liturgical Christmas season ended this year (2011) on January 9, the feast of the Baptism of the Lord. Lent doesn’t begin until March 9, so we have two months; but to do what?

How about doing what Mary did? According to St. Luke, Mary spent a lot of time pondering the events of Jesus’ coming. We can do the same, I think; and I suggest three things the Christmas season tell us and which bear thinking about and letting sink in.

First, Christ does come. Prophecies are fulfilled, God keeps his promises, and nothing can stop Christ from coming when the time is right.

Second, Christ can be found by those who seek him, whether shepherds or kings, rich or poor, mighty or lowly. He comes for all, not just some, and all are welcome.

Finally, Christ is often found in unexpected places like a stable, a house in an out-of-the-way village in an out-of-the-way part of the world, even in a group of people waiting to be baptized in the Jordan.

Ignatius Loyola said that it’s less important to know many things than to know a few things deeply. In the weeks before Lent, if you choose to ponder these three simple lessons, ask God to help you learn how they apply to you. And ask Mary’s help, too.