By Fr. Justin Fulton
Vicar general, Diocese of Lincoln
Where would we be without women and motherhood? Where would we be?
I don’t know about you, but around this time of year I sure could take a nap. Especially during these times when life is difficult and confusing. This time of year is filled with stress. Bills. Planning. Online shopping. Due dates. Finals. Tests. We are stressed. We are stretched. We are tired. Many feel like crying. We could all use a nap.
I suppose when we were first born we were crying and we could have used a nap. And then when we were held for the first time by our mothers, we became silent. We were satisfied. We were at peace. We knew we were loved.
Here we are in Advent. We are tired and cranky. Some may even want to cry. Perhaps we should take a rest in our Mother’s arms… our Blessed Mother’s arms.
Can you imagine what she must have felt during that first Advent? Mary was a young Jewish woman probably in her early teens. Physically exhausted with pregnancy. Emotionally and mentally drained as well, fleeing daily from judgment, ridicule, and perhaps death, since she was not married. Yet, she carried Peace inside of her womb. She carried Jesus. She rested with Him knowing all was going to be ok.
We can learn a lot by resting in Mary’s arms right now. Perhaps you can talk with her and her Son about the tiredness you are experiencing. The stress you are under. Your physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual anxieties.
As we journey together in Advent, let us give thanks for all of our mothers. Their sacrifices too often go unnoticed and unappreciated.
We invite all of you to talk with our Blessed Mother Mary during these last days of Advent. Think about talking with her and asking how she persevered for that first Christmas Day. And perhaps have a chat with St. Joseph as well. Not once does he speak in Scripture, yet he still has a lot to say in prayer.
May St. Joseph the Worker and Our Lady of Consolation pray for you and yours during these days of Advent.
Thank you for your faith in Jesus Christ and thank you for living out your Catholic Faith. May God bless us all!
