By Fr. Justin Fulton
Where would we be without women, our moms, grandmas, and motherhood?
Where would we be?
I don’t know about you, but around this time of year, I sure could use a nap. Especially during this month of December when so many demands are asked of us. This time of year is filled with stressors and anxiety. Bills. Planning. Online shopping. Due dates. Malls. Finals. Tests. We are stressed. We are stretched. We are tired. Many feel like crying. We could all use a nap.
I suppose the first thing that we did when we were first born was cry. We became anxious at the sight of a new world. We probably could have used a nap to calm down. And then when we were held for the first time by our mothers, our cries went silent. We were satisfied. We were secured. We were at peace. We knew we were deeply, deeply loved.
Here we are as we enter the season of Advent. We go from holiday party to Christmas party, to concerts to school play productions, from websites and to shopping centers, to continued office demands and school, and the hurried planning for the next few weeks of festivities. We are tired and cranky. We are stressed. Some may even want to cry.
Perhaps we should take a rest in our Mother’s arms—our Blessed Mother Mary’s tender, caring, and loving arms.
Can you imagine what Mary 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 even death, granted she was not yet married and with Child. Yet, she carried Peace inside of her womb. She was stressed, anxious, and exhausted. Yet, she carried Jesus. She rested with Him, knowing all was going to be OK. And He rested with her, for His well-being and peace.
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 enter into this season of 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 days of Advent. Think about talking with her and asking how she persevered during that first Advent towards 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 to us in prayer.
May St. Joseph the Worker and Our Lady of Consolation pray for you and yours during these days of Advent. Talk with them. They are there for you.
Thank you for your faith in Jesus Christ and His Sacraments.
May God bless us all!
