Tuesday, January 20, 2015

Mary TV Daily Reflection 1/20/2015


 
 (c)Mary TV 2013  
J.M.J
January 20, 2015
St. Fabian, St. Sebastian

Dear Family of Mary!

"Dear children! Today, on this day of grace, I desire for each of your hearts to become a little stable of Bethlehem in which the Savior of the world was born. I am your mother who loves you immeasurably and is concerned for each of you. Therefore, my children, abandon yourselves to the mother, so that she may place each of your hearts and lives before little Jesus; because only in this way, my children, your hearts will be witnesses of God's daily birth in you. Permit God to illuminate your lives with light and your hearts with joy, so that you may daily illuminate the way and be an example of true joy to others who live in darkness and are not open to God and his graces. Thank you for having responded to my call." (December 25, 2014 - Jakov)  

I continue to be amazed by the beauty of this message. The image of the stable has really helped me. Just yesterday I was praying the Office for Monday, Second week of Ordinary time, and was struck by these words of St. Ignatius of Antioch in his letter to the Ephesians:

"Nothing is hidden from the Lord, but even our secrets are close to him. Let us do everything in the knowledge that he is dwelling within us that we may be his temples and he, God within us."

First, it is so important that I am aware that God sees everything about me, everything I have done, everything I have failed to do, all  sins and failures. There are no secrets with God. And so, knowing this, and knowing that He is dwelling in me gives me a real grounding in the truth. Jesus knows all about me, and so the sorry condition of my soul is no surprise to Him. And yet He still wants to live in me....

Second, after reading these words, I just let out a sigh to Jesus and said, "My soul really is a stinky stable."

Then I heard these words from the Lord, just simply spoken in my heart:

"A stable is more honest than a gilt covered castle which is built on sin and great human respect. Better a stable. I chose a stable when I was born, to be sure, I chose it, because it was a true depiction of the state of your soul. So be honest and give me your stable/soul as my resting place. I will make it a temple."

Truly, nothing is hidden from the Lord. We don't have to pretend in His presence. This makes us free to be an open book with Him, so that we can give Him permission to change us, cleanse us, free us, and make us new! This is what Our Lady would love to have happen.

"Permit God to illuminate your lives with light and your hearts with joy, so that you may daily illuminate the way and be an example of true joy to others who live in darkness and are not open to God and his graces."

When Jesus takes up his place in our stable/souls, He illumines us from within, brighter than any sun. The joy and love just flow out, attracting others to the stable, must like the shepherds and the wise men. We don't have to do anything, just be a stable with an open door!!

Oh what a humble God we have. How can we not love Him?

In Jesus, Mary and Joseph!
Cathy Nolan
©Mary TV 2015







"Medjugorje is the spiritual center of the world."
Saint John Paul II
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