MEDITATIONS
Posted by Batas Internet Media on Saturday, January 8, 2011
Under: MEDITATIONS
By: Bobot Apit
Dec 22, 2010 - Wednesday Meditation (Hope that the Future Holds)
We must give tribute to mothers everywhere as they, too, live with the miracle of children in their lives and the hope in the future for each of these children. Perhaps one of our take away lessons today is how to facilitate for ourselves and others the continued recognition of these miracles and inspire all to the hope that the future holds when we put it in the hands of God!
1 Samuel 1:24-28
1 Samuel 2:1, 4-5, 6-7, 8abcd
Luke 1:46-56 And Mary said, "My soul magnifies the Lord, 47 and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior, 48 for he has regarded the low estate of his handmaiden. For behold, henceforth all generations will call me blessed; 49 for he who is mighty has done great things for me, and holy is his name. 50 And his mercy is on those who fear him from generation to generation. 51 He has shown strength with his arm, he has scattered the proud in the imagination of their hearts, 52 he has put down the mighty from their thrones, and exalted those of low degree; 53 he has filled the hungry with good things, and the rich he has sent empty away. 54 He has helped his servant Israel , in remembrance of his mercy, 55 as he spoke to our fathers, to Abraham and to his posterity for ever." 56 And Mary remained with her about three months, and returned to her home.
Meditation by Nancy Shirley (Creighton)
As we approach closer to Christmas, the readings for today are, indeed, joyous ones. The responsorial psalm is replete with expressions of joy and celebration. The first reading and the gospel present some other themes as well, namely, motherhood, faith, and trust.
Both Hannah and Mary demonstrate incredible motherly love and heartfelt trust and faith. I think of Hannah traveling with little Samuel, newly weaned still in her arms. She remembers her prayers for him and her commitment to God that if she were granted a son that she would give him to the Lord. Incredibly, she does not flinch from that promise she made. It is unfathomable for me to comprehend her willingness to give him up. While I may understand the promise made in desperation for a child, the fulfilling of that promise is beyond my comprehension at least at the heart level. I certainly understand intellectually but I think of the first times I held each of my children and I knew I never wanted to let them go. The incredible strength and faith in God that Hannah had is admirable. Would that I could be so unwavering. She did continue to visit Samuel once a year yet that could be heartbreaking each time to leave him again. She was able
to see beyond her own needs to fulfilling God’s will and the good that it would bring to so many. Perhaps she displays true motherly love in seeing beyond her needs and wants to the future of her child. Samuel was an amazing judge leading his people with wisdom and love. Certainly, as our children grow we “let them go” more and more – to school, to college, to new loves and families but usually still connected by a longer and less restraining tie.
We have heard much in this Advent season about Mary’s acceptance of God’s will. The gospel for today eloquently relays her thoughts and responses. While Hannah had the wisdom of years, Mary is just a very young girl speaking these words. She trusts beyond compare of what God’s plans are for her and her child. I wonder what the conversations were between her and Elizabeth. There they are – two women talking about the miracles in their lives yet not knowing how any of it would unfold. We must give tribute to mothers everywhere as they, too, live with the miracle of children in their lives and the hope in the future for each of these children. Perhaps one of our take away lessons today is how to facilitate for ourselves and others the continued recognition of these miracles and inspire all to the hope that the future holds when we put it in the hands of God!
Supplementary Reading
Do Not Be Afraid
“...an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream. ‘Joseph, son of David,’ the angel said, ‘do not be afraid to take Mary as your wife. For the child within her was conceived by the Holy Spirit.’ ” - Matthew 1:20
Have you ever felt overwhelmed or afraid of what God has called you to do? Maybe you pursued a dream or goal in the past and things didn’t turn out the way you planned. Now you’re uncertain of the future.
In the Bible, Joseph had planned to take Mary as his wife, but when he found out she was pregnant, he didn’t know what to think. He was afraid that he might be making a mistake because things didn’t turn out the way he planned. But God in His graciousness sent an angel in a dream to reassure Joseph that he was on the right path.
Today let me reassure you that God knows right where you are, and He knows how to get you where you need to be. Even when things don’t go the way you planned, His hand is on you. Do not be afraid. Trust that God is working behind the scenes on your behalf, that He will fulfill your dreams and lead you into the life of blessing that He has prepared for you.
Father in heaven, I choose to trust in You. Even when things don’t go the way I planned, I know You are at work in my life. Thank You for Your perfect love which casts out all fear. In Jesus’ Name. Amen. — Joel & Victoria Osteen
Dec 22, 2010 - Wednesday Meditation (Hope that the Future Holds)
We must give tribute to mothers everywhere as they, too, live with the miracle of children in their lives and the hope in the future for each of these children. Perhaps one of our take away lessons today is how to facilitate for ourselves and others the continued recognition of these miracles and inspire all to the hope that the future holds when we put it in the hands of God!
1 Samuel 1:24-28
1 Samuel 2:1, 4-5, 6-7, 8abcd
Luke 1:46-56 And Mary said, "My soul magnifies the Lord, 47 and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior, 48 for he has regarded the low estate of his handmaiden. For behold, henceforth all generations will call me blessed; 49 for he who is mighty has done great things for me, and holy is his name. 50 And his mercy is on those who fear him from generation to generation. 51 He has shown strength with his arm, he has scattered the proud in the imagination of their hearts, 52 he has put down the mighty from their thrones, and exalted those of low degree; 53 he has filled the hungry with good things, and the rich he has sent empty away. 54 He has helped his servant Israel , in remembrance of his mercy, 55 as he spoke to our fathers, to Abraham and to his posterity for ever." 56 And Mary remained with her about three months, and returned to her home.
Meditation by Nancy Shirley (Creighton)
As we approach closer to Christmas, the readings for today are, indeed, joyous ones. The responsorial psalm is replete with expressions of joy and celebration. The first reading and the gospel present some other themes as well, namely, motherhood, faith, and trust.
Both Hannah and Mary demonstrate incredible motherly love and heartfelt trust and faith. I think of Hannah traveling with little Samuel, newly weaned still in her arms. She remembers her prayers for him and her commitment to God that if she were granted a son that she would give him to the Lord. Incredibly, she does not flinch from that promise she made. It is unfathomable for me to comprehend her willingness to give him up. While I may understand the promise made in desperation for a child, the fulfilling of that promise is beyond my comprehension at least at the heart level. I certainly understand intellectually but I think of the first times I held each of my children and I knew I never wanted to let them go. The incredible strength and faith in God that Hannah had is admirable. Would that I could be so unwavering. She did continue to visit Samuel once a year yet that could be heartbreaking each time to leave him again. She was able
to see beyond her own needs to fulfilling God’s will and the good that it would bring to so many. Perhaps she displays true motherly love in seeing beyond her needs and wants to the future of her child. Samuel was an amazing judge leading his people with wisdom and love. Certainly, as our children grow we “let them go” more and more – to school, to college, to new loves and families but usually still connected by a longer and less restraining tie.
We have heard much in this Advent season about Mary’s acceptance of God’s will. The gospel for today eloquently relays her thoughts and responses. While Hannah had the wisdom of years, Mary is just a very young girl speaking these words. She trusts beyond compare of what God’s plans are for her and her child. I wonder what the conversations were between her and Elizabeth. There they are – two women talking about the miracles in their lives yet not knowing how any of it would unfold. We must give tribute to mothers everywhere as they, too, live with the miracle of children in their lives and the hope in the future for each of these children. Perhaps one of our take away lessons today is how to facilitate for ourselves and others the continued recognition of these miracles and inspire all to the hope that the future holds when we put it in the hands of God!
Supplementary Reading
Do Not Be Afraid
“...an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream. ‘Joseph, son of David,’ the angel said, ‘do not be afraid to take Mary as your wife. For the child within her was conceived by the Holy Spirit.’ ” - Matthew 1:20
Have you ever felt overwhelmed or afraid of what God has called you to do? Maybe you pursued a dream or goal in the past and things didn’t turn out the way you planned. Now you’re uncertain of the future.
In the Bible, Joseph had planned to take Mary as his wife, but when he found out she was pregnant, he didn’t know what to think. He was afraid that he might be making a mistake because things didn’t turn out the way he planned. But God in His graciousness sent an angel in a dream to reassure Joseph that he was on the right path.
Today let me reassure you that God knows right where you are, and He knows how to get you where you need to be. Even when things don’t go the way you planned, His hand is on you. Do not be afraid. Trust that God is working behind the scenes on your behalf, that He will fulfill your dreams and lead you into the life of blessing that He has prepared for you.
Father in heaven, I choose to trust in You. Even when things don’t go the way I planned, I know You are at work in my life. Thank You for Your perfect love which casts out all fear. In Jesus’ Name. Amen. — Joel & Victoria Osteen
In : MEDITATIONS