Persevering With Mary

This December, a series of daily Advent, devotional postings is running from December 1st to December 25^th. Journey beside Mary, the Mother of God, as she waits for the birth of Jesus.

STRENGTH

Scripture: “I kept faith, even when I said, ‘I am greatly afflicted!’” (Psalm 116:10).

Quote of the Day: “Thank God ahead of time” (Blessed Solanus Casey).
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Song Suggestions:
“Breath of Heaven,” by Amy Grant
“The Fall,” by Gungor

Questions: Do I trust God even when the waves around me get high? Do I let trials and adversities stop me from loving the Lord? Do I despair when it seems like God will never give me answers and clarity?

MIND

And we are traveling back to Nazareth.

Mary sits on the roof of her parent’s house, again grinding grain. When she told Joseph yesterday about the angel’s announcement, it did not seem to go very well. Joseph was greatly disturbed. Not only this, but he said he is going to divorce her!

Mary blows out a breath and rolls up her sleeves, the early morning air already warming up. She had felt so peaceful and joyful when the angel first came to her. She is still joyful that little Jesus is inside of her. But what is she to do now that Joseph is leaving her? Surely God will not leave her as well!

A variety of doubtful thoughts are thrown at Mary. Maybe I imagined the angel. There can’t really be a child in me. I must have done something wrong. God has abandoned me. All people abandon me. I should forget that the Lord even came to me and just carry on with my life as it was. Instead of fighting these temptations herself, Mary trusts in the infant in her womb. Joseph said that he will divorce her quietly so as not to cause suspicion in Nazareth. Yet, Mary still hopes in God that Joseph will see the truth and act on it.
Mary’s lips move in prayer. She will remain faithful to the Lord. She will count on His word.
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“Mary! Mary!”

Mary jolts, startled. Looking down, she sees Joseph running into the courtyard of her parent’s home.

Rising, Mary drops the stone in her hand and watches Joseph practically fly up the wooden ladder and onto the roof. The man is sweating and gasping as if he had just run for his life.

“Mary! Listen to me!” Joseph exclaims. His eyes are intense and full of light. He laughs to himself and then makes a straight face. “I am not afraid! I am not afraid!”

Mary waits patiently for Joseph to explain.

“An angel appeared to me. An angel came to me in a dream. He told me not to be afraid. I am not afraid! Not anymore! I am not afraid. Be not afraid!” Joseph laughs and Mary smiles with him, sharing in his fearless joy. “You will bear a son and we will call Him Jesus. He will save us and He is indeed with us!” Joseph gestures toward Mary with both of his hands and falls to his knees.

Mary looks down at the man who is adoring Jesus within her.
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“Hail Mary,” Joseph breathes, “Full of grace. The Lord is with you!”

(Scripture Reference and Inspiration: Psalm 130:5; Matthew 1:18-25; Luke 1:28)

HEART

Notice what Mary does while she waits. First, she goes about her usual routine of work. Every morning she grinds the day’s grain. This will make the daily bread (Give us this day our daily bread; Matthew 6:11). Let us do the same as we wait. The whole world does not need to stop and the whole world does not need to suddenly spin twice as fast as we wait.

Second, Mary ponders in her heart. She thinks of the events that have been happening over the past few days. The angel, the announcement of Elizabeth’s pregnancy, Mary’s conception by the Holy Spirit, Joseph choosing to divorce her. She ponders these events with the Lord. They do not all make sense. In fact, some of the things greatly disturb her, but she rejoices nonetheless with little Jesus in her womb. Let us do the same. Let us keep all that occurs around us in our minds and hearts. We can ponder them, but let us ponder them with the Lord so that we can sort out what is from Him and what is not. Even if something disturbs us, let us choose to rejoice in Jesus Who is with us.

Third, Mary turns to God when temptations come. She does not get rid of the thoughts and temptations by her own strength, but she relies on Jesus. Let us do the same as we wait. Many thoughts and temptations arise in us daily. Thoughts about leaving the faith, about sinning, seeking immoral pleasure, etc. Let us imitate Mary by relying totally on Jesus to keep us faithful in temptation.

Fourth, Mary prays. With hope and confidence in the Lord that He will fulfill all that he commanded, Mary prays consistently. Let us also pray consistently as we wait. Even amidst doubt and turmoil and confusion, let us wait and hope in the Lord.
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Fifth, the fruit of Mary’s waiting becomes ripe. Joseph comes and all that made no sense suddenly makes perfect sense. Mary recognizes the work of God in Joseph and rejoices with him. Together now, they will worship the Lord Jesus in her womb. Let us do the same. No doubt, the Lord will make our fruit of waiting become ripe. The most obvious example is the way the disciples despaired at the death of Jesus and then rejoiced at His resurrection.

SOUL

Lord, in Your presence, I renew my resolve to wait patiently and hopefully. Bless all of my work so that I may do it for Your glory. Accompany me as I reflect on events that are around my day and strengthen me in temptation. I have hope in You, Jesus. I pray that Your will be done perfectly. In confidence, I thank you for all of the fruits that have come and will come from my waiting.

Mary, teach me how to wait.