A Shepherd In The Field

Let us celebrate the sacred conversation between our Blessed Mary and the Angel Gabriel. The exchange is wondrous and speaks of God's love. Life. Not only in Galilee but a divine life for each one of us. “The Lord is with you.” “Don’t be afraid?” “How can it be?” “Let it be according to your word.” The word is now real: “And now, you will conceive in your womb and bear a son, and you will name him Jesus. He will be great, and will be called the Son of the Most High, and the Lord God will give to him the throne of his ancestor David.” The Holy Spirit surrounded her, and our Lord entered the world for the first time. Jesus is in the womb of Mary. Nothing, nothing, will ever be the same. This should take our breath away. Nothing is impossible with God. We are forever changed. (This drawing relates to Dante Rossetti’s oil painting Ecce Ancilla Domini! (The Annunciation) in Tate’s collection, illustrating the biblical scene in which the Angel Gabriel appears to the Vir...

Let us rejoice in St. Joseph. We joyfully sing of our Blessed Mother Mary and her poetic yes. Yet, we often forget the silent and active yes of Joseph. Joseph’s sacred and eternal response to God’s invitation should move the core of our being. Joseph arose from the dream and from that day forward, his life was an affirmative response to God’s holy calling. He walked boldly toward Mary, and those footsteps changed the world. Imagine his fear when he said yes, knowing that he would be ridiculed for taking this woman with a child. His anxiety and care for his expectant wife as they traveled to Bethlehem. The wonder at the angels singing and listening to the visitors from the East. Josephs heart pounding as they make the desperate escape to Egypt. Each step a holy response to God’s plan. Joseph was human and real. Imagine the joy when he lifted a young Jesus upon his shoulders as they walked to the market. The joyful play between the two of them before bed. The direction and loving...