Hospitality and Peace with the Aid of Mary and Joseph

As we make final preparations in our churches and our homes for the birth of the Lord Jesus, two things come to mind: hospitality and our need for peace. As always, we will be welcoming home many parishioners and visitors who have been away for various reasons, and we need to do our best to “make room in the inn,” offering them the welcome that Mary and Joseph were denied in crowded Bethlehem that night. I do not expect it will be as crowded as in years gone by, so perhaps you could mention to friends your plans to attend Mass this Christmas in hopes they may ask you about the Mass schedule and join us! It will be good to have more people worshipping with us, even if that means we can’t get our preferred seat, or need to share a hymnal. Both of our parishes are known for being warm and welcoming, so I am sure you will continue that tradition. If an usher or greeters asks for your help in some way, please assist if you are able. For those who are immunocompromised or physically unable to attend in person, we will have two Christmas Eve Masses livestreamed: 4pm from St. Martha and 6pm from St. Mary (links on our website).

Regarding our need for some peace in the midst of busyness and stress, we can look to the Blessed Mother Mary and St. Joseph to help us. The gospel readings for the Fourth Sunday in Advent always reference Mary as she prepares to welcome her miraculous baby, but only this year’s reading from the Gospel of Matthew gives us a glimpse into Joseph’s perspective. Mary’s biggest concern was almost realized when Joseph became understandably upset that she was expecting a child that was not his. In the midst of their storm of challenging circumstances, God brought them both peace through the message of an angel. No doubt the storm of questions and critical looks from others continued to swirl around them, but they were able to find peace in the eye of the storm by trusting in God to guide them. This opens the door to another way Mary found peace: she pondered all these things in her heart. Trusting that God is guiding us, we can learn from our experiences – both good and bad ones – when we reflect on them in our hearts: focusing on the relationship Jesus wants to have with us.

Praying for you to have joyful experiences of hospitality and peace this Christmas.