Reflecting God's Love

 

    During the Christmas season, I enjoy watching a movie on the Nativity of Christ. Most of the films are well done. But I have to admit, I am often uncomfortable with how Mary can be portrayed. There is always something off about her character. I have even been known to say aloud, "Mary would never say that, or she would never have done that." I have even stopped watching movies because they do not do Mary justice. It may seem I'm claiming to be an expert on Mary, but I will admit I'm not. However, I do know Mary. She is the most wonderful, caring mother I have ever met, and I love her dearly.

 It is difficult for an actress to demonstrate Mary's most extraordinary qualities. Mary's humility, love for God, and obedience to His Will are unmatched. Her holiness is so beautiful because she magnifies God's love to all. When I sit with Mary, I feel God's love. Mary never comes between me and God; she always nudges me closer. The thought that Jesus would share His Mother with me is a blessing beyond comprehension. 

 This truly is a beautiful time of the year to reflect on the birth of our Savior, followed by such intimate feasts as the Feast of the Holy Family and the Solemnity of Mary, Mother of God. May the love of the Christ child shine brightly in your lives. As we gaze at Jesus lying in the manger, do not overlook the loving gaze He gives Mary and Joseph.

-Susan

Merry Christmas!

 

  As I played with my grandchildren this past week, I was filled with many memorable little moments. Hot chocolate with whipped cream, trees covered in lights, and making Christmas cookies. However, my favorite moment came while we were playing Barbies. My granddaughter handed me a doll and said, "Here you are, Mary's Mom."

 "Oh, I'm St. Anne?"

 "Was that Mary's mom's name?"

 "Yes."

 "I'm going to be Mary. I need to put something under Mary's dress to make her look like she is pregnant with Jesus." Once Mary was ready, she yelled, "Joseph, hurry up, we got to go before it's too late." Joseph, formally known as Malibu Ken, was quickly at Mary's side in his bathing suit. My granddaughter had Mary and Joseph walking until she looked up at me and said, "How do you think Jesus was born?"

 I smiled at my five-year-old granddaughter and said, "I think it was a special miracle."

 She nodded and said, "I think so too."

 I tell this story because I wish you all a Merry Christmas, and I hope you take the time to marvel over the birth of the Christ Child. I spent that same night praying next to my own manger figurines. I imagined what it would have been like for Mary and Joseph to see the face of God for the very first time. It must have been incredible to touch His little fingers and toes and gaze into His eyes. No presents. Just His Presence, which was the fulfillment of every hope and prayer that was ever uttered. Life on earth would never be the same. One little baby, Jesus, would change everything. From this day forward, humanity would not only be touched by God but would be able to touch God. The birth of Jesus was indeed miraculous!

Merry Christmas!

-Susan

   

Adding a Little Gloss to Advent (Part 3 of 3)

 

Lilly sat down at her usual table in the cafeteria for lunch. Most of her friends were already there talking about something (or probably someone ) in hushed voices. Lilly set down her pizza and pop before leaning into the conversation.

 "Did you even see what she was wearing today?" Emily said.

 Commonly, Lilly would have immediately asked who they were talking about, but she decided to eat her pizza and not join the conversation. Her friends continued to give their unpleasant opinions about the original person and then moved on to others. Lilly had managed to eat her entire lunch before the conversation was turned to her.

 "Lilly, why are you being so quiet? By the way, I noticed your new lip gloss today. That color is good on you, " said Eva.

 Olivia, Lilly's best friend, answered immediately. "Lilly's grandma bought her the new Advent lip gloss set we were all talking about last week, but Lilly had to promise not to talk crap about people while she was wearing it."

 "You are so lucky your Grandma bought that for you. By the time I got to the store, they were sold out. Anyways, who cares about what you promised your Grandma? It's not like she can hear our conversations. It's not like she is God," replied Eva. 

 "I know," began Lilly, "But that's the point. I made a promise, and I'll know I didn't keep it, and God will, too."

 "Lilly, are you serious right now? Nobody keeps their promises anymore if they are not going to get caught. What are you so worried about, girl?" Emily asked.

 "Because when I pray tonight, I'm going to feel embarrassed because I didn't keep my word," Lilly said, feeling stupid. Was she really talking about praying in front of everyone at the table?

 "Do you really think God cares if you kept a promise to your Grandma? Look at what's going on in the world. I think God has much bigger problems, " Eva answered.

 Lilly suddenly felt an inner urge to speak. "Ya, I'm sure He does, but I also think he cares about me and what's going on in my life. What am I supposed to say, 'Hey God, you know how you made all those people in my school, and you love them all. Well, I don't, and I'm just going to make fun of them because I can't help myself?' That sounds like a dumb prayer to me." 

 Olivia tried to come to her friend's defense. "That does sound dumb when you say it out loud."

 Eva looked at Lilly. "Do you really still pray every night?" 

 Lilly replied, "Yes, of course I do. Doesn't everyone?"

 "Not me," Regan replied. "I don't have the time."

 Olivia started laughing. "The girl who knows every person's TikTok post doesn't have time. I wonder why? Ok, let's help Lilly out. How about we agree not to talk about anyone at the lunch table until after Christmas. Agree? There are plenty of other things we could be talking about."

  Lilly smiled at Olivia. "Thanks." Olivia smiled back before changing the subject to her Christmas list.

A few days before Christmas, Grandma stopped by the house to make Christmas cookies. "You look pretty today. Lilly." Grandma said when Lilly walked into the kitchen.

 "Thanks, Grandma. This is the best color lip gloss so far."

 "I think it's more than just your lip gloss," Grandma said with a smile.

 "Hey, Grandma, I've been trying really hard to keep your promise about being more kind. But I have to admit that it has been a lot harder than I thought it would be. I've screwed up a few times."

 Grandma laughed, "Well, haven't we all. God doesn't expect us to be perfect but is pleased when we try."

 "Well, I have been trying Grandma. I even got my friends to try, too. I never would have guessed that lip gloss would make me brave enough to talk about God with my friends." Lilly shook her head, "It probably wasn't the lip gloss at all. I think it had more to do with visiting the Blessed Sacrament and praying. I feel closer to God."

 Grandma smiled, and her eyes glistened with held-back tears. "From your lips to my heart, Lilly. You have definitely grown more beautiful this Advent."

-Susan

Adding A Little Gloss to Advent (Chapter 2 of 3)

 

   

  Lilly jumped into her Grandma's car and headed for the church. As they pulled into the parking lot, Lilly reached into her pocket. "Oh no, I think my rosary fell out of my pocket. It's not here," confessed Lilly.

 "Would you like to use mine?" Grandma offered.

 "What are you going to use then?" Lilly wondered.

 "Oh, I don't always pray the Rosary before the Blessed Sacrament. Sometimes, I talk to Jesus from my heart; sometimes, I sit in His Presence and try to listen. I like just being near to Him."

 "Really? I always thought you had to say a specific prayer. Hmm, maybe I'll talk to Him from my heart today," Lilly replied as she and Grandma walked into the small chapel. Lilly sat down and looked around. She was a little surprised there weren't more people there. Lilly turned her focus to the monstrance as she allowed her heart to take over. Then she closed her eyes and became conscious of each breath she took. As she breathed in, she silently prayed, "Jesus, I believe you are here with me."

 After a few minutes, Lilly opened her eyes and noticed two pictures behind the altar. One picture was the image of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, and the other was Mary holding Jesus in her arms. Lilly remembered her Grandma's words from yesterday. "Ask Mary what she did to prepare for the coming of Jesus."

 For a few minutes, Lilly just wondered. "Mary, did you spend much time just wondering what it would be like to hold God in your arms? Could you feel Baby Jesus' heart beating inside you? What would it be like to be that close to God? What would it be like to know God depended on you to bring Jesus to the world?"

 Lilly closed her eyes and wondered for a while. Interiorly, she felt her questions being redirected toward herself. "What does it feel like to be so close to Me, Lilly? Do you not feel me?"

"Of course I do. I just..." Lilly didn't finish her sentence.

 "You just what?" the Voice questioned.

 "How come it's so easy for me to forget you are always with me?"

 "That's a good question. I never leave you, you know." the Voice answered.

 "If you aren't the one who leaves, then it's because I leave. A tear slid down Lilly's cheek. "Why is it so easy for me to forget about you? " Lilly sat with her own question for a few minutes, feeling uncomfortable and foolish. "I don't have any good answers for that one. I'm sorry. I guess it's good that you asked Mary to bring you into the world, not me," Lilly said, staring straight at the monstrance.

 "Lilly, Mary's role was very different, but I have asked you to bring me into the world. Bring me into your world and the people you encounter every day. Speak my words. Be my Voice."

 As Lilly brought her folded hand close to her face, she felt the gloss of her new lipstick touch her hands. She looked at the glossy sheen on her hand. Lilly remembered the promise she had made to her Grandma. "Ok Jesus, my lips are yours," Lilly promised as a small smile spread.

(To be continued...)

-Susan

Adding a Little Gloss To Advent (Chapter 1 of 3)

 

  Lilly and her Grandma were pulling into the outdoor mall's parking lot. "Grandma, can we start at the big department store first? There is an Advent calendar I really want to get. I want to see if it's on sale."

 "Oh, I would happily buy that for you, Lilly. Why don't you show me which one."

 "Grandma, you are the best!" Lilly responded. Lilly led Grandma through the cosmetic section. "Oh my gosh," Lilly exclaimed, "They have it!" Lilly excitedly handed the gift box to her Grandma.

 Grandma look very confused, "Lilly, I don't understand. "What does this set of lip gloss have to do with Advent?"

 "Grandma, look, there are 15 different shades of lip gloss. I could wear a different one every day up until Christmas. Then, I will know my favorite on Christmas day, and I'll be ready!"

 "Lilly, I don't mean to hurt your feelings, but I think you are completely missing the point of Advent. Advent is about preparing yourself for the coming of Jesus."

 "Well, I could wear the lipgloss when I go to church on Sunday." Lilly looked at her Grandma's expression and set the gift box down. " I guess you don't want to buy it for me anymore."

 "Let me think about it. Lilly. How about you help me pick Christmas presents for the family first?"

 "Sure, that's fine," Lilly said, dripping with disappointment.

 An hour and a half later, Lilly and her Grandma found an empty table at the food court and sat down to refuel. "You know Lilly," Grandma began, "I've been thinking about that lip gloss set. At first, I thought it had nothing to do with Advent, but maybe I was wrong."

 "Really?" Lilly said.

 "I'll buy you that set on two conditions. First, I want you to visit the Blessed Sacrament with me tomorrow. I'm going to bring my Rosary. Let's ask Mary what she did to prepare for the coming of Jesus. You know she was about the same age as you. Second, you must promise me that you will only speak kind words when wearing your lip gloss. That may help get both your heart and lips to shine through Advent. What do you think? Do we have a deal?"

 "Yes!" Lilly answered. Lilly smiled at her Grandma, thinking how easy this would be. Grandma smiled back, wondering if she was asking too much from her granddaughter.

(to be continued...)