Yesterday we drove to a coastal wildlife refuge- this is usually a good time of year to see shore birds. As we drove slowly down the narrow one way lane with water on either side, dense fog rolled in, atmospheric and a little creepy. Visibility was low. It was so odd. There were very few birds and the ones we saw were busy seeking shelter. We had to pull over for other cars to speed past us, which also seemed odd until we realized the refuge had closed a half hour prior. I was so anxious, I just wanted to get home safely (pilgrimage resistence?) This morning, my husband said, "of course I was concerned, but what else could we do? It was a one way road!" (possibly I am married to wisdom...)
Thank you so much for this retreat, clearly I need it!
I had never thought about the role of Joseph’s misgivings as preventing Mary from falling into pride, but it makes sense. It makes sense to me that she would be scared of him leaving, and the this is why her consent was so courageous, but I hadn’t thought about it from the other direction.
The other thought that I had was pregnancy is a great metaphor for the “already and not yet“ process of our lives, the kingdom of God, etc. I had never thought to relate personally to Mary in this way, and wisdom as the prompting to consider and be methodical. Again, permission to go slow.
Also, I have some apple juice I wasn’t sure what I was going to do with, so thank you for the recipe!
Becca, My thanks for your reflections on Mary & Joseph (and Hurrah for the kitty! I love cats though I am allergic to them).
Mary was between a rock and a hard place. And without the angel/dream, Joseph might not have had the courage to remain as her protector. I have been reading about Mary lately and will be posting on it in a few days. I like your "already and not yet" phrase. I am sure I have heard it before. This is indeed the prerequisite of pilgrimage. One needs to know that you are already on the road, but not there yet, to really engage with a pilgrimage. Thanks.
Thank you, Becca, I hope you enjoyed your spiced wine :-) I think the part with being protected from pride is probably more fitting for the soul's journey. Wisdom keeps us grounded vs. some of the modern prophets who appear to talk in the name of God. And yes, to pregnancy as the metaphor for the process.
Yesterday we drove to a coastal wildlife refuge- this is usually a good time of year to see shore birds. As we drove slowly down the narrow one way lane with water on either side, dense fog rolled in, atmospheric and a little creepy. Visibility was low. It was so odd. There were very few birds and the ones we saw were busy seeking shelter. We had to pull over for other cars to speed past us, which also seemed odd until we realized the refuge had closed a half hour prior. I was so anxious, I just wanted to get home safely (pilgrimage resistence?) This morning, my husband said, "of course I was concerned, but what else could we do? It was a one way road!" (possibly I am married to wisdom...)
Thank you so much for this retreat, clearly I need it!
Eva, thank you so much for sharing this lovely image of your journey. Glad you made it home safely. And glad you have your Joseph near by :-)
I had never thought about the role of Joseph’s misgivings as preventing Mary from falling into pride, but it makes sense. It makes sense to me that she would be scared of him leaving, and the this is why her consent was so courageous, but I hadn’t thought about it from the other direction.
The other thought that I had was pregnancy is a great metaphor for the “already and not yet“ process of our lives, the kingdom of God, etc. I had never thought to relate personally to Mary in this way, and wisdom as the prompting to consider and be methodical. Again, permission to go slow.
Also, I have some apple juice I wasn’t sure what I was going to do with, so thank you for the recipe!
Oh, and my cat came home from hospital yesterday!
Becca, My thanks for your reflections on Mary & Joseph (and Hurrah for the kitty! I love cats though I am allergic to them).
Mary was between a rock and a hard place. And without the angel/dream, Joseph might not have had the courage to remain as her protector. I have been reading about Mary lately and will be posting on it in a few days. I like your "already and not yet" phrase. I am sure I have heard it before. This is indeed the prerequisite of pilgrimage. One needs to know that you are already on the road, but not there yet, to really engage with a pilgrimage. Thanks.
Thank you, Becca, I hope you enjoyed your spiced wine :-) I think the part with being protected from pride is probably more fitting for the soul's journey. Wisdom keeps us grounded vs. some of the modern prophets who appear to talk in the name of God. And yes, to pregnancy as the metaphor for the process.