Developing in Faith: Learning From the Christmas Story
“Then the angel said to her, ‘Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God” (Luke 1:30).
Several years ago, I was training to become a Lay Minister at our Church. In this training, we had to provide practice homilies to our small group members. It just so happened that it was December, and we were assigned to speak about the story of Mary’s pregnancy (Luke 1:26-38). As I read the Gospel story, my seminary background helped me reflect on the angel’s words that Mary had found favor with God and she would be the mother of our Lord. This background provided the core of my presentation.
Trust Greater Than Fear
For a young Jewish girl to become pregnant before she was married was usually very bad news! She would have brought great shame on her family, and she would have been seen as a terrible example of how to live the precepts of the Jewish faith, which always followed the Ten Commandments. Because of her indiscretion, she would have been stoned to death.
One of the mysteries we are encouraged to ponder is how Mary saw the angel’s news as good news. It would seem logical that Mary would have experienced anxious thoughts and feelings, but rather than panic, she went to her relative, Elizabeth, perhaps to seek her advice. (The Greek word used to describe Elizabeth in the Gospel reading is “anepsios,” which can mean a cousin, aunt, or distant relative.) Mary likely trusted Elizabeth to give her good advice about what to do in her situation.
As Mary approached Elizabeth—possibly a woman the age of her mother—the baby in Elizabeth’s womb leaped, signifying the relationship the two infants would have throughout their lives and ministries. We might imagine that Elizabeth assured Mary she would be fine and encouraged her to go home and tell her mother. Mary was already betrothed to Joseph (Luke 1:27), who, when he discovered Mary’s pregnancy, decided to quietly divorce her (Matthew 1:19). The angel then visited Joseph as well, telling him to take Mary as his wife. Joseph did as the angel advised him and became the earthly father of Jesus.
We can see the Jewish faith at work in Mary, Joseph, and Elizabeth. They each listened to God’s will in their head, heart, and soul and did the right and good thing, even when they were unsure of how the situation would work out. Their trust in God was greater than their doubt and fear.
Developing Faith Like the Holy Family’s
How can we develop deep faith like theirs? A deep and compelling faith is the result of consistent prayer and a relationship with God. It is not created in a scramble but, rather, in trust and patience. First of all, we must dedicate ourselves to developing a thriving prayer life. Then, we must discern the virtuous action to take in each situation we face. Doing so creates holy habits.
Having patience with and trust in God requires us to slow down and attend to experiences in the moment, meeting whatever the situation presents with courage. This way of living may be unfamiliar to us; we may be more comfortable rushing, running, and requesting things from God, rather than slowing down and noticing what is happening in the moment and trusting in God’s providence.
I encourage you, for one day, to try slowing your pace, taking one thing off your plate of “have-tos,” and see how the Lord is moving in your life. For example, our three adult children suggested that our family have one party on Christmas Day, at which at least 75 people pack ourselves into my sister-in-law’s home to celebrate. It’s fun, full of family, food, and frivolity. Last year, two of our more introverted in-laws elected to stay at our house instead of attending the party. They said it was relaxing and the way Christmas should be. This year, they encouraged the rest of us to stay home, too. My husband is pondering this change. We’ll see what happens!
Could we all learn from Mary, Joseph, and Elizabeth this year? Could we all slow down our pace, listen to God’s voice, and trust that He has a plan for us—and that our obedience to that plan will help bring Jesus and the Holy Spirit into the world?
Kate Walsh-Soucheray is a wife of 42 years, a mother of three adult, married children, and grandmother of six beautiful, active grandchildren. She is a former Catholic high school Religion teacher and a former Christian Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist. Dr. Walsh-Soucheray writes a monthly column for the Catholic Spirit, the Archdiocesan newspaper of Minneapolis and St. Paul, called Simple Holiness. She is now retired and writes and speaks for Catholic women’s groups, Cana Dinners, and leads retreats for Catholic groups about integrating holiness into our everyday lives. Find her daily reflection and encouragement for Catholic women on LinkedIn.