He Came Unto His Own, And His Own Received Him Not. (John 1:11)

Greetings in Jesus and Mary....

They did not recognize Jesus because He did not come as they had expected.....pomp and splendor but instead....in poverty and lowliness. What an incentive it is for us to embrace poverty and humility...it is so far away from the thinkings of the world.

On the hillside of Bethlehem were caves or grottos which served as stables for donkeys and cattle. This is the Will of God where His Son was to be born...not in the populated inn where most stayed for shelter. How bitterly cold, poor and lacking in comforts this place was for the Newborn King. Joseph and Mary are quiet and content because they have surrender themselves to the profound wisdom and providence of the Almighty Father. In prayer and vigil, both Joseph and Mary prepare the best they can a dwelling for the awaited Messiah...the greatest event since the creation of the world.

This poverty is such a contradiction already to the world that seeks comforts for all of its senses. May we understand that when discomforts come our way, they are meant to form us and to lead us to the only joy.......Jesus! May we make room for Him in our hearts today and prepare them for Him to dwell there....now and for all eternity. "Lift up your heads, O ye gates, and be lifted up, ye ancient doors, that the King of glory may come in."

​Holy Mother Mary, please prepare our hearts to receive their King!