BY DEFAULT OR BY CHOICE

By DEfAulT oR By CHoICE?

 

“Then He says, ‘Behold, I come to do your will.’” – Hebrews 10:9

 

In the course of writing for Kerygma, I encountered many single men and women who have chosen single-blessedness over marriage — not by default but out of choice. Some live apart from their families. Some live in communities of consecrated lay people. Some live alone.

While they share moments of loneliness, they are one in saying that they do not regret their decision. They don’t have to worry about the high cost of education, cost of living andthe like. They are able to savor moments of solitude that marriage would not always allow them to. They can freely relate to people without having to worry about a spouse’s jealousy or insecurity. More importantly, they are able to focus their energies and time to fulfilling their God-ordained mission.

Hey, am I not talking about myself here? I am single still and I am enjoying what I have just mentioned above. But during special occasions like Christmas, a certain feeling of vulnerability pervades — perhaps a need for companionship?

So, by default or by choice? The answer is in my heart, where God has planted His desire for me.Tess Atienza

 

REFLECTION:

What state of life is God calling you to?

 

Lord, grant me wisdom and discernment so I would be able to see clearly what state of life would help me serve You and love You best.

 

A JOyful encOunteR

 

Every pilgrim to the Holy Land is touched by a certain holy place or experience. Some are touched by their visit to Bethlehem, others by touching the actual rock of Golgotha or standing in Nazareth at the place of the annunciation.

One of the highlights of my Holy Land trips is always a visit to Ein Karem, the small village in the Judean hill country where Elizabeth lived and welcomed Mary. The Church of the Visitation is built on a slope, surrounded by trees, overlooking a green, peaceful valley. There, these two saintly women met with great joy, where they praised God and where Mary sang her Magnificat.

Today’s Gospel passage brings us to this beautiful place. We reflect on the joyful encounter of four holy persons: Mary and Elizabeth, and Jesus and John the Baptist in the wombs of their mothers. Luke writes that Mary went in haste, as quickly as she could. Her travel from Nazareth to Ein Karem took at least three days. Pope John Paul II called Mary “a living tabernacle,” for as she travelled to Ein Karem, she was carrying in her womb the Son of God and brought Him to Elizabeth, hidden, as Christ is hidden in the tabernacles of our churches.

After receiving the Lord in Holy Communion, we also become living tabernacles. Do we realize that when we leave the Church after Mass, Christ is in our hearts and wants to be brought to those we meet throughout the day? How would this realization change our lives and that of our fellowmen?

God works great things for those who believe in Him. All greatness starts at a moment when one dares to say: Yes, I believe in it. We have to keep believing in the value of what we do, wherever God has placed us.

We too can share in the joy of Mary and Elizabeth if we believe that God calls us to greatness, to the joy of service. With humility learned from Mary,

we can become great disciples of the Lord. Fr. Rudy Horst, SVD

 

Reflection Question:

When I meet people, do I bring gossip or joy to them? Am I aware that Christ is in me and wants me to bring His joy to others?

 

Lord, uniting Yourself with me so many times in Holy Communion, You want me to bring more joy to those I meet. Remind me of this more often, Lord.

 

St. Dominic of Silos, Abbot, pray for us.