Daily Gospel Reflection for January 1, 2021 - Solemnity of Mary, Mother of God

Join us as we reflect, ponder, and pray together inspired by today's Gospel.

Today's Gospel: Luke 2:16-21 - Solemnity of Mary, Mother of God

We don’t often use the phrase “in haste” in our daily lives. That makes it stand out even more in today’s reading. The shepherds probably reserved “in haste” for when there was a threat or a demand. In fact, thinking about it, I’m the same way in my life. My ability to move “in haste” often has to do with the need I perceive. Am I running late? Is the kid hurt? Did someone call and ask me urgently?

But what about when my motivation for taking action “in haste” has to do with excitement? What if it was driven by my excitement? The new baby I want to meet, the returning family member, the visitor I haven’t seen in ages…

The shepherds were excited, and that made them move “in haste.” They didn’t really discuss it much—and they didn’t need to. They knew where they needed to be. They knew what they needed to do. And it demanded them to go “in haste,” not wasting any time and not waiting for morning.

When the Spirit moves us and inspires us to act “in haste,” amazing things can happen. We may, for instance, see Jesus: in the helpless infant, in the overwhelmed parents, in the ragtag group. And we should always, inspired by Mama Mary, keep and ponder in our hearts, leaving room for further action by the Spirit.

Ponder:

What are you being invited to do “in haste”—not in a hurry and not without purpose, but with direction and excitement?

Pray:

Jesus, give me the joy and courage to run “in haste” to Your arms, to do Your will, to sit silently and ponder.

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When the Spirit moves us and inspires us to act “in haste,” amazing things can happen. #dailygospel

Copyright 2021 Sarah Reinhard