Preparing our hearts to receive Jesus! That’s what’s been on my mind as I ponder the O Antiphons and all the different ways we address our Savior and summon Him to come. Though I haven’t posted in a few weeks, I have been continuing the Jesse tree tradition by reading Scripture and continuing to follow the genealogy of Jesus from Moses through John the Baptist.

Since my last post the genealogy continued to move through the Old Testament players Isaac, Jacob, Joseph, Moses, Jesse, Samuel, David, Solomon, and New Testament players Mary, Joseph and John the Baptist. I’ll share some insights here:

Jacob and Joseph: The stories of Jacob and Joseph shed light on a few things. First, God writes straight with crooked lines. Second, the sins of our ancestors continue to have an effect on our families. Evidence of the fact that our actions matter and have a ripple effect. Third, favoritism leads to envy and jealousy. Fourth, one righteous person in the family can change the “lot” of the entire family and finally, suffering is redemptive and has purpose.

Moses: The story of Moses teaches us the importance of sacrifice and the role sacrifice plays in God’s plan for salvation history. It’s also a reminder for us to remain close to God in prayer, Scripture and obedience to the teachings of the Church as we look at Moses’ birth mother as an example of one who was able to recognize and act on a prompting of the Holy Spirit.

Samuel: The story of Samuel spoke to me of the power of sitting in God’s presence before the tabernacle. It is a story which tells of the power of God’s grace to transform us from one who does not recognize Him into a faithful servant. It also speaks of the necessity and importance of community to guide and intercede for us.

Jesse: The story of Jesse speaks of obedience and openness to the Holy Spirit, First, Samuel did not allow his own thoughts, desires or opinions to determine who he chose to anoint. He was in tune and obedient to God’s call. Jesse too was obedient. He understood his children were not his own and was willing to offer them back to God.

Solomon: This story speaks of the importance of discernment. God promises Solomon a heart so wise and discerning and also promises to give him what he doesn’t even ask for. Scripture notes that Solomon was dreaming but upon waking his response to the dream is essentially going to adoration, offering an intention at mass and celebrating with his people – an act of thanksgiving. How often do we recognize God’s revelation and offer some sacrifice in thanksgiving?

Mary and Joseph: I’m always drawn to ponder the beauty of their faith. The idea that they were always steeped in prayer and Scripture. Nothing seemed more important to them than knowing the will of God for their lives. Because of this, they were able to properly discern the will of God and their path forward, even if it went against the Mosaic law. The story of Mary and Joseph reminds me of how important it is to call on the Holy Spirit, to be open to its promptings and to pray about every decision and every move we make which will impact our families and the rest of the world.

John the Baptist: John was a shining example of what it looks like to humble yourself before God. He did the work, he testified and led others to Jesus but he knew his place. He acknowledged before all that the one that came after him was mightier. It’s something we should consider when we set out to do God’s work and let Him lead.

As I prepare to welcome Jesus into my heart, I resolve to remain steeped in prayer and Scripture, to be led by and obedient to the Holy Spirit, to turn to God for guidance in all decisions through discernment. I further resolve to constantly thank God for all the ways He is working in my life.

This upcoming week will you be making any spiritual resolutions? I hope this post inspires you to do just that! God bless you!

Sacrifice what?

What a gift a child is! Today’s reading in the Jesse Tree tradition continues with Abraham. This time it’s not about his call to detach from his possessions but from his child. He’s called to sacrifice his only son, Isaac. What? Think about that. If someone told me God was calling them to sacrifice their son, I’d think they’d gone mad.

Step out

My first thought is this verse is about stepping out in faith. It’s about discerning God’s will and doing it even when it’s difficult. Even when we’re called to give up something to which we have an attachment – a toxic/unhealthy relationship or a possession which leads us to sin.

Return the gift

The other thing that struck me as I read this verse is the fact that our children are not our own – they are pure gift from God. They are “on loan” from God and it’s up to parents to lead them back to God. Abraham was willing to offer Isaac. We too are called to offer our children to God – through baptism and the sacraments. We are called to properly equip them with the armor of God – the armor they need to combat evil.

The verse ends with: “on the mountain, the Lord will provide.” What mountain? On the mountain of grace God will provide. There are so many opportunities for us to be filled with His grace. The sacraments, prayer, adoration, the rosary are all ways to be filled. Teach the children, lead them. The world needs more grace and light. Sacrifice your time, offer them back to God as Abraham did. God bless you.