Taking a moment to pause, to observe those around us is important to do. We need to take a breathe more often than not. The Gospels offer examples of Mary and Jesus observing and meditating on what they observe. I imagine that Jesus learned this trait from his mother as he witnessed her reflecting and pondering from time to time. Luke records how Jesus was fully engaged in his ministry, going from town to town, proclaiming the Gospel of the Kingdom, teaching, and curing those with diseases and illnesses.
Then there is a moment of stopping as he observes the “the crowds”. Imagine the scene of all those milling about, all the hustle and bustle of those gathering to get closer to hear or to be touched by Jesus. Some of the interactions I am sure were less than kind or cordial. Yet, as if we were viewing the scene from just behind Jesus, there is a stillness, a calm, and the noise and jostling are muted. He sees not just a mass of humanity, but many people, individual human beings in need. He may see a child crying, a couple of men carrying someone who is not able to stand on his own, others arguing, as others shove at each other. In that moment of pondering, “his heart was moved with pity for them because they were troubled and abandoned, like sheep without a shepherd” (Mt 9:36).
Taking a moment to step back, to breathe, to observe, is one of the gifts of the seasons of Advent and Lent. It is an opportunity to retreat, to stop the madness, just for a bit. When we do so we can start to see a little clearer, we can hear our own heart beat, we can see the need in others that Jesus saw, and hopefully our hearts will also be moved with compassion for others.
My hope is that this Advent our hearts can be softened and moved with empathy toward the too many women who have had to endure layers and levels of harassment, abuse, molestation, and rape. As Pope Francis wrote: “If we are truly merciful, we need to care for others as our own. We need to be compassionate guides to help bring about healing and reconciliation” (McCann, 27). It is time for us to be compassionate guides so that women may continue to have courage to come forward to share their stories, with those that they can trust, and publically as they are able. May we be willing to listen and accompany those who come to us, and assist in seeking the proper support when more help is needed for healing. May we as men take this moment to ponder our actions, to reflect on ways in which we have not respected women’s boundaries or have not stood up or spoken out, seek forgiveness, and to listen and not be defensive, to be part of the healing and change that is sorely needed.
Jesus is our shepherd in this. He saw women as human beings with dignity. He stood up for the woman who was brought to him accused of adultery, he spoke to the Canaanite woman at the well who from that encounter then proclaimed the Gospel to her village, and he chose to reveal himself to Mary Magdalene first upon his Resurrection, such that Mary became the Apostle to the Apostles. Jesus and his mother Mary are models for us this Advent of how to ponder, how to be still, and come to see the truth of God in the midst of our present moment, and how to be bearers of light in our present darkness.
Image of icon of Mary Magdalene, Apostle to the Apostles
McCann, Deborah. 30 Days of Reflections and Prayers: What Pope Francis Says About Mercy. New London, CT: Twenty-Third Publications, 2015.
Link for today’s Mass readings:
Spiritual Stepping Stones 