We have had a whole year! No one could ever have predicted the way our entire world would change in a matter of a few months. Each of us thinks that our circumstances are so unusual and have never happened before.
I’ve been thinking a lot about Mary, the mother of Jesus, and how she experienced so many parallels with us. She must have felt similar to how we feel. Reflect on this:
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Shock: Imagine the shock when this teenager found out she was pregnant and yet hadn’t been with a man. We were also surprised to learn that a pandemic would shut down the entire world for a time.
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Confusion: Mary probably didn’t know what to do or how she would deal with the idea of being a mother. Not only has COVID-19 confused us, but also the mixed messages we have been receiving from the media, health officials, and loved ones about how to protect ourselves and others.
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Conspiracy – Imagine how Mary was treated when she declared that she was a virgin who was pregnant with the son of God. Many people have claimed that there are conspiracies surrounding the pandemic in its origin, risk levels, statistics and treatment.
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Support: Joseph was the person who became the partner of Mary and the earthly father of Jesus and he too must have experienced some stress from others. Were you the subject of rumors and pressure from people who had given you alternative advice? Where were the mother and sisters of Mary? I bet she wished they were with her. During the pandemic we have had to find ways to connect with others through technology and interaction at a distance. Like Mary, many of our family members were also separated.
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Legalities – Although Mary was nearing the end of her pregnancy, the ruler asked her and Joseph to travel to Bethlehem. They were asked to register for the census and pay their taxes. Our governments could have made some revisions to the laws related to taxes by deferring them, but we still had to pay our taxes and also follow the new laws on quarantine, travel and economics.
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Medical Care: There is no mention of Mary having a doctor, midwife, or other professional to help her deliver her firstborn. In fact, because there was no room at the inn, she was housed with the animals in a stable during labor and delivery. Many parts of the world also have health problems. Some faced a lack of protective equipment, long lines waiting for tests, and no clear information on whether a vaccine will be available and effective in the near future.
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Unknown – I’m sure Maria wondered what would happen to Jose, her son, and herself. How far could she see into her future? All of us have also been wondering about the future. Will our countries reopen? What will help the economy? Will there be food shortages? Can we trust that “this too will pass” and we will be better in the future?
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Faith – Mary trusted God. She followed the law by traveling to Bethlehem. She oxidized Joseph to help her. Every year we faithfully celebrate Christmas, which is the birthday of the baby that Maria carried. Do we have a strength of faith close to that of Mary?
We have already overcome several months of uncertainty due to COVID-19. Maybe it’s a good thing that we didn’t know what to expect at the beginning of this.
And now we face a future that also has many unknowns. Will we face it with the love, peace and joy that we talk about so much during the holidays?
I hope so.
Merry Christmas to all!