Lately, there have been many comments, posts, situations and encounters that have made me feel uncomfortable. Some are short term and some have been long term. And in the midst of all of this discomfort, there laid an underlying desire to just be comfortable.
As I contemplated on this, I found myself recently being reminded of what He has unveiled to me before: “I will meet you right where you are.” And of course, who reminded me of this? None other than the Holy Family, once again. The Holy Family is so highly looked upon. Full of holiness, they continue to stand as the greatest example of a mother, a father, and a son living in Christ. Does this, however, mean that they were always comfortable? No.
It was evident that Saint Joseph felt uncomfortable – he didn’t fully know how Mary was pregnant. And he was visited by the Angel of the Lord through a dream, telling him to take comfort. And when he chose to abide, he chose to answer yes to a responsibility as well to protect his family – to protect their son, Jesus, and Mary. There must be some sort of worry or discomfort in making sure that his family was safe, and what was even greater for Saint Joseph was that it wasn’t just his son, but the Son of God and His spouse that he was chosen and called to protect.
Then when it comes to Mary… how much confusion, discomfort, and worry must she have felt to all of a sudden discover that she was with child. And not knowing how, she was visited by the Angel of the Lord to take comfort and to not be afraid, for the child she carries is the Son of God… that she too, was chosen. And when her child grew, how much discomfort must she have felt, having her son travel from city to city so frequently, not knowing exactly where he is all the time, while out on the mission/ prophecy that the Lord has sent him to fulfill?
And then when we look at Jesus, we hardly know anything about his childhood. But it makes me think, was he just like the other kids? Or was he like the portrayed image of Hercules with “super strength” or “superpowers”?? (haha) JOKES ASIDE… I really wonder how he felt. He had two fathers… one who was his earthly, human father – Joseph, and One who is divine – God. How did he feel about it? How did he come to know both of them? How did he find the balance?
Despite of all the unknown, the Holy Family found Comfort. And it wasn’t because their answers or struggles were always answered, “fixed/ solved” forever, or perfect… it was because above all, they looked to God FIRST. They weren’t always comfortable… I’m sure Mary was for from feeling comfortable seeing her son nailed to the cross… yet despite of the discomfort… despite of not knowing exactly how or why, she knew that this was part of His plan for her son… for her… and for the world… for us all. She believed and trusted in God above all and HE was her Comfort.
Lord, when I feel any discomfort, may I have the strength to look to the Holy Family. May I have the strength to look to You, above all, and have the courage to understand what it is that You are asking of me. May I be able to humble myself to put You first, always. When I feel uncomfortable, I pray that I may not seek the comforts of the world, but like the Holy Family, seek You as my Comfort. Amen.