I can’t sleep. Maybe it’s because my flea-ridden cat insists on sleeping on top of me every night. Maybe it’s because my youngest son had a possible seizure over Thanksgiving and now the doctor is sending us to a neurologist. Maybe it’s because my day felt like absolute trash and the
On the reflection... I know what you mean. There is so much need. As you have done, you do what you can and what the Lord leads you to do. Know that it can never be enough. Also know that with each act of kindness, you have served Him and the angels rejoice! Even the innkeeper knew when he was full. His No however did not mean that God’s will was thwarted but instead gave room to a stable so that many could come and adore. An even greater blessing.
This reflection really touched my heart as someone who also worked in a parish office in a busy inner city. I struggled so much with these same exact feelings. Thank you for your honesty.
It really does bring about a mysterious call of Christ and goes against everything that seems normal. Like, why are we loving when there will never be a return. Perhaps this is what God is showing us when He loves each and every one of us - even the ones who will never love Him.
"I think I know what I’m going to text back. I need her to pray that my heart can truly “see” Christ in the poor. I need discernment and wisdom. I need a gentle heart. I need human formation. I need hope."
You and I both, sister. You're not alone.
Now, I want to offer an alternate explanation for the Inkeeper's rejection. We should not read "there was NO ROOM in the inn for them" but "there was no room in the inn FOR THEM."
These inns were often an interior patio with people crashing wherever they found a space. What the Inkeeper may have meant was that his very public inn wasn't the place for a woman to give birth. Therefore, he was concerned for their privacy. He might have been the one who suggested to them the cave with the manger. I mean, it wasn't the best place, but at least it was a private place, away from the gaze of the curious. The Inkeeper, then, did them a favor, not a dishonor.
It is my job as a follower of Christ. That discernment alone shows He’s tugging your heart. I prayed for you today to continue to help the needy, the hungry, the less fortunate. God bless the work you do.
My 86 year old mother has a 65 year old man who helps her out around the house doing odd jobs so she can get things taken care of that take more strength than she has and so that she can give him a little cash to get a hot meal. He has now fallen and broken his ankle and lies in bed unable to move. She has been taking him meals, food, and trying to help him get a doctor. How can my poor old mother who needed him now help him? It's beautiful and maddening at the same time. Your essay brings up the same sad points. God bless us all!
Kelly, what a beautiful reflection! Thanks! May you all have a very blessed Christmas!
On the reflection... I know what you mean. There is so much need. As you have done, you do what you can and what the Lord leads you to do. Know that it can never be enough. Also know that with each act of kindness, you have served Him and the angels rejoice! Even the innkeeper knew when he was full. His No however did not mean that God’s will was thwarted but instead gave room to a stable so that many could come and adore. An even greater blessing.
That's a beautiful point, Deacon.
This reflection really touched my heart as someone who also worked in a parish office in a busy inner city. I struggled so much with these same exact feelings. Thank you for your honesty.
It really does bring about a mysterious call of Christ and goes against everything that seems normal. Like, why are we loving when there will never be a return. Perhaps this is what God is showing us when He loves each and every one of us - even the ones who will never love Him.
You have my prayers🙏🕊
Thank you, Kathleen.
"I think I know what I’m going to text back. I need her to pray that my heart can truly “see” Christ in the poor. I need discernment and wisdom. I need a gentle heart. I need human formation. I need hope."
You and I both, sister. You're not alone.
Now, I want to offer an alternate explanation for the Inkeeper's rejection. We should not read "there was NO ROOM in the inn for them" but "there was no room in the inn FOR THEM."
These inns were often an interior patio with people crashing wherever they found a space. What the Inkeeper may have meant was that his very public inn wasn't the place for a woman to give birth. Therefore, he was concerned for their privacy. He might have been the one who suggested to them the cave with the manger. I mean, it wasn't the best place, but at least it was a private place, away from the gaze of the curious. The Inkeeper, then, did them a favor, not a dishonor.
Something to think about.
Wow! You are so right - that is a good thought! Thank you!
It is my job as a follower of Christ. That discernment alone shows He’s tugging your heart. I prayed for you today to continue to help the needy, the hungry, the less fortunate. God bless the work you do.
Thank you - we had a great conversation today at the office about how to expand the ministry. The prayers are being answered!
Very touching reflection ❤️.
My 86 year old mother has a 65 year old man who helps her out around the house doing odd jobs so she can get things taken care of that take more strength than she has and so that she can give him a little cash to get a hot meal. He has now fallen and broken his ankle and lies in bed unable to move. She has been taking him meals, food, and trying to help him get a doctor. How can my poor old mother who needed him now help him? It's beautiful and maddening at the same time. Your essay brings up the same sad points. God bless us all!