Mary, Undoer of Knots-- worth some contemplation

Sunday, and it's cold, snowy, and my arthritic feet/ankles/knees are grumpy. So, I will watch Mass on the livestream. That said, I have an abundance of material to read and listen to in order to frame my mind and heart in a more contemplative state. I just need to be disciplined enough to shut the chatter and distraction off; that is the one thing I have a hard time doing. My busy brain won't settle sometimes, and I find myself wandering off into all the things I can't figure out.

That said, I have been reading and listening to good things already this morning. I find my thoughts are trending towards concern for all those who are living in fear, confusion, and distress: Ukraine, for example, and in parts of our own country as well. France celebrated the re-opening of Notre Dame cathedral, with joy and gladness, with a mix of secular and religious ceremony-- after so much damage, and the monumental effort of rebuilding. 

But there's also the nagging sense of how do we balance joy and so much sorrow and fear? How can we untangle this difficulty?

Tomorrow is a Holy Day of Obligation for the Catholic Church, the Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception of Mary. It is said --and we believe-- that she was conceived without sin, and thus this made her the chosen one to bring the Son of God into the world. Wednesday evening, Fr. Ryan is giving a special talk about Mary, Undoer of Knots. I have a small figure of this image of the Holy Mother; Pope Francis is also a big proponent of this incarnation as well. Here is the story, if you want to read further.

How many times have I gotten totally wrapped up in my own issues? How many times have I almost given in to despair over issues too big for me to manage, things like hunger, poverty, injustice, climate change, the pain and suffering of people living in war zones, my own family's financial and emotional distresses? The burden is sometimes far too much. Crying helps. Prayer helps. Action helps. 

Once again, I need to rededicate myself to helping where I can, when I can, as much as I can. Advent is a season of waiting. Of practicing patience. Of learning to trust, through faith. I am not a very patient person by nature, but I must embrace the discipline, or I will be overwhelmed by all the things that worry me about this world. 

Have a good day. Stay safe. 

C