In imitation of Mary, I ponder in my heart the Biblical scene of Christ's Nativity.The stable in which Jesus choose to be born gives a glimpse of God's perspective on both worldly poverty and His Divine Providence. In my prayerful imagination I step into the cave which our Heavenly Father lovingly reserved for the Holy Family. It is smelly, dank and dirty. It lacks comfort and dignity. Joseph enters first. Looking around he realizes fully his poverty and he feels his spirit sink.
Joseph and Mary had spent so many months excitingly planning for the birth of this new Baby. I imagine he used his carpentry gifts to design storage space for diapers, warm garments and toys. He even built a room, a scared space, just for Jesus. How beautiful it must had been - the cradle he crafted for the Son he would welcome! Joseph had been anticipating giving the divine Child so much. But tonight, after a long trip and a really, really bad day, the foster father of the Christ sits on a cold, stone, cave floor far away from the home he and Mary had done their dreaming as they prepared for the One called Emanuel. Joseph is distraught over not having been able to do better; he wants to give his family the best of everything. Instead, they are cold, hungry and barely sheltered. He looks at his wife with eyes filled with defeat, remorse and grave concern. Mary, however, smiles back with eyes full of grace, confidence and trust. With grateful awe She joyfully laughs, "God has provided, Joseph! God has provided!"
Once upon a time I lived in a big, beautiful, yellow house. My husband and I tried our best to use the Providence of this house to serve God and bring souls closer to Him. I would often say, "God gave me this big house, it is my job to fill it up." And we did fill our home with prayer, holy friendship and so much laughter on Sunday evenings. For 6 years we hosted a monthly parish Family Rosary followed by a big Sunday meal. Then, circumstances changed and we had to give up that house and move into a smaller home. Another family, with a house just like ours, took over the Family Rosary.Though I was aware of God's constant blessings, I had the most difficult time detaching from that big, yellow house which held so many memories.
Many times over the last 3 years I have often consider hosting another Family Rosary in our new, old house. However, pride and doubt would push the idea away from my heart. Our present home is much smaller, lacks seating, counter space and bathrooms. And though I have always been grateful that God saved this house for us, I just didn't think it was good enough for ministry, broad hospitality and Community building. I thought my obligation to fill up my house for God was no longer. Was I wrong?
Why would God desire less "filling up of Good Things" simply because a dwelling was little? Do not small homes, too, belong to God? He has even used impoverished caves to provide for His most important purposes!!
I believe my family is called to fill up our home and cover our well lived on floors with the feet of disciples of every age. I think Our Lord would be pleased to have prayer and laughter echo off our tired walls. Most of all, I wonder if Our Blessed Mother is depending on the Pirrungs to make room for the children She wishes to gather together in the Name of her Son, all for the glory of God and the good of His local Church.
The Family Rosary was the most beautiful part of the years we lived in the big house. And, I ponder if it will be the Family Rosary that humbles me enough to see this home,too, as beautiful.
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