"Get up," the angel said, "and take the child and his mother and go to the land of Israel. Those who were trying to kill the child are dead." Joseph got up, took the child and his mother, and went to the land of Israel. But when he heard that Archelaus ruled over Judea in place of his father Herod, Joseph was afraid to go there. Having been warned in a dream, he went to the area of Galilee. He settled in a city called Nazareth so that what was spoken through the prophets might be fulfilled: He will be called a Nazarene.
"Withdrawal is not an end in itself; withdrawal happens for the purpose of return" (page 64, Singing Mary's Song). Were you able to schedule a few moments to withdrawal yesterday? How did what you experienced in that withdrawal alter your day?
Mary and Joseph, with little Jesus, were refugees in a foreign land. They had to find work and a place to live. But always, everywhere, God was with them. At the time God made known to them, they returned to their homeland. John Stroman says it well, "The point of withdrawal and return lies not in seeking God somewhere else and bringing God back into the here and now. Rather, this process engages us in the exciting discovery that the God we thought was only “out there” is already “in here.”
Taking time apart each day for reading and meditation helps us find that God is present with us. Sometimes I wish he would speak as clearly to me as he did to Joseph. Perhaps the truth is that Joseph listened better than I. I find that taking daily time for withdrawal is challenging. I don't manage it every day, sometimes not even in a week.
Reflection Questions for Tuesday, Week Three
Take time for quiet reflection. Respond to the questions below by writing in your journal or quietly reflecting.
- "Withdrawal is not an end in itself. Withdrawal happens for the purpose of return." In which place are you now living--in the world of wilderness or in the time of preparation for return? What do you learn from the return of Joseph and Mary, Moses, Elijah, or Jesus?
- Where do you need to see God revealed in the here and now?
Prayer for Tuesday, Week Three
Lord, help us to see you more clearly and love you more dearly. Amen.
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