"Servant of Our Lady"

[21st December]

Today is the Winter Solstice, the shortest day of the year.

Merton had a moment of joyful revelation as he heard Genesis 21 read out.  It tells the story of Sarah having a child in her later years to Abraham, who was already 100!  "God has brought laughter for me; everyone who hears will laugh with me."

I believe in the God of Surprises, of Laughter, and of Joy.  Through the stories of Sarah, Elizabeth and Mary i am reminded not to put limits on divine action.  Their narratives recount pregnancy in unlikely circumstances, giving birth to life, the longed-for son, the child when considered too old, the pregnancy to a young unmarried virgin.  God-in-us becomes literal in the nativity, not longed-for, not "acceptable" but shocking, difficult.

Merton described himself as a Deacon, the special and personal deacon of Our Lady.  Sometimes God is too big, too awesome for me and at those times i find myself leaning on guides who are a bit smaller, humbler such as these women.  Perhaps, as a woman, i need to turn to a woman's narrative to connect.

Similarly i am drawn to be attentive to the season, the Midwinter Day that makes a distinct turning point, the shortest day, the least light available.  I need to pause, marvel at the turning of the planets, the cosmic dance that sees all our spirit guides whirling and laughing, glad to be part of this Winter Festival.