Chotard Doll

Companions on the way,

How do we respond to the presence and mercy of the Lord?

Matthew’s gospel outlines two ways in the story of Joseph’s escape to Egypt with the child Jesus. Joseph has the gift of listening for God’s voice. Not everyone who is visited by an angel in a dream would pick up and move to Egypt! But Joseph was faithful. He listened, believed, and obeyed.

Herod, on the other hand, thinks he has the power to control and even counteract the gifts of God. He uses his power to assert his own authority. Surely killing all the children under the age of two would eradicate this threat to his throne?

I have a little of Joseph and a little of Herod in me, one on each shoulder. At my best, I listen and believe and obey. But there are times when I try to control things by my own actions, my own power…until I realize how futile my efforts are.

I pray for the wisdom of Joseph, the gift of the Holy Spirit to help me to ask, to listen, and to obey. And I pray to recognize the angels in my life who help direct me on the right pathway.

Faithfully,

—Chotard