In today’s readings, I was reminded of the blessing of family, and the many struggles all of us are capable of overcoming with the help of our loved ones.
With a global pandemic amidst my family and the world, I felt as if our immediate surroundings began to crumble. It was as if everyone was faced with baffling issues, tremendous loss, and challenges that no one in the world had asked for. My fears and negative thoughts began to seep into my reality as the difficulties became more overwhelming and spread around the entire world. Out of sheer loneliness, I found myself longing for human connection and relying solely on the computer screen, just so I could speak to my classmates and friends when I was supposed to be in virtual school. It became clear to me that these sorts of hardships, such as loneliness and isolation, were only solvable by God.
Over time, I started to learn and understand that I was being blessed through my hardships. I realized that above all of the struggles and my feelings of bitterness over the world’s circumstances, I had everything I needed near me- my parents and my brother.
Line after line, this passage reiterates and reminds us of the importance of respecting your parents, and the many rewards that come with doing so. “Whoever honors his father atones for sins, and preserves himself from them. When he prays he is heard; he stores up riches who revered his mother.”
Admittedly, I took a while to fully process the true message in this passage. As I let it sink in, I was reminded of the Ten Commandments, and the fourth commandment which tells us, “Honor Thy Father and Mother.” Simply put and pertinent, I am still challenged every day to follow all Ten Commandments. As followers of Christ and believers of the Word, we are not only prompted to follow God’s teachings, but to live it and proclaim it. Ultimately, this reading made me look at myself in the mirror and ask myself: Is what I’m doing enough? Am I truly following what God asks of us? As I contemplated, I was redirected more towards God. I was more aware and grateful for my parents, who have been ever so patient with me as I embark on my journey with God, guiding me through the way.
Throughout the course of this unpredictable pandemic, I eventually found this major event to be a blessing in disguise. I had the opportunity to reconnect with my family while staying home, and I was given the chance to strengthen my relationship with God and become more mindful of His requests and commandments.
This Christmas season has definitely been a change for all of us, but many of us have discovered the beauty of God’s Word and the true meaning of Christmas. Above all of the materialistic items and wishlists many people may have this year, many of us have been reminded of the true gifts of the season, which are heartfelt compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, patience, forgiveness, and love. I have realized these essential gifts over the span of quarantine, and I feel strongly that we all must keep these gifts in our hearts especially during this challenging time in our lives.
I wish everyone all the best next year as we remember God is with us throughout this difficult time!