Time to Clean Your Stable?

​By Sr. Caterina de Siena

I recently read a beautiful reflection that I think is apropos as we prepare to celebrate Advent.  I wish I could recall the name of the author to whom proper credit is due.  Here is my recollection of the reflection (and a few embellishments of my own) and I hope it blesses you as much as it does me.
Imagine Bethlehem where Joseph and Mary are searching for a place to spend the night as Mary nears the delivery of her child.  A secluded cave is found as a temporary resting place for the Holy Family.  It is dark and occupied by animals preparing to rest for the night.  Imagine St. Joseph lighting a lamp to dispel the darkness and cleaning the cave where animals were currently living – not a clean space in the least.  He finds the animals’ feeding trough and refreshes it with hay that is lying about.  Joseph tries to bring order out of the chaos and the cramping of humans and animals dwelling together in the cave.  It will have to do as there are no other choices.  The closeness of the occupants gives some warmth to the air.

Mary delivers her male child and she tenderly swaddles and places him in the manger prepared so lovingly by Joseph.  The parents are in awe of the child and all settle in for the night as they are exhausted from their journey.  Humans and animals alike worship this new born King – the Incarnation of God who became man.[1] 

As we prepare for Advent, take time to imagine that your heart is the cave.  Ask good St. Joseph to enter in and shed the light of Christ into any darkened corners of your heart.  Grant him permission to “muck the stall” of your heart as you prepare to receive Jesus.  He will arrange your heart by clearing the cobwebs; removing any chaos and distractions; and discarding the old straw of sin and replacing it with the sweet smelling hay of virtue.  Ask him to fill your heart with awe and love for Jesus and remove any chaos so that peace may dwell therein.

Now, turn to Our Lady and invite her to gently place her son, Jesus, into your heart.  She covers your heart with her mantle of purity and devotion and leads you to contemplate this Divine presence within.  She and St. Joseph join you in adoring the Second Person of the Blessed Trinity who gently rests in your heart.

I enter into this meditation prior to receiving Holy Communion and every communion is now a “little Christmas” where I can celebrate and welcome the Incarnation of Christ in my heart.  May St. Joseph and Our Lady help to prepare your heart this Advent, and every day, to receive the Light of the World – the Incarnate Son of God.

 [1]--God who became man in the Incarnation

---