There was a Christmas when a married couple decided to give a very generous gift to one of their children. Generous, because for them it meant a larger investment than what they usually spent on Christmas gifts.
Initially, the mother was not sure that they could save enough to get it. Her son had made great achievements in his studies, and she also knew that money was not abundant in her family. However, as parents they continued to do the best they could.
The parents discussed for several months the possibility of saving enough to buy a laptop for their oldest son, and other items of interest for their youngest son.
When the parents began to see that they could get a good amount, they focused on looking for the best offer. They spent a good amount of time finding the best place to buy that computer for their son.
The oldest son needed that computer more and more because of his studies, but he knew the economic situation at home, and because of his noble character, he did not demand anything.
For many (or almost all) Mexican families, the Christmas celebration begins with dinner the day before, that is, on Christmas Eve. Several generations gather at the grandparents’ house, or at the home of a relative who has a house that can accommodate everyone. The Christmas tree and the Nativity scene have a central place in the decoration. It is under the tree where gifts usually find a temporary place before the time to open them after midnight. Depending on the possibilities and size of each family, the tree is flooded with gifts of all sizes.
In the case of this family, it happened that on this particular Christmas they were away from home, so they did not meet with their family as in other years.
This family had their Christmas dinner, played some board games and watched movies while it was time to open presents.
At the stroke of midnight, they began to give each other Christmas hugs, offered some prayers, and then proceeded to give each other their gifts.
Finally, the moment arrived when the eldest son was going to receive his gift. His parents seemed to be more excited than the boy.
The young boy received his gift, enthusiastically removed the wrapping, and finally opened the box. When he saw the computer, he froze, not knowing how to react. His parents were waiting for his reaction, but the boy did not show the joy that the parents imagined. The boy had his computer in his hands, but he still did not believe it.
Has it ever happened to you that you find it hard to believe something even with the evidence in your hands?
For the boy, three weeks passed until he could start enjoying it. He had it in his hands, and still did not believe it. Then he told his mother that it was hard for him to receive it because he thought it was too much for him.
In your case, have you had any experience in which you resisted receiving a gift? What did you finally decide? Did you reject it or did you receive it?
The boy’s joy came little by little. He found it hard to believe, even though he already had the computer in his hands.
There is a moment in the gospel when Elizabeth says to Mary:
-Blessed are you who believed.
Elizabeth was referring to the fact that Mary had believed in what God had announced to her through the angel Gabriel, that she would be the mother of Jesus.
Mary believed, without any kind of evidence.
In your life, can you find evidence of the love that God has for you? Can you believe in the love that this evidence reflects to you?
Mary is blessed because she believed. Can you share that blessing in your life?
If we believe easily, or take our time in believing, it is fine. Both positions are different moments on the journey.
If the Spirit inspires you, share with Jesus the carpenter the evidence and doubts that you have regarding his love. Jesus listens to you and receives everything.
Marisol
P.S. We can hear about the joy of believing in the readings of the IV Sunday of Advent, year/cycle C.
