Reflection for December 16
Holy Family Labyrinth
Today’s gospel articulates a question that I have been asking myself since the first time I attended Mass as a child: “Was (is) it of heavenly or of human origin?” Though many of my family members are Catholic either in practice or faith and I attended Mass intermittently growing up, I was never baptized, nor did I receive much Catholic education. For most of my life, this question has remained present in my mind.
From January to March of this past year, when I traveled solo in the predominantly Catholic country of Brazil, I found myself attending Mass regularly in a language that I largely did not understand. It brought me peace and community when I felt alone, sad or homesick. When I felt joy, it gave me someone to thank. When I returned home in April and I had trouble readjusting, I found solace in walking the Holy Family labyrinth. From there, I began attending Mass at Holy Family regularly.
My wise nephews told me once that Advent is not just about giving, but also about receiving. When I walked the labyrinth during my most difficult times, I often thought of the proverb inscribed on a placard at the entrance: “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding” (Proverbs 3:5-6). I believe that through my doubts and uncertainties, that is one of the greatest gifts that I have received from God: His patience and understanding.
In today’s gospel, it is Jesus’s intention to avoid conflict with the priests and elders when he says, “Neither shall I tell you by what authority I do these things.” To me, though, this statement feels liberating. It invites freedom in choosing what to believe which, in turn, has deepened my relationship to God. In walking the labyrinth toward the circle that represents the fullness of life and peace through Him – and seeing the photos and messages left from others who have walked the same path – I know it is because we have been invited and have chosen to come that makes our relationship with Him so special.
Angela Siew