The cold still won’t let go, but Robert made it by again to pick up Sister Mary Claire, Mini, and me for Church. The roads looked slick and stubborn, like winter had nailed them down.
When we stepped inside, Father LeRoy already had the stove ablazing. The whole Church felt kinder because of it—like the warmth was saying, Come in. Don’t be afraid.
Father explained Today's Meditation in a way I understood: the Magi listened to God because they didn’t only use their own heads and plans. They stayed close enough to God—through prayer and a humble heart—that when God warned them in sleep not to return to Herod, they believed it was truly from Him… and they obeyed. They didn’t say, “Well, that’s strange,” and do what they wanted anyway. They didn’t argue with God, or delay, or go back for “one last look.” They simply went “another way.”
Father said that is what listening looks like:
God speaks (sometimes through prayer, conscience, wise guidance, or even a warning that makes you stop and think).
We believe Him instead of making excuses.
We change our path—even if it’s inconvenient.
He said the Magi went home different on the inside too, because being near Jesus does that. They adored Him, and then they carried that light back with them. And that’s why they couldn’t just go back to the old road like nothing happened. The new road matched their new hearts.
On the ride home, I told Robert how well the old garage is buttoned up. Not one flake of snow drifted in! Robert smiled like he was glad it mattered to me. Sister Mary Claire reminded me again that firewood is precious, so the rule stands: no fire outside of the house for now. We save the wood, and we don’t pretend we’re braver than winter.
I keep thinking: if the Magi could listen so carefully—clear enough to obey right away—then I should practice listening too. Maybe listening is partly being quiet inside, and not always insisting on my way.
Resolution
Today I will try to listen to God by being obedient promptly, and by not talking back when I know what the right thing is.
Evening Prayer
Dear Jesus, help me hear You—especially when You warn me away from a wrong road. Give me a humble heart like the Magi, so when You guide me, I follow quickly and faithfully. Keep us safe in this cold and help us be wise with our firewood. Amen.
Love, Kathy.
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