Yesterday, we reflected on how God’s thoughts and ways do not quite make sense to us. If we were aggravated that he allowed innocent children to be murdered yesterday, today we will be delighted. Mary and Joseph took Jesus up to Jerusalem for his dedication to the Lord, and for Mary’s purification ceremony. For the purification, two pigeons were prescribed for poor families, while a lamb and a pigeon were prescribed for rich families. Well, God chose a poor family to bear his Son. So, Mary offered two pigeons. It also meant that Jesus would be raised in an ordinary home without any luxuries. This particular “thought” and “way” of God makes some sense. In fact, it is one of the most beautiful and consoling facts about God entering into our human family. No matter the experience we go through in life, we shall be consoled knowing that our brother, Jesus, also experienced it, even poverty. He knows the sufferings we endure. Better still, he is able to strengthen and carry us through them.  

Prayer: Father, you sent your Son into our human family. He is fully like us in all things but sin. Help us to strive to imitate him in all things. Amen.