Typically we look at life based only on two things: good luck and bad luck. That is why as we celebrate the Christmas season and prepare for the new year, we have all these superstitious practices. Even if we know they are offensive to the Lord, we do it just to bring good luck.  However, there is more to life than just good or bad luck.

For example, winning the lotto, we say it was “good luck”. Research has shown though, that typical winners, after about three years, spend all their winnings and are in a more miserable situation than when they first started. Where is the good luck? 

On the other hand, I recently blessed an office with a very prosperous business. Before they became a success, they experienced every difficulty possible:  A partner was stealing money, a significant amount of inventory was lost, and they experienced collection problems. They almost closed the business and broke the marriage. Now, they have become wiser, stronger, and more understanding of each other. So where is the bad luck? 

In the Gospel, Mary famously encounters so much information that was initially very hard to understand and absorb:

• Angel Gabriel said of the baby: “He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High, and the Lord God will give to him the throne of his ancestor David.  He will reign over the house of Jacob forever, and of his kingdom, there will be no end.” 
  
• Simeon said, “This child is destined to cause many in Israel to fall, and many others to rise. He has been sent as a sign from God, but many will oppose him. As a result, the deepest thoughts of many hearts will be revealed. And a sword will pierce your very soul.”
  
• Anna talked about the child to everyone who had been waiting expectantly for God to rescue Jerusalem.
  
• The angel told the shepherds who themselves told Mary, “Do not be afraid; for behold, I proclaim to you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. For today in the city of David, a savior has been born for you who is Messiah and Lord. And this will be a sign for you: you will find an infant wrapped in swaddling clothes and lying in a manger.” 

With all of this information and prophecy, what did Mary do? She kept all these things, reflecting on them in her heart. Hence, as we end another chapter in our lives and prepare for a new one, three things we can reflect on: 

1. What is God telling me? Since God has a plan, it is very important to know his will through prayer and reflection. As the saying goes, “He whispers when times are good and he shouts when times are difficult. All happens for a reason and purpose because God has a plan.”
   
2. Any unfinished business? Since life is short and swift, 2023 just went by so swiftly. Hence, there are many things in life that we have not finished. Most important is unfinished business with our relationship with God, our neighbor, most especially, and ourselves.
   
3. Gratitude is the memory of the heart. What are the things we are grateful for? Not only the good things that has happened but even the difficult ones and how God has seen us through and the life lessons learned.

In closing, let me share with you a quote by E.E. Cummings which in a way describes the life of Mary and hopefully yours and my life as well:

It takes courage to grow up and become who you really are: But this is the challenge for each and every one of us as God has a plan; we need to pray and reflect on this plan; and along the journey called life, whether times are good or bad, have a grateful heart.