When I was in the seminary, I had the awesome opportunity to spend ten weeks in the Holy Land where we took scripture classes and spent ample time at all the holy sites. It was a life changing and simple incredible pilgrimage that I am so grateful for. One of the many holy sites we visited was shepherds field where, as you can tell be the name, it is believed the shepherds were that received the Angels message. We were scheduled to spend a good amount of time there (almost two hours) for Mass and private prayer. I was less than excited about spending two hours in a field; however, it turned out to be one of the spiritual highlights of the pilgrimage.
Theres a beautiful small church on this property that is built on top of the caves where the shepherds would have lived. It’s in those caves where early Christians started gathering because of the miraculous visit of the angels. Even a third century monastery was built on the land because people remembered the angels visiting there. While we celebrated Mass in the old caves (which was pretty cool) I went up to see the church that was built on top of the caves.
At one of the side altars was the painting pictured with this blog. I was immediately struck by the painting and spent most of our private prayer time meditating and praying with the painting. The very first thing I noticed was the two older shepherds couched in hiding at the angels visit. The verses of “do not be afraid” made sense to me while looking at these frightened shepherds. Then I saw the young shepherd boy, with arms open, staring at the angel. The young shepherd boy is total open in body and heart to receive the message from God that the savior has been born. My prayer instantly became: “Lord, make me open like this shepherd boy.”
How awesome would it be if our hearts and minds were that open all the time. Especially in prayer, to have our whole self open to God so we can receive His Word and follow as faithful disciples, how awesome would that be? That’s the goal and that’s how saints try to live their lives. It’s certainly how our Blessed Mother lived her life. She was an open book when it came to God and she constantly sought to do the Fathers will above her own. We see this perfectly in the annunciation scene.
This is my prayer and new years resolution again: that I may be open and receptive to God’s will for my life as our Blessed Mother is and as this young shepherd boy is. I saw this painting for the first time two years ago and I’m still trying to learn from it. Discipleship takes time and it takes a community. Find a community you trust to help you become a better disciple and lets grow together.
Happy New Year!