Video Practice: Journaling: Welcoming Jesus

By Kathy Keary

Advent is a time to make room for Jesus to be born in our hearts anew on Christmas Day. Our Bread of Life is very much in our midst, but do we acknowledge that? This time of year invites us to reflect on Jesus’ presence with us in the here and now and summons us to make space to warmly welcome Jesus into our lives.

Today we will put pen to paper to express our inner stirrings as we reflect on a touching Gospel story and a deeply moving artistic depiction of Jesus’ encounter with a faith-filled woman. Journaling connects our soul with the Indwelling Spirit allowing our words to stem from the gentle whisper within.

These words from the Gospel of Matthew have always touched me deeply.

A woman suffering hemorrhages for twelve years came up behind him and touched the tassel on his cloak. She said to herself, “If only I can touch his cloak, I shall be cured.” Jesus turned around and saw her, and said, “Courage, daughter! Your faith has saved you.” And from that hour the woman was cured.  (Matthew 9:20-22)

The story illustrates how accessible Jesus is to us. By merely touching his cloak, Jesus was moved to respond to this woman of great faith – a woman who believed in the healing power of the Messiah. And healed she was!

Take a look at the picture that depicts Jesus’ response to this humble soul. He extends his hand to connect with her on a very personal, intimate level. Her expression reveals a woman deeply moved by this precious encounter. Identifying the emotion that is stirring within you as you gaze at this picture takes your reflection to a deeper level.

You are invited to journal your reflection of this Gospel story and the artistic depiction. Allow your thoughts to descend into your heart as you put pen to paper. Speak from the depths of your being.

These reflection questions may help to get you started, but don’t restrict your journaling to them. Express what is in your heart.

• When have you felt closest to Jesus? What were the circumstances surrounding this connection?
• When have you felt distant from Jesus? What were the circumstances surrounding this separation?
• Is there anything you need to let go of to make room to welcome Jesus in your heart and in your life?
• What is stirring deep within that you would like to communicate to Jesus?

It is our hope that your journaling experience is meaningful for you and enhances your Advent journey.

The feeling chart we reference in the video is available in our article, “Writing from the Heart: The Contemplative Practice of Journaling.” I find it to be a helpful meditation tool.

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Kathy Keary, spiritual director, holds a bachelor’s degree in education, a master’s degree in theological studies, and completed Sophia Center’s Souljourners Program, an intense study of spirituality and spiritual direction. Kathy believes that the Divine is present and active in all of life and encourages others to be awakened to the God in all including the Divine within. She enjoys accompanying others on their journey to wholeness discovering the person they were created to be.

Journaling photo by Pexels from Pixabay

Gospel image photo 101296163 © Photowitch | Dreamstime.com

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