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We know that Jesus often exhorts his disciples to go forth telling everyone what they have seen and heard that all may come to believe. We forget that there are times when Jesus calls those who have experienced his power to be silent and to tell no one.

This is a call to be discerning about not only how to share what we have received but also about how much to share and when to share.

Earlier in Matthew’s gospel Jesus warns his disciples not to cast pearls before swine.  We know that Jesus received in Eucharist is real food, yet not everyone is ready to digest real food.

So too the message and miracles of Jesus are too much for some people and it may be unwise or even careless and harmful to give someone a message they are not asking for or ready for.

As we journey closer to Christmas the wisdom of Mary reminds us to speak and act when necessary, and often to ponder what we have experienced in our hearts.

You might like to…

• take a few minutes as you think of it throughout the day to ask Jesus to reveal to you a treasure that you have received that is not to be shared with others but to be pondered as a personal and intimate consolation from Jesus for you alone.
• Take half an hour to listen to this week’s Homily Studio in preparation for this weekend’s celebration of the Third Sunday of Advent at this link. This Homily Studio has become a weekly FFF feature and you can sign-up to receive these once a week a the sign-up page here.