Pondering In Your Heart

Introduction
In the latest episode of the School of Love Podcast titled "Pondering In Your Heart," hosts Mike and Kristi Dennihan explore the profound significance of Mary during the Christmas season. This episode serves as a spiritual guide to help families unify in prayer and reflection, emphasizing the importance of the incarnation of Christ and Mary’s integral role in the narrative.

Key Themes of the Episode

The Celebration of Christmas

The episode is timely as it falls on the eighth day of Christmas, a period dedicated to continue celebrating the birth of Christ. The hosts remind listeners that Christmas is not merely a day but an ongoing celebration of the incarnation—a fundamental tenet of the Christian faith.

Mary’s Role in the Christmas Story

• Scriptural Reflection: The hosts dive into Luke 2:16-21, where the shepherds find Mary, Joseph, and the infant Jesus. This passage is pivotal as it showcases Mary’s acceptance and nurturing role as the mother of Christ.
• Mary’s Reflection: A key takeaway is Mary’s reflective nature, highlighted by the quote, "Mary kept all these things reflecting on them in her heart." This practice of internal reflection is encouraged as a model for family prayer and meditation.

Insights on Mary as a Guide

A Model for Catholic Families

Mike and Kristi discuss how Mary is not only the mother of Jesus but also a spiritual guide for all Christians, especially families. Her attentive nature is an exemplary model for how modern families can engage in prayer and reflection.

• Receiving Christ: The discussion emphasizes that Mary continually receives Christ not just in her womb but in her heart. This ongoing reception calls upon families to incorporate Christ into their daily lives through contemplation and devotion.
• Imitating Mary: The hosts encourage listeners to ask Mary for assistance in becoming more like her, particularly in how one reflects on Christ daily. By doing so, families can strengthen their spiritual connections and grow in faith.

Practical Applications

Incorporating Mary’s example into daily life is essential for nurturing faith within the family. Here are some practical suggestions derived from the episode:

• Daily Reflection: Commit to daily moments of quiet reflection on Christ. This can be a part of a family prayer routine where everyone shares their thoughts and insights.
• Engage in Mary’s Virtues: Focus on being open, responsive, and loving—qualities exemplified by Mary. Encourage children to think of ways to emulate Mary’s attentiveness to Christ.
• Continuous Celebration: Extend the Christmas spirit beyond December 25th by maintaining a reflective and joyful attitude towards Jesus throughout the year.

Conclusion

The episode "Pondering In Your Heart" inspires families to deepen their relationship with Christ by following Mary’s example. Through reflection and prayer, listeners are not only reminded of the historical significance of Christmas but are also encouraged to adopt practices that create a deeper, ongoing connection to their faith.

In this New Year, families are invited to set a resolution to reflect continuously on their spiritual journey, inspired by the loving guidance of Mary. This commitment to prayer and reflection can transform the way families celebrate their faith, ultimately bringing them closer to Christ, especially during this beautiful season of incamation.