S13 E12 - The Reed of God (Advent Series Part 2)

In this episode, we continue with part two of our four part Advent series on the book The Reed of God by Caryll Houselander. Today, we focus on part two and discuss the sections on Et Homo Factus Est, the Fugue, Wooden Bambino, and Et Verbum Caro Factum Est. We chat about our desire as women to protect our children, but how this desire can easily morph into control, manipulation, or possession. We reflect on how Our Lady exemplifies perfect surrender and trust as she continually releases her Son back to God as a gift freely given to her by God. We also discuss the role of suffering and brokenness in transformation and the beauty of silence in the rhythm of life. 

We encourage you to go at your own pace so that the Lord can fill your heart with what you need to hear this Advent season. 

 

Heather’s One Thing - Butter Tart Recipe 

Heather’s Other One Thing - Stovetop Potpourri Recipe

Sister Miriam’s One Thing - The simple joys of Advent

Michelle’s One Thing - Support for the heartbreaking loss of the Auburn vs. Alabama college football game

Michelle’s Other One Thing - Chevrolet Christmas Commercial 

 

Journal Questions:

• How do I try to possess or manipulate others to protect them from disappointment or pain?
• Do I see my humanity as a gift or as a burden?
• In the final days before Christmas, when can I create moments of silence to meet Jesus?
• Where do I need a mother?
• Where am I afraid to be mothered?

 

Discussion Questions:

• How do you allow your fears of vulnerability, dependence, and a lack of control rule your life and your decisions?
• What parts of your humanity do you find God inviting you more deeply into during this Advent season?
• What Fruits of the Spirit do you need to grow in (love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control)?
• How can you allow Mary to mother you to more fully experience these fruits and bring them to fruition?

 

Quotes to Ponder:

“Only Christ-bearers can restore the world to life and give humanity back the vitality of love.” (Houselander, Caryll. The Reed of God, page 72).

 

“Our Lady gave humanity to God as she gave the water to Christ at Cana, to be changed into wine.” (Houselander, Caryll. The Reed of God, page 83).

 

“Many mothers try to shield their children from the common life, to give them a sheltered upbringing, so to shield them from all risk of sickness or pain or poverty that they are shielded from vitality and the vast experience of living. They hate to see them grow or experience anything that will make them independent. Sometimes a possessive mother even grudges a child his dream kingdom.” (Houselander, Caryll. The Reed of God, page 54)

 

“There was no trace of indifference or detachment in Our Lady's attitude. She was not indifferent to Christ's suffering, but there was something that she was deeply aware of which made her more than ready for it. It was this: that little shivering mite in the manger was her own flesh and blood; her Advent work was done; she had formed Christ of her own life, in herself; and now that she had brought Him forth, she lived in Him. Quite literally, her life was in Christ. Therefore there could never be anything He suffered which she did not. He would suffer and she with Him. Everyone has the right to the loneliness of his own sorrow.” (Houselander, Caryll. The Reed of God, page 55-56)

Scripture for Lectio: 

“All things were made by him; and without him was made nothing that was made. In him was life, and the life was the light of men. And the light shineth in the darkness, and the darkness did not comprehend it.” (John 1:3–5)

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