Grace That Sets Us Free
DAY FOUR
Look Beneath the Knot
Sometimes what troubles us on the surface is not the whole story. A difficult situation can stir up older fears, disappointments or wounds that we have carried for years. Before we rush to fix the problem, it can help to pause and notice what is happening within us. Mary knew how to do this. When she encountered things she did not fully understand, she kept them and pondered them in her heart. She did not need to have every answer straight away. She made space to listen. We can do the same. Instead of asking only, “How do I fix this?”, we can ask, “What is this revealing in me?” Today, slow down and look beneath the knot.
SEARCH ME, O GOD, AND KNOW MY HEART;
TEST ME, KNOW MY THOUGHTS.
SEE IF THERE IS ANY WICKED WAY IN ME,
AND LEAD ME IN THE WAY OF EVERLASTING.
PSALM 139:23–24
These words are both a prayer and an act of trust. We invite God to show us what we may not be able to see for ourselves, trusting that He does so with love.
YOUR INVITATION
Take five quiet minutes today. Bring your knot to mind, but resist the urge to work out a solution. Instead, ask Jesus:
What is this situation revealing in me?
Perhaps there is fear, grief, anger, guilt, longing or a desire to control what you cannot control.
You do not need to fix what you discover. Simply notice it and bring it to Jesus.
PRAYING WITH MARY
Mary, teach me to slow down and listen. Help me notice what is happening beneath the surface of this knot and bring it honestly before Jesus. When I do not understand what God is doing, model for me the patience to ponder, the humility to listen and the trust to wait.
Mary, Untier of Knots, pray for us.
—
Hail, Mary, full of grace,
the Lord is with thee.
Blessed art thou amongst women
and blessed is the fruit of thy womb, Jesus.
Holy Mary, Mother of God,
pray for us sinners,
now and at the hour of our death.
Amen.
WISDOM FROM THE CHURCH
Listen carefully to the master’s instructions and attend to them with the ear of your heart.
St Benedict