A Visit to Nazareth

I’m always looking for new and creative ways to meditate, especially at this time in my prayer life when I seem to get stuck in old, familiar practices that don’t necessarily take me deeper into a space of real connection with God.

I stumbled across a podcast yesterday that gave me just what I was looking for. The most recent episode of the Abiding Together podcast was “Journey to Nazareth.” In it, the hosts shared their experiences of “traveling” to Nazareth to visit Mary, Joseph, and Jesus during their time of meditation. So, I tried it and I want to go back.

The idea behind this somewhat odd journey is to join the Holy Family, our family, in the simplicity and ordinary holiness of home. In the podcast they talk about the redeeming power of ordinary life and remind us that hope can be found, along with restoration and true transformation, in the graces available in ordinary life.

True healing can happen from a visit to this home. The healing comes as we are reminded of the sacredness of our ordinary lives, and are strengthened in our resolve not to let societal pressure and the ensuing negative self-talk convince us otherwise.

One of the hosts mentioned that when she travels to Nazareth, she pictures Jesus at different ages or sometimes brings others with her. She brings someone she loves or maybe someone she finds hard to love. There are all kinds of creative ways to use this practice to connect with the love and care of God through the simplicity and ordinariness of this family. 

When I couldn’t sleep last night, I decided to travel to Nazareth. I pictured the house that Jesus lived in as a child. I walked up to the door and it was already open, so I just walked in and was immediately greeted by Mary and Joseph and Jesus. I pictured Jesus as an adult.

Mary asked if I wanted some tea (how did she know I wasn’t a coffee drinker?) and brought me a steaming cup as the four of us sat at a long table. They were so interested in me. I had their undivided attention. I felt seen and heard and understood. I felt so cared for.

It really calmed me, and I think I fell asleep because I don’t remember anything else. I guess that was all I needed, for now. So simple.

I can’t wait to hit the road again and see what awaits me in Nazareth. Maybe I’ll see you there?

Joan