The Sixth Day in the Octave of Christmas
Today’s Gospel reading is from Luke. It tells us about a prophetess named Anna, who has spent her later years in the Temple. Anna recognizes who Jesus is immediately, even though he’s just a baby. Anna’s recognition of Jesus as the “redemption of Jerusalem” comes right after another person, a man named Simeon, sees Jesus and prays to God saying, “My eyes have seen your salvation.”
The Fifth Day in the Octave of Christmas
Since Christmas is the celebration of the birth of Jesus, it is a great time to think about Jesus during His infancy and childhood. This reflection about Jesus as a small baby is particularly meaningful to me because I have recently been blessed with the opportunity of spending time with my new infant grandson. From our time together I have learned many things. He has reminded me of the importance of just being present in the moment. Babies don’t do very much. Much of the time they just rest in your arms- yet in that resting there is great sharing of being. I have also seen how my grandson experiences the world with complete awe and wonder- the tastes, textures, colors, lights and sounds fill him with delight. These experiences with my grandson have given me insights about my faith. I realize that Jesus is leading me to follow His path by the way He lived- even as an infant. Jesus accepts being born into His human family with all the pain, struggles, and challenges that involves. Although He is the Son of God, He humbly trusts His Father’s will. He says “yes” to the Father, and He calls us to do the same.
The Holy Family of Jesus, Mary and Joseph
Since the Synod on the family convened by Pope Francis was held this October, I have to admit that the conversation about the family has changed dramatically. Not that the Synod changed our understanding of families but there is a greater acknowledgement of the challenges that families face. The greater contribution of the synod was to look at these challenges more pastorally and compassionately rather than legalistically. The work of the Synod is not over. It will meet again in Oct 2015 not only to complete its work but also to provide a cohesive teaching on the family that is acceptable to all sides in the conversation.
Feast of Saint John, Apostle and Evangelist
We can be competitive people. I don’t like to lose, and it is easy to take nearly any activity and make it a competition. You can find boys sitting around a table bragging about who eats more food. We can compete over cars, marriages, who is busier; just about anything. So when I saw the little moment of competitiveness in John’s Gospel, today about who ran faster, it felt pretty familiar. I want to draw two points from this: the first is to draw out some positives from competition and the other point is a negative component.
Feast of Saint Stephen, First Martyr
Today is the Feast of St. Stephen, First Martyr. As the First Martyr of the church, he was stoned for his witness to Christ. So we have this feast day, when we celebrate a person's rising to new life in Christ because of his death by martyrdom, following directly on the heels of yesterday's Feast of the Nativity. Today's first reading (Acts 6:8-10, 7:54-59) depicts St. Stephen's ultimate sacrifice and witness to Christ alongside the poignant words that recall Jesus' own words from the cross: "Lord Jesus, receive my spirit."
The Nativity of the Lord (Christmas)
I am an idealist. I am for most part also an optimist. You see, when I was younger, I always looked at the world around me and believed that in twenty-five thirty years the world would be a far better place. I dreamt that one day there would not be wars or nuclear weapons, that there that the poor would see their lot improve, that there would be no economic and racial inequality, that we would have found a cure for cancer, and that the world will be more godly. I really did! Those twenty-five thirty years have passed. I am not sure if it is because I am approaching fifty or because I am finally coming to grip with reality, my idealism and my optimism are both waning. My hopes of seeing a more egalitarian, peaceful, prosperous, just and godly world is looking increasingly remote. Violence, religious and state sponsored terrorism, the threat of wars, racial tension, sexual discrimination, disparity between super-rich and the poor, economic injustice that hard-working middle class endure, bigotry, xenophobia and atheism are as rampant today as in the past, if not, increased.
Wednesday of the Fourth Week of Advent
While sugarplums dance in the minds of children and many of us are exhausted from our preparations for Christmas, Advent still has one last message for us. The first reading from Samuel describes David as settling into his new palace, and yet thinking about the Ark of God residing in a tent. Although David’s desire to build a temple is strong, God sends David a message through Nathan. The message states that God has watched over David and all of Israel and will continue to do so. Nathan is trying to remind David that the Lord is in charge. God through Nathan makes a promise to David. The promise is that the House of David shall endure forever and that God “will raise up your heir after you, sprung from your loins, and will make his Kingdom firm.”
Tuesday of the Fourth Week of Advent
Today's scriptures are hastening us on toward Christmas Day, but at the same time they remind us that we are not there yet, that there are still a couple days more of preparation to do. We know this at a practical level, in the midst of baking and buying and wrapping and welcoming relatives and so on. But for Christians, the preparation is meant to become much more intense. In today's scripture readings, we are asked to do some very deep soul searching. Do we really - I mean, REALLY - want Jesus to come? Do we know what the implications of Jesus' coming are? Are we prepared to open our lives to Jesus nevertheless?
Monday of the Fourth Week of Advent
My niece recently gave birth to twins. It been such a wonderful experience for our family. She and her husband also have a two year old who has adjusted amazingly well to these two new babies who have ‘invaded’ her territory. On occasion, when she has noticed someone using one of her blankets to cover one of the babies, she will grab it and say, “That’s mine!” We have found ourselves chuckling at her reactions. But most often, this precocious child is right in the middle of all the activity. She wants to help feed the twins, kiss them on their cheeks, and will even give them one of her own toys when they cry. While reflecting on today’s Scriptures, I found myself thinking of this sweet toddler who is just beginning to understand the concept of giving to others. Even at her tender age, the instinct and desire to ‘give it away’ rules strong!
Fourth Sunday of Advent
Today’s readings present us with two stories. The first story is the story of David, only the second King of Israel. He had just given the kingdom some stability. The borders were secure and David had built himself a new palace. The Ark of the Covenant, however, was in a mere tent. David felt troubled by this fact. How can the Ark be in a tent while he lives in a palace? He decides to build a temple for God. Normally, one would admire David for his desire to do something good for God. But if we go a little deeper, does it not seem ridiculous that a mere human being could think that he could build a dwelling place for a God who created the universe? As if the most magnificent structure we build could hold the power and majesty of God! I do not want to be unfair to David because David’s intention was good and holy. But God wanted David to learn that he must live by God’s will rather than the opposite. And so God’s action is meant to put David’s thinking in line with God’s will. God tells David that God would build a house for David instead.
Saturday of the Third Week of Advent
My wife is a smart lady. I know what you are thinking, “He must have done something wrong.” But no I didn’t. Today’s readings just brought to mind all of the times that she cuts through my concern or stress with very penetrating common sense. It could be a number of issues that are occupying my mind and attention, but one in particular rang out loud and clear because of the first reading.
Friday of the Third Week of Advent
Thursday of the Third Week of Advent
Today’s readings speak deeply about the concept of justice. These readings do not speak about justice as we understand it in our world today. Today we think justice means innocent until proven guilty, serving time to repay your faults and often repaying an eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth – a life for a life. These readings speak of something much more beautiful and profound – God’s justice – a justice that focused on loving the sinner and hating the sin.
Wednesday of the Third Week of Advent
Imagine if your life was coming to an end, what might you want to say to those whom you love? In the readings today remind us of the breadth of salvation history. Jacob, whom God has renamed Israel is dying. He calls his sons together and tells them that Judah will be the number one son after he is gone. Indeed Jacob says, “You, Judah, your brothers shall praise”. This is a play on words as Judah means “you shall be praised”, however it alludes to the prominent role which the tribe of Judah will play. In Judah is found Jerusalem and from Judah arises King David, through whose lineage Jesus comes to us.
Tuesday of the Third Week of Advent
There’s an old joke that Jewish rabbis answer questions with more questions. In today’s Gospel reading, Jesus is in full rabbi mode. He turns the tables on the priests and elders, asking them a question that is meant to challenge their way of life. He tells them a story of two sons, one who first refused to obey his father but ultimately did, and another who said he would obey right away but never went to work. Jesus then asks his listeners which one did the father’s will. It’s a no-brainer, for them and probably for us. The first son really did the father’s will, for even though he took his time, he obeyed and did the work.
Monday of the Third Week of Advent
As parents we try our best to teach our children to be responsible, loving, hard working, and compassionate. A normal part of childhood involves a child’s questioning and sometimes defiant response to our directives. I can think of many times when after I told the kids to do something and they asked why, I responded, “Because I said so!”
Third Sunday of Advent
Do you remember Bobby McFerrin? And do you remember his song “Don’t Worry, be happy?” It was the No. 1 song in 1982. The lyrics to the song go:
Here's a little song I wrote
You might want to sing it note for note
Don't worry, be happy
In every life we have some trouble
When you worry you make it double
Don't worry, be happy
Don't worry, be happy now.
Every time I read Paul’s words in today’s second reading “Rejoice Always!” I am reminded of Bobby McFerrin’s song. In another letter Paul becomes even more emphatic. He says, “Rejoice in the Lord always, and again I say rejoice.” (Phil 4:4) The strange thing is that Paul’s had an intensely rough life after his conversion. The early Christians too were also in constant danger. Perhaps that is the reason that after asking the Thessalonians to “Rejoice always,” he also adds, “Pray without ceasing. In all circumstances give thanks, for this is the will of God for you in Christ Jesus.” Is Paul’s invitation to Rejoice is the same as Bobby McFerrin’s call to “Don’t worry, be happy?”
Memorial of Saint Lucy, Virgin and Martyr
Have you ever had a wonderful evening with your spouse, children, or dear friends? Maybe it was more than an evening. It could have been a nearly perfect vacation or getaway. Or if you are like me, maybe you’ve had the perfectly made coffee, dinner, or glass of chocolate milk. In the midst of that experience a thought always zips through my mind, “Why can’t it always be like this?” That question exists in our spiritual life as well.
Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe
Thursday of the Second Week of Advent
In holding someone’s hand, we know we are not alone. I’ve been the one in need of a hand to hold and I’ve been the one able to offer a comforting hand. Whether in sickness, fear, the labor pains of childbirth, accompanying someone dying, the grief that accompanies loss, the need to steady a young child, elderly or injured person, praying with others, exchanging marriage vows, or simply sharing closeness on a walk, holding a hand connects us to another, comforts us and reminds us that we are not alone.