Sunday, January 1, 2023

 Solemnity of the Blessed Virgin Mary, the Mother of God

(Numbers 6:22-27, Galatians 4,4-7; Luke 2:16-21)

There is only one passage about Mary that the three evangelists -- Mark, Matthew, and Luke -- report. It is worth comparing how each evangelist treats the situation. In it Jesus is teaching at his house in Capernaum. People are crowding the door to listen when his mother and other relatives arrive. According to Mark, when Jesus finds out that his relatives are looking for him, he almost disowns them. With a gesture of his arm he looks at his disciples inside the house and says that they are his mother and his siblings. He adds, "'Whoever does the will of God is my brother, my sister, and my mother"'.

According to Matthew, Jesus does about the same when Mary comes to his house in Capernaum. However, Matthew reports early in his gospel that Mary conceives by the Holy Spirit. Therefore, it should be said that Matthew views Mary with more reverence than Mark, who reports nothing of the birth of Jesus.

Luke emphasizes the importance of Mary. In the episode at the house in Capernaum, Jesus does not indicate that only his disciples are his relatives. On the contrary, he says that anyone who attends to the word of God belongs to his family. From the beginning of his gospel, Luke shows Mary doing that. When the angel tells her that Elizabeth is pregnant with her, Mary goes "in haste" to visit her. In today's gospel, although he does not tell of an action, Luke says that Mary meditates in her heart the report of the shepherds.

St. Luke also highlights both the humility and the dauntlessness of the virgin mother. When the angel tells her of God's plan for her to be the mother of His son, she responds with the famous "fiat": "'Here is the handmaid of the Lord; let it be done to me according to your word'". And when she meets Elizabeth, Mary begins to preach how God raises up the poor while he brings down the mighty.

The Gospel of John is also favorable towards Mary although it mentions her only twice. The first time occurs when Mary solicits her son on behalf of the diners at the wedding in Cana. The second time is even more striking. Mary is at the cross of Jesus along with two of Jesus’ closest disciples. She is his faithful disciple to the end.

From this summary of gospel passages dealing with Mary, we can make some resolutions for the new year. First, like Mary we want to be more attentive to the word of God and more ready to put it into practice. We hear the word of God at Sunday Mass, but it would be helpful to read a Bible passage daily. Second, we should pray to Mary to ask her son for our needs. We do this every time we pray "Hail, Mary…" although we can be more focused about our requests. Third, it is increasingly important that we be humble before others. Pride often prevents cooperation and friendship between people. Finally, we want to remain faithful to the Lord, come what may. We know that he will never leave us. Many Ukrainians continue to ask for God's help, even though they have suffered enormous injustice. How is it that some people no longer attend mass because the priest does not preach well? As the mother of Jesus undoubtedly taught her son in her childhood, she has much to teach us today.

Friday, December 30, 2022

 Feast of the Holy Family of Jesus, Mary, and Joseph

(Ecclesiasticus 3:3-7.14-17; Colossians 3:12-21; Matthew 2:13-15.19-23)

Families are vital for the flourishing of people.  For this reason they have been termed the basic unit of society.  Perhaps also because of their importance, the term “family” has been extended to include other kinds of arrangements.  Parishes often label themselves as “family.”  A number of years ago a prominent politician called the Democratic Party a “family.”  Despite the importance of families, the nuclear family – mother, father, and children – is struggling to maintain itself today.

The Holy Family – Jesus, Mary, and Joseph – present an ideal for nuclear families today to emulate.  Like Joseph, the father must take responsibility for the welfare of all.  In the gospel Joseph listens to the Lord’s directive and acts on it.  Mary may be docile, but she is also wise.  She will follow her husband’s lead, but will no doubt tell him if he heads in the wrong direction.  Wives and mothers are almost always the heart of the modern family.  They support everyone, make needed sacrifices, and are ready to take over leadership if required.

A delicate question today is how to consider alternative families.  If the homosexual couple adopts or uses artificial methods to produce a child, how should the resultant family be considered?  Derivative families have always existed.  They are not ideal, but they can accomplish the goal of raising children to be responsible, caring members of society.

Thursday, December 29, 2022

The Fifth Day within the Octave of the Nativity of the Lord

(I John 2:3-11; Luke 2:22-35)

A biblical scholar once ignited a holy man’s ire by calling John’s letters, “New Testament baby-talk.”  The scholar meant that John’s letters possess simplicity and directness as if they were written for children.  We see this in today’s first reading.  “Whoever loves his brother remains in the light...,” John writes, “Whoever hates his brother remains in darkness...”

John does not have enemy-love in mind here as if he were challenging Ukrainians to Russian soldiers.  Nor does he mean exactly that Christians have affection for blood brothers and sisters.  He is simply reiterating Jesus’ commandment to his community of disciples at the Last Supper.  He tells them that that they are to love one another.  It may sound easy, but hard feelings can sprout like weeds in a cow pasture when humans get together.  Disputes have originated among Guadalupanas and among Knights of Columbus as if these associations were composed of bands of pirates.  Most everyone feels frustration, envy, and even enmity with his or her associates at times.  John is saying that we must let go of these passions and always treat one another with care.

John would be oversimplifying if he meant that we may limit our love to those with whom we go to church.  Certainly such love for brothers and sisters in the religious or parish community teaches toleration, respect, and compassion so that we in turn may love even those who hate us. 

 

Wednesday, December 28, 2022

Feast of the Holy Innocents, martyrs

(I John 1:5-2:2; Matthew 2:13-18)

If Rachel lived in our generation, she may not be crying for her children.  The reason for her lack of tears would not, for the most part, be insensitivity.  Rather Rachel would not be weeping because it is quite possible that she, like many women today, would not have any children.  The birthrate throughout most of the world has steadily declined over the last generation, much below what is required for replacement.  African and some Muslim countries are generally exceptions to this rule.

The situation is as tragic as it is dire.  The dearth of children jeopardizes families, faith traditions, and cultures.  When couples have children, they make sacrifices which serve as a binding force keeping families together.  Also, pursuing material success and enjoyment rather than raising a family, people are less likely to turn to God regularly.  Not only religion but other aspects of culture like national customs will erode as populations shift.

At Christmas we celebrate the birth of a child.  Jesus was as special a child as one can be.  Among so much else, he embodies God’s affirmation of humanity as well human hope for the future.  His birth relays a message of joy and love that should resound in the births of many children to committed couples.

Tuesday, December 27, 2022

 Feast of Saint John, apostle and evangelist

(I John 1:1-4; John 20:1a.2-8)

How shall we define “love”?  Let’s say it is more than the classical definition of desiring the good of another.  It seems to be more like a willingness to sacrifice oneself for the good of others. Such love is seen in parents who give up copious amounts of time and energy to care for a child with Downes Syndrome.  It is also found in a spouse who waits faithfully for years for her imprisoned husband (or his imprisoned wife).

Love propels “the disciple whom Jesus loved” to reach his tomb first ready to believe that he has risen from the dead.  Love also moves the disciple, whom tradition names “John” and who is often and probably wrongly equated with John, the son of Zebedee, to reject common sense that says death is final.  He doesn’t care that people will think him crazy.  He looks at the scant evidence of an empty tomb and a rolled up burial head covering and believes Jesus risen.

Christmas engenders such love.  it tells us of God’s infinite love for the world that He sent His Son to redeem it.  It also speaks of the Son’s love so great that he gave his life to fulfill the Father’s will.  The first reading tells of the wonder of knowing the one whom the writer knew in an intimate way but whom we may know only in a spiritual way.  Nonetheless, he graces us with the power to make sacrifices for the good of others.

Monday, December 26, 2022

Feast of Saint Stephen, first martyr

(Acts 6:8-10.7:54-59; Matthew10:17-22)

Celebrating Christmas, we walk in the light of Christ.  Today’s Feast of St. Stephen reminds us that those who walk in light are bound to cast shadows.  In these shadows lurk evil spirits who would kill before being exposed to the light, especially the brilliant light of Christ.

The reading from Acts relates Stephen’s martyrdom but skips over his speech which provoked the wrath of his assassins.  In that discourse Stephen revisits the sins of Israel from the selling of Joseph, the favorite son of Jacob, to the crucifixion of Christ.  The people who hear Stephen, not wanting to be enlightened about the sins of their ancestors and even less of their own sins, stone Stephen.  He dies begging forgiveness for his persecutors.

In proclaiming the whole truth of Jesus, we will find opposition.  Those who oppose us will not kill us, but they may criticize us unjustly.  Because we follow Christ, we are to respond to the criticisms like St. Stephen.  That is, we are not to condemn but to pray for our persecutors.

Monday, January 2, 2022

Memorial of Saints Basil the Great and Gregory Nazianzen, bishops and Doctors of the Church

(I John 2:22-28; John 1:19-280

The Church celebrates the Incarnation -- Christ becoming human – on Christmas.  It is, despite Santa Claus and snowmen, a holy and glorious day.  But there is little time to reflect on how the Incarnation might happen during Christmas week.  On January 2, the day following the Christmas octave, such reflection is indicated with the Memorial of Saints Basil the Great and Gregory Nazianzen.

The two bishops and theologians were best of friends when they studied together in Athens.  They lived during the fourth century when people literally fought over different interpretations of the Incarnation.  Basil defended the Church’s Nicene teaching against Arianism, a widespread and deeply rooted heresy.  To protect divine majesty, Arianism claimed that Jesus was not fully God.  Gregory engaged in the controversy against the more sophisticated heresy of Apollinarianism.  Apollinaris, the bishop who formulated the heresy, taught that Jesus was a divine spirit inhabiting a foreign body.  Gregory claimed the contrary when he taught that “what is not assumed is not redeemed.”  In other words, if the Son did not have a human body, no human body can be redeemed.

We believe that Jesus is our redeemer because of the testimony of writers like John in today’s first reading.  He tells us of how people experienced Jesus’ saving power.  We also accept the Church’s teaching on the Incarnation because it follows quite logically from the teachings of thinkers like Basil and Gregory.

Sunday, December 25, 2022

 The Nativity of the Lord, Midnight Mass

(Isaiah 9:1-3.5-6; Titus 2:11-14; Luke 2:1-14)

The birth of Jesus in the Gospel of Saint Luke begins by mentioning the Roman Emperor Caesar Augustus. He is not the typical emperor but the one who credited with ensuring world peace. Saint Luke is suggesting a comparison between this emperor of peace and Jesus Christ, the Prince of peace. Augustus has his armies to pacify uprisings across the world. Jesus gives the Holy Spirit to calm the human heart. Instead of desiring gold, the heart that gives admission to the Spirit longs for the joy of love.

However, the world today needs a peacemaker like Caesar Augustus. Two weeks ago. Pope Francis was seen crying in public over the war in Ukraine. There millions of people suffer not only the cold of winter without electricity but also the anxiety of not having an end to the war in sight. Who can bring peace to today's world? Are they not the men and women whose hearts have been opened to sacrifice by the grace of the Spirit?

Mary also draws our attention in this portrait of the birth of Jesus. She has the courage to accompany Joseph from Nazareth to Bethlehem while she is about to give birth. It seems that she doesn't care that there is no place for her family in the inn. Instead of worrying about it, she focuses on the well-being of her son. She has prepared strips of cloth to keep him warm in loving anticipation. When he is born, she lays him in a manger. She and Joseph give him something more substantial than a crib for support. They adore him.

Today's world often lacks this kind of personal commitment. Because they look for careers, luxuries, and the independence to do what they like, many young people do not want children. Or if they want them, they plan on one or, at most, two. It is worrisome because who knows what will happen in forty or fifty years? Many of them will experience loneliness. They are also likely to be disconcerted to see their communities fall apart and be replaced by people from other cultures.

The angels and their message form one last thing to consider here. An angel announces the good news of the birth of the Savior. Then he is joined by a multitude of heavenly creatures to proclaim glory to God and "peace to men of good will." For centuries people have wondered who these men and women "of good will" are. Are they all the women and men in the world? Or can they be a special group chosen by God?

The best answer to the question is associated with what Saint Luke writes in his narrative of the baptism of Jesus. There the voice of God says from heaven: “You are my beloved Son in whom I am well-pleased.” Men and women “of good will” are those who please God like Jesus Christ. Therefore, we have reason to be at peace when we strive to do the will of God the Father.

Luke's story ends with the angels in heaven singing: “Glory to God…” How could God not have glory when his creatures on earth are seen opening their hearts to the Holy Spirit? How could He not have glory when women and men give their families priority over their own independence? And how could He not have glory when we try with all our might to please Him? However, the glory belongs to God not because of our efforts but because of his love for us. He has sent us his own Son so that we may know his love.

Friday of the fourth Week of Advent – December 23, 2022

(Malachi 3:1-4.23-24; Luke 1:57-66)

Unlike Jesus’ name, the gospel writers place no significance in the name “John.”  But there are two significant details in today’s gospel story of Jesus’ forerunner’s name.  First, John’s father Zechariah shows obeisance to the Lord here.  Before, he doubted the angel’s word that he and Isabel would conceive.  Now he names the child “John” as Gabriel instructed.  Second, Zechariah and Isabel independently agree that their child be called “John.” Since no one in their family has that name, the prompt agreement indicates the Lord’s collusion.

The prophecy from Malachi, today’s first reading, tells the role John is to play within the gospel.  He will go before the Lord Jesus, preparing the people for his message.  Malachi names the forerunner “Elijah,” the prophet who called down fire from heaven.  Likewise, John preached fire and brimstone.  Although, like Jesus, he spoke of the coming of the kingdom, his message was colored with threats.  Jesus largely preached the kingdom as the experience of God’s mercy.

Some fret over names.  They don’t want to be called anything like obese or dull.  Most want to be labeled intelligent, attractive, and cool.  Let us dare to be different here and strive to be named, like John, “forerunners of the Lord.”  Let us prepare the world for his coming by acts of mercy and kindness.  

Thursday, December 22, 2022

Thursday of the Fourth Week of Advent

(I Samuel 1:24-28; Luke 1:46-56)

As everyone knows, today many if not most people get their news online.  That is, as much as the reports may be called “news,” people find them on the Internet.  What they see is a blend of events that call attention to themselves along with multiple tidbits about the rich and famous.  The latter group consists of entertainers, athletes, and billionaires.  It is what holds the attention of most people for months, years, even decades.  The whole world now has been nurtured on this stream of vanity.

In today’s gospel Mary gives a news report one hundred and eighty degrees opposite to the dominant interests of our times.  She tells of God giving preference to herself, a humble young woman who tries to please Him.  From there she tells of how God plans to spurn the rich, proud, and powerful in favor of the lowly who do His will.  She speaks of these things boldly because she will soon give birth to the one who will bring about this new social order.

Christmas challenges us to side with Mary.  It has become so filled with material superabundance that its spiritual offering is often forgotten.  We take Mary’s side by different concrete actions.  We should go out of our way to include the poor in our Christmas giving.  We should also dedicate considerable time to prayer and reflection over the events of the Incarnation.  Finally, we should find opportunities to tell friends and family of our love and appreciation.   Making a custom of these practices, we will hear the good news about Christ, not the fake news about the high and mighty.

Wednesday, December 21, 2022

 Wednesday of the Fourth Week of Advent

(Zephaniah 3:14-18a; Luke 1: 39-45)

A woman calls the priests she knows “Priest,” not “Father.”  She does so because of the gospel injunction to “’call no one on earth your father…’” Of course, the Church has given another interpretation to this statement of Jesus.  But the woman tries, like Mary in today’s gospel, to act on the word of God.

The purpose of Mary’s prompt visit to the hill country is undoubtedly to see her kinswomen, Elizabeth.  Luke, the evangelist here, does not say what is commonly assumed – that Mary went to help Elizabeth during the latter days of her pregnancy.  Rather, his point is that Mary, as James will later write, is a “doer of the word of God,” and a swift doer at that.  She listens to God has to say to her, contemplates in her heart its meaning, and then acts accordingly and decidedly.  Because she proceeds in this way from the beginning of the gospel, she is often called Jesus’ first or model disciple.

These days can be rich with contemplation or busy with frenzied action.  In Puerto Rico traditional Catholics are arising to attend predawn masses.  There they will be nourished by the word of God and have the rest of the day to act on it.

Tuesday, December 20, 2022

 Tuesday of the Fourth Week of Advent

(Isaiah 7:10-14; Luke 1:36-48)

Why is Mary troubled by the angel’s greeting?  Is not “hail” a common salutation?  Perhaps it was in some sectors in the first century, but not in Palestine.  There a Jewish person was more likely to say “shalom,” meaning peace, when meeting another.  The Greek word for hail – the word used in today’s gospel passage – is chaїre.  It was used as a greeting, but it more properly meant rejoice.  Mary is troubled because she had no reason to rejoice at that precise moment.

The word chaїre is repeated by the angel who announced to the shepherds Jesus’ birth.  It is also said of the disciples when they see the risen Lord in John’s gospel.  Mary and the whole world can rejoice because God is fulfilling the promise to David of an eternal king.  This king will conquer the enemies of Israel and bring the world together in peace.

Jesus has brought peace to billions of people over the centuries.  Yet his peace is still not universal.  This past year, the greatest European war in over seventy-five years has broken out in the Ukraine.    Human beings, images of God, are being blown apart.  Many are suffering from cold, fear, and exhaustion.  No one should blame Christ for failing to establish peace.  He did all that is necessary by dying on the cross.  We must look at ourselves with the question, how do I contribute to injustice, hatred, and even violence?

Monday, December 19, 2022

 Monday of the Fourth Week of Advent

(Judges 13:2-7.24-25a; Luke 1:5-25)

Today’s readings sound definitively premodern.  Many couples today do not want to have any children, and most do not want more than one or two.  In these Scriptures Manoah’s wife and Elizabeth consider themselves disgraced for not having given birth.  Then they hear from God.

The two women will not only have children.  Their children will become outstanding in their respective times.  Manoah’s wife’s son Samson will wreak havoc on the Philistines, Israel’s archenemies in the period of the Judges.  John will prick the consciences of the entire nation of Israel to turn from sin.

Christmas celebrates human life.  It says, at its root, that human life is so wonderful that God assumed it to present Himself to the world.  We should embrace it not only for what it offers us as individuals but for what we might offer others.  Christ taught us as much.  His life testifies superlatively to the truth that life is not a commodity to be exploited but a gift to be shared.

Sunday, December 18, 2022

 FOURTH SUNDAY OF ADVENT, December 18, 2022

(Isaiah 7:10-14; Romans 1:1-7; Matthew 1:18-24)

We all know that actions speak louder than words. No one in history exemplifies this adage more than Saint Joseph. In the gospels he does not say a single word. However, his actions have facilitated the coming of the Savior to the world.

The Gospel according to Saint Matthew presents Saint Joseph as a "righteous man". He is righteous because he not only knows God's law but also its purpose and because he lives it. He knows that the law is to form the person in the ways of God. The Pharisees also know the law, but they manipulate it for their own benefit. Saint Oscar Romero once said: “The law is like a snake; it only stings those with bare feet.”  In the gospels the Pharisees use the law to exploit the poor.

Joseph is living the law even when he thinks of divorcing María. The two have contracted marriage but have not lived together. So when Joseph finds out that Maria is pregnant, he knows that he did not father the baby. Because it is possible that there was adultery, Joseph wants to take advantage of the part of the law that allows divorce. In this way he would show respect for the institution of marriage. But he would do it "in secret," that is, without a trial. Once again, Joseph shows himself to be righteous.  If a trial discovered that it was not adultery but rape, Maria would be unnecessarily subjected to public disapproval.

When the angel appears to him, Joseph continues to show himself as righteous. He does not delay for a moment to fulfill God’s will. He takes Mary to her house, and when her baby is born, he names it "Jesus." To understand the significance of these acts, we need to know something of the customs of first century Judaism. At that time the man who names the child was considered the legal father of the child. It is important that Joseph of David's lineage named the son of Mary so that he too is a descendant of David, Israel's greatest king. In the Old Testament God promised David that he would have a descendant whose kingdom would last forever. Now Jesus can assume this office.

The name "Jesus" also has transcendent meaning. It means, "The Lord saves." It is appropriate for Jesus because he is going to save not only his people but also the whole world from sin. Matthew gives us an indication of this universal salvation when the wise men come from afar to adore the baby Jesus in Bethlehem. At the end of the gospel, Jesus will send his apostles throughout the earth to announce salvation in Christ Jesus.

But another, even more important name is given to Jesus, and it also has to do with his lineage. In the first reading Isaiah tells the king of Judah: “Listen, O house of David! ... the virgin shall conceive bear a son and shall name him Emmanuel, that is, “God with us ”. This prophecy is fulfilled in Jesus in two ways. First, Mary conceives and gives birth to Jesus as a virgin. Jesus is also conceived by the action of the Holy Spirit who will always remain with him.

Meditating on the story of Jesus’ origins, we may wonder why we preoccupy ourselves with gifts and parties during this Advent season. Saint Matthew shows God's love for us not only by sending his son to us, but by something else almost as wonderful. Through Jesus Christ himself, God makes it possible for us to be even more righteous than Saint Joseph. We have the teachings of Jesus in the Sermon on the Mount to guide us. Even more important, Jesus has shared the Holy Spirit with us so that we always live his goodness and love.

Friday, December 16, 2022

 Friday of the Third Week of Advent

(Isaiah 56-3a.6-8; John 5:33-36)

In John’s Gospel Jesus seems to be continually on trial before the Jews.  This explains the lack of a trial in the Passion account.  Jesus is presented today as calling a witness to defend himself.  He tells the Jews that they heard John the Baptist testify in his favor and that they had believed him before.   However, he adds that now they won’t accept John’s testimony. 

Next Jesus will admit evidence in his defense.  He says that the works – the healings and miraculous deeds like changing water into wine – testify to his being God’s emissary.  Unfortunately, the Jews will not be satisfied with this proof either.

Hopefully, we are.  Every year we have to decide to keep accepting Jesus at his word or to forget about his coming in glory.  Fortunately, we are boosted by the good we see in other Christians and by other experiences of grace.  We must continue to wait patiently for Jesus.  Maybe it will be soon.  But it will probably not be in our lifetime.  In any case, there is comfort in waiting with so many fine people.

Thursday of the Third Week of Advent

Thursday of the Third Week of Advent

(Isaiah 54:1-10; Luke 7:24-30)

When John’s disciples came looking for Jesus in Luke’s gospel, they asked if he was “the one who is to come.”  They wanted to know if he was the one to bring about God’s kingdom.  Jesus told the disciples to report to John the cures he was performing, the dead he was raising, and the poor whose hopes were being uplifted by his preaching.  With the report, John must decide if he will accept Jesus as the Messiah for his works.

Today’s gospel announces that those who repented of their sins and were baptized by John accepted Jesus as God’s righteousness.  This appears to be another way of calling him the “anointed one” or Messiah. It also sees these people standing in God’s favor.  The Pharisees do not repent of their sins, nor are baptized, and much less acknowledge Jesus as Messiah.  They, of course, stand outside God’s favor.

The passage calls us to do two things.  First, we must repent of our sins – constantly.  All of us have faults that need correction with the help of God.  Second, like Jesus, our leader, we must work to cure others, perhaps not of physical hurts but of emotional ones.  Likewise, we must raise people from the dead; that is, we must work to bring people back from the spiritual death of serious sin. And we must preach to the poor words and deeds that uplift their spirits. 

Wednesday, December 14, 2022

Memorial of Saint John of the Cross, priest and Doctor of the Church

(Isaiah 45:6c-8.18.21c-25; Luke 7:18b-23)

Today the Church celebrates St. John of the Cross as it moves toward Christmas.  John was a sixteenth century mystic and theologian.  He is famous for describing the “dark night of the soul.”  This experience of purification brings a soul in union with God through successive purification.  In the end everything about the contemplative – desires, abilities, works, and feelings -- conforms to God’s will.

Although Jesus habitually went off to pray, he was not known for his contemplation.  John the Baptist evidently thought that he would be a fiery mystic who would blast people out of complacency.  Jesus had a better way of showing holiness.  He healed and preached more and better than anyone before.  These works should have been enough for one to recognize him as the Messiah. 

Today many Christians seem to think that one can arrive at holiness without having suffered.  Both John of the Cross and Jesus would deny that idea.  The human ego is so great that it wants to dominate everything.  Only God can do that.  By suffering we can tame the ego so that it too conforms to God’s will.

 

Tuesday, December 13, 2022

 Memorial of Saint Lucy, virgin and martyr

(Zephaniah 3:1-2.9-13; Matthew 21:28-32)

Today’s first reading may sound like a denunciation of lax morals typical of the prophet Isaiah.  However, it is from the prophet Zephaniah, who lived a generation afterwards.  Echoes of both Isaiah and Zephaniah reverberate today as many pay scant attention to morals in the pursuit of pleasure.  The prophets assure us that this lamentable condition will change with a remnant attentive to God’s word.

Christ has cleansed his disciples of sin with his blood.  His followers have followed his light of truth and love.  One member of this cohort is St. Lucy, the fourth century Sicilian virgin. Although the data of her life are not known with any certainty, her name expresses what is most significant.  As “Lucy” is derived from the Latin word for light, Lucy reflected the light of Christ in her time and down through the centuries.  She loved Christ more than her own life which she forfeited for him

We too are to reflect the light of Christ.  We might do this in various ways like caring for the poor or teaching children.  We should take care never to let the good that we do be obstructed by bad habits or sins.  In this way more people will be attracted to Christ, the world’s light, whose coming we will celebrate shortly.

Monday, December 1`2, 2022

Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe

(Zechariah 2:14-17; Luke 1:26-38)

Humans do not initiate Christian repentance.  It is a divine undertaking.  For this reason, both John the Baptist and Jesus preached, "The Kingdom of God is near," before calling people to repent. They urged people to seize the opportunity to meet God on good terms.  This dynamic was also at play at Tepeyac with the Virgin of Guadalupe.

When the Virgen met the indigenous Juan Diego, she introduced herself as the “mother of God.” She represented God to Mexico’s native people.  After Juan Diego carried out her orders, his tilma showed her image, and the Spanish bishop of Mexico recognized the Virgin’s glory.  More significantly, the event resulted in the massive conversion of the Mexican people.

We have heard John the Baptist’s call on the Second Sunday of Advent.  Now is the time to repent.  We may be reluctant to accept the invitation.  When the world goes to celebrate, should we go to confession?  Yes, we should.  The whole point of Jesus’ coming was to save us from sin and death.  The process will be completed with the Easter events.  Let us repent and believe, the sooner the better.

Sunday, December 11, 2022

 THIRD SUNDAY OF ADVENT, December 11, 2023

(Isaiah 35:1-6.10; James 5:7-10; Matthew 11:2-11)

We should take advantage of this opportunity during both the World Cup competition and the Advent season to ask ourselves a question. It will be the same question that the disciples of John the Baptist propose to Jesus in the gospel today: "Are you the one who is to come or do we have to wait for another?" That is, is Jesus the one we are waiting for or should we look to the other to fulfill our deepest desires?

Of course, the answer has to do with what we seek in life. Some yearn for little more than the excitement that comes when their nation's team wins the championship. Jesus may have been a gifted athlete, but nowhere in the gospels does it say that he beat anyone in sports. Those of us who want the World Cup will have to wait for another.

In the first century many Jews awaited the coming of a political messiah who could deliver their people from Roman hegemony. It is possible that Juan thought so. Still, many today want a political leader who can reshape society in the way that suits them. The liberal types would like a mandate that defends the so-called “procreative rights” and immigration rights. Likewise, conservatives would have a leader who keeps the traditional culture intact. However, people with this kind of hope will be disappointed in Jesus. He sternly rejected the idea that he was a political messiah.

Still others see salvation in the person who can meet all of their intimate needs. They want a rich man or woman with good looks and fine sensibilities. Jesus will not fulfill this scheme either because his mission is for the whole world.

Jesus does not fulfill any of these desires. He has come, as he declares to the disciples of John, so that the blind may see and the lame walk, so that the dead may be raised and the poor receive the good news. So, he doesn't come for the middle class or the healthy, people like most of us, it that not right?  No, it isn't. There is a statistic, certainly true, given by a famous psychologist: "One of each of us is suffering." One of each of us has felt abandoned, exhausted, or hurt, at one time or another with repercussions that persist to the present moment. Truly Jesus has come to care for all of us.

Are we not spiritually blind when we think that if God exists, He will forgive my sins whether I confess them or not? One look at the gospel will open our eyes. In it Jesus shows us not only that God exists but also that he has so much love for us that we always want to please him. Are we not spiritually deaf when we do not want to hear the sorrows and sorrows of other people? Again, the gospel presents Jesus welcoming everyone into his company and asking us to do the same. Are we not spiritually dead when we always seek our own pleasure and not the good, the true and the eternal? A man spent many fall weekends hunting. He liked to sit in a hide waiting for a deer. One Saturday the man was in the field with his rifle. It occurred to him that his life was missing something necessary: ​​a relationship with the One who created the earth and all that it holds. The hunter got up and returned to his parish to confess. He now lives happily as a committed layman.

This man along with all of us awaits the return of the Lord Jesus. Let us not doubt that he will arrive because he has promised it. As James says in the second reading, we need to wait with the patience of farmers expecting the harvest. In the meantime, it is up to us to prepare the earth for the Kingdom of God. We break up the clods with prayer and sow the seeds of kindness and love. Among all we sow seeds of kindness and love.

Friday, December 9, 2022

 Friday of the Second Week of Advent

(Isaiah 48:17-19; Matthew 11:16-19)

In today’s gospel Jesus shares with the crowds his disappointment with their response to the call to repentance.  When John made it, he says, the people thought he was crazy.  When he makes it, Jesus continues, they ask whether one who hangs around sinners can be trusted.  Matthew, the evangelist, has Jesus leveling this criticism of the Jews perhaps fifty years before he wrote.  But he was aware that Christians too might reject the call to ongoing conversion with similar excuses.

We have seen in our day increasing rejection of Christ as the path to holiness.  Secularization has accelerated within the past three generations to the extent that in many places mostly grey hairs go to church.  The vast majority neither fear punishment nor try to please God by living impeccably.

Nevertheless, the Church continues to wave a stick and a carrot to move people to reform.  Especially during Advent, we await the return of Christ at the end of time to judge the world.  We also joyfully anticipate celebrating on Christmas his first coming.  Although it may seem like a losing strategy, we know that it can work.  At different times either the soft or the hard approach has gotten through to people’s hearts.

Thursday, December 8, 2022

 Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgen Mary

(Genesis 3:9-15.20; Ephesians 1:3-5.11-12; Luke 1:26-38)

Today’s feast day provides an opportunity to reflect not only on Mary, the mother of Jesus, but also on Jesus, the savior of the world.  The first reading describes the trial scene where God interrogates Adam and Eve and then passes judgment on the serpent.  The couple admit to having disobeyed God’s commandment.  Their guilt will be passed on to all humans except for Jesus and Mary.  The serpent, traditionally recognized as the devil, is destined to be crushed by a human being who has been identified with Christ.

In the gospel’s conversation between God’s angel and the Virgen Mary, Mary is told that her son will be called “Jesus,” a name which means “The Lord saves.” Jesus will save human beings from sin precisely by defeating the serpent-devil.  He will have the power to do so because he is the Son of God conceived by the Holy Spirit as well as the son of Mary.

The second reading further explains the reason for our celebration.  Because God chose us to believe in Christ, we have been purged of the guilt incurred by Adam and Eve’s sin.  Now we exist not for ourselves and not for a limited time.  We exist to give praise to God forever.  Some may question the desirability of giving such praise to another.  We might think of it as the glory of having a brother or sister declared sovereign of the greatest empire on earth.

Wednesday, December 7, 2022

Memorial of Saint Ambrose, bishop and doctor of the church

(Isaiah 40:25-31; Matthew 11:28-30)

In the movie “Chariots of Fire” a Christian sprinter from Scotland refuses to race on Sunday and thus apparently has lost his opportunity to win an Olympic medal.  Then one of his teammates gives the athlete his slot in a longer race.  The sprinter is supposed to peter out by the end of the race.  However, he wins it for the gold medal.  An American rival of the sprinter’s team sends him a note with a verse from today’s first reading: “They that hope in the LORD will renew their strength, they will soar as with eagles’ wings.  They will run and not grow weary, walk and not grow faint.”

An event in the life of St. Ambrose illustrates his own hope in the Lord.  Ambrose was the governor of a large portion of northern Italy.  Because of his virtue, the people elected him Bishop of Milan at a contentious time in Church affairs.  He quickly gave his family wealth to the poor and lived ascetically during his long episcopacy.  As Isaiah promises, Ambrose soared as a churchman.  He is considered one of the four great Latin Church fathers.

The reading from Isaiah is meant to complement the gospel passage in which Jesus says that he will renew the strength of those who come to him.  We should not doubt that.  When life becomes especially challenging, we can turn to him with prayer and confidence.  We will set our spirits soaring and our hearts relieved.

Tuesday, December 6, 2022

Tuesday of the Second Week of Advent

(Isaiah 40:1-11; Matthew 18:12-14)

There is a story from the Cold War days that might help us understand God's Word today. A Russian woman came to visit the United States. At first she only saw the social problems.  She criticized the decayed neighborhoods, the litter in the streets, and the selling of drugs on street corners.  Then she entered a supermarket and was stunned by the great quantities of all the different products.  She began to cry saying, “You mean all this is available to me?”

In a similar way the reading from Isaiah testifies to the bounty of God’s goodness to the exiled people of Jerusalem.  They can return home now.  They have suffered enough for their sins.  God is giving them back double for their suffering.  Like a shepherd cares for his lambs, God is looking after all the needs of His people. 

Jesus fulfills this vision of Isaiah.  He is like the shepherd of his own parable who risks the loss of more sheep to save the one who has gone astray.  He calls us from our sins.  Yes, we all have them – our laziness and habitual errors that we have grown accustomed to.  He beckons us to learn from him.

Monday, December 5, 2022

Monday of the Second Week in Advent

(Isaiah 35:1-10; Luke 5:17-26)

For most of us it is easier to say to a crippled person, “Your sins are forgiven,” than to say, “Stand up and walk.”  This is so because most of us say things to win the approval of others.  No one will know whether the crippled person’s sins are really forgiven.  But if the person does not stand up, people will think us foolish for telling the person to do so. 

Jesus shows himself to be a prophet because he cares about the truth of his words.  He will not say to a person that her sins are forgiven unless he has the authority from God to forgive.  In today’s gospel he shows that authority by healing the cripple.  He also shows himself to be the fulfilment of Isaiah’s prophecy.  He has come to make firm the knees of the weak and to make the lame leap.  He has come to save us from lies and deceit.  He has come to give us love in truth.

As that paralyzed man in the gospel cannot walk, we are paralyzed by our social environment to say what is “politically correct,” that is, what pleases people.  In doing so, we forsake what we truthfully believe.  Jesus heals us of this paralysis so that we not just tell the truth but do so in love.  In this way those around us will give more than a nod of approval.  They will thank God for our presence to them.

Sunday, December 4, 2022

 SECOND SUNDAY OF ADVENT, December 4, 2022

(Isaiah 11:1-10; Romans 15:4-9; Matthew 3:1-12)

This year’s new TV shows are said to feature ever more powerful characters. According to one writer, people don't care whether these characters are morally good or bad. What they are interested in are their displays of power. The writer laments the deterioration of morality in Western culture. Like John the Baptist in the gospel today, he criticizes the growing lack of virtue.

John does not hesitate to denounce the Pharisees and Sadducees for their duplicity. They come as pious as Carmelite nuns to see him, the holy man of the desert. But beneath their sanitized exterior lies arrogance and disdain. These people are the same people who will harass Jesus for his outreach to sinners. No wonder John calls them a "breed of vipers."

If he were alive today, John would not remain silent before the irresponsible sectors of our society. They are the ones who want to make abortion available on demand. The irresponsible also include those who reject any form of sacrifice to control climate change. Newspapers often take John's critical stance by warning of the damage that global warming is causing. They rightly say that if a concerted effort to control the burning of fossil fuels is not put into effect soon, future generations will suffer from ever more destructive hurricanes and ever more unbearable temperatures. With even more vigor the Church has condemned abortion as the taking of human life. She has said that those who knowingly have or promote abortion are excommunicated. The newspapers and the Church, like John himself, serve as prophets of destruction that are necessary to capture the attention of the people.

However, John's message mentions the coming of a prophet more powerful than himself. According to John, this prophet is going to mercilessly punish the unjust with fire. He does not name who he is, but we know that he has Jesus in mind. Certainly, Jesus will show power over unclean spirits. Also, he will show anger when he purifies the Temple of the merchants. However, his mission will have a very different character than that of John and the prophets of destruction.

Jesus will not act like the great retaliator that John expects. He will not go scolding drunkards, nor scolding prostitutes. On the contrary, Jesus will eat with sinners and talk with women of ill repute. In this way he will try to transform sinners by acts that touch their hearts. He will know that every human heart has the capacity to turn to God when it feels his love. Like the wolf living with the lamb in the first reading, Jesus will instruct all humans to live together in peace with God as their Father.

We have to respond to God's love now. Our response should include behaviors that alleviate global warming destruction as well as abortion. We could turn the thermostat down a few degrees in the winter and a couple up in the summer. In the second reading Saint Paul tells the Christians in Rome to serve one another as Christ served all. By resisting climate change, we would be serving not so much our contemporaries as future generations. The effect will be the same. We would be treating other people with the love of brothers and sisters.

Friday, December 2, 2022

 Friday of the Frist Week of Advent

(Isaiah 29:17-24; Matthew 9:27-31)

Blind people often play on their ability to see.  They will likely tell you when they understand something you are trying to explain, “I see, I see.”  The two blind men in today’s gospel are making a comparable point.

The blind men already see when they recognize Jesus as their “Lord.”  They know that he has power over the darkness of sin and its consequences.  Jesus’ bestowing physical sight confirms this more critical spiritual insight that the men have made.  By giving them physical sight, Jesus also fulfills the prophecy of Isaiah in the first reading, “…the eyes of the blind shall see.”

During Advent we want to see the Lord more clearly.  We already know him teacher and savior.  We hope to trust more completely in his friendship.  Confident of his love for us, we can live more happily and caringly, at peace with all.

Thursday, December 1, 2022

 Thursday of the First Week of Advent

Isaiah 26:1-6; Matthew 7:21.24-27)

Today’s gospel passage may serve as an introduction to Matthew.  His gospel will be read on most Sundays for the next year.  In Matthew Jesus is the consummate teacher.  From the mountaintop he tells his disciples how to live the really good (i.e., moral) life with the kingdom of heaven as its goal.  During the course of the gospel Jesus will give four other discourses expounding on the life of discipleship.

The passage today comes at the end of the Sermon on the Mount.  It presents a rainstorm as a metaphor for judgment.  To heed Jesus is to build one’s house on rock so that one’s survives intact the rainstorm-judgment.  On the other hand, to ignore Jesus’ instruction is to build one’s house on sand from which judgment will dislodge it. 

Advent looks forward to the coming of Jesus to judge the world.  To prepare for him is to put into practice his teaching.  To the extent that it is done, we will be judged as worthy of God’s kingdom, our heaven.

Wednesday, November 30, 2022

 Feast of St. Andrew, apostle

(Romans 10:9-18; Matthew 4:18-22)

If your house were burning, what would you want to get before leaving?  Some might say their telephone or laptop.  Others might answer their cat or dog.  Except for another human being, the correct answer is to get yourself out of the house without hesitating a moment.  Today’s gospel shows Andrew and Peter and then James and John making the right choice in another critical situation.

Jesus passes by the fishermen and calls to them.  Although the evangelist Matthew gives no indication, perhaps they know of Jesus.  In any case, they follow him as abandonly as lemmings going to the sea.  Andrew and Peter leave their nets behind.  James and John forsake not only their boat but their father as well to accompany Jesus.  They see in him the fulfilment of their deepest desires and hopes.

Although the Feast of St. Andrew does not always fall in Advent, it is quite in line with the theme of the season.  Because Jesus is coming soon, we best prepare to follow him.  We have to let go of many of the things which have brought a sense of satisfaction.  These may include sins like indulgence in drugs or illicit sex.  At the same time we must strive to be like our leader, showing mercy and developing an ongoing conversation with the Lord.

Tuesday, November 29, 2022

 Tuesday of the First Week of Advent

(Isaiah 11:1-10; Luke 11:21-24)

An old lament sums up the longing for a just ruler in today’s readings.  The words read: “It’s the song the whole world over; it’s the poor what get the blame.  It’s the rich what get the curry; ain’t it all a blooming shame.”  The world yearns for leaders who will defend the poor against unjust demands

Isaiah provides characteristics of the just ruler.  These have been universalized as the “Gifts of the Holy Spirit.”  Isaiah also idealizes the effects of having a judge so discerning.  He looks forward to peace among predators and prey as well fair judgments to both rich and poor.  In the gospel Jesus offers himself as the peacemaker.  He is the one whom prophets like Isaiah foresaw as coming to rescue the just.

The gospels teach us Jesus’ impact on life in Palestine.  He outwitted the charlatans and swindlers of his time.  His self-surrender to the corrupt rulers in the end brought about their downfall, not his.  We long for his promised return.   He will vindicate any suffering that we have had to make and crown our good works with eternal life.

Monday, November 28, 2022

 Monday of the First Week of Advent

(Isaiah 4:2-6; Matthew 8:5-11)

A man was imprisoned for misappropriating public money.  The sentence was long enough to chasten him.  He was also humbled by the support he received from his family during his incarceration. This man’s experience mirrors the lessons of today’s Scripture readings.

Isaiah proclaims a renewed Jerusalem after her defeat, demolition, and exile.  Those who have survived the punishment are called “holy.”  The centurion in the gospel manifests Jerusalem’s holiness.  Strikingly, he is a Roman.  Yet he recognizes in Jesus, the Lord’s prophet, a power beyond sword or even human comprehension.

Humbled by a year of graces, we enter Advent’s expectation of the Lord.  We see that only he can satisfy our longings for reconciliation and peace.  We join Jesus’ Jewish apostles in their benevolent vigilance of Christ’s coming.

Sunday, November 27, 2022

 First Sunday of Advent

(Isaiah 2:1-5; Romans 13:11-14a; Matthew 24:37-44)

Downton Abbey, the hugely successful television drama, tells of an aristocratic family living in an old English monastery with many servants. In the first episode, a middle-class man is having coffee with his mother. This man is passed a letter with the news that he is the heir to the abbey. His mother asks him what the letter says. He replies, "Our lives are going to change." It is true because henceforth they are going to live in luxury. In the gospel today Jesus says that the lives of his disciples will change as suddenly and completely as this man's.

Jesus was talking to his disciples about the end of time. When asked when it will happen, Jesus responded with a discourse. In it he says that there will be much deceit and that the Temple will be desecrated. Then he will arrive to lead his people into his kingdom. For this reason, he advises them to watch because it will happen as suddenly as lightning.

But what does he mean to "watch"? For Jesus, watching does not consist in keeping one's eyes fixed on the horizon. Rather, his disciples watch for his coming by doing good works. As firefighters anticipate fighting fires by doing various exercises, Christians anticipate the Lord by works of mercy.

If we do not prepare ourselves with good works, Jesus warns that we will be lost. We will be like the man left in the field or the woman left at the mill when he arrives to gather his followers together. In the second reading St. Paul describes the lost (that is, people who do not watch) with striking words. He says that they engage in binge eating and drinking, debauchery and lust instead of acting like Jesus Christ.

We have this Advent season to reflect on the coming of Jesus. It has three strata which we will take in reverse order as it is done in the liturgies. First, we consider his coming at the end of time. We want to be ready for it whenever it occurs. Second, we will reflect on his coming as proclaimer of God’s Kingdom. We focus on John the Baptist, his forerunner, who describes for us both Jesus’ mission and his greatness. Finally, at the end of Advent, we will contemplate the incarnation when the Son of God came into the world as the son of Mary and Joseph.

During these reflections we will face a dilemma. It's Christmas time. All around us people are busy with material concerns: gifts, parties, and vacations. The question is, are we going to prepare for the Lord or are we going to become caught up in physical longings? Advent is not Lent when we do penance. However, the season requires the attention of our spirit. At least we should pray more to prepare our hearts to welcome the Lord.

Let us conclude with a reflection on the wonderful vision of the prophet Isaiah in the first reading. It is a panorama of the world at peace. Because armies no longer need weapons to kill, they forge them into harvesting tools to sustain life. The desires of the people are softened and their passions calmed. The prophet had this vision for the Temple in Jerusalem. However, we Christians have adapted it in accordance with our experience of the Lord Jesus. He is the sacrifice and altar that put an end to wars among nations. He is the justice that satisfies the world’s deepest yearnings.

Friday, November 25, 2022

 Friday of the Thirty-fourth Week in Ordinary Time

(Revelation 20:1-4.11-21.2; Luke 21:29-33)

Today, the penultimate day of the liturgical year, the first reading enters the penultimate chapter of the Bible.  It has been quite a saga.  From creation when God called all that he had made “very good” through periods of human failure and folly to the ultimate victory of Christ over sin and death.  Now the holy city appears as glorious a habitat as can be imagined.  It seems to question the people if they wish to live in it.

One would think that the answer to the question could not be simpler.  Why wouldn’t anyone want to take part in Christ’s victory?  Unfortunately, humans are as mischievous as they are unpredictable.  They sometimes prefer to be considered bad rather than good, lazy rather than industrious, and even unique rather than beautiful.

Hopefully, we will opt for the holy city.  It means that we do good works so that our names may be written in the book of life.  We will find some of our companions along the way to have not been to our liking.  But then in the light of Christ which illumines the city we will know them for all the good that they have done.

Thursday, November 24, 2022

 Thanksgiving Day

(Sirach 50:22-24; I Corinthians 1:3-9; Luke 17:11-19)

Several characteristic Christian themes converge in today’s celebration of Thanksgiving.  We give thanks to God for all the good of creation.  Nature is abundant so that humans may have more than what is necessary to survive.  We also recognize how European immigrants needed the assistance of native people to overcome the challenges of settlement.  Thanksgiving then represents reconciliation among peoples, one of the great benefits of Christ.

A third characteristic of Thanksgiving is community.  Thanksgiving alone would be almost meaningless.  We come together in love with family and friends.  We also remember those who live in need, at least with our prayers and quite possibly after some practical effort of support.

Although thanksgiving is not an expressly Christian feast, we can hardly not show gratitude to God for giving us His Son, Jesus Christ.  He cleanses us of the desire to eat and drink too much today.  More than that, he brings us the hope that that the joy and love we experience will be multiplied innumerable times in eternal life.

Thursday of the Thirty-fourth Week in Ordinary Time

 (Revelation 18:1-2.21-23.19:1-3a.9; Luke 21:20-28)

Four years ago, a man entered a religious goods store and committed horrible crimes.  He sexually violated two women and killed one of them.  The barbarism resembles the happenings which Jesus foresees in today’s gospel.  He says that lawlessness and destruction will take place everywhere at the end of time.

In all likelihood the evangelist Luke embellished the prediction of Jesus with accounts of actual events.  Not long before he wrote his gospel Roman troops decimated Jerusalem.  They not only destroyed the Temple beyond hope of rebuilding but evidently ravaged the people.  Such marauding is typical of foreign soldiers sent to punish a nation.  It is no wonder then that the first reading describes the downfall of Rome in such graphic terms.  “Babylon” is a code word for Rome since both were associated with extravagant hedonism.  According to the reading, Rome is completely devastated.  It is as if an earthquake swallowed up the city.

Both Luke and the author of Revelation mean to encourage Christians to live righteous lives.  They see Jesus as coming to save his people when the situation becomes most desperate.  He will recognize them by their courage to stand erect in hope of being rescued.  The righteousness and courage which the Scriptures bespeak include efforts to build a society of justice.  We cannot be able to eliminate all crime and misfortune in the world.  But guided by the gospel and with the help of the Holy Spirit we can approximate the peace of the Kingdom of God.

Wednesday, November 23, 2022

 Wednesday of the Thirty-fourth Week in Ordinary Time

(Revelation 15:1-4; Luke 21:12-19)

As the seer nears the end of his Revelation, he has favorable news to report.  In today’s passage he sees seven angels carrying seven bowls of plagues that will wipe out Christian persecutors.  Like the ten plagues liberated the Israelites in Egypt, the seven plagues of the Apocalypse will crush Roman oppression.

But before the plagues take their toll, John reports a heavenly recital evoking more memories of Passover.  Those who have come through the trials with intact innocence play the victory song of Moses.  They use harps -- instruments of sweet, peaceful sounds. 

Sometimes the Book of Revelation is exploited to defend anger and revenge.  But its message is deeper and more subtle than the wrathful images it contains.  It tells of God’s care for those who do His will.  It promotes both righteous living and turning to God for help.  It endeavors to free us from worry when we face challenges.  It assures that God is ready to help us when we call on Him.

Tuesday, November 22, 2022

Memorial of Saint Cecilia, virgin and martyr

(Revelation 14:14-19; Luke 21:5-11)

Today’s passage from the Book of Revelation describes the judgment at the end of time.  It is depicted as a double harvest.  The first, performed by “ä son of man” who is probably Christ, cuts and gathers good fruit, which is to say, the righteous of the earth.  The second harvest cuts down the grapes that are associated with the ungodly.  They will be crushed, and their remains will be burned.

The harshness of the imagery need not be taken as a completely negative judgment on the whole reality.  Not all people involved in evil are fully responsible for their actions.  Yet a verdict of guilty for some should not be dismissed as outmoded.  Even though Jesus continually warns of judgment in the gospels, people knowingly persist in doing evil. 

The scene is intended to comfort those who try to live moral lives.  Equally, it is meant to cast fear into those who do what they know to be wrong.  In the end we cannot escape judgment.  It is as inevitable as the setting of the sun.

Monday, November 21, 2022

 Memorial of the Presentation of the Blessed Virgin Mary

(Revelation 14:1-3.4b-5; Luke 21:1-4)

Once a young worker was heard singing a hymn from a church service. Later she said that she wanted to be included among the 144,000 who as today’s first reading declares, “follow the Lamb wherever he goes.”  Would she really?

The 144,000 are likely to be those who gave their lives in witness to the Lamb.  They are the martyrs who through the centuries have shed their life-blood proclaiming that Jesus is Lord.  Although the number 144,000 is symbolic for this group, it does not represent all those who are saved through faith.

We can be grateful that we are not called upon to die as martyrs. Some who have been called have apostatized.  Nevertheless, we, like the Virgin Mother Mary whom we celebrate today, are called to proclaim Jesus by word and deed.  Let our actions always comply with the dictates of the Lord while our words never cease to glorify his name.

Sunday, November 20, 2022

 Solemnity of Our Lord Jesus Christ, King of the Universe, 

(II Samuel 5:1-3; Colossians 1:12-20; Luke 23:35-43)

A widow's son died suddenly. The mother was left heartbroken. She not only felt abandoned by God; she also was worried about the soul of the deceased. Although he was kind and respectful of everyone, the man did not regularly attend mass. Thinking of Christ as a king, we could support people like this grieving woman.

A king or queen has the prerogative to grant pardons to criminals. They can order a prisoner to be released, no matter what his or her offense is. Although Pilate was not a king but a representative of the emperor, he took advantage of the prerogative. He released Barabbas from prison while condemning Jesus to death. In today's gospel, Jesus himself, king of the universe, uses it to commute the penalty of the criminal who asks him for consideration. For contritely acknowledging his offense, Jesus promises his eternal life.

The second reading from the Letter to the Colossians assures us that Jesus has the privilege of pardons. Because he is the Son of God the Father, the firstborn of all creation, and the foundation of all things, Christ has received "all fullness." This "fulness" includes the ability to forgive the guilty where he deems appropriate. With this power, Christ can commute the penalty of our sins, however great.

We cannot say that everyone will be admitted into the glory of eternal life. Jesus warns us in the gospel to enter through the narrow gate. That is, we are to pray, do penance, and perform good deeds regularly. He adds that “many will try to enter and will not be able to”. That is, many pretend to live righteously, but they will not achieve eternal life. Jesus has left us the sacraments to keep on the right path and put us back there when we leave it. We should not presume that his mercy is as sure as the Christmas bonus.

However, the mercy of Jesus Christ is greater than our calculations. He knows if we are fully guilty of our sins. It may be that our responsibility is limited when we sin because of cultural conditions or personal experiences. Also, he listens to our last cries. It is possible that, with an act of contrition at the final moment, he will forgive our worst sins. It would be an act completely in keeping with his mission. As he said on the way to his martyrdom in Jerusalem, he came "to save what was lost."

When she died recently, Queen Elizabeth of England received praise from around the world. She was a disciplined and believing person, truly worthy of admiration. Her subjects loved her for the dignity she always displayed and her concern for the welfare of the nations in the Commonwealth. In Christ we have a monarch with these qualities and more. After conquering sin and death, he has reigned to dispense grace to us. He will always be for us the king of kings: just, compassionate, and benevolent.

Friday, November 18, 2022

Friday of the Thirty-third Week in Ordinary Time

(Revelation 10:8-11; Luke 19:45-48)

The reading from the Book of Revelation pictures John, the seer, swallowing a scroll from an angel.  The scroll containing prophecy tastes like honey in the seer’s mouth because it contains news of Christ’s ultimate victory over sin.  However, it upsets his stomach because it also tells of the suffering the people of God will have to endure.  The reading concludes with someone telling John to prophecy about peoples, nations, tongues, and kings.  John will relate this prophecy as a battle narrative showing the victory of the Lambs’ forces over evil.

Revelation comes from the Greek word apokalipsis which literally means folding back the veil.  It is the story of the future which only God knows although He can share it with others.  We should hear in the coming days of evil being annihilated so that the children of God may live in the glory of God.

Like the scroll that the seer swallows, our experience in life as Christians is bittersweet.  We know of Christ’s love for us best shown on the cross and in its extension in the Eucharist.  We also know that we must endure hardship to be true to him.  But victory is assured because Christ is more powerful than any of evil.

Thursday, November 17, 2022

 Memorial of Saint Elizabeth of Hungary, religious

(Revelation 5:1-10; Luke 19:41-44)

At the beginning of John’s Gospel, John the Baptist calls Jesus the “Lamb of God.’”  He is prophesying that Jesus will be slain as a sacrifice for the sins of humanity.  It is no accident that the same evangelist pictures Jesus’ dying on the cross at noon.  Exactly at this moment lambs are being slaughtered in the temple for the Passover feast to atone for the sins of the people.  In today’s first reading the Lamb appears as uniquely capable of accomplishing another momentous feat.

The scene foreshadows Jesus’ victory over sin and death at the end of time.  The issue is who can open the scroll in the hand of God.  The scroll contains the narrative of how sin and death will be defeated.  The narrative, however, cannot proceed until the scroll is open.  The visionary John sheds tears because sin and death are wreaking havoc when no one comes forth to do it.  Finally, the spotless Lamb of God, takes the scroll.  He will initiate the campaign to annihilate evil.

The Book of Revelation was written to assure Christians that God is in control despite the suffering they experience.  The author wanted to tell those under persecution that their rescue is near.  We too should find hope in the story.  We might have thought that there was a consensus against abortion and gay marriage despite what the sophisticated say.  The recent elections indicate that America and perhaps the world is deeply divided on these issues.  Nevertheless, we should realize that Christ will see us through the difficult struggle.  His light will remove the darkness that surrounds the globe.

Wednesday, November 16, 2022

 Wednesday of the Thirty-third Week in Ordinary Time

(Revelation 4:1-11; Luke 19:11-28)

What does heaven look like?  Today’s first reading gives an idea using symbols.  It is the worship of God (who is not pictured because He is so holy).  Twenty-four elders on thrones symbolizing the twelve tribes of Israel along with the twelve apostles comprise the first line of praise. Then there are the seven spirits of God, appearing as torches, stand in wait of a command.  They are related to the gifts of the Holy Spirit that prompt us to do good. 

The four living creatures resembling a lion, a calf, a man, and an eagle denote the best of creation – nobility, strength, insight, and swiftness.  They are covered with eyes to indicate God’s care for creation.  These images have been used for the four evangelists.  Their worship specifies gratitude for all creation.

At mass on Sunday, we form a body that also gives praise to God for creation.  We thank God for the goods of the earth, the sea, and the skies.  We worship Him as well for the spiritual help that He sends our way.  Most of all, we honor God for His Son who saved us from our folly in the created order.  Revelation’s attention turns to him in its next section.

Tuesday, November 15, 2022

 (Optional) Memorial of Saint Albert, the Great, bishop and Doctor of the Church

(Revelation 3:1-6.14-22; Luke 19:1-10)

Today’s reading from the Book of Revelation presents Christ’s letters to the Churches of Sardis and Laodicea. Nothing positive is said of either.  He calls the Church of Sardis “dead” even though it has a favorable reputation.  From what the letter says about soiled garments, many in the church were sinning egregiously. Christ then makes a prophetic denunciation to the Church of Laodicea.  He says that its members think of themselves as rich but are poor in his sight.  He relates to them the famous image of himself knocking at the door and waiting to be let in.

In contrast to these churches of ill repute, today we celebrate St. Albert, the only man designated as “Great” in the High Middle Ages.  As a scientist philosopher, philosopher, and theologian few in any period of history could match his wisdom.  One person who did outdo Albert in his own lifetime was his student, St. Thomas Aquinas.

As much as our works may resemble those of Sardis and Laodicea’s Christians, we are edified by those of Albert the Great.  Sanctity as much as scholarship demands effort on our part.  We must strive to be holy by prayer, penance, and many good deeds.

Monday, November 14, 2022

 Monday of the Thirty-third Week in Ordinary Time

(Revelation 1:1-4.2:1-5; Luke 18:35-43)

As the liturgical year draws to a close, the Church turns to the Book of Revelation, the last book in the Bible.  Revelation or Apocalypse literally means “lift the veil”; that is, the veil of the future or of some mystery.  The Book of Revelation was probably written during a period of intense Roman persecution when hope was waning.  It provides a vision of Christ’s, and not human, forces bringing about victory. 

Today’s reading gives the introduction of the work and the letter dictated by the Lord to the Church of Ephesus.  The message is largely positive.  Although Ephesian Christians have endured much suffering, they have maintained faith in Christ.  They have one flaw, however.  They have lost an enthusiastic love for Christ.  Practice of the faith may be as much a chore for the people as it is a joy.

All the challenges related in the seven letters at the beginning of the book have resonance today.  We can see a loss of love for Christ as Catholics skip Sunday mass to attend a football game or because they are on vacation.  If we are really in love with Christ, how could we think of missing the best opportunity of the week to be with him?

Sunday, November 13, 2022

 THIRTY-THIRD SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME

(Malachi 3:19-20; II Thessalonians 3:7-12; Luke 21:5-19)

Sixty-five years ago, atomic scientists contrived the Doomsday Clock in an attempt to avert a nuclear catastrophe. The concept of the Clock is simple. When in the judgment of scientists there is more likelihood of nuclear war, they advance the clock closer to midnight. Midnight, of course, is a symbol for the end of the world. During the Cold War the clock was close to the dire hour. But, according to this clock, the end has never been closer than now. Surely it is reasonable. Russia has said that it may use nuclear bombs in Ukraine. China is threatening Taiwan, a close ally of the United States. North Korea also has nuclear bombs, and Iran may have them soon.

Are we reaching the moment of complete destruction that Jesus speaks of in the gospel today? Surely one of the signs has been realized. Nations have risen up against one another. Also, there has also been the Covid pandemic and earthquakes like the one that caused great damage in Puerto Rico three years ago. In addition, persecutions against Christians continue. A few months ago some Muslim terrorists massacred fifty people in a Nigerian Catholic church. Not as severe but also worrying is the intense criticism against some Catholic organizations such as the Knights of Columbus. For opposing abortion as the taking of innocent life and for declaring that marriage is the union of one man and one woman, the Church encounters the disdain of many. Now they not only roll their eyes but look for ways to coerce members into conforming to contemporary ideas. An American cardinal twelve years ago said that he expected to die in bed, but his successor would die in prison, and his successor will die a martyr in the public square. The cardinal was exaggerating, but we have seen the denunciation against the Church grow.

We have to prepare for persecution, not with weapons of steel but with weapons of the Holy Spirit. We must form the habit of praying frequently. If we don't, we may find ourselves leaving the faith under persecution. We also need to develop the strength that trusts in the words of Jesus. As he says in the gospel today, he will give us wise words to refute our adversaries. In addition, we want to study the word of God so that we know Jesus as our companion and his thoughts as our own.

It is not time to retreat thinking that Christ is so close that he will rescue us from these challenges. This is the pretext of the idlers in the second reading. Saint Paul completely rejects it when he says that those who do not want to work should not eat. Rather, Paul wants the Thessalonians to imitate his example of working for the good of the community. Even more important, we should follow Paul in his eagerness to bear witness to Jesus Christ. In Jesus we not only have a prophet who tells us the will of God. We also have a savior who gave himself to us to free us from sin.

Would we prefer that the world ends sooner rather than later? It seems that it is better to do it earlier because we want to be with the Lord as soon as possible. However, we do not want it to end with a nuclear bomb. In any case, when the Lord Jesus comes, may he find us bearing witness to him. Both with works and with words may we bear witness to him.