Wednesday, January 1, 2025

Solemnity of the Blessed Virgin Mary, the Mother of God

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

Those who have lived a long time remember that today’s celebration feast has changed in a number of times in their lifetime.  Before the Vatican II reforms, Jesus’ circumcision (one might say his “Jewishness”) was recalled today.  Even today some think of January 1 as the “World Day of Peace.”  Sensing that the first day of the year augurs what will take place on the remaining days, it is right that we pray for peace today.  However, that’s hardly why it is a day of obligation to attend mass.  Only since 1969 has January 1 been recognized throughout the Roman Catholic Church as “the Maternity of the Blessed Virgin Mary.” 

Orthodox Christians pray to the Lord on Christmas Day in a way that beautifully highlights the reason for today’s feast. They pray, “O Christ, what shall we offer You for Your coming on earth as a Man for our sake?  Every creature that has its being from You give thanks to You.”  The prayer then names what angels, shepherds, and the earth bring to Jesus on his birthday.  It concludes: “As for us, we offer You a Mother, a Virgen Mother.”

As a model Mary incorporates the virtues of the Christian life.  She is also a powerful intercessor as demonstrated in John’s gospel.  Today we honor her as God’s mother for having given birth to His Son, our Lord Jesus Christ.

 

Tuesday, December 31, 2024

Seventh Day within the Octave of the Nativity of the Lord

(I John 2:18-21; John 1:1-18)

In the first reading, the author, John the Presbyter, writes of antichrists.  He finds them repugnant for having left his community.  Later on in the document he refers to those who do not acknowledge that Christ has come in the flesh as having the “spirit of the antichrist” (4:2).  The meaning of the passage is not clear, but given the times, an explanation can be attempted.  “Antichrist” probably refers to one who denies that Jesus had a corporeal body.  This belief (really disbelief) became fashionable in the first centuries after Christ.  Dismissing Christ’s body enabled its adherents to deny the importance of their own bodies.  They might eat and drink excessively, even engage in promiscuous relations.

The Son of God’s incarnation has enhanced the value of the human body.  It no longer only serves only to sustain physical life but has become the means for people to work out their salvation.  Through acts of mercy humans cooperate with divine grace to merit eternal life.  Abuse of the body through overindulging in pleasure renders it less capable of meritorious work.

Taking our bodies seriously because Christ had a body is another worthy thought on the eve of a new year.  We do not want to party so much tonight that our bodies will ache tomorrow.  Also, we want to firmly resolve to eat and exercise prudently in 2025 so that our bodies may serve the glory of God.

 

Monday, December 30, 2025

The Sixth Day in the Octave of Christmas

(I John2:12-17; Luke 2:36-40)

The first addressees of today’s first reading are probably not kids, but the “fathers” and the “young men” addressed next.  The writer, called “John, the Presbyter”, sees himself as a father figure instructing his “children.”

The Presbyter teaches a perennial lesson: beware of the world’s enticements.  He knows that they can easily lead one away from salvation won by Christ.  Concupiscence or lust, envy or desire for what others have, and pretension or thinking one is better than who she or he is deprive many of true happiness.

As we enter a new year, we can make a resolution not to be blindsided by lust, envy, or pretension.  Rather we must keep our eyes and hearts firmly on Jesus.

Sunday, December 29, 2024

FEAST OF THE HOLY FAMILY

(Sirach 3:3-7, 14-17a; Colossians 3:12-21; Luke 2:41-52)

St. Luke’s Gospel is featured throughout the Christmas season. His long narrative of Christ’s birth offers several mysteries that nurture growth in the spiritual life. Let’s reflect on two scenes from this narrative here.

First, we go back a little to Bethlehem where the child is laid in a manger. With the Holy Family surrounded by shepherds and domestic animals we are given a sense of tranquility. This is the peace that takes away all worry because our savior has come. The second reading today refers to this peace when it says, “Let the peace of Christ reign in your hearts.”

The peace of Bethlehem is found in the birth of every child. Parents united with their families contemplate the wonder of the creation of another human being. They realize, at least implicitly, that they have fulfilled God’s command to fill the earth. In addition to peace, they feel the impulse to aid their child grow into a loving and wise adult. Parents can turn to this scene when they are tempted to abandon responsibility for their family.

As inspiring as the scene may have been in the past, there is concern today about its loss among young adults. The lure of professional life causes many to abandon the longing for family life. They do not want to have several children, and in many cases not even one. Demographers warn that if this trend continues, our society may destroy itself from within. In thirty years there will be no workers to pay medical bills of the elderly, much less take them to the doctors.

The second scene worth reflecting on today is the encounter of Mary and Joseph with Jesus in the gospel. Jesus gives them what seems like a rebuke but is actually the transmission of the wisdom of the ages. He says: “‘Did you not know that I must be in my Father’s house?’” He is calling them to order all things to God. This comprises the basis of spiritual life: that God is always our first priority.

Jesus himself carries out this command when he returns with his parents to Nazareth. The reading says, “…he remained subject to their authority.” This echoes the second reading where it is said, “Children, obey your parents…” The mention of authority in the gospel raises the delicate question of leadership in marriage found in the same passage from Colossians. “Wives,” the letter says, “be subordinate to your husbands.”

We are accustomed to giving authority to those who show the ability to administer it well or, at least, are properly selected to administer it. However, the phrase from Colossians reverts to the traditional authority that follows ancient wisdom. It may be bearable, even preferable, when several things are considered. First, the author of the letter insists that husbands love their wives. That is, they are to seek their good more than their own. Second, it does not allow for cooperation in sin, including the degradation of the human person. Finally, it resolves the issue rather than leaving it hanging, open to misunderstanding and frustration. The father of the family taking responsibility for being the last to leave the burning house demonstrates the pros and cons of this type of authority.

The letter insists not only that children obey their parents but also that parents “not provoke your children.” Is limiting screen time on phones, computers, and televisions provoking your children? While many would say “yes,” at least in practice, the answer must be “no” when considering the risks surrounding the issue. Childhood obesity, facilitated by sitting in front of a screen, has become one of the most serious public health concerns. Another drawback is that attention to screens retards social development. A cartoon comparing the celebration of Thanksgiving thirty years ago and today recently highlighted the problem. In the first scene depicting life thirty years ago, everyone is standing around the table singing, making toasts, sharing in one way or another. In contrast, today everyone is sitting in their chairs staring at their individual screens with bored faces.

It would be difficult to overstate the value of the family. It has always been the foundation of society because it is where virtuous people are formed. Now many families are in jeopardy because of the abandonment of the values ​​found on every page of the Bible. Somehow we have to reclaim those values ​​to survive the years ahead.

Friday, December 27, 2024

Feast of Saint John, Apostle and Evangelist

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

Some humans, blinded as the race is by sin, may think it only natural that God became one of us.  After all, they would argue, Jesus is not the only human to stand out through the centuries.  Others, like Socrates, outshine the rest by a whole lot.  Others, also blinded by sin, think the opposite.  They would say for God to take on the limits of humanity would be like putting a mountain into a shoebox. Such is the incarnation we are given to contemplate on these days of the octave of Christmas.

The works of the evangelist John enlighten our task.  Today’s first reading likely comes from a disciple of the evangelist.  It testifies beyond doubt that the Son was with the Father before he came as human in history.  He is the source of human solidarity more efficacious than the likeness of our genomes.

The “disciple whom Jesus loved” of today’s gospel was likely the source of the evangelist’s information about Jesus.  He shows us that faith is necessary to accept both Jesus’ divinity and his resurrection from the dead.  But we may ask, “Why believe?” More than providing a basis for peace on earth, more than even promising eternal life, we believe in Christ because the Lord God bids us to.  We, His servants, do what He commands.

Thursday, December 26, 2024

Feast of Saint Stephen, first martyr

(Acts 6:8-10,7:54-59; Matthew 11:17-22)

The world is surprised to know that Christmas is not Christianity’s most important feast day.  The three-day Paschal celebration surpasses it like Thanksgiving betters Veterans Day in November.  The Church indicates this fact by placing the Feast of St. Stephan, the first Christian martyr, on the day following the Nativity of the Lord.

Christ was born as a human to justify humans for sins against their Creator.  The work might have been done in ways other than crucifixion and rising from the dead.  Yet by giving himself over to his persecutors, Jesus not only revealed the depth of human treachery but also the height of God’s love for the world.  As St. Stephen offers himself for similar mistreatment, he both fulfills Jesus’ prophecy in today’s gospel and joins him in the work of salvation.

Christmastide goes on despite today’s commemoration of a holy martyr.  However, we may take time to consider moderating our pleasures to reflect on our real happiness.  We will find that it is not so much celebration of the Lord’s birth as the eternal life he leads us to.

Tuesday, December 24, 2024

Tuesday of the Fourth Week of Advent

(II Samuel 7:1-5.8-12.141.16; Luke 1:67-79)

Advent is coming to an end.  If its purpose was to welcome the glorified Christ, it once again goes unfulfilled.  Yet this is no reason for loss of hope.  Rather with threats of war and the world’s unraveling, the people must look beyond the comfort of their lives for a viable resolution of conflict.

Coming together tonight or tomorrow for mass should renew our hope.  The children dressed to see the coming of a king give reason for Christians to work hard and pray diligently.  The number of Christians may be reduced in many parts.  Yet with added effort they can bear down until Christ makes good his promise to return.  They will find in the Eucharist the firm foundation of the house of which Nathan prophesies in today’s first reading.  Like Zachariah in the gospel they will see their children, educated in the faith, preparing for the day of the great reversal.

Let us celebrate joyously the Lord who has already come. His legacy is not just hope but love.   We will find him among the many good people by our side at mass and the Christmas table.

Monday, December 23, 2024

Monday of the Fourth Week of Advent

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

Obedience is heeding the words of another.  When Zachariah was visited by Gabriel, he did not heed the angel’s message.  Rather he debated the possibility of Elizabeth’s conceiving at her old age.  For his disobedience, Zachariah was punished with loss of speech.  Chastened by Elizabeth’s pregnancy, Zachariah rehabilitates himself.  He does not hesitate to name their child “John” as Gabriel dictated. 

As a result of his compliance, Zachariah’s speech returns.  The people are so amazed by all that is happening that they wonder what will become of Zachariah’s son.  Today’s reading from Malachi spells out John’s fate.  He will go before the Lord to chastise the people so that they may repent of their sins.  Then when the Lord comes, he will grant them blessings of salvation.

Many of us have difficulty heeding what God has taught us in the Scriptures.  We not only want to debate its validity, but often ignore the instruction.  Today’s readings show that not only does the Lord intend what is good for us, but also promises us blessings for obedience.

Sunday, December 22, 2024

FOURTH SUNDAY OF ADVENT

(Micah 5:1-4; Hebrews 10:5-10; Luke 1:39-45)

There is little new in today's gospel. We have reflected upon it often as the second joyful mystery of the rosary.  However, a second look will reveal that it shows for the first time in the gospels a human person recognizing Jesus as God. It does not matter that Jesus has not yet been born. Nor does it matter that Elizabeth does not use the word “God.” By calling the creature in Mary's womb “my Lord,” Elizabeth identifies him as God Almighty.

The Jews had such great reverence for the name God gave Moses at the burning bush that they did not want to say it. Instead of calling God by the famous tetragrammaton, He is referred to as “Adonai” in the Bible. Adonai is a Hebrew word meaning “My Lords.” Why the plural?  for the same reason that people addressed a king with “the majestic plural.” Actually, the term “lord” is ambiguous. It can be used for any respected man. But both here and in other Gospel passages, there is no doubt that it refers to God.

Now, close to Christmas, it is worth reviewing other terms for Jesus in the Gospels. The name “Jesus” alone is full of meaning. Although it was not a rare name in biblical times, it clearly indicates Jesus' mission as the Son of God. “Jesus” means “God saves.” As God saved the Hebrew people from Egyptian slavery, Jesus has come to save the world from its sins.

“Christ” also has a meaning related to Jesus' mission. It comes from the Greek word that translates the Hebrew “messiah.” It means “the anointed one.” In the Old Testament, those who were consecrated for a mission designated by God were anointed: kings, priests, and especially prophets. Because he was anointed for all these roles, Jesus has the mission of, no less than, reconciling the world to God.

There is nothing extraordinary about being called “Son of God” in the Old Testament. This expression is used for angels, the chosen people, the children of Israel, and their kings. But this ambiguous sense is not what Peter intends when he recognizes Jesus as “the Christ, the Son of the living God.” Rather, Peter wants to designate Jesus as the only Son of God who has come into the world to free it from sin’s oppression. Jesus identifies himself in this way when he says to Nicodemus: “‘For God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten Son…’”

There are other names for Jesus that reveal in part who he is. Matthew quotes the prophet Isaiah when he says that Jesus will be given the name “Emmanuel” which means “God with us.” In the gospels Jesus regularly refers to himself as “Son of Man.” This term is rooted in the apocalyptic scenario of the prophet Daniel where God gives power over all nations to the “Son of Man.” Jesus will say that he manifests the power received from his Father in service, including his death, for the people. Finally, Jesus is called in several places “the Word of God.” As words give expression to the depth of the person, Jesus reveals the love and will of his Father to the world.

We could add another title for Jesus, well suited for this time of year. He is the gift of God more beneficial than the sun. He lights our way among rocks and reefs in the voyage of life. He provides the warmth of love that enables us to attain eternal life. Let us accept and take advantage of this gift.

Friday, December 20, 2024

 Friday of the Third Week of Advent

 (Isaiah 7:10-14; Luke 1:26-38)

Jerome Miller, a Catholic theologian, wrote a reflection on the Renaissance painter Sandro Botticelli’s depiction of the Annunciation.  According to Miller, the artist, like any exegete, has much to teach us about this critical moment in the history of salvation.  

 Miller begins his study by noting how the action of the painting takes places on a floor of perfectly arranged rectangles.  He says these figures represent lives that are dominated by order which brings meaning and gives a platform for action.  Then Miller notes how the angel appears as an eruption of grace into Mary’s well-ordered life.  In the painting the angel’s hand makes a gesture of directive: Mary is to give birth to the Son of God who will bring peace to earth.  The hand is open and not pointing directly to Mary but giving her permission to refuse the mandate.  Mary, however, is pictured as all receptivity.  Her body curves in what can be seen as a bow of compliance.  Her hands are open like Jesus’ on the cross.  Their positioning indicates awareness that her decision will cause her suffering.

All of us are so approached in life with a proposition of divine grace.  We are called out of the ordinariness of making a living to sacrifice ourselves for the Lord’s sake.  Of course, our consent means that we are opening ourselves to suffering.  But we should not shrink from the mission.  We like Mary are nothing greater, but nothing less either, than servants of the Lord.

Thursday, December 19, 2024

Thursday of the Third Week of Advent

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

At thirty-five years old and married for years without having a child, the couple was planning to take consolation in travel and other perks of professional life.  Then she became pregnant with their first child. The following year she gave birth again, this time to twins.  The third year there were another pregnancy and another set of twins.  The couple, who were ready to have a life of relative leisure, now had to screw up energies to care for five children.  Zachariah in today’s gospel might not have believed that such a development was possible.

It is asked why Zechariah is punished for doubting that he and Elizabeth could have a child while Mary, apparently with a similar question after Gabriel’s announcement, is not.   Part of the answer may lie in that although Zachariah and Elizabeth are old, they may not be beyond child-bearing age.  The other part of the answer is that Mary asks only a prudent question of how she might have a child without sinning given that she is a virgin.

There is much to be learned in this part of the Christmas narrative.  First, we should never question the Lord’s power to make things happen, even if it is apparently impossible.  Then we are wise to question situations where it seems like we need to do something wrong.  Doing evil, even to achieve a supreme good, is never a moral option.  Finally, and most importantly, we should trust in God’s love for us.  He wants to bring our lives to fulfillment.

Wednesday, December 18, 2024

Wednesday of the Third Week of Advent

(Jeremiah 23:5-8; Matthew 1:18-25)

Catholic exegetes point out that the clause, “He had no relations with her until she bore a son…” does not mean that Joseph had sexual relations with Mary after Jesus was born.  Evidently, the Greek word for until does not have the same nuance as in English.  As the text says, Joseph was a righteous man who meticulously carried out the Law in matters of its purview and discerned God’s will in other matters.  It is presumed that Joseph honored Mary’s virginity after Jesus was born as before.

As preoccupied with sex as our generation is, the question of one’s sexual activity is asked of most people.  Yet many forego sex for various reasons.  Sometimes it is done from necessity as when spouses are incapable of having sexual relations.  It is not unheard of that a man will say that he loved his wife more in abstinence than he did on the day they were married.

Love is much more than sex.  It is the giving of oneself for the good of the other.  We find this self-giving in Joseph’s love for Mary, in spouses who take care of invalid counterparts, and in the many chaste single persons who dedicate themselves their professions, the Church, and many other kinds of service.  They deserve both prayers and esteem because they strive against the current of a hyper-sexualized society.

Tuesday, December 17, 2024

Tuesday of the Third Week of Advent

(Genesis 49:2.8-10; Matthew1:1-17)

Most people hearing today’s gospel will wonder what the point of it is.  Obviously, it connects Jesus to the patriarchs of Israel.  But beyond that, they will ask, why bother with all those strange names?  It certainly is tedious to read Jesus’ genealogy, but it gives the gospel a propitious start and forecasts its conclusion. 

The genealogy shows not only Jesus’ connection with Abraham but also with David, Israel’s most highly regarded king.  God promised to give David a descendant who would rule in righteousness forever. This promise is fulfilled in Jesus.  Beyond that, the genealogy ends with the mother of Jesus, the Virgin Mary, and not his father, as all the other descendances.  With this altered arrangement the evangelist Matthew shows that a new way of creation has begun.  No longer is one’s human family what is most significant.  Rather it’s one’s spiritual relationship to Jesus that counts most.  This affiliation, made through Baptism, bequeaths an eternal destiny.

The new family that Jesus will create as he gathers disciples will not belong to one land or one nation.  Rather it will spread across the globe as his apostles carry out Jesus’ order at the gospel’s end to “make disciples of all nations.”

Monday, December 16, 2024

 Monday of the Third Week of Advent

(Numbers 24:2-7.15-17a; Matthew 21:23-27)

All recognize the star as a symbol of Christmas.  Of course, the star refers to the passage in the gospel of Matthew where the Magi launch their search for the “King of the Jews” after seeing his star arise.  That star has a reference as well in today’s first reading from the Old Testament.

The Moab nation is threatened by Israel under Moses’ command.  Its king calls on Balaam, a pagan prophet, to curse Moab’s nemesis.  Balaam, however, upon seeing Israel, cannot curse it.  On the contrary, he must acknowledge its rising among the nations of the land.  He predicts that in the distant future the rise of a star belonging to a person who will bring Israel great blessing.  Christians hold that this star is the one seen by the Magi belonging to Jesus.

Jesus is the star on which we hang our hopes.  He has died to conquer the evil in our lives and has risen from the dead to promise us eternal life.  We accept his grace and follow his teachings so that we might too experience resurrection from the dead.

Sunday, February 15, 2024

 THIRD SUNDAY OF ADVENT, December 15, 2024

(Zephaniah 3:14-18; Philippians 4:4-7; Luke 3:10-18)

You might know that this third Sunday of Advent is called "Gaudete Sunday" or, in English, "Sunday of Rejoicing." Today, we are called to rejoice for a couple of reasons. First, we’ve passed more than half of the waiting period for Christmas. But more importantly, joy characterizes the entire Advent season. Allow me to explain this further.

Centuries ago, in France, Advent was considered a time of penance. During this season, catechumens prepared for baptism on the Feast of the Baptism of the Lord. For this reason, the community fasted along with the baptismal candidates. However, this was never the custom in Rome where Advent prepared for Christmas. After the Roman Church unified celebrations throughout its domain, it became clear that Advent is not a penitential season but one of joy. This is evident in today’s first readings with the gospel indicating the motivation of such joy.

In the first reading, the prophet Zephaniah calls Jerusalem to rejoice, saying: “The Lord, your mighty Savior, is in your midst.” Similarly, St. Paul, in the second reading urges that the Philippians rejoice joy for a similar reason: “The Lord is near.” Today, we rejoice because we sense the Lord’s imminent arrival among us.

The gospel exhorts us to good works. We are all called to help the needy, act with fairness, and to tell the truth. When we always act in these ways, we feel a deep satisfaction for having fulfilled the justice to which the Lord calls us. Furthermore, we are joyful because the Lord’s coming brings us the promise of eternal salvation.

During the Christmas season many seek pleasure. They buy liquors, prepare special meals, and take vacations. These gratifications are not inherently bad, but they do not offer the joy that Advent invites us to experience. It’s important to understand the difference between pleasure and joy to grow spiritually.

Pleasure is a sensual emotion, something we feel when we come into contact with an external good. However, its effect is fleeting and usually individualistic. For example, seeing a beautiful sunrise brings us momentary pleasure, but we cannot share that sensation with those who do not see it.

Joy, on the other hand, is an emotion of the spiritual appetite. It can arise in several ways: practicing virtue, coming to understand a profound truth, or loving goodness. Joy will perdure in our memory because it does not depend upon anything outside itself.  Born out of effort, joy can be shared with others who have had the same kind of experience. For example, the satisfaction of having achieved an academic degree can last for years and be shared with others who have worked hard to achieve a goal. 

In these days before Christmas, we can experience joy by performing acts of charity. Parishioners who prepare bags of food for the poor have this spiritual satisfaction. They return home content, knowing they have fulfilled the Lord’s command to feed the hungry. They further sense that Jesus is near to reward them.

However, it is not necessary to accomplish great deeds to experience the joy of Christmas. We only need to believe that Christ is at hand to save us from our folly.

Friday, December 13, 2024

Memorial of Saint Lucy, virgin and martyr

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

Today’s celebrated Saint Lucy was martyred during the Diocletian persecutions of the early fourth century.  Her name means light.  By her very martyrdom she reflected the light of Christ.

In the gospel Jesus expresses exasperation with the crowds for refusing to respond to the message of repentance in face of the coming Kingdom of God.  When John the Baptist preached it, the people said that his lifestyle was too ascetic to make the kingdom desirable. When Jesus preaches it, they say his lively way of reaching out to known sinners discredits the message. He can only regret that the people will be left outside God’s kingdom when he is shown to be right.

We are blessed to realize that God does not want us to be unhappy.  Quite the contrary, He desires that we rejoice in knowing that eternal life is our destiny.  Our lives are to shine like that of St. Lucy when she sided with Christ in face of his persecutors.

Thursday, December 12, 2024

Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe

 (Zechariah 1:14-17; Luke 1:39-47)

 When someone compliments us, it is only polite to say something gracious in return.  But surprisingly this is not what happens in the gospel today.  When Elizabeth greets Mary, “Most blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb…,” Mary turns to God and says, “My soul proclaims the greatness of the Lord…”  Mary first thinks of God, not herself and not of other people as manners dictate.

Something similar takes place in the account of the appearance of the Virgin Mother to Juan Diego on Mount Tepeyac.  When the woman whose clothing shines like the sun introduces herself, she says, “I am truly the ever perfect Holy Virgin Mary.”  Then her words shift to God almost entirely, “…who has the honor to be the Mother of the one true God for whom we all live, the Creator of people, the Lord of all around us and of what is close to us…”  And when she explains the purpose of the shrine which she is requesting, it is solely to give glory to God.  She says, “In (my sacred little house) I will show Him, I will exalt Him upon making Him manifest, I will give Him to all people in all my personal love.”

We venerate Our Lady of Guadalupe today because she has given us Jesus Christ, the God-man who has saved us from our sins.  She brought him into the world for us, of course.  But even more than that, she has given him to us by exemplifying how we are to live with him as the center of our life. 

Wednesday, December 11, 2024

Wednesday of the Second Week of Advent

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

Today’s reading from the second part of the Book of the Prophet Isaiah highlights the paramount virtue during Advent – hope.  Hope enables humans to tolerate desperate situations by providing a plausible remedy.  In the reading Jewish exiles in Babylon are experiencing hardship.  They were defeated with heavy losses during the siege of Jerusalem.  Now as strangers with a distinguished heritage they face ridicule and contempt.  God, speaking through the prophet, assures the people that they will not remain marginalized for long.  He, forever young and strong, will see them through the trial to peace and prosperity again.

The well-known passage from the Gospel of Matthew likewise gives a message of hope.  Jesus tells those who feel overburdened by the many laws of Judaism not to give up.  Rather they are to find hope in a relationship with him.  He provides comfort and strength with his love for them.  He is the long-expected Messiah who has come to save them from their sins.

Many find the Church today a legalistic overseer with countless rules.  Because they have lost the sense that she is the Body of Christ, they leave her.  Christ would have us tell them to wait and try developing a spiritual relationship with him.  We, Christ’s body, are to share their joys and sorrows, work and recreation in his name.

Tuesday, December 10, 2024

Tuesday of the Second Week of Advent

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

Today’s first reading is taken from the marvelous introduction to the second part of the Book of the Prophet Isaiah.  It tells of mysterious voices speaking out at a heavenly council meeting.  Rather than considering these voices to be those of minor gods or of angels, they may be taken as responses of the Word of God to the Father.  The Word, whom we know to be Jesus Christ, will urge the people to reform so that the world may come to know God’s love and justice. 

The gospel shows a shepherd striving to bring back a stray sheep.  The shepherd, of course, is Jesus gathering his whole flock together, even those who have left it aside.  They will become a holy nation performing works of justice that bring others to know the goodness of the Lord.

We are Jesus’ flock.  This is a spiritual truth which we sometimes forget as we become absorbed in material considerations.  Now is the time to let God’s righteousness be known through our care of one another and of all creation.

Monday, December 9, 2024

Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary

(Genesis 3:9-15.20; Ephesians 1:3-6.11-12; Luke 1:26-38)

Today’s celebration extends beyond veneration of our Blessed Mother for her sinlessness.  It recapitulates the drama of redemption by telling of primordial human sin and the coming of humanity’s Savior.

As God predicted in naming “the tree of knowledge of good and evil,” Adam becomes aware of his sin when he eats its forbidden fruit.  Nudity aptly symbolizes sin because it universally provokes desires that often lead to lustful acts.  

Sin might have completely dominated human existence if God had not intervened.  He sent His Son to strike at the head of sin’s promotor, the serpent in the reading.  Mary not only gives birth to Jesus; she is also his first beneficiary.  At her conception, she received the grace of Christ’s salvation even before the salvific events take place. 

Mary’s sinlessness is demonstrated by her responses to the angel telling he of God’s plan.  She wisely questions how conception could take place without sinning since she is a virgin.  Assured that it will be the work of the Holy Spirit, she unhesitatingly submits to the divine initiative. 

The Feast of the Immaculate Conception conveniently falls during Advent.  It gives added material for contemplation.  God’s Son has come as one like us.  Although innocent of any sin, he willingly endured the worst of human suffering in our place.  His sacrifice enables us to resist evil and to merit salvation.

Sunday, December 8, 2024

Second Sunday of Advent

(Baruch 5:1-9; Philippians 1:4-6.8-11; Luke 3:1-6)

We have arrived at a new liturgical year. This means that we hear a different gospel at Sunday Mass. In 2024 we have read from the Gospel according to St. Mark on most Sundays. In 2025 we will read from the Gospel according to St. Luke. Today's gospel reading can serve as an introduction to Luke. It contains some of his outstanding characteristics.

The first verse of the reading synchronizes the story of John the Baptist with that of the world. This technique of Luke shows that John was not a mythical person like King Arthur of Great Britain but really lived. The narrative of Jesus' birth begins with similar words: “In those days a decree went out from Caesar Augustus…” Luke assures us that following Jesus Christ is based on historical facts, not imaginary ideas.

Another characteristic of Luke indicated by the synchronization with world history is the reverence for Judaism. He mentions two high priests, Annas and Caiaphas. Luke will tell how Jesus enters the Temple three times and will call it “my Father’s house.” In the Acts of the Apostles, also written by Luke, the community of the apostles will participate in Temple prayers. For St. Luke, Israel does not completely reject Jesus but respects him, at least in part.

The reading continues, “…the word of God came to John the son of Zechariah in the desert.” Luke greatly emphasizes the word of God as the seed of faith. Prophets like John and Jesus receive the word of God and pass it on to others so that people may know God’s will. Another characteristic of Luke is the great narrative of Jesus’ birth suggested here by mentioning that John is “son of Zechariah.”

Luke says that John goes throughout the region of the river Jordan “proclaiming a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins.” Luke does not explain the content of his preaching in today's passage. We will hear it in next Sunday's gospel. It is his way of developing a story gradually so that it attracts the reader's attention. We see this trait in the parable of the Good Samaritan and the story of the disciples on the road to Emmaus.

By referring to penitence and forgiveness Luke indicates repentance. More than the other evangelists Luke emphasizes this theme. For this reason, he will include the parables of the "Prodigal Son" and the "Tax Collector and the Pharisee" in his gospel. He will show the power of repentance with the story of the woman who washes Jesus' feet with her tears.

Perhaps we have noticed that Jesus does not appear in this gospel passage. However, he is here as the motivation for of the narrative. Jesus is the Lord whom John proclaims as coming with salvation. As such, he is the prophet that Israel has awaited since the time of Moses. In the Book of Deuteronomy, Moses, who to date was Israel's greatest prophet, says that God will raise up another prophet like him. This prophet will speak with God face to face. Who could Moses be talking about if not Jesus Christ? For Luke, Jesus Christ is the Son of God who comes like Moses to free the people from slavery. But he is greater than Moses as he is greater than Caesar Tiberius of the synchronization. Jesus does not free Israel from slavery to Pharaoh but the world from slavery to sin. He not only speaks face to face with God but, as the Son of God, shows the world the face of his Father. God will raise him from the dead so that we may follow him.

Friday, December 6, 2024

Friday of the First Week in Advent

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

The daily readings for Advent are not picked arbitrarily.  The first reading, always from the Old Testament, speaks of the future.  It tells of what to expect on the “day of the Lord” when God acts definitively on behalf of His people.  Then the gospel shows Jesus fulfilling the prophecy, often in subtle but nevertheless palpable ways.

Today’s readings are no exception to this principle.  The prophet Isaiah tells of the deaf who will hear and the blind who will see.  He is not referring to the physically impaired as to the spiritually deaf who refuse to hear God’s word as mediated through the prophets.  He also refers to the spiritually blind who cannot see that the future is won by faith, not by political maneuvering.  Jesus cures the two blind men as a sign that their faith in him, and not pleasure or power, brings fulfillment in life and death. 

Faith in the synoptic gospels includes hope.  It is trust that the Lord will provide what we lack to achieve the goal we deep down desire.  Hope refuses to give up the struggle just because the odds of triumph are miniscule.  It knows that the Almighty God can and will make all things turn out well for those who trust in Him.

Thursday, December 5, 2024

 

Thursday of the First Week of Advent

 (Isaiah 26:1-6; Matthew 7:21.24-27)

The poor often come to parish offices looking for handouts.  Not untypically, they beg for cash to pay rent or purchase gasoline.  The requests are sometimes denied partly because of limited resources but also because staff members frequently are not sure whether the petitioners are telling the truth.  If the needy were members of the congregation, the staff would likely make every effort to secure assistance.  Today’s Scripture readings indicate why this is so.

The passage from Isaiah and the gospel today are related by the mention of the “Rock” which is the one God on whom the people can rely.  The reading from Isaiah is also connected to the basic gospel message proclaimed by Mary in her canticle praising God’s goodness.  As it says, God comes to upend the arrogant and to lift up of the lowly.  It also says that God provides a strong city with high walls to protect the humble.  The city here can refer to the Church, the community of faithful, who look out for one another.

We remember the poor, especially at this time of year.  Whether or not they are members of our parish, we help them meet their needs so that they too find joy in God’s coming.  But if they are people who kneel with us in prayer, we will naturally exert greater energy.  They would have a prior, although not an exclusive, claim on both our hearts and our bounty.

 

Wednesday, December 4, 2024

Wednesday of the First Week of Advent

(Isaiah 25:25:6-10a; Matthew 15:29-37)

Isaiah’s vision of a celestial banquet provides a rich backdrop for the gospel.  It is hard not to find in the description of a rich feast in which people of all nations take part a blueprint for eternal life in.  There, the prophet says, people will see through racial and national differences to the common human core that all have.

Jesus’ feeding of the multitude on a mountain fulfills the prophetic vision.  It is Eucharistic from the gathering of the crowd to hear the word of God to the distributing of the bread over which Jesus gave thanks.  There may not be anyone there except Galileans, but surely the people have differences of ideas and temperaments.  The bread draws them together into one family without enmity.

During Advent we renew our hope for unity and world peace.  There will always be differences among persons and peoples.  However, nourished by the Bread of Life, we will see the good in all and give thanks to God for it.

Tuesday, December 3, 2024

Memorial of Saint Francis Xavier, priest

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

Isaiah’s incomparable vision of universal reconciliation is matched today with the gospel showing Jesus, Son of God Almighty, inviting the humble of the world to rest in him.  As lambs are said to lie with wolves, so the weakest can, since Jesus, rest with the Lord of hosts.

With desire to impart Isaiah’s vision and its fulfilment in Jesus, Francis Xavier left home and friends for the Orient.  He tirelessly preached the gospel of salvation to reconcile East and West for the glory of God.

We may not feel called to join missionaries in far-away places.  Nevertheless, as Jesus’ followers, we are summoned to reconcile different kinds of people.  Be they members of different races or people of different temperaments, Christians in Jesus’ name should promote understanding to secure peace among all.

Monday, December 2, 2024

Monday of the First Week of Advent

(Isaiah 2:1-5; Matthew 8:5-11)

Today’s first reading announces very good news for the whole world – the end of war, the beginning of everlasting peace.  In the eighth century before Christ, the prophet Isaiah visualized nations, formerly dedicating many resources to warfare now using them for social welfare and, hence, the glory of God.

The gospel indicates how at least the beginning of Isaiah’s prophecy is fulfilled with Jesus.  A centurion, a model of a military man, bows before the Jesus, the Prince of Peace.  Jesus’ ways, not those of the Cesars of the world, must be studied and lived.

Advent is the great season of hope.  Although we inhabit a world where war still reges, we have the courage to hope for days when nations will put aside their weapons to join one another in the quest for peace.