Friday, Decembrer 26, 2014

Feast of Saint Stephen, proto-martyr

(Acts 6:8-10.7:54-59; Matthew 10:17-22)

In the nativity narratives of both Matthew’s and Luke’s gospels hints appear of the crucifixion.  In Luke at the presentation in the Temple, the visionary Simeon reveals the fate of Jesus to Mary.  When he says that her son will be “a sign that will be contradicted,” he is referring to the coalition of Jews and Romans who will crucify Jesus.  In Matthew the reference to the cross is more obvious. From the time of Jesus’ birth the Jewish authority connives to kill him.  For the same reason the evangelists hint of his death in the story of his birth, the Church juxtaposes the memorial of the first martyr, St. Stephen, with the celebration of Christmas.

Stephen is a Greek-speaking Jew elected with six others to administer the food needs of the Greek-speaking widows of the primitive Christian community in Jerusalem.  Evidently the service they rendered was more than supplying groceries as he and at least one other prove themselves as exceptional preachers.  In the full account of his execution Stephen gives a history of Israel showing how it leads to Jesus whom the Jews have recently crucified.

The inclusion of Jesus’ death in the celebration of his birth should temper our festivity.  At the very least, we should be careful not to eat or drink too much.  More to the heart of the matter, knowing that Jesus was born to bring us the love of God whatever the cost, our jubilation should include concern for those who suffer.  They are bearers living in our midst of the same Jesus in whose coming we rejoice.

Thursday, December 25, 2014

The Nativity of the Lord (Mass during the day)

(Isaiah 52:7-10; Hebrews 1:1-6; John 1:1-18)

Sometimes it seems that Christmas was invented for children.  It provides them with the myth of Santa Claus so that they know that others care for them.  Christmas also stimulates children’s imaginations with stories of angels, shepherds, and kings coming to visit one even smaller than they. 

To more tough-nosed observers, Christmas seems made for the economy.  They know that “Black Friday” does not refer to the day Christ died, but to the day after Thanksgiving when retailers start accruing profits.  These viewers realize that without Christmas sales there would be fewer goods to purchase, fewer people employed, and a simpler lifestyle for most.

We might ask ourselves if satisfying children’s need for love and boosting the economy are all that Christmas is about, why bother with it?  Hearing children whine because they did not receive a gift that they ordered makes one wonder if they need discipline not indulging.  Diverting economic resources to the superfluity of Christmas shopping also has a downside.  It leaves less capital for much greater necessities like education and health care.

But, of course, Christmas – no matter how much the message is distorted – has a much deeper purpose.  It recalls the event that brings ultimate meaning and hope to a world shrouded in darkness.  It announces that the Creator has come to correct the blunders that his most accomplished creatures have made.  He is the light that shines through the darkness of hatred.  He is the life that overcomes depression and death.  He is the Word who speaks to each of us that we are loved more than we can ever imagine, more than we can ever deserve.

Wednesday, December 24, 2014

Wednesday of the Fourth Week of Advent

(II Samuel 7:1-5.8b-12.14a.16; Luke 1:67-79)

At first glance the first reading and the gospel appear disconnected.  The reading from II Samuel is the familiar promise of God’s intention to establish a permanent Davidic kingship.  The gospel seems to be an eruption of joy on the part of Zechariah with the birth of his son.  However, a closer look reveals a profound intimacy between the two.

In the gospel Zechariah foretells the coming of God as “the dawn from on high.” The word for this in Greek is anatole which also translates the Hebrew of Nathan’s prophecy to David that God will raise up one “sprung from your loins” to become the eternal king.   Thus, Zechariah announces the fulfillment of the Messianic prophecy with the coming of the one for whom John the Baptist is to prepare the way.

The scene is set.  The Savior is about to make his appearance in the world.  We are to look for the rising star tonight whose light shall illumine our way to glory.

Tuesday, Decembr 23, 2014

Tuesday of the Fourth Week of Advent

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

In Luke’s gospel John the Baptist clearly takes the place of Elijah, the prophet of fire. John warns the people that unless they reform, they will be burned like trees in a forest fire.  In this way John goes before the Lord, as his father Zechariah proclaims in his song of jubilation at his naming, “to prepare his ways.”

Jesus will not take up John’s message of the coming wrath of God.  Rather, his preaching will center on God as the human’s savior.  Although Jesus will mention God’s power to cast sinners into hell, he will stress God’s love.  He will say that the Father has counted the number of hairs on each person’s head to insure her total salvation.  

Since love is also portrayed with fire, we might contrast John’s message with Jesus’ using that image.  John, following Elijah, will use the threat of a blazing fire to move the people out of lethargy or licentiousness.  In contrast Jesus, the divine physician, uses love like a laser to heal us and make us whole.

Monday, December 22, 2014

Monday of the Fourth Week of Advent

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

One of Mary’s titles is “Queen of Apostles.”  She sits among Jesus’ most intimate followers at the Pentecost event, but there is a more cogent reason for naming her their queen.  Mary is the first to preach the good news as an apostle. She responds to the word of the angel that her relative Elizabeth was pregnant by going forth to the expectant mother.  There Mary deflects Elizabeth’s salutation, “Blessed are you among women…,” with a homiletic tribute to God’s glory.

Mary proclaims the greatness of God because He has not only done great things for her but also “has cast down the mighty from their thrones.”  It is evident that God has chosen her to be the mother of His Son, but as yet the mighty still sit comfortably while the hungry scrounge.  What gives?  Only this: Mary foretells the imminent reversal of these fortunes with the coming of her son.

Mary presents for us an example to follow.  She does not draw attention to her own achievements but concedes any greatness she possesses to God.  More importantly, she leaves her comfort zone to enjoin others in anticipating the coming of the Son of God.