Thursday, January 6, 2022

 Thursday after Epiphany

(I John 4:19-5:14; Luke 4:14-22)

Jesus’ return to Nazareth in Luke’s gospel occurs earlier in his trajectory than in Matthew or Marky.  Like politicians often do today, he goes to his hometown to launch his formal mission.  However, Jesus does not receive the support of his neighbors.  They now look at him in today’s gospel with amazement as if they wonder if he can do what he says.  In a moment, however, their wonder will turn to wrath as he chides them for disbelief.

In his mission Jesus demands a response from his hearers.  He works wonders and preaches the truth.  They must believe in him or be lost.  As he says in the reading, “’Today, this Scripture is fulfilled…’”  he is there and may not come again.  They must now give him their assent.

It is not too different for us.  Jesus has come into our midst.  He presents himself in the Eucharist every day.  He has made a dramatic appearance in the rites of Christmas.  He will see us past any difficulties if we put our trust in him. 

Wednesday, January 5, 2022

 Memorial of Saint John Neumann, bishop

 (I John 4:11-18; Mark 6:45-52)

 If we were asked to describe the meaning of Christmas, how would we reply?  Would we speak of a societal surge in buying to strengthen the economy?  Economic activity is certainly characteristic of the celebration of Christmas but hardly explains its meaning.  Would we offer the experience of family togetherness about a decorated fur tree?  Surely many people celebrate Christmas at home with loved ones who have cared for them all their lives.  But there is a deeper, more comprehensive meaning that we would want to relate. 

 We hardly could find a better description of the meaning of Christmas that the familiar verse from the Gospel of John: “For God so loved the world that he gave his only son...”  At Christmas we rejoice in our certainty of God’s love and marvel at its enormity.  God’s love moves us to come out of ourselves – to share what we have with others.  It moves us beyond families and friends to the needy around the world.

 The reading from the First Letter of John explains some of the dynamic of divine love.  God shares his Spirit of love with us.  This Spirit drives out the fear that distances us both from God and from one another.  We no longer resist God for not arranging things as we like them.  Rather, we love Him as a Father who will bestow on us eternal life.  Likewise, we know that other people cannot do permanent harm to us.  God will save us.  We pray for them out of imitation of our benevolent Father.

Tuesday, January 4, 2022

 

Memorial of St. Elizabeth Ann Seton, religious

(I John 4:7-10; Mark 6:34-44)

Early on, Catholics in the United States recognized the need for parochial schools.  The Church was established here at roughly the same time as universal education and the “Great Awakening.”  The latter was a period of evangelical revival in the nineteenth century.  Being a minority, many Catholic children would have been enfolded into Protestantism had they attended public schools.  Educated in Catholic schools, however, they maintained their faith.  As a result, the Church in America prospered. 

St. Elizabeth Ann Seton began the first free Catholic school in the United States.  She also founded a congregation that staffed many others as well as orphanages.  St. Elizabeth died at a young forty-six years of age.  However, her legacy of inexpensive, quality Catholic education still lives.  It may be said that the American Catholic Church was built on the backs of women like Elizabeth Ann Seton.

In today’s gospel Jesus feeds five thousand with a few loaves of bread and some fish.  This miracle primarily foreshadows the Eucharist.  It can also be seen as representative of Catholic education.  With meager resources but the virtues of many women like Elizabeth Ann Seton, Catholic schools have fed millions of children.  Because of their efforts, generations of children learned about salvation through reception of Jesus Christ in the sacraments.

Monday, January 3, 2022

 (Optional) Feast of the Most Holy Name of Jesus

(I John 3:22-4:6; Matthew 4:12-17.23-26)

Society no longer guards the names of people.  Seventy years ago, only children were called by their first names in public.  The names of adults were considered personal, for the exclusive use of family and friends.  Now attendants regularly call patrons by their first name.  Older people may feel disrespected, but one should not be shy about using the holy name of Jesus.

In all the gospels only one person addresses Jesus only by name without any title.  The so-called good thief crucified at Jesus’ side calls to him: “’Jesus, remember me…’”  Far from taking offense, Jesus assures his compatriot that he will soon be with him in Paradise.  In today’s first reading, John, the presbyter, tells his readers that they must believe in Jesus’ name.  He means that recognizing his power to save, they should pray to him.  Indeed, the name “Jesus” means “God saves.”

When we find ourselves in difficulty, we should call Jesus by name.  He has promised to come to us.  The coming will take place in various ways until we see him in his glorified flesh at the end of time.  We can count on him to save us from distress.

Sunday, January 2, 2022

THE EPIPHANY OF THE LORD

(Isaiah 60:1-6; Ephesians 3:2-3.5-6; Matthew 2:1-12)

There are traditional Christmas carols and new Christmas carols. In recent times many people have taken to "The Little Drummer Boy". We all know the story. A poor boy has nothing to give homage to the Christ child. Then it occurs to him that he can play his drum for the newborn king. When he does, the child smiles appreciatively. The drummer boy joins the shepherds and magicians of the Gospels in worship of the Son of God.

The shepherds are found only in the Gospel according to St. Luke. When they learn that the Messiah has been born in Bethlehem, they waste no time going to honor him. We see the Magi only in today's passage from the Gospel according to St. Matthew. After an encounter with Herod and the Jews, they proceed to Bethlehem. As they enter Joseph's house, they see Maria with her baby. They immediately prostrate themselves to show their submission to the “King of the Jews.”

The evangelists tell these stories to explain the mission of the Son of God. The shepherds represent the common people. They are not educated and work for the minimum wage. The Messiah will defeat the corrupt rulers who oppress them.  He will bring them a closeness to God that makes their hard life tolerable, even good.

The Magi form a contrast to the shepherds. But they are not kings. (This idea comes from the first reading. Isaiah tells of kings bringing gifts to Jerusalem. The tradition of magicians riding camels also has its origin in the first reading.) Magi are cultured people who search the heavens for truth. They find in the child Jesus the source of wisdom that will bring peace to the world.

Just as Jesus embodies grace in both stories, Herod personifies sin. He becomes jealous when he hears of a child who is to become the Messiah of Israel. He asks the Magi to inform him of the child’s whereabouts in order to kill Jesus. The high priests and scribes unite with Herod to form a conspiracy against Jesus. In time these religious leaders will oppose Jesus for interpreting the law in a fresh way. They are satisfied with things as they are because they can take advantage of them. They do not want to leave their authority to another, even if he is the Messiah.

But Jesus does not come to seize the political power of Herod. Nor does he intend to change the law. His mission is to show the world the ways of God. He wants everyone to have "the good life" that leads to justice. Often "the good life" is depicted as a series of luxury cruises to different of the world. But this is not the case in Christian history. "The good life" means to recognize yourself as a child of God. It is experiencing the call of Jesus to be his disciple. It is putting yourself in the company of other honorable people.

You can live "the good life" in a number of ways. One way that is worth mentioning is the Christian movement called "People of Praise." This group is dedicated to renewing the world with the power of the Holy Spirit. The members belong to different Christian churches. They dedicate themselves to living their baptismal promises to the full. They meet on Sunday afternoon after services in their respective churches. They study the Bible together and plan their social projects. An impressive project has been to inhabit decaying neighborhoods to revive the spirit of the poor people. Members of "People of Praise" show the world the true "good life."

We have launched 2022. Everyone hopes that it will be much better than last year. May it be God’s will! However, it is more important that we live the true "good life" in the new year.  Whether we are as poor as the shepherds of Bethlehem or as educated as the Magi from the East, let us live our baptismal promises. This would be an appropriate gift for the Christ child next Christmas.