Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe
(Zechariah 2:14-17; Luke 1:39-47)
On the wall of a diocesan pastoral center hangs a picture of Our Lady of Guadalupe. The other day an end table with a dish of roses was discreetly placed beneath that image. The table still may have impeded passage but nevertheless seemed quite appropriate during the novena of today’s feast. The roses it bears, we should understand, illustrate in part the significance of Guadalupe.
Roses growing abundantly out of season comprised the sign that corroborated Juan Diego’s story of having encountered the Mother of God. The rose itself, often considered the epitome of floral beauty, ably represents the Virgin. However, the roses’ symbolic value metamorphosed into the actual image of the Virgin as they fell from the Indian’s shirt. It is that image which has stirred the most discussion about the appearances.
Many characteristics of the image deserve commentary – the blocked out son, the color of the mantle and inner garment, the down-bent eyes reflecting the presence of Juan Diego. One such characteristic corresponds well with the gospel today in which Mary, having conceived by the Holy Spirit, visits her cousin Elizabeth. The black cord tied around the Virgin’s bosom indicates that she is carrying within her the Son of God whom she will present to the world with a critical message. In the gospel she will tell Elizabeth that God has lifted up the lowly while dismissing the arrogant. In Mexico she announces to both Indian and European – that is, to everyone -- that we must come together to honor God by creating a society based on human dignity.
Friday, December 9, 2011
Friday of the Second Week in Advent
(Isaiah 48:17-19; Matthew 11:16-19)
In an illustration of a Bible drawn by hand and illustrated with gold leaf, angels are announcing the birth of the Messiah to the shepherds around Bethlehem. Most of the shepherds listen to the message, but in the corner two -- a man and his maiden -- merrily dance away. The illustration forthrightly depicts what we know by experience: the good news is intended for all but some choose not to heed it.
In the gospel today Jesus expresses his frustration with those who deliberately ignore the call for repentance. He says that it has been preached in varied tones – the sternness of John the Baptist and the festiveness of himself; still, most in his generation find objection to it. Could it be that the idea of a God who cares so much that He comes as a human is too much for these people to bear?
In two weeks we will be celebrating the feast of God’s coming. More than anything Christmas tells us how much God loves us – so much that He gives up His place in the heavens, as it were, to accompany us in our need. Our response must only be one of attentiveness to what He has to say.
(Isaiah 48:17-19; Matthew 11:16-19)
In an illustration of a Bible drawn by hand and illustrated with gold leaf, angels are announcing the birth of the Messiah to the shepherds around Bethlehem. Most of the shepherds listen to the message, but in the corner two -- a man and his maiden -- merrily dance away. The illustration forthrightly depicts what we know by experience: the good news is intended for all but some choose not to heed it.
In the gospel today Jesus expresses his frustration with those who deliberately ignore the call for repentance. He says that it has been preached in varied tones – the sternness of John the Baptist and the festiveness of himself; still, most in his generation find objection to it. Could it be that the idea of a God who cares so much that He comes as a human is too much for these people to bear?
In two weeks we will be celebrating the feast of God’s coming. More than anything Christmas tells us how much God loves us – so much that He gives up His place in the heavens, as it were, to accompany us in our need. Our response must only be one of attentiveness to what He has to say.
Thursday, December 8, 2011
The 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)
In the novel Our Lady of the Forest a sixteen-year old girl’s new found innocence resembles the Virgin Mary’s. After being abused and living as a flower-child, the girl’s life is permanently altered when she experiences an apparition of the Blessed Mother. She no longer seeks anything for herself but only strives to serve the good of others. The tale hints at the import of today’s feast of the Immaculate Conception of Mary.
The reading from Genesis suggests Mary’s complete victory over sin when God excoriates the serpent. However, more tangible authority is found in the gospel when Gabriel’s addresses Mary as “full of grace.” Together with a long tradition, these two Scriptures moved Pope Pius IX, in consultation with the bishops of the Church, to proclaim that Mary was without sin all her life.
If we know ourselves well, we realize that we often fail to respond with charity. However, this reality, accurately called “sin,” will not last forever. Just as God’s grace preserved Mary from all sin, He will move us beyond ours. We do, of course, have to cooperate which should not be too hard if we believe that our reward is eternal life.
(Genesis 3:9-15.20; Ephesians 1:3-6.11-12; Luke 1:26-38)
In the novel Our Lady of the Forest a sixteen-year old girl’s new found innocence resembles the Virgin Mary’s. After being abused and living as a flower-child, the girl’s life is permanently altered when she experiences an apparition of the Blessed Mother. She no longer seeks anything for herself but only strives to serve the good of others. The tale hints at the import of today’s feast of the Immaculate Conception of Mary.
The reading from Genesis suggests Mary’s complete victory over sin when God excoriates the serpent. However, more tangible authority is found in the gospel when Gabriel’s addresses Mary as “full of grace.” Together with a long tradition, these two Scriptures moved Pope Pius IX, in consultation with the bishops of the Church, to proclaim that Mary was without sin all her life.
If we know ourselves well, we realize that we often fail to respond with charity. However, this reality, accurately called “sin,” will not last forever. Just as God’s grace preserved Mary from all sin, He will move us beyond ours. We do, of course, have to cooperate which should not be too hard if we believe that our reward is eternal life.
Wednesday, December 7, 2011
Memorial of Saint Ambrose, bishop and doctor of the Church
(Isaiah 40:25-31; Matthew 11:28-30)
As Isaiah testifies in the first reading, “God is great.” He is much greater than humans – either as individuals or as a collective. St. Ambrose recognized this. Instead of pursuing fame and fortune for himself, he answered God’s call to serve as bishop of Milan. Unfortunately, many people try to compete with God. Rather than accept His precepts of right and wrong, they attempt to establish for themselves norms of behavior. The results are typically disastrous. People become stressed out with disappointing relationships and unfulfilled aspirations.
In the gospel Jesus clarifies the alternative. Living his way brings peace and security since he helps those who come to him. Yes, it does involve some self-sacrifice, but it avoids the hurts that self-righteousness inflicts.
If it sounds too simple to us, we don’t understand the nature of God’s greatness. More than anything else, God’s greatness consists in His love for all. He enables the weak as well as the strong, the dull as well as the bright, the poor as well as the rich to know his support.
(Isaiah 40:25-31; Matthew 11:28-30)
As Isaiah testifies in the first reading, “God is great.” He is much greater than humans – either as individuals or as a collective. St. Ambrose recognized this. Instead of pursuing fame and fortune for himself, he answered God’s call to serve as bishop of Milan. Unfortunately, many people try to compete with God. Rather than accept His precepts of right and wrong, they attempt to establish for themselves norms of behavior. The results are typically disastrous. People become stressed out with disappointing relationships and unfulfilled aspirations.
In the gospel Jesus clarifies the alternative. Living his way brings peace and security since he helps those who come to him. Yes, it does involve some self-sacrifice, but it avoids the hurts that self-righteousness inflicts.
If it sounds too simple to us, we don’t understand the nature of God’s greatness. More than anything else, God’s greatness consists in His love for all. He enables the weak as well as the strong, the dull as well as the bright, the poor as well as the rich to know his support.
Tuesday, December 6, 2011
Memorial of St. Nicholas, bishop
(Isaiah 40:1-11; Matthew 18:12-14)
A pastor is giving hundreds of bags packed with candy and a toy to the children of his parish today, the feast of St. Nicholas. Nicholas was a zealous bishop in the fourth century about whom little else is truly known. There is a legend about him throwing three bags of gold into the home of three impoverished girls who were about to be handed over to prostitution. The money was used for dowries, and the three girls were happily married. From this tale comes the custom of gift-giving on St. Nicholas Day.
Although charming, such a story pales in comparison to the generosity shown by God in the readings today. The prophet Isaiah envisions God liberating His people from captivity in Babylon. This vision is ultimately fulfilled by Jesus, the good shepherd, in the gospel. He gives up his life to rescue sinners from absolute perdition.
Although children are too often indulged with candy, a little treat along with a hearty catechesis is in order today. We want to teach our young of Jesus’ gift of himself which is far more delightful than any sweet. His love brings us eternal happiness.
(Isaiah 40:1-11; Matthew 18:12-14)
A pastor is giving hundreds of bags packed with candy and a toy to the children of his parish today, the feast of St. Nicholas. Nicholas was a zealous bishop in the fourth century about whom little else is truly known. There is a legend about him throwing three bags of gold into the home of three impoverished girls who were about to be handed over to prostitution. The money was used for dowries, and the three girls were happily married. From this tale comes the custom of gift-giving on St. Nicholas Day.
Although charming, such a story pales in comparison to the generosity shown by God in the readings today. The prophet Isaiah envisions God liberating His people from captivity in Babylon. This vision is ultimately fulfilled by Jesus, the good shepherd, in the gospel. He gives up his life to rescue sinners from absolute perdition.
Although children are too often indulged with candy, a little treat along with a hearty catechesis is in order today. We want to teach our young of Jesus’ gift of himself which is far more delightful than any sweet. His love brings us eternal happiness.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)