Feast of St. John, apostle and evangelist

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

Once a disillusioned pilgrim returned from the Holy Land lamenting the conditions he encountered. Not only was there strife between Jews and Arabs, but hawkers constantly besieged him with souvenir trinkets. Even in Bethlehem, where Jesus was born on a serene night, he found conflict. The man marveled at how times have changed, but he only had to read the Scriptures closely to realize that trouble is nothing new to the area.

Although the Gospel of Luke depicts a tranquil setting for Jesus’ birth, there is much evidence of conflict during New Testament times. King Herod as a tyrant who worried little if at all in ordering his people killed. Roman occupation caused increasing civic unrest until an open rebellion erupted a generation after Jesus’ death. Of course, there is the acrimonious debate between Jesus and the Pharisees which is believed to reflect trouble between the first Christians and their Jewish counterparts.

In spite of all this conflict, the writer of the First Letter of John offers a testimony of hope. Much more than a dream or vision, the testimony involves a real human being – one he looked upon with his eyes, heard with his ears, and touched with his hands. He is saying that in the midst of turmoil, Jesus offers eternal life to faithful followers.

Feast of St. Stephen, Proto-martyr

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

Some may think that the Feast of the Martyrdom of St. Stephen is celebrated today because Stephen was killed on December 26. However, there is no record of the date of his martyrdom. No, the Church celebrates Stephen’s martyrdom on the day after Christmas to temper Christian joy. The martyrdom of Stephen reminds the faithful that Jesus was born to die on the cross to atone for their sins. Not only that, but Christians are called to carry their crosses after him.

Of course, most Christians will die in bed like everyone else. But they should not think that bloody martyrdom does not exist today. It occurs thousands of times every year. Perhaps this horrible truth was never better exhibited than almost five years ago. The Islamic State aired a video then of its recent slaughter of twenty-one Christians in Libya. Some people hate Christ and his followers because of his devotion to God, the Father. They resent anyone who calls them to love and not lord it over others.

It is remarkable the way business slows down for a week or so during the Christmas season. We are wise to use the leisure time, at least in part, for contemplation. We need to ask ourselves, “How is it that God became human?” There is a follow-up question almost as important, “What does the God-human now expect of me?”

Wednesday, December 25, 2019

The Nativity of the Lord (Mass during the night)

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

Latinos have a pre-Christmas tradition called “Las Posadas.” In it half of a group takes the roles of Joseph and Mary in tonight’s gospel. They stand as if they were outside an inn asking for a place to stay. The other half of the group stands as if they were the innkeepers inside. The inn being full and the innkeepers tired, they tell Mary and Joseph to go away. Then Joseph happens to mention that his wife is “Mary, the queen of heaven.” The innkeepers recognize that name and happily open the door to welcome the Holy Family.

Of course, this beautiful tradition does not correspond completely to the gospel proclaimed tonight. Evidently Joseph and Mary did seek lodging at an inn, but they were turned down. Also, the gospel’s emphasis is on the “manger,” not the inn. This feeding trough for animals is mentioned three times in course of a rather short narration. It needs to be asked, “Why?”

In the very first chapter of the Book of the Isaiah the prophet castigates the people of Israel with reference to a manger. He says, “An ox knows its owner, and an ass, its master’s manger, but Israel does not know (its God).” The gospel tonight shows the new-born Jesus being laid in a manger. There finally Israel will recognize its God. But there may be more here than that. Presenting the God-man as being born outside a building, the gospel suggests that Jesus is the God not just of human beings but of all creation. When the angels sing, “’…and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests,’” they may have in mind more than men and women but animals, plants, and lifeless beings as well.

Today we give thanks to God for coming to show us how to live in peace with all. First and foremost, we follow his way of reconciliation with fellow human beings. We want to love others as God has been so kind and merciful to us that He sent us His Son as our savior. We also care for our environment. We want to nurture it so that it may provide sustenance and wonder for many generations to come.

Tuesday, December 24, 2019

Tuesday of the Fourth Week in Advent (Christmas Eve)

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

Today’s gospel is commonly called the Benedictus among Church professionals. The name comes from the Latin form of it first word, “Blessed.” In reading the Benedictus one should have a sense of anachronism; that is, the words are out of synch with the occasion. Zechariah, the speaker of the Benedictus, is expressing joy over the birth his first-born son, John. Yet he is claiming that God has visited his people and delivered them from their enemies.

God will come to deliver the people with Jesus. He, and not John the Baptist, is the proper subject of the Benedictus, which is a prayer meant to be sung. Very probably, Jewish Christians sung this prayer after Jesus was crucified and raised from the dead. They believed Jesus to be the Son of God who saved their people from their greatest enemies – not Rome but sin and death. There is a sentence in the Benedictus that does refer to John. Zechariah is speaking directly to him when he says, “’…you will go before the Lord to prepare his way…’” Indeed, John preached the coming of the Messiah many years later.

The evangelist Luke pictures Zechariah looking at his newborn son John and uttering these words of praise to God. We should see Jesus in the manger, if not now then tomorrow, and likewise praise God for sending him to us. Jesus has come as the prayer reads. Like “the dawn” he has delivered us from the darkness of sin. Like a “way of peace” he has reconciled us to God and one another.

Monday, December 23, 2019

Monday of the Fourth Week of Advent

(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 is extraordinary.

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 calls the forerunner “Elijah,” who called down fire from heaven. John preached fire and brimstone. Although he, like Jesus, spoke of the coming of the kingdom, his message was colored with threats. Jesus largely preached the kingdom of God’s mercy.

Some fret over names. They don’t want to be called ugly or stupid. They want to be known as intelligent, sexy, and cool. Let us strive to be named, like John, “forerunners of the Lord.” Let us prepare the world for his coming withacts of mercy and kindness.

Fr. Carmen Mele, O.P.: Today's Homilette

Friday, December 27, 2019