Claire Smith

Epiphany of the Lord

Scripture:

Isaiah 60:1-6
Ephesians 3:2-3a, 5-6
Matthew 2:1-12

Reflection:

It has now been revealed to his holy apostles and prophets by the Spirit: that the Gentiles are coheirs, members of the same body, and copartners in the promise in Christ Jesus through the gospel.
-Ephesians 3:5-6

Behold, magi from the east arrived in Jerusalem, saying, “Where is the newborn king of the Jews?
-Matthew 2:1-2

On the website literaryterms.net, an epiphany is defined as, “…an “Aha!” moment. A[n] epiphany is the moment when a character is suddenly struck with a life-changing realization which changes the rest of the story. Often, an epiphany begins with a small, everyday occurrence or experience.” Today we celebrate the Epiphany of the Lord. The coming of Jesus the Christ can certainly be characterized as, “a life-changing realization which changes the rest of the story.” Even those living in 1st century Jerusalem were thrown into confusion and became “greatly troubled” when confronted with the news that a new king had been born. People do not generally like change, especially when it is not brought about be their own efforts and designs. We like to think we are in control of our own story. The Epiphany of the Lord reminds us that we are not in control of much.

But this feast day might better be called the Epiphany of Everybody. We are the ones who have the aha moment. And although the Greek word Paul uses is translated, “Gentiles,” (ethnos) is usually taken to mean non-Jews, it can also mean the whole of all living creatures, humanity and animals. This is the Epiphany of the Whole World, where all become co-heirs, co-partners, one body. In one small, everyday occurrence, the birth of a child, we all made one. The challenge of this great event is two-fold: can I accept this invitation for myself and can I recognize it in everyone I meet?

My prayer for myself today is that I actively work to be a co-partner with everyone I meet in creating God’s kingdom here on Earth.

Along with working as an independent teacher, Talib Huff volunteers and works at Christ the King Retreat Center in Citrus Heights. You may contact him at [email protected].

Memorial of Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton

Scripture:

1 John 3:7-10
John 1:35-42

Reflection:

Jesus’ question in today’s Gospel is one He addresses to each of us: “What are you looking for?”  The two disciples of John the Baptist heard John speak of Jesus as the “Lamb of God”…and thus wanted to get to better know Jesus.  Jesus invited them to “come and see” – and the rest is history!

The appeal of Jesus’ loving personality has touched the hearts of many people over many centuries, to ourselves as women and men of the 21^st Century.  We human beings seek fulfillment, and love, and a sense of purpose and self-worth, and companionship…to name but a few longings of our hearts!  As the Holiday Season winds down and we embrace the New Year we realize the blessings of God that are our faith, our Church, and our vocation; we have reason to hope, to embrace the opportunities and challenges of each day.

And so today we celebrate the life of a disciple of Jesus who graced our American soil:  St. Elizabeth Ann Seton, a holy woman of the 18^th Century, and the first American-born saint.

Born in 1774, Elizabeth Ann was raised as an Episcopalian.  She married William Seton and helped rear their five children.  She was drawn to the Catholic faith by an Italian Catholic family she met while traveling in Italy with her husband.  After her husband’s untimely death from tuberculosis at age 30, Elizabeth Ann fully embraced the Catholic faith – and subsequently opened a parish school in Baltimore to support her family and witness her Catholic faith, despite protests from her anti-Catholic family and friends.

Drawn by Elizabeth’s faith and fervor, other young women joined Elizabeth Ann in her approach to education and the Christian life.  In 1809 they formed the American Sisters of Charity, following the rule of St. Vincent de Paul; later they helped found other schools and orphanages.  By the time of her death on January 4, 1821, the community had expanded their ministries as far west as St. Louis with some twenty schools and orphanages.

Like St. Elizabeth Ann Seton we respond to Jesus’ question / invitation and seek to live for God as we share the Good News of Jesus in our needy world.  May the new year 2020 be blessed by God, as inspired by great women and men saints — including our own holy Founder, St. Paul of the Cross, whose birthday we celebrated yesterday.  May we “Sing to the Lord a new song, for God has done wondrous deeds…” Jesus calls us, Jesus loves us, Jesus missions us to help share the Good News!

Fr. John Schork, C.P. is the Vocation Director for Holy Cross Province. He lives at St. Vincent Strambi Community in Chicago, Illinois. 

Memorial of Saints Basil the Great and Gregory Nazianzen, Bishops and Doctors of the Church

Scripture:

1 John 2:22-28
John 1:19-28

Reflection:

In the ancient world the great Kings or Emperors would often visit the provinces and to facilitate such visits the regional governor would make sure that the road for the king was smoothed out, repaired where needed, and in general ‘beautified’. The King would demand no less! While ancient roads were awful compared to our smooth routes of travel, comfort for the king and the creation of a good impression were paramount considerations.

To do any less might mean a demotion for the regional governor – or even worse consequences. So usually months in advance of the King’s visit one would see gangs or workers ferrying stone, levelling the road itself, repairing holes and strengthening bridges for the king and his entourage.

The great prophets understood this powerful image and used it to parallel the coming of a messiah and highlight the promise of the God to send a messiah. John the Baptist, the last of the prophets, draws on such common practice to speak of the arrival of the Lord.

In the context of his preaching John does seek to highlight concepts like power or privilege for Jesus however. Nor does he seek it for himself and indeed he must clarify for those coming to listen that he is not speaking of himself or claiming any rights – no, he is speaking clearly and uncompromisingly about the coming of Jesus.

In fact, John highlights his own unworthiness and his proclamation witnesses to his humility and position as the ‘herald’ or ‘forerunner’. His role is to announce the coming of the Lord, and to make his way clear – not in any physical sense, but by preparing the people for the advent of Jesus.

To achieve this John’s strategy was to initiate a reform movement in order to create a certain momentum of repentance. In this way, by leading people to a cleaning baptism in the Jordon, John was helping them to prepare their hearts so that the people might be ready to recognise and accept the Messiah who was soon to come. For indeed, Jesus would be a lowly, unassuming leader, a servant leader and any expectation of a powerful, political leader needed to be put aside. To adopt such a counter-cultural expectation one need to be spiritually ready. Thus the symbolic cleansing of past thoughts and actions and the embrace of a new beginning that was a hallmark of the baptism of John.

John is clearly and openly aware of his own focus on Jesus as the coming Messiah and he invites people to do the same.

This message of John is one for us today also. We, like the church itself, stand always in need of renewal and conversion. All this – in the words of the popular song – so that we might see the Lord more clearly, to embrace his message more deeply and to serve him and follow him more closely.

Let us be open, ready at every moment of our lives to recognise Jesus as he steps into our personal and communal world.

Fr. Denis Travers, C.P., is a member of Holy Spirit Province, Australia. 

Solemnity of the Blessed Virgin Mary, the Mother of God

January 1, 2020

Scripture:

Numbers 6:22-27
Galatians 4:4-7
Luke 2:16-21

Reflection:

A new year dawns—what will it bring?  There is a lot of uncertainty in our country, for sure:  the impeachment of the president; the continuing violence in our streets; the growing threat of climate change now being felt everywhere, the chronic chaos in the Middle East, the birthplace of Jesus himself; the sharp polarities in our public life and even in the church itself.  Add to these our own personal concerns about our health, how to make ends meet, about the well-being of our children.  Each of us has our own list as we usher in this new moment in time.

The church puts New Years Day under the banner of Mary, the Mother of God.  Curious, perhaps in some ways, but deeply comforting most of all.  On this octave of Christmas, among the many titles ascribed to Mary, the church highlights her unique and astounding role as “Mother of God.”  There in one paradoxical phrase, the mystery of the Incarnation, celebrated at Christmas, is raised up again for our contemplation.

Motherhood we know—the nearly miraculous process by which a woman bears a child, brings it to birth, and out of love will nourish that fruit of her womb for all the days of her own life. Mary, the mother of Jesus, was a human mother, too.

But the daring affirmation of our faith is that the child she brings to life—Jesus of Nazareth—is also suffused with the Divine Presence.  Jesus, the Son of God, the Christ, the Savior of the World.  Mary gives birth to Jesus in his entirety—fully human, fully divine.  And thus the church from its earliest days defends the unique and wondrous title of Mary as “the Mother of God.”

Whatever concerns or questions we might have—as individuals or as a society—as the New Year 2020 begins, our faith reminds us that beneath our tensions and our anxieties there is a strong and enduring basis for hope.  “God so loved the world, that he gave his only son… not to condemn the world but that the world might be saved through him” (John 3:16-17).  The human portal for that unconditional act of saving love was the womb of Mary, the mother of Jesus, the mother of God. When all is said and done, the basis for Christian hope does not reside in human prowess but in God’s faithful love for us and our world.

Trust in God’s love does not mean we are indifferent to the challenges our world faces.  Pope Francis consistently reminds us that we should shake off a “culture of indifference” and chose instead a “culture of engagement”—using every opportunity, no matter how small, to sow gestures of love and justice in our world.   The outcome of a strong faith in God’s love enables us to face our problems and challenges with courage and perseverance.

All through this Christmas season, the church lifts up the figure of Mary.  A sign of God’s unimaginable love for us as well as an example on Mary’s part of a courageous “yes” to the unanticipated challenges that come our way.  Happy New Year!

Fr. Donald Senior, C.P. is President Emeritus and Professor of New Testament at Catholic Theological Union.  He lives at the Passionist residence in the Hyde Park neighborhood of Chicago.

Scripture:

1 John 2:18-21
John 1:1-18

 Reflection:

And the Word became flesh, and made his dwelling among us. -John 1:14

“Children, it is the final hour.” (1 John 2:18a)  The Church, in her wisdom, begins our scripture today with this stark reminder.  Here we are, sitting in the last moments of 2019.  Tomorrow is New Year’s Day – a new decade dawns -2020.  Aren’t I supposed to make some resolutions?  

I suppose I’d begin by reflecting a bit on these 365 days – the good and the bad – the moments we savor, but also those moments we just don’t want to taste anymore.  The more I think, the more I’m reminded of all the insanity of these last months – murder, hate, disaster, and also the “Holiday Season” which is chock full of Black Friday fighting, and “I didn’t get what I want for Christmas,” and what seems like a sorrowful loathing and even anger at just anticipating family gatherings.

It really amazes and saddens me how cluttered our lives, as a society, have become with things like selfishness, consumerism, inconsiderate behavior, lack of understanding of other people, rejection, hate – the list goes on and on.  And no matter who we are, we’re all guilty of these things from time to time.  I try hard, but, friends, I can be forgetful of my calling and so often fail to live like the man God wants me to be.  There’s so much cluttering our hearts that we are just overflowing.  There’s no room for anything else.

Again, the Church, in her wisdom, reminds us also that Jesus wants to live with us… with-in us. In reading John’s words in today’s Gospel, “And the Word became flesh, and made his dwelling among us.” John 1:14 To me, it’s like a slap in the face.  “Paul, do you have room?” Is there space in the inn of my heart?  Is Jesus able to make his dwelling in me?

Thinking about that, I realize I sure have a lot of cleaning to do.

OK, so, Happy almost New Year!  Here are my resolutions:

• Lose Weight: I’m going to drop the weight of hurt and hate, and live the lightness of Joy.
• Clean the House: I’m going to sweep the junk from my mind and soul and make room.
• Stop Smoking: I’m going to stop burning myself up, and allow time to rest and pray.
• Eat Healthier: I’m going to feed my spirit with the healthy words of life.
• Be A Better Person: I’m going to treat every person I meet like they are Jesus; with love and mercy.

How are you going to ready your house for God?

Dear God of new years, thank you for the gift of fresh beginnings.  Grant us the grace of a broom with which we can sweep away all that keeps us from recognizing and welcoming you into our hearts and lives.  And please, help us all never break our resolution to be closer to you. Amen.

Paul Puccinelli is Director of Liturgy & Music at St. Rita Parish in Sierra Madre, California, and a member of the retreat team at Mater Dolorosa Passionist Retreat Center.

Scripture:

1 John 2:12-17
Luke 2:36-40

Reflection:

Remember the song, “Do you hear what I hear?”  A couple of years ago I sang that song in church.  Unfortunately, I messed up a line.  Where I should have sung, “Let us give him silver and gold,” I sang, “He will give us silver and gold.”  (Even with the words in front of me I messed up!)

No, I don’t think Jesus came to give us silver and gold; and make us materially rich.  But as I thought about it, those words are very true in another way.  I say that God gives us gifts of bronze, silver and gold.

1) Bronze makes me think of all the gifts of creation: the mountains and oceans, bluebirds and butterflies, daffodils and roses, dogs and kittens, food and drink, air and water, sunsets and rainbows…and on and on.

God says, “Look at all the gifts of creation I’ve given you, and see how much I love you.”

2) Sliver makes me think of the gift of human life.  God gives us life, with bodies that can work and play, brains to think and learn, ears to hear music, eyes to see beauty, feet to run and dance, hands to reach out and help, emotions to feel, a free will to choose, and hearts to love.

Besides, God gifts us with a rich variety of people.  We especially give thanks for the gift of family and friends, teachers and public servants.

God says, “Look at the wonder of human life, and look at all the beautiful people I placed in your life, and see how much I love you.”

3) Finally, God gives us the gold that is Jesus.  St. John tells us that, “God so loved the world that he sent his only Son” (John 3:16).

Jesus comes and gives us the gift of his words and example, the gift of his death and resurrection, the gift of faith and forgiveness, the gift of the Holy Eucharist and the sacraments, the gift of uniting himself with our suffering and giving it meaning, the gift of Mary for our mother, and the gift of hope for eternal life.

Our response is to give resounding thanks.  So here at Mass we give ourselves, with Jesus, as gift to the Father as our way of saying “Thank you.”  The Father receives our gift and gives us Jesus back in Holy Communion.  This holy exchange of gifts makes every Mass like Christmas.

This Christmas Season, along with all the decorations on our houses, trees and presents, let us add the decoration of a smile on our face.  In the words of Rev. Charles Swindoll,

 “Joy is the flag that flies above the castle of our hearts,
telling people that the Heavenly King is in residence there!”

 Let us smile, laugh, dance, sing and rejoice!  “Emmanuel.”  God is with us!  Christmas is now.

Fr. Alan Phillip, C.P. is a member of the Passionist Community at Mater Dolorosa Retreat Center, Sierra Madre, California.  http://www.alanphillipcp.com/.

Scripture:

1 John 1:5-2:2
Matthew 2:13-18

Reflection:

Today is the Feast of the Holy Innocents, Martyrs.  These innocent babies were massacred by order of a demented King Herod! As I pen these thoughts, we are one week away from celebrating the birth of that newborn baby born in Bethlehem so many years ago.  It was and is a life-changing event that impacts our lives on a daily basis. These days we are surrounded by the joy and frenzy, the hope and busyness of preparing for Christmas!  This season is especially exciting for children as they anticipate the arrival of Santa Claus and the presents he is sure to bring!

This season is always special for children, so innocent and joyful.  In the same way this time can be a reminder to all of us of the time of innocence we felt as children, the times we trusted totally in what was happening in the security of our family, church, community and world. It seems there are so many forces, ie., King Herod’s out and about trying to destroy that sense of innocence.  Children, in their innocence show us what faith and trust is all about.

During this season of Advent our theme has been ‘The Light of Faith’.  In the first reading today from 1John, we read,

God is light, and in him there is no darkness at all.

We are called to be people of the light, to capture that innocence of our youth and walk in faith and recognize the light of faith and trust in others.  The insecurity and evil that drives the ‘King Herod’s’ to abuse their power and strength can be no match against the children of the light.

May we continue to walk always in the light and love of that newborn baby born in that stable in Bethlehem so long ago.

Merry Christmas and a Blessed New Year to All.

Theresa Secord is a Pastoral Associate at St. Agnes Parish, Louisville, Kentucky.

Scripture:

Acts 6:8-10; 7:54-59
Matthew 10:17-22

Reflection:

It’s the day after we celebrate the birth of Jesus. We look upon the creche and see a peaceful new mother holding her child with a proud father standing watch over them. Like all births that I can’t really imagine as a male, what I gaze upon too often disguises the exhaustion of Mary’s journey.  The joy of holding a newborn does not erase the messy struggle of giving birth or alleviate the worry of this new mother. Like most new parents, Mary and Joseph had to be wondering what they were to do now.

I suppose that’s the point…figuring out what this birth means. This new and holy family has some time there in Bethlehem. Kings and shepherds and angels singing on high make appearances. But they all leave, leaving this new family to figure out what’s next. Mixed in with the joy of new life, there is uncertainty and anxiety about the journey ahead.

God born among us must mean something, but what that means can only reveal itself as the journey itself unfolds. One step at a time. One event or decision at a time. Mary and Joseph had to trust that the significance of this birth would only become known in moving on from Bethlehem and living their lives. So too with each of us. Christmas only begins with the birth of Jesus. If Christmas is to mean anything at all, we will need to find it in the events and decisions of our lives, in the journey itself.

Robert Hotz is a consultant with American City Bureau, Inc. and was the Director of The Passion of Christ: The Love That Compels Campaign for Holy Cross Province.