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Solemnity of the Epiphany of the Lord

Scripture: 

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

Reflection:

Remember Luke’s story about the birth of Jesus. A slice of Luke’s nativity version described how God reached out to shepherds to announce the birth of the divine Son.  "And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night.  An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them…" In Matthew’s Gospel today, God attracts the attention of astrologers by the movement of a star. "After Jesus was born in Bethlehem in Judea, during the time of King Herod, Magi from the east came to Jerusalem." Luke’s story reminds us that God’s kingdom included the Jewish poor, neglected and those who were not usually welcomed at the local synagogue or at the table where important decisions are decided. Matthew, in using a different story, reminds us that God’s kingdom includes within its boundaries those even who are outside my religion or my society or my culture. In God’s Kingdom, revealed by Jesus Christ, all people are included.  All nations, according to Isaiah, will come "proclaiming the praises of the Lord."

Interestingly, Matthews says that the religious leaders of the time were not particularly aware of the significance of the birth of Jesus. Although they could tell King Herod that this Christ was to be born in Bethlehem, not that far from Jerusalem, no Jewish leader is found making his way to visit the Child. Herod takes more interest in the birth than the Jewish leaders; however, his concern had a sinister motivation. Herod wanted to get rid of a possible rival, who was referred to as a "king." This is all a sign that anticipates the rejection Jesus would experience from the Jewish and Roman leaders. The story of the itinerant astrologers finding the Christ child is also a precursor of the Gentiles embrace of the Way of Christ when St. Paul the Apostle begins his preaching ministry to the "outsiders."

Today’s readings are a reminder that God’s love is universal; there are no outsiders, no foreigners; no one is excluded from God’s Kingdom. We can all pray "Our Father" and claim the same inheritance. If God is Father/Mother of every single human person, then all people on this planet we call Earth are my brothers and sisters.

 

Fr. Don Webber, C.P., is Provincial Superior of Holy Cross Province and resides in Chicago.

 

Scripture:

1 John 2:29-3:6
John 1:29-34

Reflection:

The Church honors the Holy Name of Jesus today. A name so powerful, and yet, taken so much for granted. In fact, there is something "foreign" about actually following and imitating Jesus the Christ. Why is it so awkward to talk about Him with others, or to tell of the ways we strive to follow him? Is it not recognized as culturally correct? Culturally correct means that society, "the world", knows and approves. Is that why St. John comments, "The reason the world does not recognize us is that it did not know Him"? Is there a way of knowing and seeing Jesus, despite the fact that we ourselves are not given the recognition? John the Baptist must have known the Way; he did not care that he wasn’t recognized when he pointed to Jesus as the One who would come after him as the greater one. "After me comes a man who ranks ahead of me because he was before me." John’s whole ministry was dedicated to preparing for someone else.  Can I strive for that same attitude that lets go of what I want, and see my best plans turned around by others so to fit the group’s plans or desires?  This selflessness imparts that perception of God beyond words, which gives us a sense of God’s presence which is the closest thing on earth to seeing God "as He is." May the Name of Jesus always remind us that we form one family with Jesus, and we share that privilege with all God’s children.

 

Fr. Alex Steinmiller, C.P. is president of Holy Family Cristo Rey High School, Birmingham, Alabama.

Scripture:

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

Reflection:

The anticipatory season of Advent gave way to the celebration of the birth of Jesus.  The celebration of the feast of the Holy Family helped us to remember that Jesus grew in age, wisdom and grace.  The new year, just begun, has also reminded us that we, too are surely growing in age, perhaps in wisdom and hopefully in grace.

That is why today’s gospel passage has a relevant resonance for us when we reflect on the conversation between John the Baptist and the priests, Levites and Pharisees who come out to challenge him with their questions:

"Who are you?…Are you Elijah?…Are you the Prophet?…Who are you, so we can give an answer to those who sent us?

This last question is the one that reveals the hearts of the questioners.  They are asking not for themselves but for "those who sent us".  They have no commitment to the question, it did not arise from their personal desire for the Messiah.

Religious practice and religious practitioners can fall into this depersonalization of what can be a true faith experience.  When religious practice does not express my own personal hunger for Jesus, for a share in the saving grace that emanates from his victory on the Cross, and from the triumph of his Resurrection, then I am only echoing the questions and concerns of "those who sent us".

When I hunger to know Jesus and his life-giving grace in my life, when I am drawn to spend time in prayer with Jesus, and when I see the providential love of God working in the events of my life, then I do know the Lord Jesus in my life, and the grace of God will see that I, too, am growing in age, wisdom and grace throughout the new year of 2013.

 

Fr. Arthur Carrillo, C.P.  is the director of the Missions for Holy Cross Province.  He lives in Chicago, Illinois. 

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

Reflection:

A week ago, December 25^th, we celebrated the birth of the infant Jesus at Bethlehem.  Today’s Gospel reminds us of that event: "The shepherds went in haste to Bethlehem and found Mary and Joseph, and the infant lying in the manger.  When they saw this they made known the message that had been told them about this child.  All who heard it were amazed . . . .  And Mary kept all these things, reflecting on them in her heart." 

What were the things the shepherds told her?  We heard them on Christmas night: "The angel said to them ‘Do not be afraid; for behold I proclaim to you good news of great joy that will be for all the people.  For today in the city of David a savior has been born for you who is Christ and Lord.  And this will be a sign for you: you will find an infant wrapped in swaddling clothes and lying in a manger."  Through the past week we have heard other stories of the infancy of Jesus, and how Mary pondered their meaning in her heart also: the words of Simeon at the presentation of the Babe in the temple, the flight into Egypt, the finding of the boy Jesus in the temple.

At the beginning of Advent we were introduced to the Blessed Virgin Mary, a young woman pondering the meaning of what God was doing to her, for her.  "The angel Gabriel was sent from God to a town of Galilee called Nazareth, to a virgin betrothed to a man named Joseph, of the house of David, and the virgin’s name was Mary.  And coming to her, he said, ‘Hail, full of grace!  The Lord is with you.’  But she was greatly troubled with what was said and pondered what sort of greeting this might be."  We recall the wonderful, most mysterious conversation that then took place, and how at her consent God then took on our nature, becoming human in the person of Jesus in her womb.  When Mary had asked the angel Gabriel, "how can this be?" the answer she received was filled with mystery, an explanation that only thrust her more deeply into the unknown.  And she replied from the depths of her being, a full affirmation to the one thing she was certain of.  "Let what you have said be done to me."  Not knowing really what was being asked of her, what exactly she was consenting to, she was certain that God loved her.  She said "Yes" to the unknown certitude of God’s Love.  At that moment the Incarnation began.   

These stories lay the foundation for our feast today: the Blessed Virgin Mary, truly the Mother of Jesus, truly the Mother of God, and truly our Mother.  In them Mary sets a life-long example of contemplating the mysterious daily workings of God within her and around her, filled with hope because of her firm commitment to the unknown  certitude of God’s Love for her.  May Mary give us that same certitude for this new year.

 

Br. Peter A. Fitzpatrick, CFX, a Xaverian Brother, is a Passionist Associate at Ryken House, across the creek from the Passionist Monastery, in Louisville, Kentucky.

Scripture:

1 John 2:18-21
John 1: 1-18   

Reflection:

"In the beginning was the Word…"

It’s the last day of the year and the eve of a new one.  For many of us, this means it’s a time of reflection…a time to look back and a time to look forward.

Our Gospel today is about BEGINNINGS.  God is good at beginnings.

I realized recently that I like beginnings…sometimes I like beginnings better than I like endings. Oh sure, I like the end of a hockey game better than the beginning. And I like the ends of movies and the ends of good mystery novels. But when it comes to years on the calendar, I like beginnings better than endings. I appreciate the fact that it’s new, like a blank canvas, holding much possibility for me.

Words are important…Words have power.  Words help us express our feelings and emotions, our hopes and our dreams.  Words enable us to communicate ideas and thoughts.  Words can unite us with others or separate us from one another…Words are significant.

In the beginning, God "SPOKE" and the world was created. The WORD became flesh and made His dwelling among us. Somehow, before the beginning of time, this Christ child existed, not as a human being, but as God himself, as what we call the WORD. 

This Christ had something to do with the creation of every single thing that we have in our lives…and also, He had something to do with the creation of YOU and of ME. 

This WORD has graced us with many gifts and blessings:  The gift of power…God’s power…the gift of light…a light that shines in the darkness, but will never be overcome by the darkness, and the gifts of perfect grace and truth…gifts that we receive everyday of our lives.

Words are important. Actions are also important.

As we cross the bridge into 2013, let us walk humbly with our God, trusting that He will help us to: care deeply, give freely, think kindly, act gently, and be at peace with the world.  HAPPY NEW YEAR TO ALL!

 

Deacon Brian Clements is a retired member of the staff at Mater Dolorosa Retreat Center in Sierra Madre, California.

Scripture:

Sirach 3:2-6, 12-14
Colossians 3:12-21
Luke 2:41-52

Reflection:

"[K]indness to a father will not be forgotten, firmly planted against the debt of your sins."

We’ve just celebrated the birth of Christ.  It is fitting then that we turn our attention now to the Holy Family-Mary, Joseph and their unique baby boy.  I wonder how many of us met with family this past weekend that perhaps we don’t see very much during the year.  I hope there was joy and happiness with mothers, fathers, siblings, nieces, and nephews.  If I am being honest, seeing some family members at Christmas time also brings with it . . . stress.  We worry about what Aunt so-and-so will say about our new boyfriend or what grandpa will think of our new job that doesn’t pay much.  We are nervous that mom will return her present again this year.  But today’s readings remind us in a very real way the blessing that is family and the respect we must have for those we are tied to by blood.

In the first reading from the Book of Sirach, we learn the great favor that God bestows on those who honor their mother and father.  Respect and care for parents brings forgiveness of sins, "riches," long life and children.  Divine blessings belong to those who care for elderly parents.  Our family then really shapes who we are in so many ways.  A life without strong family ties is not a Christian life.  Think about it-isn’t our faith first learned and practiced at home?  If we don’t show generosity, kindness, love and patience at home-how can we possibly have it anywhere else? 

The Gospel holds new meaning for me when I read it now as the parent of small children.  Motherhood and fatherhood truly are holy vocations.  I know it may not seem that way when we are making peanut butter and jelly sandwiches, driving car pools and certainly not when we are changing diapers.  But it is a calling-and one not to be taken lightly. 

Can you imagine Mary and Joseph’s panic when they realized Jesus was not among their party as they left the city?  When they find him in the Temple, Mary proclaims "your father and I have been looking for you with great anxiety."  (I myself may have thought of some more colorful ways of telling my young son what he just put me through.)  But this was the burden that Mary took on when she said yes to the angel Gabriel-raising a very special child.

And so the Holy Family becomes a model for all our families.  We as parents are asked great things of by God, and the truth is, like Mary, we don’t really know what it entails.  We have to sort of learn as we go and do the best we can in each moment.  Mary was bewildered when she found her son in deep discussions with the Jewish teachers, saying, "Son, why have you done this to us?"  Jesus was beginning to understand who he truly was-what his purpose was on earth.  It was Mary and Joseph’s duty-his very human parents-to guide and shepherd him along this divine path, even when it made no sense to them.  What a great privilege it is as a parent to be a part of this new person’s discovery of their identity, their meaning, and most importantly, their connection to our Heavenly Father.

By my recollection, this story of Jesus in the Temple is the only Gospel passage that reflects on the life of Jesus before he reaches adulthood.  What struck me as I read it this time is something we all know but probably don’t think about too often-Jesus was truly human.  Our Father so loved the world that he allowed his only son to be born, live and die a human death.   It might be hard to picture him playing ball or arguing with his mom.  But this is part of God’s gift to us-Jesus’ humanity.  And what marks Jesus’ humanity perhaps more than any other thing-his familial ties.  Let’s remember that the next time we complain about who is coming to Christmas dinner.  

Marlo Serritella is a former staff member of the Holy Cross Province Development Office in Chicago, Illinois.

Scripture:

John 2: 3-11
Luke 2:22-35

Reflection:

Today’s after Christmas readings celebrate the light of Christ and the light we experience as Christians.  John says "And yet I do write a new commandment to you, which holds true in Him and among you, for the darkness is passing away, and the true light is already shining."  I am reminded of Thomas Merton’s epiphany moment on Fourth Street in downtown Louisville in which he realized that all the people bustling around him each "shone like the sun".  (Today, while shopping for items at Kroger I also had an epiphany moment!  A fellow shopper and I lunged for the last loaf of French bread at the same time.  I don’t think she and I were experiencing each other as light like Merton described; just saying!) 

Yet in some way we all reflect the light of Christ.  It’s just difficult to keep this in mind, especially in our world today.  The events in Connecticut and Syria prior to Christmas this year certainly were stark reminders of how the darkness is still among us.  As I reflect on the work of our Passionist brothers and sisters across the globe I see many efforts to bring light into darkness.

Our Birmingham community works with those struggling with the darkness of poverty.  Our retreat center communities of Houston, Detroit, Sierra Madre and Citrus Heights preach the light of Jesus crucified to people caught in the dark moments life sometimes brings us.  Our itinerant preachers and pastors minister through preaching God’s love to people all over our country experiencing the struggles we all know so well.  Our brothers and sisters in our Louisville community pray for light in the lives of those requesting our prayers.

So today I reflect with you on the light in each of us who love one another.  Again in the words of John today, "Whoever loves his brother remains in the light."  As Passionists, we spread and preach the light and love of Christ crucified in everything we do, right down to the last loaf of French bread at Kroger.

 

Terry McDevitt, Ph.D. is a member of our Passionist Family who volunteers at the Passionist Assisted Living Community in Louisville, Kentucky.

Feast of Saint John the Evangelist

Scripture:

1 John 1:1-4
John 20:1a, 2-8

Reflection:

Pope Benedict XVI has proclaimed this the Year of Evangelization, but the word seems to have many diverse meanings.  For some, it means to convert or persuade others to accept Catholic Christian beliefs and doctrines. Others look to the Greek origins of the word (εὐαγγέλιον) – good news or good tidings – and say it is more about proclaiming the Good News of Jesus Christ.  On this Feast of John the Evangelist perhaps a look at today’s readings can help us.

What we have seen and heard
we proclaim now to you,
so that you too may have fellowship with us;
for our fellowship is with the Father
and with his Son, Jesus Christ.  (1 John 1:3)

The first Christians, living in a pagan culture rampant with violence and self-interest, simply lived an alternate lifestyle, one proclaimed by Jesus of Nazareth, (^"… and all the more believers in the Lord, multitudes of men and women, were constantly added to their number…" Acts 5:14).  The Church grew because people were inspired by the passion with which followers of the Rabbi from Nazareth embraced this new Way of living… loving enemies, and washing feet, taking the last place, and turning ones cheek.

Jesuit Fr. William O’Malley says (Help My Unbelief, Obis Books, 2008), "Scientists work from consequences to probable causes. So should seekers for human meaning. They corroborate their inferences with experience. So should those who seek God. Modern biology has improved health care and life expectancy. One would hope belief in God would produce a recognizable enrichment of human life. Jesus himself said, "By their fruits you will know them" (Matthew 7:16).

With so many wounds and scandal in our Church today, perhaps our current call to evangelize has more to do with reforming contemporary Church structures than persuading others to accept Catholic doctrine, much less chastising others to return to the Sacrament of Penance! Why else would Jesus allude so often to the natural metaphor? ^"A good tree cannot produce bad fruit, nor can a bad tree produce good fruit." (Matthew 7:18)  

Recently fifty-year-old Abbot Mertin Werlen (member of the Swiss bishops’ conference) made a fiery appeal for church reform, including a call for dialog on: remarried divorced people now barred from Communion, granting greater voice to local churches over the nomination of bishops, priestly celibacy, and the appointment of cardinals. Abbot Werlen suggested that men and women from all over the world, young and old, could be elected to the cardinalate for a period of five years and could meet with the pope every three months in Rome. "Such meetings could bring a new dynamism into Church leadership," Werlen suggested.

"We are writing this so that our joy may be complete!"  (1 John 1:4)

 

Fr. Jack Conley, C.P. ministers as a preacher of parish missions and retreats.  He is a member of the Passionist formation community at Catholic Theological Union in Chicago.