Daily Scripture

Scripture:

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

Reflection:

We look forward to Christmas, to the birth of the Child Jesus, for the feeling of anticipation in awaiting the arrival of the Savior of the world. We realize that as we age, we appreciate the joy of seeing others receiving gifts, rather than that anticipation from our youth of receiving. 

You may have experienced the feeling of anticipation – whether it is waiting for Christmas morning, a new birth, a new job, celebrating the vocation of marriage or the religious life. 

Yesterday we heard about the anticipation and reward of Simeon, who spent his life awaiting the fulfillment of the promise that one day he would see Christ – and the fulfillment of his promise was more than he expected as he not only met Christ but held him in his arms! Today we hear of Anna, a widowed woman who spent her entire life serving as a witness to Christ. 

Even though Anna was able to enjoy her marriage for only seven years, and was left childless and alone, she spent the rest of her life living the choice to serve God through her prayer and praise, in never-ending anticipation of his merciful grace. She specifically moved to Jerusalem so she could be near the temple! Anna’s sole purpose in life was to please God. She was a constant presence at the temple, in a state of fast and prayer. William Barclay once wrote: She had known sorrow, but she had not grown bitter. She was old, but she had never ceased to hope. She never ceased to worship. She never ceased to pray.

As Simeon received the Christ child and lifted him up to declare him as the long-awaited Messiah, Anna was there in the right place (the Temple) at the right time (as Simeon receives Christ in his arms). Anna now knows that her prayers of seeing Christ have been answered, and she continues her ministry in sharing what she has seen. 

One of the meanings of the name Anna is grace – how very, very appropriate. May God’s grace fill you as it did Anna, and may you have the dedication to our Lord, as did Anna, in service to the Almighty God in anticipation of his merciful reward. God bless you!

Patty Masson supports the Passionists from Spring, Texas.

Feast of the Holy Family

Scripture:

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

Reflection:

Some years ago, I remember speaking with a priest from another town. I was acknowledging my discomfort (especially, as a celibate) with preaching on this Feast of the Holy Family. Cryptically, he responded, “Ah, don’t sweat it, Jack; people don’t expect much… tell a story, sprinkle a little spiritual pixie dust around, and you’ll be fine!”  Not only is the statement remarkably condescending, it is bad theology!

Maybe that is why extended families and friends can be a challenge at Christmas. You know, the Aunt Gertrude who introduces herself as a “recovering Catholic”. “Don’t get me wrong, Father, I’m a spiritual woman, I’m just not into religion.” Or belligerent Uncle Clarence, hovering over the punch bowl and fancying himself as master of religion and science… marveling at the wonder of technology and how it has finally, definitively, disproved the existence of God.

First of all, today’s feast is not so much a day set aside to honor families… It’s more an extension of the Christmas mystery: INCARNATION, the mystery of God becoming human, and what that means for us.

It’s not so much about becoming spiritual beings nearly as much as about becoming simple human beings.

I had a homiletics professor at Notre Dame who, at one class, thundered: Don’t sanitize Scripture! His contention was that we’re so uncomfortable with the loose ends and messy humanness of Sacred Scripture, we over-spiritualize it, we try to scrub up God’s word and sanitize, and we over-pietize it.

That, to me, is the very core of today’s liturgy. Raising children is never easy, in any culture, at any time.

In today’s “Finding in the Temple “narrative, Mary and Joseph have an adolescent, and the kid is missing, the child is lost… and whether physically, emotionally, spiritually — when any good parent becomes aware of the loss of their child, it is an occasion of worry, fear, blame, guilt, & most especially: heartbreak.

The consolation is that we will find him in the Temple, that is, we find the child back in our experience of God …compassion and tenderness, mercy, forgiveness, hope. Holy Family is not about perfection, and certainly not about some scrubbed-up and dumbed-down pious event. It’s about the mystery of Incarnation, a continuation of the Christmas mystery crashing into our lives, the coming together of human and divine, material and spiritual. Emmanuel. God with us.

Fr. Jack Conley, CP, is the local superior of St. Vincent Strambi Community in Chicago, Illinois.

Feast of the Holy Innocents

Scripture:

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

Reflection:

A voice was heard in Ramah, sobbing and loud lamentation. -Matthew 2:18

We celebrate the Feast of the Holy Innocents, martyrs, today.  We are all aware of the brutal slaying of all the baby boys two years and under who lost their lives all because of a demonic king who acted maliciously in his attempt to kill Jesus and retain his kingship!   Unbeknownst to Herod, Jesus, Mary and Joseph had been warned in a dream to flee to Egypt to escape the blood bath that was about to happen.  It is so sad to see and hear how the innocent children in our midst today suffer unnecessary abuse and persecution.  It seems no matter the situation, whether it is war, poverty, domestic abuse, bullying, the children are the ones who suffer!

It seems to be harder to be a believer these days when we are surrounded by so much uncertainty, violence, unhappiness, gloom and doom brought about by the King Herods of our time.  We need to take time during this Christmas season to celebrate the birth of the newborn babe born in a lowly stable in Bethlehem. Maybe it’s time for us to reflect on the innocence of our own youth, however short or long ago it was, and get in touch again with the Believer in each of us.  In this way just maybe the chaos that seems to color our world so much will cease to have so much power over us, and Jesus’s light can shine forth from us. 

During this time of year we focus a lot on helping others whether it be food donations, toy drives, blanket collections and so many other ways to ease the plight of those in need.  Wouldn’t it be nice if we had the opportunity to go a step further and take the time to get to know some of those we so generously helped through our donations.  I am thinking more about the children who are suffering in so many ways in our neighborhoods, schools, churches, shelters, etc. Let us take time during this holy season and throughout the coming new year to spend time with the hurting children in our midst.  Through these action steps we may just recapture some of that innocence of our youth and move forward in spreading the joy and hope of the innocent who can teach us what we have lost.

In the first reading from 1John today, we read: ‘God is light, and in him there is no darkness at all.”

May we be people who birth the light of Jesus, willing to recapture the innocence of our past and celebrate the good news of that blessed event that happened so long ago in a stable in Bethlehem!  Believe and rejoice!            

Have a Blessed Christmas season and a healthy, holy New Year!

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

Scripture:

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

Reflection:

Today’s Gospel reading describes the tomb after Jesus had been resurrected. We believe through the gift from God of faith that this supernatural and amazing event has occurred. The apostles begin to see the reality of Scripture after the resurrection, especially once they receive the Holy Spirit – they are awakened in understanding to all that God has given them in the Word. Imagine the joy the apostles feel when John and Peter relay the news to others of their findings in the tomb.

Mary Magdalene suffered the pains of witnessing Christ’s crucifixion, and now she was so loved by Jesus that she is the first to witness the gift of His presence once again.

Now allow yourself to go back – back to that special manger with Mary and Joseph – to the birth of Christ, the newborn King. From the moment of His first breath, Jesus’ presence impacted many. This Advent season, we have again celebrated the gift of his birth as the prophecies unfolded and his life took shape.

What gifts do you choose to share with those around you? What amazing aspect of your life – your gifts from God – can you share with others? Open your heart during this beautiful season to portion a part of yourself to those around you.

We have waited through Advent in anticipation of His birth, and at Easter we will wait, once again, for the miracle of a different presence of Christ through the Resurrection.

Patty Masson resides in Spring, Texas.

Feast of Saint Stephen

Scripture:

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

Reflection:

Today is the day after. All the build-up. The anticipation. The nervousness but also the wonder.

I am not referring to yesterday’s Christmas celebration. I am referring to the Birth of Jesus.

As Mary, Joseph, a few tired shepherds—and maybe the innkeeper checking in on things—recover from the events surrounding the birth of this child, like every other set of new parents, they are likely asking, “What now?”

That’s maybe the question we should take time today to ponder. “What now?” What do we do with this annual celebration of the Son of God entering into our world, into our hearts? What difference does it make really? How do we live our lives differently because of this birth?

Rather than be a day of wrapping up Christmas (pun intended), pulling down the tree, shutting off the seemingly incessant Christmas songs (since Thanksgiving!), and returning gifts we really did not want or need, it might be a good time to sit and ponder, “What now?” It is not a question with a definitive answer. Mary and Joseph certainly could not see the future, nor can we. But this question is not a “let’s wait and see” question, either. It is a question that begs us to be attentive, to listen, to anticipate how the Spirit is going to lead us. We get a glimmer of this attentiveness in the gospel stories of Joseph having mysterious dreams and of warnings from visiting wise men.

“What now?” is a question that opens us to the possibilities perhaps yet known. Maybe all those plans we lay out for ourselves may have to be adjusted by listening to the Spirit. Maybe you who are parents have had to forego hopes and expectations only to be amazed at the graciousness of God in the life of your children. The saying that is often attributed to St. Theresa of Avila may be appropriate on this “day after:” “God writes straight with crooked lines.” Mary and Joseph had to trust. So should we.

So, a new year awaits us, probably with some grace-filled surprises.

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.

Christmas Day

Scripture:

Isaiah 52:7-10
Hebrews 1:1-6
John 1:1-18

Reflection:

Christmas is here!

When we look at the readings for Midnight Mass on Christmas, it might be understandable to overlook the second reading from Paul’s letter to Titus (2:11-14). I like this reading, not so much for Christmas, but what I think it says about our relationship to the salvation of the world. In the first verse from our passage, St. Paul writes: “Beloved: the grace of God has appeared, saving all and training us to reject godless ways and worldly desires and to live temperately, justly, and devoutly in this age, as we await the blessed hope, the appearance of the glory of our great God and savior Jesus Christ…” What this says to me is that we believe that Jesus came for the salvation of all, and instead of concerning ourselves about whether “they” should get in or not, we have been given the grace to “reject godless ways and worldly desires.”

How does Christmas “train” us to “reject godless ways?” As we’ve been hearing all through Advent, Christmas trains us to base our hope in God. We do not put our hope in violence or military might. Listen again to these words from our first reading (Isaiah 9:1-6): “The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light; upon those who dwelt in the land of gloom a light has shone…For the yoke that burdened them, the pole on their shoulder, and the rod of their taskmaster you have smashed, as on the day of Midian. For every boot that tramped in battle, every cloak rolled in blood, will be burned as fuel for flames.” Oh! How I wish that day would come!

We do not put our hope in economic wealth or influence. To whom do the angels appear to announce the “good news of great joy” that the Savior has come? Not the high and the mighty and the influencers! No, the shepherds! The shepherds on the night watch, no less! And where is this newborn Savior to be found? Not in some palace or the corridors of power, but lying in a manger in a stable! From such humble beginnings, and an ignominious death, this baby would grow and free us from sin and death! Our hope is in Him!

Christmas trains us to act in love, not react in hate or fear. The very birth of Jesus is an act of love. God’s love for us. Mary’s “Yes” and Joseph’s “Yes” to God were acts of love. We cannot earn the joy and hope of this day. We do not deserve it. But we can respond to it, by loving as Jesus loves!

May Christmas “train” us to be “eager to do good!”

Merry Christmas and a Blessed New Year!

Fr. Phil Paxton, C.P., is the local superior of the Passionist Community in Birmingham, Alabama. 

Christmas Eve

Scripture:

2 Samuel 7:1-5, 8b-12, 14a, 16
Luke 1:67-79

Reflection:

Christmas and Saint Joseph

There is an old medieval painting showing the engagement ceremony between Mary and Joseph.  We see in the painting two very upset suitors who were turned down and lost their request for Mary’s hand.  Joseph must have been a very happy young man to get the most beautiful, good-hearted, and affectionate young woman the world has ever seen!  I am sure he thought he won the lottery.  It was the dream of every young Jewish man to have such a bride.  He hoped to have beautiful children.  He considered himself blessed by also having such a successful and secure job as a tradesman.

But soon all these wonderful dreams were shattered.  Pope Francis observed that Joseph’s discovery that Mary was expecting a child that was not his must have created “shock, pain, confusion, perhaps even irritation and disappointment.” Joseph even seriously thought about quietly divorcing Mary!

An angel had to intervene!  “Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary as your wife; for the Child who has been conceived in her is of the Holy Spirit. “She will bear a Son; and you shall call His name Jesus, for He will save His people from their sins.” Mt 1:20f   In the inspired Greek text the word “take” is the very strong and loving word “paralombano” which means ‘to welcome, to receive, to acceptwith a warm heart! 

The shattered dream became an unbelievable blessing.   Mary was given to Joseph as a companion!  She is the most incredible purely human being that God ever made!  Theirs was a union that far exceeded any marriage!   Joseph was made the only earthly father that Jesus ever had.  Jesus was so fond of His foster father that every prayer He said to His Heavenly Father always began with the word Father!  Jesus described God as Father more than any other title.  Jesus must have been really impressed with Joseph!   Joseph’s occupation and business of carpentry gave way to the most important job any father could have.   He lovingly and carefully cared for the most important family the world would ever see!

Christmas is a wonderful feast of hope.  If so many of our dreams seem to get shattered, we must remember, like Joseph, that they are not lost!  On the contrary shattered dreams become much higher Horizons in the marvelous Providence of God!

Fr. Bob Weiss, C.P. preaches Parish Missions and is a member of the Passionist Community in Louisville, Kentucky.

Scripture:

Malachi 3:1-4, 23-24
Luke 1:57-66

Reflection:

I am writing this reflection on December 19, when our Gospel reading is the appearance of the angel Gabriel to Zechariah, and the angel tells him that Elizabeth, his wife, will conceive and bear a child in answer to their prayers. Because Zechariah asks a question, the angel takes it as evidence of disbelief and renders Zechariah mute.

In today’s Gospel reading, Elizabeth has conceived, and the child is born. When the relatives come to the circumcision of the baby, they plan to name him after his father. But Elizabeth tells them he will be named John. The relatives do not understand this and ask Zechariah. When he writes affirming what Elizabeth says, his mouth is opened, and he praises God.

I find myself wondering about this. I’m not so sure I would be praising God after so long a punishment. But then, I thought, what if Zechariah really doubted the angel’s words, and then saw that it all had happened as he was told it would. Would he not simply praise God for all that God had done?

We may have doubts, and it may be hard at times to see God working in our lives, but God does so, even when we can’t feel anything. And so, like Zechariah, we ultimately come to simply praising God. When the relatives witness Zechariah being able to speak and praising God, they wonder about this baby who was born only eight days prior: “What, then, will this child be?” And Luke concludes: “For surely the hand of God was with him.”

It may not always seem so, but the hand of God is with us. We can enter into the celebration of Christmas with our questions and our hurts and our wondering. But God is with us through it all, and Jesus’ birth reminds us of God’s love and power and faithfulness. Blessed be God!

Fr. Phil Paxton, C.P., is the local superior of the Passionist Community in Birmingham, Alabama.