2 January 2020 - Christmas weekday - Memorial of St Basil the Great and St Gregory Nazianzen - Bishops and Doctors of the Church - 1 John 2:22-28, Psalm 98:1, 2-3AB, 3CD-4

     We hear a very strong opening in our first reading today, as the writer asks:  Who is the liar?  We hear the word “liar” being hurled at people a lot in politics and in social media, don’t we?  I strikes me as to how uncivil our public discourse has become. But, I think this question in our reading today is there to get our attention, to show what a travesty it is to deny our faith. A couple of times, it states in the reading the importance of remaining in Christ.  For if we remain in his, his truth with remain in us.  

     We honor two men from the Early Church today, two Bishops that have had such a profound affect on our faith that they were named Doctors of the Church.  St Basil the Great, the Bishop of Caesarea, and Gregory Nazianzen, the Archbishop of Constantinople, lived back in the 4th century.  Basil and Gregory are two very interesting figures from the Early Church.  They met when Gregory joined a monastic group that Basil had started.  Until Basil’s rule of life, the monks operated hospitals and guest houses and worked outside in the community.  Both of them left the monastic life and became Bishops.  As Bishop of Caesarea, Basil stood strong against the Arian heresy, which denied the divinity of Christ. His writings on the Trinity are also quite famous. He also promoted the independence of the Church from the secular Roman government.  Basil also was well-know for his works of charity and mercy with the poor.  Gregory was a defender of these same doctrines.  He became the Archbishop of Constantinople when that important Church seat needed to be re-established after it had be overly influenced by these heretical teachings.  

     In the Second Vatican Council, many people forget that not only did our Church leaders want us to read the signs of the times and dialogue with the modern world, but they also challenged us to look back to the Church Mothers and Fathers and to the faith that the apostles passed down to us.  As we celebrate St Basil the Great and St Gregory Nazianzen today, let us united our prayers with theirs, for the courage to live out our faith in the modern world.  

1 January 2019 - Solemnity of Mary, the Mother of God - Luke 2:16-21

      Today, as we do every January 1 to commemorate the beginning of the year, we give honor to Mary, the Mother of God and our Mother.  In the Second Vatican Council, in the document Lumen Gentium, the Church declared that we the faithful, as we try to overcome the sins that entrap us and strive to reach everyday holiness, we are called to seek live out the theological virtues of faith, hope, and charity.  These virtues are most perfectly exemplified for us in the life of our Blessed Mother.  Thus, we the faithful should desire to be like Mary in our daily lives of holiness.  Mary, in her love for her son, Jesus, looks to bring all the faithful into a fuller relationship with him in her role not only as Jesus’ mother, the mother of God, but also as the everlasting Mother of all humanity. Mary, the Mother of God, the solemnity we celebrate today, comes from a title given to Mary as during the Council of Ephesus in the year 431.  This title came through discussion about Jesus being both God and man.  Thus, as always, the identity of Mary and her role in our lives, is always intrinsically tied to her son and the salvation we achieve through him as the Son of God.  

      One thing I love about Pope Francis is his close relationship with Mary.  Pope Francis had been a pilgrim many times to the important Marian pilgrimage of Our Lady of Luján, a statue that arrived in Argentina in the early 17th century, located in a basilica just west of Buenos Aires.  Also, it is well-known that before he embarks on his international travels, Pope Francis prays at the icon of the Blessed Mary entitled Salus Populi Romani, the Protectress of the Roman People, a 6th century Byzantine icon located in the Basilica of St Mary Major in Rome.  He does so to entrust his travels to her and to give thanks to her.   Pope Francis asserts that Mary is not to be just a look to our past.  Rather she give our Church the feel of home, a home in which the God of newness dwells.  Indeed, the Pope says that we should see Mary as someone we turn to in times of difficulty, when our lives are entangled in knots.  That term Francis uses, entangled in knots, alludes to a painting of Our Lady of Knots, located in a small chapel in Bavaria, that Pope Francis visited as a young priest while he studied in Germany.  He loves the image of Mary helping us untie the knots that ensnare us in life.  

       I love the passage we hear about Mary today, how when the shepherds brought her a message, she “kept all these things, reflecting on them in her heart.”  This shows Mary’s care, compassion, and humanity, how she ponders, reflects, and prays in order to gain wisdom and understanding.  This is certainly a great message that we can learn from Mary today.  

      Traditionally, this is also the day the Pope issues a special prayer for peace.  His message for today is entitled: “PEACE AS A JOURNEY OF HOPE: DIALOGUE, RECONCILIATION AND ECOLOGICAL CONVERSION.”  It a world so divided and full of contention and discord, where there is very little listening and seeing the other’s point of view, his call to dialogue and reconciliation as a bridge to peace is a message that is badly needed in our world today.  Blessings to all of you in the new year of 2020.  May Mary accompany us with her prayers and her motherly love as we journey forth in the new year today.  

Quote on Everyday Holiness - Pope Francis

To be holy does not require being a bishop, a priest or a religious. We are frequently tempted to think that holiness is only for those who can withdraw from ordinary affairs to spend much time in prayer. That is not the case. We are all called to be holy by living our lives with love and by bearing witness in everything we do, wherever we find ourselves.

Pope Francis - Apostolic Exhortation: Gaudete et Exsultate - Rejoice and Be Glad - paragraph 14

I spoke about everyday holiness in my homily this Sunday on the feast of the Holy Family.  One of the great things Pope Francis has done is to discuss holiness in everyday terms, to challenge all Christians to lives of holiness.  This is different from what I remember being taught as a child and a youth, putting the saints on a pedestal and thinking that one had to be a perfect saint in order to live a life of holiness.  However, holiness is a value that should inspire all of us.  

Quote from the Catholic Extension Society

On the box of calendars from the Catholic Extension Society - I saw the following quote: 

Building faith - inspiring hope - igniting change.  

I really like this quote.  We all should inspire to build faith in our lives and in the lives of others.  We should inspire hope in our world and our actions.  And our faith should ignite change and transformation.  

Quote from the Camino of St James

You walk on the camino with the soles of your shoes.  You walk into the camino with your soul.  

I have heard this quote from several different sources.  What I like about it is that we can through life just superficially or on the surface, or we can really put our soul into it.  Pilgrimage can change and transform our souls if we let it.  That is what attracts me to pilgrimage.  

Quote - Father Junipero Serra

Siempre adelante - nunca para atrás.

Move forward - never turn back. 

Having grown up in southern California in my teenage years, the California missions and their history were an important part of the history of this state.  What I have learned from Father Serra and his contributions as a missionary is that the state of California would be a very different place today without Father Serra's influence.  I read a book about Father Serra recently.  The author, who teaches at a Catholic school in northern California, feels like people are bullying the memory of Father Serra with the criticism he is receiving recently from secular society.  Like that author, I can say without any apologies necessary that Father Serra is a hero of mine and a profound example of faith for me.  Father Serra in now a saint in our Catholic faith.  The courage and strength that his quote expresses should be an inspiration to us in our lives of faith.  

Prayers of the faithful - the Feast of the Holy Family - 29 December 2019

Penitential Rite:

Lord Jesus - You are the glory of Israel - Lord have mercy. 

Christ Jesus - You are the awaited Messiah - Christ have mercy. 

Lord Jesus - You are the Son of Mary - Lord have mercy. 

PRIEST: As we celebrate the Holy Family in a special way today, let us bring our prayers to God, who showers blessings upon all his sons and daughters.

1. For the members of the Christian family, that they may have joy and peace throughout the Christmas season. 

2. For the families of our community, that members of our families may learn to give way to each other in tolerance and respect and work towards healing and reconciliation.  

3. For families where there is hurt and difficulty, that those who have suffered may find healing. 

4. For families which live with illness and frailty, that those called to be care givers may be filled with gentleness and patience. 

5. For families who are homeless, that political leaders work toward providing affordable housing.  

6.  For the members of our families who have died, and for all those we knew who died during 2019.  As we lift them up in our prayers, we pray that the light of heaven may be theirs.

PRIEST: O God, your care for your family is constant: hear the prayers we make in faith and trust through your son Jesus Christ, our Lord for ever and ever.  AMEN.  

Quote - pilgrimage

We go on pilgrimage not to escape life, 
but that life will not escape us.  

(I saw this quote on the American pilgrims on the Camino website.  I really like this quote a lot.  I think that this perspective shows why pilgrimage has become so popular amongst pilgrims and people of other faith traditions in recent years.)  

I am going to try to post quotes on my blog each day, quotes that inspire me and that bring me hope.  These are one of the resolutions I am making this year.  

Prayers of the faithful - Mary, Mother of God - 1 January 2020

Penitential Rite: 

Lord Jesus, you are mighty God and Prince of Peace: Lord, have mercy.

Lord Jesus, you are Son of God and Son of Mary: Christ, have mercy.

Lord Jesus, you are Word made flesh and splendor of the Father: Lord, have mercy. 

Prayers of the faithful:  

PRIEST:  God graciously blesses all of humanity.  We now bring forward our needs to God with confidence:

1. That those who follow Christ may remain faithful throughout this New Year. 

2. That all who worship God – in churches, synagogues and mosques – may grow in respect and tolerance for each other. 

3. That peace may soon come in all the warn-torn corners of our world. 

4. That we may continue to work for peace with justice. 

5. That Mary the Mother of God may be an example to all of us of patience, compassion, and love.  

6. That this New Year may bring fresh enthusiasm and strong growth to this community. 

7. That perpetual light may shine on all our dearly departed, especially those who have passed away in the year of 2019.  We pray for the repose of their soles.  

PRIEST: Gracious God, you bless your people with peace and justice: accept our prayers and give us your help, through your son Jesus Christ, our Lord forever and ever. Amen.

29 December 2019 – The Feast of the Holy Family – Sirach 3:2-6, 12-14, Colossians 3:12-21, Matthew 2:13-15, 19-23

      Today is the first Sunday of our Christmas season.  Even though the Christmas season is only 2 ½ weeks long in our Church’s liturgical year, we have a group of special celebrations within this time.  Today we celebrate the Feast of the Holy Family. Then, we celebrate the Solemnity of Mary, the Holy Mother of God on January 1. Then the feast of the Epiphany and the Baptism of the Lord are the next two Sundays. As we celebrate Mary, Joseph, and Jesus as the Holy Family in today’s Gospel reading from Matthew, we think back to the 4th Sunday of Advent, when we heard about the Angel of the Lord coming to Joseph in a dream, telling him about the upcoming birth of Jesus. In today’s Gospel, the Angel appears to Joseph again in a series of dreams after the birth of Jesus, giving him instructions as to what he needs to do in order to protect and take care of his family.  When we think about the feast of the Holy Family that we celebrate today, we probably think about the harmony and nurturing of the families in which we grew up, and if we are adults, the families that we are developing now ourselves. In the other readings we hear today, we hear of attributes that we should aspire to in our families: honoring and obeying our parents, and showing compassion, kindness, humility, and patience toward one another in our families.

       The one word that struck me when I was thinking about today’s celebration was the word “holy.”  We celebrate the holy family today, but what does it mean to be holy?  We throw the word “holy” around so much when we talk about faith – we even sign the “Holy Holy” every time we celebrate mass together.  But, perhaps we are not quite sure what the word “holy” really means for us as followers of Christ. Many believers may mistakenly believe that to be holy, we need to run away from the world.  Or that to be holy we need to be in church praying on our knees all day long or praying the rosary every hour of the day.  However, being holy doesn’t mean walking around with a halo, not being allowed to have any fun, or despising the things of this world.  Being holy is not about withdrawing from the world or about being stoic all the time.  Rather being holy brings us life and refines who we are as human beings.  Being holy does not put a damper on our emotions, but rather elevates them.  Holy people are probably the most joyful people you can meet.

       On our journey of faith as Catholics, we are called to attend mass, to spend time in prayer and in spiritual formation, to do good works of charity and mercy as fruits of our faith.  However, none of those things are what really define holiness.  Holiness is all about how we respond to God’s call for us in our lives, how we are guided by the Holy Spirit.  Mary, Joseph, and Jesus were led by God in their lives, as they traveled to Egypt and to other places as part of God’s plan for them, as they then returned to Nazareth where Jesus was raised by his parents in the Jewish faith. In the spirit of the way Mary, Joseph, and Jesus lived their lives in holiness, we are called to be holy as well, to live each moment of our lives in what God is calling it to be, in living with the goal of being a disciple of Christ in the forefront of our minds. In holiness, we are to surrender to God’s will and we to desire to have our faith in the center of our lives. In our call to holiness, one of the most important things is knowing when to say yes in life and knowing when to say no. In holiness, we engage in life. Like we saw in Mary, Joseph, and Jesus, in the way they lived in holiness, we are called to engage in life in all of its difficulties, its struggles, and its tensions, but we are to do so in a way that reflects the fidelity we have to the will of God. 

Advent prayer - adapted from a prayer from Catholic Relief Services

We had Advent prayer services with the priests of our Diocese this year.  At the end of our prayer service, we prayed an Advent prayer written by Catholic Relief Services.  I have adapted that prayer below:

Loving Jesus,
in your name, we mark this holy season:
As we bring forth light to defy the claims of darkness in the world,
As we bring forth joy and song to defy the claims of sadness,
As we bring forth a spirit of generosity to defy the claims of want,
As we bring forth peace to defy the claims of war.

In the darkest, saddest, most violent, most wanting corner of the world,
we all are called to look toward Bethlehem,
where in the humblest of circumstances,
in a time of repression,
in the person of a poor humble maiden from Nazareth,
in the dirtiness of the manger,
in the form of a vulnerable child,
you came to be among us and to say:
"There is indeed light in the world."

Let us be a light to others.
Let us be the fruit of the branch of Jesse's tree.
Let us be bearers of the gift of your grace.
Let us defy all the false claims on your people and on your dignity.

May we be born anew, in this season and every season,
in this age and in every age,
in this land and in every land.
in our hearts and in every human hearts.

Maranatha!
Come, Lord Jesus, come. 
AMEN.

29 de diciembre de 2019 – La Sagrada Familia – Sirácide 3,2-6, 12-14, Colosenses 3,12-21, Mateo 2,13-15, 19-23

     En nuestro mundo, muchas personas piensan que la celebración  de navidad termina con la misa en el 25 de diciembre.  Pero, en realidad, la navidad es un tiempo litúrgico en la Iglesia muy rico con muchas celebraciones – este temporada empieza con las misas de la Noche Buena y del día de Navidad.  En este tiempo de navidad, celebramos la Sagrada Familia, María – la Madre de Nuestro Señor, la Epifanía – que es la celebración de los tres reyes magos, y el bautismo de Nuestro Señor.  Hoy, en nuestra celebración de la Sagrada Familia – María, José, y Jesús – escuchamos el Evangelio de San Mateo, y podemos recordar el cuarto domingo del Adviento, cuando escuchamos sobre la visita del Ángel de Dios a San José sobre la nacimiento de su hijo que viene. Hoy, escuchamos sobre la visita del Ángel a San José en un sueno otra vez, con instrucciones que él necesita hacer para proteger a su familia.  Cuando reflexionamos en la fiesta de la Sagrada Familia, probablemente pensamos en la harmonía de nuestras familias que es un valor muy importante.  En las otras lecturas de hoy, escuchamos sobre las características que debemos tener en nuestra familia.  Sirácide dice que debemos tener el respeto y la reverencia con nuestras familias, que necesitamos obedecer a nuestros padres.  También, San Pablo nos explica que como miembros de una familia de fe, debemos mostrar la compasión, la humildad, y la paciencia a nuestro prójimo.

      Hay dos palabras que podemos mirar en esta celebración hoy día – son las palabras “santo” y “sagrado.” Celebramos la Sagrada Familia hoy – pero que significa para ser “santo” o ser “sagrado?”  Usamos la palabra “santo” en nuestras vidas – cantamos el “Santo Santo” en la misa cada domingo – pero tal vez no estamos seguro en el significado de la palabra “santo”  y la palabra “sagrada” para nosotros como seguidores de Cristo.  Muchos creyentes podemos creer que “santo” significa “ser aparte del mundo.”  O pensamos que para ser santos, necesitamos orar de rodilla todo el día.  Para ser “santo” no significa que caminamos todo el día con un aura, que no podemos tener diversión en nuestra vida.  Para vivir una vida santa, no necesitamos estar estoicos, pero para ser santos, esta característica de santidad puede refinar y definir nuestra identidad como seres humanos.  Para ser santos, no necesitamos negar nu estras emociones.  Al contrario - ser santos eleva nuestras emociones.  En muchos sentidos, una persona santa es la persona mas gozosa del mundo.

      En nuestro camino de fe como católicos, tenemos la llamada de asistir a la misa cada domingo, de orar y formarnos en nuestra espiritualidad, y de hacer obras de caridad y misericordia como frutos de nuestra fe.  Pero, nada de eso es la definición de santidad.   La santidad es la manera que podemos responder a la llamada de Dios, la manera que el Espíritu Santo nos guía en nuestro camino.  Dios guiaba a María, José, y Jesús en su llamada para ellos, en su viaje a Egipto y a otros lugares como parte del plan que Dios tiene para ellos, en su regreso a Nazaret donde Jesús creció con sus padres en la fe judía.  En el espíritu de María, José, y Jesús, en el espíritu que ellos vivían en santidad, tenemos esta llamada de santidad también, para vivir cada momento en nuestra vida en esta llamada, para vivir en la meta de ser discípulo de Cristo en el frente de nuestra mente.  En santidad, rendimos a la voluntad de Dios en nuestro deseo de recibir esta santidad como don de Dios.  En nuestra llamada de santidad, uno de las cosas mas importante es para conocer cuando necesitamos decir “si” y cuando necesitamos decir “no” en nuestra vida. Como María, José, y Jesús, en la manera que ellos vivieron en santidad, seguimos nuestro camino en todas sus dificultades, en todas sus luchas, y en todas sus tensiones, pero como reflexión de la fidelidad que tenemos en la voluntad de Dios.

Fourth Sunday of Advent Reflection - 22 December 2019 - by Deacon Candidate Mark Bowden

     “Go in peace” we were told as we left the church I was visiting recently.  We sang a recessional hymn and walked towards the door.  The young Hispanic woman in front of me dipped her hand in the holy water fount, and I then did likewise.  Though I do not know who she is, we share a common faith, the Catholic faith.

      Before Mass, as part of studying for the diaconate, we had a meeting with the parish priest and a young woman that I’ll call Bianca.  We were meeting with Bianca and Father prior to Mass to discuss the fallout from the ICE (Immigration and Customs Enforcement) raids that happened at a nearby chicken processing factory.  Approximately 120 men were arrested and taken away for being here illegally, leaving their non-working wives and children behind.  While it’s easy to turn this issue into a political issue, I hope we all can view it from a humanitarian perspective.  With the men gone, the women and children have no means of support, save the kindness of churches, their members and anonymous donors.

      There is a relatively simple solution to this dilemma.  We can gather up the women and children, line them up against a fence, and shoot them all.  Problem solved, right?  I hope that you find that provocative response absurd, and it is.  But the reality is that if we turn a blind eye to this very real issue, the women and children may perish any way, or devolve into criminal activity.  Everyone that I have talked to about this, whether they lie on the left or right side of the political aisle know that the immigrant situation is complicated, and that’s true.  I do not have a great answer to the problem.  But one thing I am sure of is that the solution is NOT to split these families apart.

     Advent has been a time of preparation and anticipation of the Prince of Peace.  As we “Go in peace” today and every day, I hope that you will set political agendas aside and ask yourself how the Prince of Peace would respond to the plight of our brothers and sisters who just want better lives for themselves and their families.

Reflection for Saturday of the 3rd week in Advent - 20 December 2019 - by Seminarian Andre

     In the Office of Readings from the Liturgy of the Hours for today, we are given a beautiful commentary written by the bishop Saint Ambrose on the account of Mary’s visitation with Elizabeth from Luke’s Gospel. First, a little context: When Gabriel appeared to Mary announcing that she would have a son, Gabriel also told her that Elizabeth, Mary’s cousin, is already pregnant despite being thought to be barren from her age. The angel tells her this as a sign of the truth in the message. St. Ambrose writes that Mary’s encounter with God’s message immediately compels her to action. He adds that her immediate trip to Elizabeth is not caused by doubt. She was not going to fact-check the angel, but rather out of faith to assist her relative.

      Ambrose then looks at the meeting between the cousins. While Mary greets Elizabeth, the child in Elizabeth’s womb greets the savior within Mary. So attuned to grace is the child John. Ambrose writes of the meeting, “She is aware of Mary’s presence, but he is aware of the Lord’s: a woman aware of a woman’s presence, the forerunner aware of the pledge of our salvation. The women speak of the grace they have received while the children are active in secret, unfolding the mystery of love with the help of their mothers, who prophesy by the spirit of their sons. The child leaps in the womb; the mother is filled with the Holy Spirit, he fills his mother with the same Spirit. John leaps for joy, and the spirit of Mary rejoices in her turn. When John leaps for joy Elizabeth is filled with the Holy Spirit, but we know that though Mary’s spirit rejoices she does not need to be filled with the Holy Spirit. Her son, who is beyond our understanding, is active in his mother in a way beyond our understanding.”

      Ambrose concludes by drawing a comparison between Mary by whose “yes” to God allowed for the birth of Christ, and everyone whose little “yeses” continue to allow Christ to be actively present in the world today. May we as this Advent season draws to a close strive to more perfectly be images of Christ in the world. “Let Mary’s soul be in each of you to proclaim the greatness of the Lord. Let her spirit be in each to rejoice in the Lord. Christ has only one mother in the flesh, but we all bring forth Christ in faith.”

Refection on Advent and St Francis of Assisi - Friday - 20 December 2019 - By Cathy Hayden

      The Adult Faith Formation class on Sunday morning for several weeks has watched Bishop Robert Barron’s video series on Pivotal Players in which he profiles key figures in the church who have significantly shaped Catholicism. The series has been enlightening, both intellectually and spiritually.

      One of the most fascinating segments so far in my opinion was on St. Francis of Assisi, whom we tend to think of as a charming figure who loved animals and birds, sort of a Medieval Doctor Doolittle. Don’t we usually see him pictured with a bird on his shoulder and an animal at his feet?

      St. Francis of Assisi, in actuality, was anything but quaint and charming. As Bishop Barron taught us, Francis was a rather fierce ascetic. He had visions in which he was told to “rebuild my church.” He lived in extreme deprivation and poverty. He preached to the animals and birds. People thought he was crazy. He lived a life in imitation of Christ that few of us would aspire to.

      But in this Advent season, we might particularly honor St. Francis of Assisi and thank him for one of the contributions to our Christian faith that helps us to focus on “the reason for the season” amidst all the materialism and chaos of the days leading up to Christmas Day. St. Francis of Assisi is credited with the first Christmas creche, what we commonly call the Nativity scene.

       Probably just like for many of you, for me carefully placing my Nativity scene out in a place of honor, surrounded by candles, is a hallmark of Advent. It’s a deeply cherished tradition. Each year, I visit the gift shop at Carmelite to add a piece to my collection and both of my daughters’ collections. It’s a signal that Advent has begun.

      According to tradition, St. Francis created the first Nativity on Christmas Eve in 1223. It is believed he was inspired by a recent trip to the Holy Land. The first Nativity scene was inside of a cave in Greccio, Italy. The tradition quickly spread throughout Italy.

      St. Bonaventure, who lived at the same time as Francis and wrote a biography of him, tells the story this way:

It happened in the third year before his death, that in order to excite the inhabitants of Grecio to commemorate the nativity of the Infant Jesus with great devotion, [St. Francis] determined to keep it with all possible solemnity; and lest he should be accused of lightness or novelty, he asked and obtained the permission of the sovereign Pontiff. Then he prepared a manger, and brought hay, and an ox and an ass to the place appointed.

The brethren were summoned, the people ran together, the forest resounded with their voices, and that venerable night was made glorious by many and brilliant lights and sonorous psalms of praise.

       Soon St. Jude will participate in this annual tradition with our own Nativity scene in the front of the church. Each year, I delight in watching the children pause to gaze at it in wonder, much as I do at home with my own smaller version.

       As you enjoy yours at home, say a prayer of thanks for St. Francis of Assisi starting this wonderful tradition.

Reflection for Christmas Day - first chapter of the Gospel of John By Cathy Hayden

      Throughout Advent we have been eagerly anticipating Christmas Day, the day we celebrate the birth of the baby Jesus to Mary and Joseph. 

      Our Gospel readings over the last few days of Advent have been from Matthew and Luke. These stories anticipate Jesus’ birth. They tell of events leading up to his birth and the circumstances of his birth. We recall Zechariah and Elizabeth and the anticipation of their child who is John the Baptist, the messenger who one day paves the way. We recall the meeting of Mary and Elizabeth and their love and support of each other. We recall Joseph’s dilemma when he learns Mary is with child. And we recall their trip to Bethlehem where Jesus comes into the world.

       During the Advent season we think of Jesus as the little baby born in a stable of Bethlehem, wrapped in swaddling clothes and laid in a manger. 

       But on Christmas Day, the day we celebrate his coming, our Gospel reading is from neither Matthew nor Luke. We are no longer anticipating the birth of a tiny baby born to human parents. We are instead reminded that Jesus is so much more. 

       Our Christmas Day Gospel is one of the most well-known and most poetic Scriptures – the first chapter of the Gospel of John. 

In the beginning was the Word,

and the Word was with God,

and the Word was God.

He was in the beginning with God.

All things came to be through him,

and without him nothing came to be.

What came to be through him was life,

and this life was the light of the human race; 

The light shines in the darkness, 

and the darkness has not overcome it.

A few verses later it says:

And the Word became flesh

and made his dwelling among us …

The Gospel of John reminds us today that although Jesus came into the world as a baby at a particular time and particular place, he has really always been with us and remains with us. Jesus, born of Mary, and the Word, the Son of God for all eternity, are not two different persons, but are the same. He always was, is and always will be.

We rejoice today not only for the birth of the human baby Jesus but also for the incarnation, the Word, the light of the world, who was made flesh, who dwells within us and who is always with us. Thanks be to God!

24 December 2019 - Tuesday in the 4th week in Advent - Luke 1:67-79 - by Father Lincoln

Our parishioner Cathy Hayden wrote a reflection for December 24.  I had also written one on the Canticle of Zechariah for that day before she volunteered to do so.  They both give different perspectives.  So here is my reflection below: 

Every morning, many of the Catholic faithful pray the Canticle of Zechariah in morning prayer of the liturgy of the hours.  Here are the words of Zechariah that we hear on the day that we celebrate Christmas Eve: 

"Blessed be the Lord, the God of Israel;

for he has come to his people and set them free.

He has raised up for us a mighty Savior,

born of the house of his servant David.

Through his prophets he promised of old

that he would save us from our enemies,

from the hands of all who hate us.

He promised to show mercy to our fathers

and to remember his holy covenant.

This was the oath he swore to our father Abraham:

to set us free from the hand of our enemies,

free to worship him without fear,

holy and righteous in his sight

all the days of our life.

You, my child, shall be called the prophet of the Most High,

for you will go before the Lord to prepare his way,

to give his people knowledge of salvation

by the forgiveness of their sins.

In the tender compassion of our God

the dawn from on high shall break upon us,

to shine on those who dwell in darkness and the shadow of death,

and to guide our feet into the way of peace.”

      Zechariah, the father of John the Baptist, was not allowed to speak by God for many months, since he did not believe the message that was told to him about the upcoming birth of his son.  When Zechariah finally accepts the will of God in his life and in the life of his son, he is able to speak.  The first words that Zechariah speaks is a blessing of the name of the Lord.  Zechariah praises God and thanks him for coming to his people and setting them free by raising up a Mighty Savior, who will be our Lord Jesus Christ. Zechariah, through his canticle of praise, prophesies that Jesus will be the one who will lead humanity to salvation.  He will be the one who will free humanity from sin.  He will be the one who will be a light shinning in the darkness.  He will be the one who will guide humanity to peace. Taking the message of the Canticle of Zechariah into the context of commemoration of the holy season of Advent, Jesus should be the center of our Advent preparations, the center of our celebration of Christmas.  Of course, we say.  But with all the mixed messages we hear in our world today, with the secular meaning of this season bombarding each from many corners, that is easier said than done.  In the second part of his song of praise to God, Zechariah looks at his own son, John the Baptist, and prophesies that John will prepare the way of the Lord and prepare people for the coming.

      In the midst of our busy preparations for Christmas Eve and Christmas Day, let us use Zechariah as an example as we praise and glorify God.  Let us also see John the Baptist as an example of faith for us today, as we are called prepare our hearts and the hearts of our family members and friends to receive Jesus. Let us not forget to make Jesus the center and focus of our celebrations today and throughout the Christmas season.  

24 December 2019 - Christmas eve mass - Luke 2:1-14, Isaiah 9:1-6

At our Christmas Eve celebrations here at St Jude, we welcome all of you to St Jude.  We welcome all here, especially any visitors or out of town guests who are visiting us for mass tonight.  I hope you all feel a warm welcome from all of us.  We are glad you are all here celebrating with us this evening.  

On the night Jesus was born, Mary and Joseph arrived at the end of a long, tiring journey.  They had traveled approximately 90 miles on foot from Nazareth to Bethlehem.  I know that from my hiking days that 20 miles a day is a very long day.  And here Mary is traveling that distance, about to bear a child. 

       Imagine their disappointment when they found out that the journey would not end with a comfortable night’s sleep: there was no room for them at the inn. Still, the innkeeper offered the little he could give, which was to stay in his stable overnight.

       Our joyful Christmas celebration tonight ends our period of waiting and preparation.  We join with Christians around the world to celebrate this sacred night.  We ready our hearts for the arrival of Jesus on Christmas.  

       God born in a humble manger, in a trough where animal’s ate, in a stable in the little town of Bethlehem.  Would we have thought that God would be born there?  Who would have thought that God would take the form of this humble little baby?  

       And who were the first guests to greet the baby Jesus into the world?: the heavenly host of angels and shepherds watching their flock at night.  Not only did he come into that humble manger in the lost forgotten village far away from the great center of Jerusalem, but the first visitors, the shepherds, were outcasts in society, the last of the last.  There who open to receiving the news of Jesus' birth because they were on watch that night with their flock.  They were waiting and preparing.  

      The angel greeted the shepherds in the midst of their watch with these words: "Do not be afraid; for behold, I proclaim to you good news of great joy.”  That is what we the faithful are told on Christmas eve as well: “Do not afraid.  Open your hearts to the message of the Christ child with great joy.”  Out of love, our heavenly Father presents us the precious gift of his son, a gift of new life and salvation, a gift of love and peace, a gift of light and joy.  

      “The people who walk in darkness will see a great light. For those who live in a land of deep darkness, a light will shine.”  Isaiah proclaimed those words many centuries before the birth of Christ.  For us, Christ fulfills that prophesy of bringing light into our lives.  Light dawned at the beginning of the creation when God the Father looked at the dark abyss and proclaimed: “Let there be light.”  

        In many ways, we can say that light in the most important force in all of creation.  Without light, we cannot see and we cannot be seen.  Without light, we cannot, grow, we cannot grow, we cannot live, we cannot see the truth of the reality around us.  Light warms out bodies.  Light leads us to God.  

         Jesus, the little baby who was born in the manger in Bethlehem, brings a bright to our world.  He brings a bright light to our lives of faith.  In the midst of any darkness we experience in our lives, that light is there.  That light brings us hope.  

        Merry Christmas to all of you as we celebrate the birth of Christ tonight, as we celebrate the presence of Christ the light in our world.  

Prayers of the Faithful - Christmas season - Cycle A

Penitential rite - 

Lord Jesus - you are the light of the world - Lord have mercy. 

Christ Jesus - you are the Son of God and Son of Mary - Christ have mercy. 

Lord Jesus - you are the Savior of the world - Lord have mercy. 

PRIEST: With Christ’s light shining on us these days of the Christmas season, let us pray to God for our own needs, the needs of the church and the needs of the world.

1. For Christians everywhere: that they may be a source of light to a darkened world.

2. For world leaders: that Christ, the light of the world, may turn their minds and hearts to thoughts of peace, reconciliation and healing. 

3. For the sick and the lonely: that Christ who shared our humanity may renew their strength and rekindle their hope. 

4. For prisoners, the homeless, the unemployed, and those struggling with mental illness and addictions: that Christ’s light may penetrate their darkness. 

5. For those who are traveling this holiday season: that they may reach their destination safely. 

6. For those who are grieving the loss of a loved one: that the light of God’s consolation may shine on them.

7. For those who are away from home this Christmas: that they may know that they are not forgotten. Lord hear us

8. For our families: that Christmas may find them united in love.

9. For the prayers we hold in our hearts.  

PRIEST:   God of love and mercy, may your Son scatter the darkness of the world and make it radiant with his light. May we follow him faithfully and come to the light that shines forever. We ask this through Jesus Christ, our Lord forever and ever. 

22 de diciembre de 2019 – cuarto domingo de adviento – Mateo 1:18-24 - Ciclo A

      Hoy, el cuarto domingo de adviento, escuchamos un cuento sobre los días ante del nacimiento de Jesús en el Evangelio de San Mateo.  Pero este Evangelio no es según la perspectiva de María, la madre de nuestro Señor – es según la perspectiva de su esposo, José. 

       Antes del nacimiento de Jesús, María estaba “prometida" con José - significa que ellos están comprometidos para casarse, sin que hubieran llegado todavía a convivir juntos como esposos. María estaba embarazada, pero José no era el papa del bebé, porque ellos no tenían relaciones.  José tenía misericordia y paciencia con esta situación muy complicada.  Él escuchaba de los consejos del ángel que comunicaba con el en su sueño.  José tenía sus sueños y sus deseos y sus planes por su familia con María, pero también había el plan de Dios, la voluntad de Dios, y su plan de salvación.  

       El Ángel explicó a José en el sueño que el hijo de María se llamará Emmanuel, un nombre en hebreo que significa: “Dios con nosotros.”  Sabemos que significa “Emmanuel” para el pueblo de Israel.  Pero, cada persona, cada uno de nosotros, necesita reconocer que significa Emmanuel en nuestra vida – el significado que Dios es en verdad con nosotros. 

        Necesitamos reconocer que Dios está participando en nuestras vidas y en nuestra realidad.  Necesitamos reconocer que Dios viaja siempre con nosotros en nuestro camino, en el ritmo de nuestra vida.  El Señor queda con nosotros en las montañas y los valles de nuestra viaje.  Muchas personas en nuestro mundo no piensan que Dios está cercano; ellos piensan que Dios está lejano, que el no entra en nuestra vida.  Para ellos, Dios no es amor, no es misericordia – el es un castigador, un juez, y un rey. 

        Pero la realidad de Emmanuel, de Dios con nosotros, es un Dios que puede abrir nuestros corazones, que puede cambiar nuestras vidas. Es un Dios quién vivía con nosotros, que vivía con nosotros como ser humano.  El es Dios que todavía está con nosotros, caminando con nosotros en el mundo.  En verdad, Jesús está aquí – el es la culminación de las promesas de Dios para la humanidad entera.  En este ultimo domingo del adviento, estamos llamados para decir con sinceridad que Jesucristo es una realidad en nuestra vida.  Vamos a terminar la temporada de adviento con nuestra celebración de navidad en la Noche Buena este martes.  Demos gracias a Dios por estas semanas de adviento, de preparación y espera.  

Prayers of the faithful - 22 December 2019 - 4th Sunday of Advent - Cycle A

Penitential Rite: 

Lord Jesus - you are the Son of David - Lord have mercy. 

Christ Jesus - you are of the tree of Jesse - Christ have mercy. 

Lord Jesus - you are the seat of justice - Lord have mercy. 

Priest: As we near the end of the holy season of Advent, let us bring our prayers to the Lord, the King of Glory.

1. That all of our Church leaders lead us with courage and justice.  

2, That Christians may prepare their hearts to meet Christ in the holy season of Christmas. 

3. That the world may not forget the suffering of those who live in the midst of war, terrorism, violence, or uncertainty.  

4, That we may always bring peace and healing in our homes and in our families.  

5. That in the darkness of winter, the light of Christ may give hope to people who are battling depression, mental illness, and addictions.  

6. That bereaved and lonely people may have our support, at Christmas time. 

7. For those who have gone before us in faith,   that they may share in Christ’s resurrection from the dead.  We pray especially for Father Eddie Balser.  

Priest:  O God, yours is the earth and its fullness.  Bless your people by hearing the prayers we make today, through your Son Jesus Christ, our Lord forever and ever. Amen.

23 December 2019 - Monday of the fourth week of Advent - Reflection on the readings: Psalm 71: 3-6, 16-17 , Luke 1:5-25 - by Father Lincoln

        Today's readings give us a lot to think about as we continue our preparations during this Advent season with Christmas eve being celebrated tomorrow.  The psalmist prays today, “Lord, be my rock of refuge, a stronghold to give me safety, for you are my rock and my fortress. O my God, rescue me from the hand of the wicked.” As we prepare our hearts for the birth of Christ into our world, from what do we need to be rescued and from what do we need safety?  Are we so caught up in the busy whirlwind of the holiday season, in the materialism of our culture, so much so that the stillness and solitude that we can find in our relationship with God may be missing in our lives?  Is the message of hope and salvation that we are called to find in the birth of our Lord so detached from the reality of our daily lives?

         Then we hear about Zechariah's encounter with the Angel Gabriel in our reading from Luke’s Gospel today, about his questioning of Gabriel's announcement regarding the impending birth of Zechariah's son, John the Baptist.  Although he was a holy priest who blamelessly followed God's law, Zechariah  was made silent in order to ponder and reflect upon what the angel had told him.  Today's Gospel concludes with Elizabeth rejoicing at how the Lord has taken away the humiliation she had suffered for having been barren for so many years.  What are those things we need to ponder in our lives?  Is there any barrenness in our life of faith that is in need of God's redemption and grace?

         As we celebrate the final days of Advent in our preparation for Jesus' birth into our world, may our hearts be filled with joy and gladness. May we find refuge in the Lord and hear his voice crying out to us in the darkness. 

24 December 2019 - Reflection for Advent on the Canticle of Mary and the Canticle of Zechariah

by Cathy Hayden 

As modern-day Catholics, we are blessed to have access to many printed and digital daily reflections, devotionals, books and other aids to help us in our study and prayer so we can become closer to God, encounter Jesus and hear the voice of the Holy Spirit in our lives.

These become especially fulfilling to us in these waning days of Advent as we approach Christmas Day and the real beginning of the Christmas season. 

One I’m partial to is Give Us This Day Daily Prayer for Today’s Catholic, which is published by Liturgical Press in Collegeville, Minn.  In addition to the daily Mass readings with a reflection, Give Us This Day includes Morning and Evening prayers – a shortened version of what is called the “Divine Office” or “Liturgy of the Hours” – and Scriptures for Lectio Divina, a type of reflection and prayer that leads to a deeper understanding and spiritual awakening. 

As part of the daily Morning prayer, which includes a reading from Psalms and an Old Testament scripture for Lectio Divina, the Canticle (or hymn) of Zechariah is recited. As part of the Evening prayer, which includes Psalms and a New Testament scripture, the Canticle of Mary, more commonly known as the Magnificat, is recited. Both Canticles can be found at the end of this reflection.

Both of these Canticles come from the story of Jesus’ birth found in the first chapter of Luke. The Canticle of Mary is first in Luke, 1:46-55, as Mary is visiting with her cousin Elizabeth, who is also pregnant. 

It is Mary’s answer to Elizabeth when Elizabeth, filled with the Holy Spirit, feels her baby leap in her womb and says, “Most blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb,” which we recognize in the “Hail, Mary.”

The Canticle of Zechariah is in Luke 1:67-79, just after John the Baptist is born but before Jesus’ birth. In this year’s readings, we find the Canticle of Zechariah as the Christmas Eve morning Gospel. Both the Canticle of Zechariah and the Canticle of Mary are beautiful hymns of thanksgiving to God celebrating the coming Messiah.

As the days of Advent dwindle away and you are looking to renew your Advent joy, perhaps a Morning reading of the Canticle of Zechariah and an Evening reading of the Canticle of Mary, the Magnificat, can help you do that:

Canticle of Zechariah

Blessed be the Lord, the God of Israel;

he has come to his people and set them free.

He has raised up for us a mighty savior,

born of the house of his servant David.

Through his holy prophets he promised of old

that he would save us from our enemies,

from the hands of all who hate us.

He promised to show mercy to our fathers

and to remember his holy covenant.

This was the oath he swore to our father Abraham:

to set us free from the hands of our enemies,

free to worship him without fear,

holy and righteous in his sight

all the days of our life.

You, my child, shall be called

the prophet of the Most High;

for you will go before the Lord to prepare his way,

to give his people knowledge of salvation

by the forgiveness of their sins.

In the tender compassion of our Lord

the dawn from on high shall break upon us,

to shine on those who dwell in darkness

and the shadow of death,

and to guide our feet into the way of peace.

Glory to the Father,

and to the Son,

and to the Holy Spirit.

As it was in the beginning,

is now, and will be forever. Amen.

Canticle of Mary

My soul proclaims the greatness of the Lord,

my spirit rejoices in God my Savior

for he has looked with favor on His lowly servant.

From this day all generations will call me blessed:

the Almighty has done great things for me,

and holy is his Name.

He has mercy on those who fear him

in every generation.

He has shown the strength of his arm,

he has scattered the proud in their conceit.

He has cast down the mighty from their thrones,

and has lifted up the lowly.

He has filled the hungry with good things,

and the rich he has sent away empty.

He has come to the help of His servant Israel

for he has remembered his promise of mercy,

the promise he made to our fathers,

to Abraham and his children forever.

Glory to the Father,

and to the Son,

and to the Holy Spirit.

As it was in the beginning.

is now, and will be forever. Amen.