The Seventh Day in the Octave of Christmas

Commemoration of Saint Silvester I, Pope

Biographical Information about St. Silverter[1]

Readings for the Seventh Day in the Octave of Christmas[2]
Readings from the Jerusalem Bible

Commentary:

Reading 1 1 John 2:18-21

After telling his community that they were armed by their knowledge of Christ against evil, the Apostle now tells them that he hour is near. Christ has died and is risen and the second coming must be approaching. He warns them to be alert and watch out for the antichrist (This designation occurs only in the writings of St. John. In Matthew and Mark they are called false messiahs, in St. Paul’s letters the same person(s) is designated “lawless one”.) This group of “Antichrists” mentioned by the Biblical Authors seems to indicate a group of persons who were teaching falsely about Jesus.

St. John identifies these antichrists as individuals who schismatically leave the faith community, holding false premises. He then tells those who are faithful to be steadfast because they are anointed in the truth.

Responsorial Psalm Ps 96:1-2, 11-12, 13
R. Let the heavens be glad and the earth rejoice!

This song of praise exhorts the people to praise the Lord for his wondrous works of creation. The reason for this exhortation is that God will come to rule the earth with his justice. In this passage we see the forerunner of the understanding of the New Jerusalem – the Heavenly Kingdom.

Gospel John 1:1-18

The introduction of St. John’s Gospel is also used in the Feast of the Nativity of the Lord (Cycle A). It first provides the description of the relationship of God and Jesus who is the Logos – or word of God. The Word is light to the world and all things are subordinate to the Word because they were created by and through the Word.

St. John then introduces himself as one who came to testify to the light (now equivocated above with the Word). His message, like that of Jesus was not accepted by the very people created by the Lord. He goes on to say that those who accept Christ are adopted by God.

St. John then makes his own profession as he speaks of the incarnation of the eternal as “the word became flesh and made his dwelling among us.” His divinity is once more established as he says “…we saw his glory, the glory as of the Father’s only Son”. This was the message St. John tells us he was sent to bring. He then reestablishes himself as messenger and servant of the one who sent him, Jesus. He says that while Moses brought the Law, Christ came and revealed God himself.

Reflection:

It seems somewhat ironic that at this time as we bask in the glow of the birth of the Prince of Peace that we are reminded that there are those who would take the truth of his coming and revealing the Father to us and twist it for their own purposes.

We have seen it time and again in our own age, yet here we find that it has been happening since the very beginning. It was this very issue that the then Cardinal Ratzinger, Prefect of the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith (now Pope Benedict XVI) was addressing during St. John Paul the Great’s papacy when he addressed those Christian faith communities not in union with the Holy See. He indicated that while each of these “denominations” had a part of the truth about our Lord, the ultimate and complete truth was passed down through Apostolic Succession and resides with the Chair of Peter.

We see the in-roads the “Evangelical” churches have made in recent years and while we do not wish to seem exclusive, we are saddened by those who leave the repository of truth for communities that only make the “feel better about their worship”. While there have been abuses of power and authority in the Catholic Church, there is also accountability within it. To a large degree it is self policing of such abuses. The major problem with the so called “independent” Christian communities is there is no such hierarchical governance to insure the truth is consistently transmitted. The possibility of the “False Messiahs” or “False Teachers” has come from these ranks time and again. (e.g. the Jonesville Massacre, the Branch Davidians from Waco) The list goes on. We must take St. John’s words to heart and both prepare ourselves spiritually for the promise to come and be wary of teachers who sound too good to be true, they probably are.

As for us, we cling to the Church and Christ made present in the Eucharist. In this holy season, let us continue to proclaim the joy of our Savior, born of Joseph and Mary and his reign to come.

Pax
[1] The picture used today is “Sylvester I and Constantine” artist and date UNKNOWN
[2] After Links to Readings Expire

Solemnity of the Blessed Virgin Mary

"Medona and Child"
by Francisco de Zurbarán c. 1626

Information about the Catholic Teaching on the Blessed Virgin Mary

The Solemnity of the Blessed Virgin Mary, The Mother of God, is normally a Holy Day of Obligation within the Roman Catholic Church. However, this year, the United States Catholic Bishops have dispensed the American Church from this obligation.

I thought that today, since it is a Holy Day of Obligation, I would put extra work into the Blog and provide some theological depth to our understanding of the Church’s teaching on Mary.

I have already provided an excellent link above to the Catholic Encyclopedia which has a rather lengthy article. In addition, I wanted to give appropriate citations from the Catechism of the Catholic Church: (for those who wish to really go through these citations, including the reference notes, the only obscure reference is LG which stands for Lumen gentium lined here. The designation DS stands for “Denzinger-Schonmetzer, Enchiridion Symbolorum, definitionum et declarationum de rebus fidei et morum (1965)” I was unable, with reasonable effort to find this text online. I was also unable to find the documents of Council of Friuli, also referenced.)

About our belief in Mary the Catechism says:

148 The Virgin Mary most perfectly embodies the obedience of faith. By faith Mary welcomes the tidings and promise brought by the angel Gabriel, believing that "with God nothing will be impossible" and so giving her assent: "Behold I am the handmaid of the Lord; let it be [done] to me according to your word." Elizabeth greeted her: "Blessed is she who believed that there would be a fulfillment of what was spoken to her from the Lord." It is for this faith that all generations have called Mary blessed.

About the Church’s inclusion of Mary into the fold of canonized Saints we are told:

828 By canonizing some of the faithful, i.e., by solemnly proclaiming that they practiced heroic virtue and lived in fidelity to God's grace, the Church recognizes the power of the Spirit of holiness within her and sustains the hope of believers by proposing the saints to them as models and intercessors.[1] "The saints have always been the source and origin of renewal in the most difficult moments in the Church's history."[2] Indeed, "holiness is the hidden source and infallible measure of her apostolic activity and missionary zeal."[3]

829 "But while in the most Blessed Virgin the Church has already reached that perfection whereby she exists without spot or wrinkle, the faithful still strive to conquer sin and increase in holiness. And so they turn their eyes to Mary":[4] in her, the Church is already the "all-holy."

About her Immaculate Conception the Catechism says:

491 Through the centuries the Church has become ever more aware that Mary, "full of grace" through God, was redeemed from the moment of her conception. That is what the dogma of the Immaculate Conception confesses, as Pope Pius IX proclaimed in 1854:

The most Blessed Virgin Mary was, from the first moment of her conception, by a singular grace and privilege of almighty God and by virtue of the merits of Jesus Christ, Savior of the human race, preserved immune from all stain of original sin.

Finally about Mary – Ever Virgin we hear:

Mary - "ever-virgin"

499 The deepening of faith in the virginal motherhood led the Church to confess Mary's real and perpetual virginity even in the act of giving birth to the Son of God made man. In fact, Christ's birth "did not diminish his mother's virginal integrity but sanctified it."[5] And so the liturgy of the Church celebrates Mary as Aeiparthenos, the "Ever-virgin".[6]

500 Against this doctrine the objection is sometimes raised that the Bible mentions brothers and sisters of Jesus.[7] The Church has always understood these passages as not referring to other children of the Virgin Mary. In fact James and Joseph, "brothers of Jesus", are the sons of another Mary, a disciple of Christ, whom St. Matthew significantly calls "the other Mary".[8] They are close relations of Jesus, according to an Old Testament expression.[9]

501 Jesus is Mary's only son, but her spiritual motherhood extends to all men whom indeed he came to save: "The Son whom she brought forth is he whom God placed as the first-born among many brethren, that is, the faithful in whose generation and formation she co-operates with a mother's love."[10]

Mary's virginal motherhood in God's plan

502 The eyes of faith can discover in the context of the whole of Revelation the mysterious reasons why God in his saving plan wanted his Son to be born of a virgin. These reasons touch both on the person of Christ and his redemptive mission, and on the welcome Mary gave that mission on behalf of all men.

503 Mary's virginity manifests God's absolute initiative in the Incarnation. Jesus has only God as Father. "He was never estranged from the Father because of the human nature which he assumed. . . He is naturally Son of the Father as to his divinity and naturally son of his mother as to his humanity, but properly Son of the Father in both natures."[11]

504 Jesus is conceived by the Holy Spirit in the Virgin Mary's womb because he is the New Adam, who inaugurates the new creation: "The first man was from the earth, a man of dust; the second man is from heaven."[12] From his conception, Christ's humanity is filled with the Holy Spirit, for God "gives him the Spirit without measure."[13] From "his fullness" as the head of redeemed humanity "we have all received, grace upon grace."[14]

505 By his virginal conception, Jesus, the New Adam, ushers in the new birth of children adopted in the Holy Spirit through faith. "How can this be?"[15] Participation in the divine life arises "not of blood nor of the will of the flesh nor of the will of man, but of God".[16] The acceptance of this life is virginal because it is entirely the Spirit's gift to man. The spousal character of the human vocation in relation to God[17] is fulfilled perfectly in Mary's virginal motherhood.


506 Mary is a virgin because her virginity is the sign of her faith "unadulterated by any doubt", and of her undivided gift of herself to God's will.[18] It is her faith that enables her to become the mother of the Savior: "Mary is more blessed because she embraces faith in Christ than because she conceives the flesh of Christ."[19]

507 At once virgin and mother, Mary is the symbol and the most perfect realization of the Church: "the Church indeed. . . by receiving the word of God in faith becomes herself a mother. By preaching and Baptism she brings forth sons, who are conceived by the Holy Spirit and born of God, to a new and immortal life. She herself is a virgin, who keeps in its entirety and purity the faith she pledged to her spouse."[20]

IN BRIEF

508 From among the descendants of Eve, God chose the Virgin Mary to be the mother of his Son. "Full of grace", Mary is "the most excellent fruit of redemption" (SC 103): from the first instant of her conception, she was totally preserved from the stain of original sin and she remained pure from all personal sin throughout her life.

509 Mary is truly "Mother of God" since she is the mother of the eternal Son of God made man, who is God himself.

510 Mary "remained a virgin in conceiving her Son, a virgin in giving birth to him, a virgin in carrying him, a virgin in nursing him at her breast, always a virgin" (St. Augustine, Serm. 186, 1: PL 38, 999): with her whole being she is "the handmaid of the Lord" (Lk 1:38).

511 The Virgin Mary "cooperated through free faith and obedience in human salvation" (LG 56). She uttered her yes "in the name of all human nature" (St. Thomas Aquinas, STh III, 30, 1). By her obedience she became the new Eve, mother of the living.

Readings for the Solemnity of the Blessed Virgin Mary

Commentary:

Reading 1 Nm 6:22-27

Especially in Protestant circles this passage is known as Aaron’s Blessing and is often used as the final blessing given at their services. It is interesting for us that it is used on the Solemnity of Mary – the obvious inference is that Mary, the Mother of God is a blessing to all of us.

Responsorial Psalm Ps 67:2-3, 5, 6, 8
R. May God bless us in his mercy.

Psalm 67 gives us another blessing and has elements of the ancient blessing of Aaron we heard in the first reading. This blessing has more of a plaintive tone, beseeching, almost pleading that the Lord bless us.

Reading II Gal 4:4-7

“God sent his Son, born of a woman” this passage provides us with the important fact that Mary gave birth to Jesus. He did not mystically appear to us. Jesus is (was) true man, meaning he went through the biological birth process. That also means that Mary, the Mother of God when through all of the difficult physical process of giving birth.

St. Paul goes on to remind us that through this action we are all adopted by God and are entitled to call God our Father “Abba” (translated into American usage as “daddy”).

Gospel Lk 2:16-21

The message, given to the shepherds by choirs of angels that they, in turn, brought to Mary that she kept and reflected in her heart about was; “For today in the city of David a savior has been born for you who is Messiah and Lord. And this will be a sign for you: you will find an infant wrapped in swaddling clothes and lying in a manger." (Lk 2 11-12)

This encounter with the shepherds further reinforces Mary’s faith, the acceptance of her child’s role explained to her by the Archangel Gabriel when this wonderful and tragic journey began.

Reflection:

We, as Disciples of Christ, always try to imitate him. We try to develop our spiritual selves and to conform our minds to His will in order to be faithful to our call. This is our life long pursuit. It is one that we know, while we constantly hold that goal up before ourselves, is impossible to fully attain until we are purified through his own grace and stand before him.

Lest we become discouraged, the Lord has left us helps along the way. First, he gave us the gift of the Holy Spirit, also of God, that dwells in us and sustains us. We are aware of this gift given to all at Pentecost and to us individually at our Baptism. But we still must learn to use it; that ability (to reach out to the strength of the Holy Spirit) is much like a muscle it must be built up.

God, in his infinite wisdom has seen our dilemma and also provided us with additional examples, like steppingstones; inspired people of faith have proceeded us on this journey and in this task. Their lives provide us with additional examples, showing us the way to follow; the path and the pitfalls; like lamps on a dark and winding road. These people are, of course, the Saints acclaimed and canonized by Holy Mother Church.

Chief among these beacons of light in the darkness is Mary, the Mother of God, Blessed Virgin who is the first to know and accept our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. It was she who accepted, without fear, the great blessing of bearing the Messiah long prophesied. It was she who kept all of the signs and foreknowledge in hear heart. It was she who first gave the world a peak at the nature of her son at the wedding feast of Cana when she told the steward to listen to him regarding the wine. And it was she who stood at the foot of the cross, torn by grief, as her son fulfilled his Father’s purpose.

From that high station, Jesus sent his mother to be mother of us all; “When Jesus saw his mother and the disciple there whom he loved, he said to his mother, ‘Woman, behold, your son.’ Then he said to the disciple, "Behold, your mother." And from that hour the disciple took her into his home.” (Jn 19 26-27)

Through all those years since, Mary has come to the people of this earth. She has come in many places and ways; to Fatima and Lourdes, to Guadalupe, Mexico and Czestochowa, Poland. She has come with various messages but with one overwhelming purpose – to bring the people of God to faith in Her Son.

Today, on her day, we celebrate the Virgin Mary’s sacrifice and gift. We thank God for that shining example of faith that gives us hope in our own journey. May we always revere her and keep her example in our hearts.

Pax

[1] Cf. LG 40; 48-51
[2] John Paul II, CL 16,3
[3] CL 17, 3.
[4] LG 65; cf. Eph 5:26-27.
[5] LG 57.
[6] Cf. LG 52.
[7] Cf. Mk 3:31-35; 6:3; 1 Cor 9:5; Gal 1:19.
[8] Mt 13:55; 28:1; cf. Mt 27:56.
[9] Cf. Gen 13:8; 14:16; 29:15; etc.
[10] LG 63; cf. Jn 19:26-27; Rom 8:29; Rev 12:17.
[11] Council of Friuli (796): DS 619; cf. Lk 2:48-49.
[12] 1 Cor 15:45,47.
[13] Jn 3:34.
[14] Jn 1:16; cf. Col 1:18.
[15] Lk 1:34; cf. Jn 3:9.
[16] Jn 1:13.
[17] Cf. 2 Cor 11:2.
[18] LG 63; cf. 1 Cor 7:34-35.
[19] St. Augustine, De virg., 3: PL 40, 398.
[20] LG 64; cf. 63.

Feast of the Holy Family of Jesus, Mary and Joseph

Feast of the Holy Family of Jesus, Mary and Joseph

Readings for the Feast of the Holy Family[1][2]
Readings from the Jerusalem Bible

Commentary:

Reading 1 Sirach 3:2-6, 12-14

This reading from Sirach is essentially an exposition of the Commandment to Honor your father and mother. I goes into greater length about the positive benefits that come to the person who does so and does link to early Hebrew belief that the honor received by the father of a house hold was transferred to the children (just as in the omitted verses 8-11, the sins are also transmitted to the children).

Responsorial Psalm Psalm 128:1-2, 3, 4-5
R. Blessed are those who fear the Lord and walk in his ways.

Psalm 128 is a song of thanksgiving. It begins here with the typical blessings for following and having faith in the Lord. This selection features the blessing a family brings to the faithful using the symbolism of vines and olives so favored by even the Lord.

Reading II Colossians 3:12-21
Or Shorter Form Colossians 3:12-17

Here we have the rather controversial family hierarchy of the era described by St. Paul. It is important to note the instruction given in the first part of this reading (note: the option is given to omit this part of scripture passage for pastoral reasons). Paul describes the Christian rules for relationships; “Put on, as God’s chosen ones, holy and beloved, heartfelt compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience, bearing with one another and forgiving one another”.

When the subordinated relationships are described below, equality in membership in the family is established.

Gospel Matthew 2:13-15, 19-23

The story of the Holy Family fleeing to Egypt is provided in Matthew’s Gospel. Angelic messengers to keep Jesus from harm guide Joseph, the father of Jesus. (The verses 16-18 which are omitted in this reading tell the story of the slaughter of the Holy Innocents in Bethlehem whose feast we celebrated on December 28.) In addition to accomplishing the task of saving Jesus from Herod, the flight to Egypt and subsequent return are reminiscent of Moses’ escape and the subsequent Exodus event.

The account also mentions that all that happens is in accordance with what has been prophetically revealed. The first reference, indicating that the Messiah was to be called out of Egypt is a reference to Hosea 11:1. The second reference is less clear as there is no specific Old Testament biblical reference to Nazareth. It is possible a confusion with the term “neser”. Old Testament texts are Isaiah 11:1 where the Davidic king of the future is called "a bud" (neser) that shall blossom from the roots of Jesse, and Judges 13:5, 7 where Samson, the future deliverer of Israel from the Philistines, is called one who shall be consecrated (a nazir) to God.

Reflection:

We continue to celebrate the early events in the life of Jesus during the Christmas season. Today the tranquility of the birth of the Lord and the accompanying rejoicing is shattered in a dream. A messenger from God visits Joseph again in his dream. This time the message is one of alarm. He is told that King Herod wishes to kill his ward and son. Like the Palestinians from the time of Moses, he was instructed to flee to Egypt until the danger passed.

We can only imagine the alarm this caused with Mary, the mother of Jesus. There can be no doubt, however, that this devout family listened to the Lord’s instructions and immediately left the area. We also know the threat was real. Shortly after the Holy Family left Bethlehem, Herod’s troops descended upon the town and killed every male baby between birth and two years old. Hosea the prophet had heard the cry of that horrible deed hundreds of years before. Infants, who had yet to utter a word, offered their life’s blood for the savior of the world.

Of the years Joseph and the Holy Family spent in Egypt while waiting for word from the angel to return, nothing is known. There are tales in the Apocryphal Gospels about these early years of Jesus’ life but nothing authoritative. What we can surmise is these were years were a time of great peace for Mary, Joseph and their young son. Their devotion to God was intense, since only one who listens carefully to God may hear with clarity their call to holiness and walk in His peace. Only one who intensely loved the Father would be chosen to protect and nurture the most precious gift ever given. Only one who walked with God daily would hear the messenger who told them it was safe to return.

We rejoice today with the Holy Family, Joseph, Mary and Jesus who is the Christ. We rejoice for their years of peace and love, safe in Egypt. We thank God for calling them back to Nazareth so the young Jesus would grow to manhood and fulfill the rest of his prophesied mission to bring us salvation. Finally we look to the perfect love expressed within the Holy Family and pray that our families may work toward that same unity.

Pax

[1] After Links to Readings Expire
[2] The picture used today is “The Holy Family” by Claudio Coello, ~1685

The Fifth Day in the Octave of Christmas

Commemoration of Saint Thomas a Becket, Bishop, Martyr

Biographical Information about St. Thomas a Becket[1]

Readings for the Fifth Day in the Octave of Christmas[2]
Readings from the Jerusalem Bible

Commentary:

Reading 1 1 John 2:3-11

We are given in this passage two consistent teachings of St. John. First is the injunction to keep “Jesus’” commandments. He uses the same formula we have heard before in this letter. If you say you belong to Christ but do not follow his commandments, you are a liar.

The second teaching is his favorite, perhaps because it is part of the great commandment and fundamental to everything taught by the Lord; “Love one another.” Here St. John again uses the darkness and light theme to demonstrate the one who walks with Christ is in the light and the one who does not walks in darkness and is lost; “…he walks in darkness and does not know where he is going because the darkness has blinded his eyes.”

Responsorial Psalm Psalm 96:1-2a, 2b-3, 5b-6
R. Let the heavens be glad and the earth rejoice!

For us, in the Octave of Christmas, this new song of praise is for the gift of the Messiah; the Christ child whose birth still rings with joy.

Gospel Luke 2:22-35

St. Luke’s account of Jesus being presented at the Temple provides a unique insight into the Holy Family. They are faithful observes of the Law of Moses.

At the time Jesus is presented at the temple as required by strict Jewish Law, we find Simeon, probably an old man in the last years of his life (“…looking forward to the restoration of God's rule in Israel”). Simeon does two important things here – he affirms the nativity story with his profession of faith that Jesus is the Christ, the Messiah, the one who came for all so that all might be renewed in Christ and in God the Father. (“…my own eyes have seen the salvation which you prepared in the sight of every people, a light to reveal you to the nations and the glory of your people Israel.”)

The second of Simeon’s actions is to predict to Mary the difficulty her Son will encounter in his ministry (“…to be a sign that will be contradicted”) and the pain it will cause Mary herself “(and you yourself a sword will pierce)”.

Reflection:

Simeon saw, in the child of Mary and Joseph, the love of God that had come to earth for the salvation of the whole human race. The way I envision this event is when Simeon saw the child he must have been drawn to him. When he picked him up (can you see Mary, perhaps 14 or 15 years old gently relinquishing her new baby to gnarled and bearded Simeon?) it must have been like a flash image of the whole human life of Jesus, even culminating in his passion.

Simeon then calls out to God – you told me I would live to see the salvation of this country and people (Israel and the Hebrews) and I have seen them in this child. Go ahead, take me. (In the life of every person of faith there comes that one perfect time when we feel completely in union with the Father and call our in our prayer; “OK, Father, take me now; I’m ready.”).

For us this moment is one more scriptural proof that Jesus is the Christ, the Anointed One who comes for our salvation. For Mary and Joseph at this time, it is a vindication of their faith in the word of God given through his messenger, Gabriel.

For Mary especially, this must have been a bitter sweet moment. Simeon clearly was right about the destiny of her Son and therefore had seen correctly the events that would unfold in His life. It was not a pretty picture. He would encounter resistance and danger. Mary herself would be pierced, although the nature of the sword (the sword of sorrow) would not yet be known to her.

For us this story becomes one that transitions our thoughts from the Infant in the Manger to the little Prince of Peace as he faces his short and tumultuous life. Our faith in his work grows, our dedication to following him is revitalized.

Pax
[1] The picture used is “The Murder of Thomas a Becket”, artist and date are UNKNOWN
[2] After Links to Readings Expire

Feast of the Holy Innocents, Martyrs

Additional Information about the Holy Innocents, Martyrs[1]

Readings for the Feast of the Holy Innocents, Martyrs[2]
Readings from the Jerusalem Bible

Commentary:

Reading 1 1 John 1:5—2:2

We are given in this selection a foundational scripture passage upon which the Sacrament of Reconciliation rests. The logic St. John uses flows nicely; Jesus, the Christ is light. When we sin we walk in darkness. When we admit our sin, the Lord who is “expiation for our sins”, brings us back into the light. If we try to deceive ourselves saying we are not sinful, we fall and, in a sense, make Jesus’ sacrifice meaningless.

Responsorial Psalm Psalm 124:2-3, 4-5, 7cd-8
R. Our soul has been rescued like a bird from the fowler’s snare.

The psalm is one of thanksgiving to the Lord for his gift of salvation – salvation from physical enemies; salvation from nature’s fury. The song thanks God who rescues us if we but reach out to him.

Gospel Matthew 2:13-18

St. Matthew provides the story of the slaughter of the innocent children of Bethlehem. On this their feast day we are told how Herod, in his frustration at being deceived by the magi, sends troops to kill all the male children under the age of two. We are also reminded that this event and the warning received by Joseph to take the baby, Jesus, to Egypt, were both predicted in scripture.

Reflection:

As we have said on many occasions, whenever we begin to think we have had an original thought or some brilliant insight we are usually reminded that someone before us has asked the same question and had a better answer. This is especially true of questions of faith. Today as a treat, we offer to you, instead of a reflection by the deacon, on this Feast and why such a terrible thing should happen, the non-biblical reading from the Divine Office. In addition, just so you feel the mood, we have added Te Diem and the closing prayer. (Thank you Universalis)

A Sermon of St Quodvultdeus
Even before they learn to speak, they proclaim Christ

A tiny child is born, who is a great king. Wise men are led to him from afar. They come to adore one who lies in a manger and yet reigns in heaven and on earth. When they tell of one who is born a king, Herod is disturbed. To save his kingdom he resolves to kill him, though if he would have faith in the child, he himself would reign in peace in this life and for ever in the life to come.

Why are you afraid, Herod, when you hear of the birth of a king? He does not come to drive you out, but to conquer the devil. But because you do not understand this you are disturbed and in a rage, and to destroy one child whom you seek, you show your cruelty in the death of so many

You are not restrained by the love of weeping mothers or fathers mourning the deaths of their sons, nor by the cries and sobs of the children. You destroy those who are tiny in body because fear is destroying your heart. You imagine that if you accomplish your desire you can prolong your own life, though you are seeking to kill Life himself.

Yet your throne is threatened by the source of grace, so small, yet so great, who is lying in the manger. He is using you, all unaware of it, to work out his own purposes freeing souls from captivity to the devil. He has taken up the sons of the enemy into the ranks of God’s adopted children.

The children die for Christ, though they do not know it. The parents mourn for the death of martyrs. The child makes of those as yet unable to speak fit witnesses to himself. See the kind of kingdom that is his, coming as he did in order to be this kind of king. See how the deliverer is already working deliverance, the saviour already working salvation.

But you, Herod, do not know this and are disturbed and furious. While you vent your fury against the child, you are already paying him homage, and do not know it.

How great a gift of grace is here! To what merits of their own do the children owe this kind of victory? They cannot speak, yet they bear witness to Christ. They cannot use their limbs to engage in battle, yet already they bear off the palm of victory.

Canticle Te Deum

Your are God, we praise you;

Your are the Lord, we acclaim you;

You are the eternal Father;All Creation worships you.

To you all angels, all the powers of heaven,

Cherubim and Seraphim sing in endless praise:

Holy, holy, holy, Lord, God of power and might,heaven and earth are full of your glory.

The glorious company of apostles praise you.

The noble fellowship of prophets praise you.

The white-robed army of martyrs praise you.

Throughout the world the holy Church acclaims you:

Father of majesty unbounded,your true and only Son, worthy of all worship,and the Holy Spirit, advocate and guide.

You, Christ are the king of glory,the eternal Son of the Father.

When you became man to set us free you did not spurn the Virgin’s womb.

You overcame the sting of death, and opened the kingdom of heaven to all believers.

You are seated at God’s right hand in glory.We believe that you will come, and be our judge.

Come then, Lord, and help your people,brought with the price of your own blood, and bring us with your saints to glory everlasting.

V. Save your people, Lord, and bless your inheritance.
R. Govern and uphold them now and always.
V. Day by day we bless you.
R. We praise your name for ever.
V. Keep us today, Lord, from all sin.
R. Have mercy on us, Lord, have mercy.
V. Lord, show us your love and mercy.
R. for we put our trust in you.
V. In you, Lord, is our hope;
R. and we shall never hope in vain.

Glory be 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.

Concluding Prayer

O God, today the Innocents proclaimed your praises not by speaking but by dying. Grant, we ask you, that our faith may not be proclaimed by our words alone but be also shown forth by our actions.

Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God for ever and ever.

Amen
[1] The picture today is “Massacre of the Innocents” by Guido Reni, 1611
[2] After Links to Readings Expire

Feast of Saint John, Apostle and Evangelist

Biographical Information about St. John the Apostle[1]

Readings for the Feast of St. John the Apostle[2]
Readings from the Jerusalem Bible

Commentary:

Reading 1 1 John 1:1-4

The introduction of the First Letter of John describes the author as not only a believer in Jesus but also an eyewitness and contemporary of the Lord. He describes the unifying force of faith in the Father and his joy in passing on the great news of the Savior.

Responsorial Psalm Psalm 97:1-2, 5-6, 11-12
R. Rejoice in the Lord, you just!

The psalm of praise echoes the gladness that St. John writes about in the first reading. Who would not want an ally like the omnipotent God of justice?

Gospel John 20:1a and 2-8

The Gospel story of the discovery of the empty tomb describes St. John (the disciple whom Jesus loved). It is interesting that St. John arrives first but recognizes St. Peter’s primacy, waiting for him to enter the tomb first. Note also that when St. John entered the tomb, he immediately understood what happened and “believed.”

Homily:

“We are writing this so that our joy may be complete.”

It is appropriate that we, as Church, remember on St. John the Apostle this day. He was the youngest of the twelve. He was the author of not only the Gospel of Faith, but also two epistles and the book of Revelations. His faith community tackled the earliest and, in many ways, the hardest questions about the life and mission of Christ and set down that understanding for our posterity.

What do we suppose was John’s joy that is made complete in the writing of his experience and understanding of the Lord? In our Christmas season, we are still feeling the afterglow of the warmth and love we experiences in the Lord’s Nativity. We understand anew the gift God has given us in his Son, and we rejoice in the life that flows from that gift.

We hear what John says and suddenly it all makes sense. He was there. He was with the Lord as he walked and talked; as he preached and healed. He experienced the profound amazement of the man and God; the profound sadness of the Passion. He was there at the empty tomb where the source of his happiness had been laid. He saw and believed in that empty tomb and his joy soared.

What we receive from John in the short sentence above is like what we might feel when we get the very best news we can hope for; news that changes our lives – like the birth of our child, like the vows at a wedding or promotion at work. When we get the very best news isn’t sharing it the first thing we want to do? Does not having others rejoice with us heighten our own joy? Does it not make our joy complete?

This is perhaps one of John’s most important contributions – his joy in the Savior. Let us share that joy, especially this Christmas season. The Savior has come!

Pax
[1] The picture used today is “St. John the Evangelist on Patmos” by Hieronymus Bosch, 1504-05
[2] After Links to Readings Expire

Feast of Saint Stephen

First Martyr

Biographical Information about St. Stephen[1]

Readings for the Feast of St. Stephen[2]
Readings from the Jerusalem Bible

Commentary:

Reading 1 Acts 6:8-10; 7:54-59

We are given in our first reading the story of how St. Stephen, one of the first Deacons selected by the Apostles, was martyred. It is interesting to note that the "Saul" at whose feet the cloaks were laid is our own St. Paul who before his conversion was a talented prosecutor of Christians.

Responsorial Psalm Psalm 31:3cd-4, 6 and 8ab, 16bc and 17
R. Into your hands, O Lord, I commend my spirit.

The psalmist gives us a song of faith very appropriate for the one who is put to the test for their faith. It is a prayer for rescue and a submission of will to God's saving power.

Gospel Matthew 10:17-22

Jesus gives his disciples instructions on how to deal with the persecution they are to undergo at the hands of those who do not accept him, especially those in power. His instruction is one that relies on faith that the Father, through the Holy Spirit will supply the words. There is also a presumption that there will be loss of life - here the Lord tells us that those who are steadfast in their faith cannot die a spiritual death.

Reflection:

Each year, on the day following Christmas, the Church celebrates the Feast of St. Stephen. The Gospel of St. John from Christmas Mass during the day tells us that the Word incarnate will be rejected by those who are His own (John 1:10). In today’s Gospel, the Lord cautions his followers that they too will face rejection, persecution, and possibly death. With the glow of the Morning Star that illuminated the manger still warming our hearts we are given a stern reminder of what discipleship means.

For the members of the diaconate, this day is very special. St. Stephen, the first martyr, is also one of the first deacons ordained by the Apostles to serve the Church. His feast day is considered the day upon which we celebrate the establishment of the diaconate. Since all ordained clergy in the Church (Deacons, Priests, and Bishops) are ordained to that rank and order, this is a very important day in the life of the Church as a whole.

In scripture today we are given selections that tell us of the unique connection between Jesus, the Apostles and those first seven deacons, upon whom hands were imposed, dedicating them to the service of the poor and marginalized members of the faith community. We hear the story of how St. Stephen was put to death for essentially the same reason as the Lord; that is he was proclaiming the good news in a way that infuriated the Hebrew leadership. We see the irony of the participation of Saul (later St. Paul, who also died a martyr's death) in the condemnation and execution of St. Stephen. One must wonder if St. Stephen's words did not, in some way, pave the path for St. Paul’s later conversion.

We here in the psalm the prayer for strength in the face of like persecution and we are given in the Gospel words of encouragement by Jesus who tells us; "...whoever endures to the end will be saved.” We must expect the same kind, if not the same degree of resistance in our own Christian witness based upon what the Lord tells us earlier in that same sentence; "You will be hated by all because of my name."

On this great feast of the Church, let us give thanks to God for the gift of all his Saints, especially St. Stephen, martyr and Deacon. Let us also give thanks to all those throughout history who have laid down their lives for the faith and pray that we can be courageous and follow in their steps.

Pax

[1] The picture today is “The Stoning of St. Stephen” by Pietro Da Cortona, 1660
[2] After Links to Readings Expire

The Nativity of the Lord

Christmas
Mass During the Day

Readings for the Solemnity of the Nativity of the Lord[1][2]
Readings from the Jerusalem Bible

Commentary:

Reading 1 Isaiah 52:7-10

The Prophet’s original intent was to proclaim the joy of the return from the Babylonian exile. He sees the event as salvation for the Hebrew people, God leads them back. From a greater distance and depth of understanding we see him announcing the coming of the Messiah and the salvation that comes to the new Jerusalem through him.

Responsorial Psalm Psalm 98:1, 2-3, 3-4, 5-6[3]
R. All the ends of the earth have seen the saving power of God.

Psalm 98 is a song of praise and thanksgiving. We see in this selection how God is praised for the strength he lends his people and the salvation he brings to those who are faithful. The psalm rejoices in God’s salvation. The Lord has revealed his compassion toward the people and they sing his praises in response. As the Hebrews saw this as salvation for the people of Israel from its enemies, we see the deeper expression of God’s love as he sent his Son for salvation and justice for the whole world.”

Reading II Hebrews 1:1-6

The note from the NAB does a nice job of setting this passage within the context of the Solemnity of the Nativity: “The letter opens with an introduction consisting of a reflection on the climax of God's revelation to the human race in his Son. The divine communication was initiated and maintained during Old Testament times in fragmentary and varied ways through the prophets (Hebrews 1:1), including Abraham, Moses, and all through whom God spoke. But now in these last days (Hebrews 1:2) the final age, God's revelation of his saving purpose is achieved through a son, i.e., one who is Son, whose role is redeemer and mediator of creation. He was made heir of all things through his death and exaltation to glory, yet he existed before he appeared as man; through him God created the universe. Hebrews 1:3-4, which may be based upon a liturgical hymn, assimilate the Son to the personified Wisdom of the Old Testament as refulgence of God's glory and imprint of his being (Hebrews 1:3; cf Wisdom 7:26).”

Gospel John 1:1-18

The introduction of St. John’s Gospel first provides the description of the relationship of God and Jesus who is the Logos – or word of God. The Word is light to the world and all things are subordinate to the Word because they were created by and through the Word.

St. John then introduces himself as one who came to testify to the light (now equivocated above with the Word). His message, like that of Jesus was not accepted by the very people created by the Lord. He goes on to say that those who accept Christ are adopted by God.

St. John then makes his own profession as he speaks of the incarnation of the eternal as “the word became flesh and made his dwelling among us.” His divinity is once more established as he says “…we saw his glory, the glory as of the Father’s only Son”. This was the message St. John tells us he was sent to bring. He then reestablishes himself as messenger and servant of the one who sent him, Jesus. He says that while Moses brought the Law, Christ came and revealed God himself.

or John1:1-5, 9-14

In this shorter form of the Gospel, the first introduction and second introductions of the Gospel author is omitted “the one who came to testify to the light. He reiterates his role as messenger in the John 1:15 as he says “This was he of whom I said, 'The one who is coming after me ranks ahead of me because he existed before me.'" Omitting these references to St. John, focuses the scripture more specifically on the incarnation of Christ as the “Word mad flesh.”

Reflection:

Profound awe tempers our enthusiasm as our joy at the incarnation of the Word is announced by St. John’s Gospel today. His is not the story of the baby Jesus born in the manger in Bethlehem. St. John does not mention the difficult journey from Nazareth nor the crowded conditions that forced them to stay in a cave. He does not recall the angel choirs singing to the shepherds nor the kings from the east following the morning star that lit the night sky under which the baby was laid.

This day we are reminded that he who took on flesh and became man for our salvation is eternal. Before he came to the virgin’s womb was the Word. When God created all that is, was the Word. It was through the Word that we have life and light because the Word is light.

God took the light of creation and made it man so that we might see the light and understand the love of God who was both eternal and mortal in the form of Jesus. It is this amazing gift we celebrate today as we ponder the love of one so great he is beyond our imagining.

We are reminded too that when the light came into the world it was rejected by those who love the darkness. The Word made flesh was not to be adored but brought light none the less. His short journey was from the manger to the cross and while we celebrate one on this day, we remember the other.

Today, whether we recall the manger in Bethlehem or the Logos, the Word that brought light into the world, we thank the Father who through his Son’s sacrifice has adopted us and provided us with salvation through the forgiveness of our sins. We celebrate the great love we receive in this gift and pass that love on to all we meet so that we too become light in dark places.

Merry Christmas indeed, in the Word comes our joy and the peace of him who was made flesh for our salvation.

Pax

[1] After Links to Readings Expire
[2] The picture used today is “Nativity” by Petrus Christus, 1452
[3] Compendium from the Deacon’s Bench

Monday of the Fourth Week of Advent

Mass in the Morning

Readings for Monday of the Fourth Week of Advent[1][2]
Readings from the Jerusalem Bible

Commentary:

Reading 1 2 Samuel 7:1-5, 8b-12, 14a, 16

Within the historical books of the Old Testament (1 and 2 Samuel, 1 and 2 Kings, 1 and 2 Chronicles, Ezra, Nehemiah, 1 and 2 Maccabees), this passage is considered to have the most theological significance. Nathan’s Oracle – the establishment of the dynasty of King David marks the beginning of the understanding of royal messianism, our first hint of the Messiah to come.

In this passage, Nathan is told to tell David that, while he would not build the Temple, his son (Solomon) would and that his (David’s) line would continue; “Your house and your kingdom shall endure forever before me; your throne shall stand firm forever.”

Responsorial Psalm Psalm 89:2-3, 4-5, 27 and 29
R. For ever I will sing the goodness of the Lord.

Though Psalm 89 is a lament, this first section is prophetic and reiterates the Davidic Dynasty. The intended support for the Samuel reading above is clear.

Gospel Luke 1:67-79

St. John the Baptist had been born to Elizabeth and the seal the Lord had placed on the mouth of his father Zechariah had been lifted when he had named his son in accordance with the wishes of God. We are given the Canticle of Zechariah, the father’s song to his son, praising God and predicting the role his son would fulfill in God’s plan as herald of the Messiah’s arrival. The whole Church sings this song each morning as part of the Morning Prayer of the Divine Office.

Reflection:

The preparation for the Advent of our Lord is nearly complete. With the exception of a few preparations and last minute details, we take a moment to recall God’s plan and make ourselves ready to accept the gift long expected. For those of us who pray the prayer of the Church, the Liturgy of the Hours, the Canticle of Zechariah is one familiar to us. Each morning we recall the words of one smitten by God and released to sing of a promise fulfilled.

We can only guess at the mind of Zechariah as he sings his prophetic song. His first words are in praise of God the Father whose promise is fulfilled with the coming of the Messiah. We see in his expectation how easy it would be to get the wrong idea about the sort of entrance this savior, predicted from the time of Abraham, would make. The Savior was to be born from the house of Kings – of King David’s line, King David who was a mighty king and fierce warrior securing the land through force of arms with God the Father sitting at his shoulder scattering Israel’s foes like match wood.

We see the truth of his great oracle in Jesus, but we also see how Zechariah’s son, John the Baptist, to whom he now sings, could have misunderstood and later, while he was in Herod’s prison, have sent his own disciples to ask the Lord if he was the one expected or if they should look for another. The song, however, sees the promise of God fulfilled, the promise made to all mankind throughout the history of that covenant.

We can almost see the eyes of Zechariah turn from their heavenward gaze to look at the infant in his arms. We hear his voice change from one of awe and praise to one of tenderness as he tells his son “You, my child, shall be the prophet of the Most High”. We wonder how much God has shown this priest of the Temple. Does he know this baby he now holds will shake the foundations of the Temple he serves? Does he know that by preparing the way for the Savior to come, he exposes the weakness of those in power to submit to God’s own Son?

Clearly, Zechariah sees the love of God embodied in the coming Savior of the world. He tells his son “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.” All that the Father hopes for us is echoed there, his love, his compassion, his care for those who are lost, it is all there and in it we hear the parent’s prayer for their children.

The one who Zechariah sang about is almost at our doorstep and we pause and hope our hearts are prepared to accept the gift of a loving Father who will “…guide our feet into the way of peace.”

Pax

[1] After Links to Readings Expire
[2] The picture used today is “The Infant Christ Offering Water to St. John” by Bartolomé Esteban Murillo, 1675-80

Fourth Sunday of Advent

Readings for the Fourth Sunday of Advent[1][2]
Readings from the Jerusalem Bible

Commentary:

Reading 1 Isaiah 7:10-14

Jerusalem is being attacked by two neighboring kings when Isaiah is commanded by God to go and speak to the Jewish King Ahaz cautioning him to have faith that God will protect Jerusalem. Ahaz is hypocritical in both his faith and his response which is interpreted as cynical when he says “I will not ask! I will not tempt the Lord!”

Isaiah follows with his prophetic vision explained well in the footnote from the NAB: “The sign proposed by Isaiah was concerned with the preservation of Judah in the midst of distress (cf Isaiah 7:15, 17), but more especially with the fulfillment of God's earlier promise to David (2 Sam 7:12-16) in the coming of Immanuel (meaning, "With us is God") as the ideal king (cf Isaiah 9:5-6; 11:1-5). The Church has always followed St. Matthew in seeing the transcendent fulfillment of this verse in Christ and his Virgin Mother.”

Responsorial Psalm Psalm 24:1-2, 3-4, 5-6
R. Let the Lord enter; he is king of glory.

Psalm 24 is a processional song. It recalls that God is the great creator and he calls his people to be faithful. It asks the question who can come into his presence and answers only those who are sinless (completely reconciled to God). They who achieve that beatified state will receive the reward of eternal life from the savior. It focuses on the character of the one who worthily seeks God and the one who is worthy to come into God’s kingdom and stand before him. We are answered; “He whose hands are sinless, whose heart is clean, who desires not what is vain.”

Reading II Romans 1:1-7

St. Paul introduces himself to the Christian churches in Rome with this opening message from his letter. In typical fashion, the introduction includes a statement of purpose (apostolate of the Gospel of Christ) and a profession of faith.

Gospel Matthew 1:18-24

Following the genealogy, the short story of Mary’s virginal conception through the Holy Spirit and how God intervened to insure that Joseph also heard his call. This section of the Nativity Narrative from St. Matthew’s Gospel tells the story of Joseph’s dilemma. He is required by Mosaic Law to file a petition of divorce in front of witnesses. He has resigned himself to this course of action when he has a dream in which an angel came to him and told him of the origins of the child Mary bore. For his part, Joseph accepted the message and did as the Lord commanded.

Reflection:

We have been given all of these scriptural readings in our liturgy within the past twelve months. Then have occurred at different times and with different significance but each of the readings have been presented, some multiple times (The psalm and St. Matthew’s Gospel). They come together today to tell a story of God’s plan being fulfilled. What is remarkable is that none of the individuals involved today had any relationship to each other, yet all were integral in causing God’s plan of salvation to come together. Isaiah, probably thinking he was delivering a message to his King so the people would take heart that God was with them, predicted the birth of Jesus, born of a virgin, called Emmanuel, the Messiah.

Following Isaiah by hundreds of years comes St. Joseph, of the line of King David as Ahaz was, selected by God to foster His only Son who was to be the salvation of the world. Finally we have St. Paul who comes as an Apostle of the Son of God to bring the message of hope, predicted by Isaiah and fostered by Joseph to the world. We stand today in awe of God’s wondrous works.

The baton is passed to us as we gather ourselves for the final rush to the Nativity of the Lord. We take the message of peace and joy which is encompassed by the Kingdom of God into a world that prefers the darkness of greed, hate, and hedonism. Like a scene from a vampire movie, we take the cross of Christ to dispel the evil of the world an bring hope to those without hope and love to the unloved.

Always it has been the same. God called Isaiah to deliver a hard message, he called Joseph to take on a heavy burden based upon faith, and he hurled St. Paul to a hostile world. We reach out for the hand of the infant Jesus knowing where it leads and pledge once more to walk with him to the Kingdom of God.

Pax
[1] After Links to Readings Expire
[2] The picture today is “The Nativity of Jesus” by Caravaggio, 1609

Saturday of the Third Week of Advent

Readings for Saturday of the Third Week of Advent[1][2]
Readings from the Jerusalem Bible

Commentary:

Reading 1 1 Samuel 1:24-28

In this passage from First Samuel we see Samuel’s mother, Hannah, dedicating the boy to God. The reference she made to Eli; “I am the woman who stood near you here, praying to the Lord” refers to her prayer that she be allowed to bear a son for God. Her prayer answered, she now dedicates him and leaves him to be trained in the faith.

Responsorial Psalm 1 Samuel 2:1, 4-5, 6-7, 8abcd
R. My heart exults in the Lord, my Savior.

The words of the footnote in the NAB say what we feel here; “A hymn attributed to Hannah, the mother of Samuel, as her thanksgiving to God because she has borne a son despite her previous sterility. She praises God as the helper of the weak (1 Sam 2:1-2), who casts down the mighty and raises up the lowly (1 Sam 2:3-5), and who alone is the source of true strength (1 Sam 2:8-10); the hymn ends with a prayer for the king (1 Sam 2:10). This canticle has several points of resemblance with our Lady's Magnificat.”

Gospel Luke 1:46-56

Following the parody from 1st Samuel, we are given the Magnificat, the beautiful Canticle of Mary. Her song of thanksgiving and humility captures the saintliness that has become synonymous with our image of Mary the Mother of God, the Queen of Heaven, and the Mother of the Church. In her dedication of the service she offers to God as vessel of the Messiah she sets the stage for the humble birth of Jesus.

Reflection:

Each day when we do Evening Prayer we recite the words of the Magnificat. Over the years these words have become my words of prayer. I use them much more often than simply in evening prayer. I use them when I exercise, I use them when I am driving, I use them as I pray before the Blessed Sacrament. They say something that is in my heart and I have long ago let that emotion flow over me instead of simply thinking of the words.

Today, in the context of the coming of the Nativity of the Lord, her son, we give them back to her. She speaks out of a profound love of God and humility about her own role in his divine plan. (“My soul proclaims the greatness of the Lord; my spirit rejoices in God my savior. for he has looked upon 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.”)

Mary proclaims her understanding of God’s role in salvation and how He saves and lifts up the meek and lowly, how he levels the playing field based on faith. (“He has mercy on those who fear him in every generation. He has shown the strength of his arm, and 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.”)

Finally, she demonstrates her own acceptance and understanding that what she is doing fulfills God’s promise, the prediction made time and again in Holy Scripture. (“He has come to the help of his servant Israel for he remembered his promise of mercy, the promise he made to our fathers, to Abraham and his children for ever.”)

Even though Mary did not ask to serve God in this way, even though what He called her to do as part of his saving plan was difficult and dangerous for her, personally, she accepts the mantle and praises God for his great gift. In these, the final days of Advent, can we do less than echo her words of praise and thanksgiving to the one, who through the gift of His Only Son, sets us upon the path of salvation? There are just 3 days left.

Pax

[1] After Links to Readings Expire
[2] The picture today is “Madonna della Misericordia” by Fra Bartolomeo, 1515