Feast of the Epiphany

 As we read through the Lectionary, one of the great reforms of Vatican II, it is always rewarding to be attentive to all the readings for the day and not isolate the Gospel. Likewise, for the feasts of the Lord, such as the one we observe today, the dedicated preface for the Eucharistic Prayer gives us insight into the meaning of what we are celebrating. To this end we can read in the Second Reading: "In former generations this mystery was not made known to humanity as it has now been revealed to his holy apostles and prophets by the Spirit: that the gentiles have become fellow heirs, members of the same body, and sharers in the promise in Christ Jesus through the gospel." (Eph 3: 5-6) We are then told in the Preface for the Epiphany: "For today you have revealed the mystery of our salvation in Christ as light to the nations, and, when he appeared in our mortal nature, you made us new by the glory of his immortal nature." (Roman Missal) Thus, there are two aspects to the feast. First, the elevation of human nature through the Incarnation which brings about divinization. Second, the unification of humanity as this offer of eternal life is made not just to the Jews but to the whole of humanity. Both the shepherds, who received their revelation through the angels, and the Magi, who received their revelation through the star, are moved to find the Christ child and do him homage. This encounter changes them. The former: "... returned, glorifying and praising God for all they had heard and seen, as it had been told them" (Lk 2:20) while the Magi: "... knelt down and paid him homage. Then, opening their treasures, they offered him gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh. And having been warned in a dream not to return to Herod, they left for their own country by another road." (Mtt 2:11-12) Having encountered the Christ child their lives would not be the same. Are we changed by our celebration of Christmas and the Epiphany? Are we caught up in the mystery of the Incarnation? Or do we trudge back to our ordinary, everyday life as if nothing has changed?

Feast of Mary, Mother of God - World Day of Peace

 It is crucial in our reading of Scripture to pass from analysis to contemplation. It can be tempting to continue investigation and studies of the biblical data without opening our hearts to the tremendous mystery we are given. The stupendous event of the Second Person of the Holy Trinity becoming man should never cease to amaze us. St Paul summarizes this mystery beautifully when he writes: "When the fulness of time had come, God sent his Son, born of a woman, born under the law, in order to redeem those who were under the law, so that we might receive adoption as children." (Gal 4:4-5) Today we, like the shepherds at Bethlehem are called to" "... see this thing that has taken place, which the Lord has made known to us" (Lk 2:15) In this moment we encounter not only the Child Jesus but also Our Lady. We are called to contemplate her holiness, faith and beauty and in doing so trust in her intercession while using her as a role model for true discipleship. Through contemplation our hearts are changed, and we can be caught up in the peace, love and joy of God's infinite mercy towards the human race. This has implications for how we will live our life in the coming year and think of ourselves in relationship to God and to others: "And because you are children, God has sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts, crying, 'Abba! Father!' So you are no longer a slave but a child, and if a child then also an heir, through God." (Gal 4:6-7)

Feast of the Holy Family

 What impresses me the most on my reading of the gospel for this year is the urgency and drama that affected the early years of the Holy Family of Nazareth. After the angel reveals to Joseph, in his dream, the plot of Herod against the child Jesus we hear: "Then Joseph got up, took the child and his mother by night, and went to Egypt." (Mtt 2:14) The fear is palpable. Joseph does not hesitate but departs at night. Again, after being informed of Herod's death in a dream, "Joseph got up, took the child and his mother, and went to the land of Isreal." (Mtt 2:21) He is eager to return to the Holy Land but continues to be obedient to the dream warning and settles in Nazareth. At this point Joseph has had four dreams and each time he has reacted in faith. His obedience is extraordinary. His care and protection for Our Lady and Jesus means he foregoes his own comfort and acts according to God's command communicated to him through dreams. May we all imitate him in his courage and selflessness as he acted to protect those whom he loved.

Feast of the Nativity of the Lord

 In the magnificent First Reading from the Mass at night we hear the words: "The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light" (Is 9: 2) My question for all who attend Mass this Christmas is are you a person who walks in that light? Do you recognize the source of that light which overcomes suffering, tragedy and death in all its forms? If we can bathe in that light the reward will be joy: "... they rejoice before you as with joy at the harvest, as when people exult when dividing plunder." (Is 9: 3) This joy is the true gift of Christmas. Let this joy fill not only our hearts but as we go through the world may it be contagious. So many people suffer from anxiety, depression and pessimism. We know that is not the end. We know that sin and death do not have the last word: "For a child has been born for us, a son given to us." (Is 9: 6) May God bless you richly this Christmastide as you walk in his wonderful light.

4th Sunday of Advent

 Today we hear about the annunciation to Joseph, which is not as celebrated as the Annunciation to Mary. There are some notable details that add poignancy to the situation. First: "before they lived together, she was found to be with child" (Mtt 1: 18). This means that knowledge of Our Lady's pregnancy was apparent to others in the community outside of Joseph. Second, Joseph was a "righteous man" which means that he had a public reputation as adhering to the Torah, which was a challenging thing to do especially if you were not a Pharisee. Nevertheless, despite the damage to his reputation he "... unwilling to expose her to public disgrace, planned to dismiss her quietly." (Mtt 1: 19) This shows he had a merciful heart. Third, after the angel appears to him in a dream to explain the situation: "When Joseph awoke from sleep, he did as the angel of the Lord commanded him." (Mtt 1: 24) In this way he was obedient to God just as Our Lady was when she consented to bear the Son of God even though she was a virgin. Joseph does this even though he knows that his reputation as a "righteous man" will suffer even more leaving him open to public scorn and mockery. That Jesus' parentage was questioned is indicated in the Gospel of John when in dispute with the Pharisees they say: " 'We are not illegitimate children; we have one father, God himself'." (Jn 8:41) In doing so they cast shade on Jesus' parentage which may be a slur that followed him all his life. As we hear of the Christmas story, therefore, we are reminded of the courage and sanctity of the parents of Jesus which lay the foundation for the Holy Family which we celebrate in a feast on the Sunday after the feast of the Nativity of Jesus.

3rd Sunday of Advent

 The name Gaudete Sunday, for this day in the liturgical year, comes from the entrance antiphon in the Roman Missal: "Rejoice in the Lord, always; again I say, rejoice. Indeed, the Lord is near." (Phil 4: 4-5) It is the counterpart of Laetare Sunday, on the Fourth Sunday of Lent, The colour rose speaks of the dawning of salvation, just as the sky can appear at sunrise. Yet, John the Baptist, suffering in prison, does not sound joyful. He asks Jesus: " 'Are you the one who is to come, or are we to wait for another?' "  (Mtt 11: 3) It is comforting that even the greatest of prophets should have moments of darkness and doubt. Let us take the advice of James in our Second Reading: "You must be patient. Strengthen your hearts, for the coming of the Lord is near." (Jm 5: 8) The joy we experience at Mass helps to sustain us as we journey in faith as Pilgrims of Hope, not just in this Jubilee Year, but for the whole of our lives. If we are obedient to our Lord and strive to please him in prayer and work, we will witness God's power in his lives and enjoy His blessing: "And blessed is anyone who takes not offense at me." (Mtt 11: 6)

Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception

 As we look at the prayers in the Roman Missal for the Immaculate Conception we find them to be full of doctrine that explains the significance of this mystery. We are told in the Collect that: "you (God) preserved her (Our Lady) from every stain by virtue of the Death of your Son, which you foresaw, so, through her intercession, we too, may be cleansed and admitted to your presence." In the Prayer over the Offerings we pray: "and grant that, as we profess her, on account of your prevenient grace, to be untouched by any stain of sin, so, through her intercession we may be freed from all our faults." The Preface teaches: "She, the most pure Virgin, was to bring forth a Son, the innocent Lamb who would wipe away our offences; you placed her above all others to be for your people an advocate of grace and a model for holiness." Lastly, in the Prayer after Communion, we ask: "May the Sacrament we have received, O Lord our God, heal in us the wounds of that fault from which in a singular way you preserved Blessed Mary in her Immaculate Conception." All of this teases out the implications of the angel's words to Mary in the Gospel: "Greetings, favoured one! The Lord is with you." (Lk 1: 28) and "Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favour with God." (Lk 1: 30) Clearly, the privilege granted to Our Lady was not merely for her benefit. It also serves to make more efficacious her intercession for the Church and mediates more effectively the mercy of God. Let us use this opportunity to renew our faith and trust in God's providential love and the prayers of Our Lady.