Reflections for Advent and Christmas, [November 28, 2004

Sunday, January 2, 2005

The Feast of the Epiphany

U. S. Catholics celebrate the feast of the Epiphany on the Sunday that occurs between January 2-8. The traditional date, however, is January 6.

“Epiphany” is a Greek word that means a “showing forth” – usually the manifestation of a god. In early Christianity this feast celebrated four events that revealed Jesus as the Son of God:

1. The birth of Jesus, when God took flesh and became visible;

2. The visit of the Magi, when Jesus was first manifest to the Gentiles;

3. The baptism of Jesus, when a voice from the heavens said, “This is my beloved son”;

4. The miracle at Cana, after which John’s Gospel says, “Jesus did this as the beginning of his signs in Can in Galilee and so revealed his glory.”

* * *

Epiphay is sometimes called “Little Christmas.” Actually, it was once “Big Christmas” since it was the only celebration of Christ’s birth. (In the Armenian Church that is still true today.)

It wasn’t until the fourth century that some began to celebrate Christmas on December 25, and Epiphany evolved to a celebration of the visit of the Magi.

Sunday -- Epiphany

With the Eyes of Faith

If I were to write a play about the Wise Men, I’d tell of a long journey over the desert, with bandits, camels going lame, etc. Finally at the end of this long journey, the star stops. The Wise Men go inside and their first reaction is “This is it? This is all there is? A little baby, and a simple peasant girl, and a carpenter! This is what we’ve been journeying for?”

We could have the same reaction about the Church. We could look around at people and say, “This is it?” How could this ever be the People of God, God’s family, the people God has taken in as His own, the community through whom he acts? It doesn’t always look like all that.

But just as the Wise Men had to see with the eyes of faith, so do we in the Church. We expect to see a Church of glory, but instead we see a Church that is journeying toward the day when it will be without spot or wrinkle, without sin, when God will be as plain as day.

Most families are good families, but even in good families things are said that should never be said. Things are done that shouldn’t be done. Relationships are imperfect, homes are sometimes in disorder. But still they are good families.

The Church is like a good family. Sometimes things are said that should never be said. Things are done that shouldn’t be done. Relationships are imperfect, misunderstandings happen, people don’t act as they should. But still it is a good family.

If you can see the Church with eyes of faith, you know that it is a special place where the Lord is and acts. It had wonderful treasures, sometimes in earthen vessels. It isn’t the only place where God is present in this way, but it is the only place where God is always present in this way.

That’s why it is always “home” to the person on a journey seeking God.

Spend some quiet time with the Lord.

Monday, January 3, 2005

Legend of the Poinsettia

During the weeks leading up to Christmas a young Mexican girl named Miranda worked hard with her mother to weave a beautiful blanket. She and her parents planned to bring it to the church on Christmas Eve when everyone came forward to present a gift to the manger.

Shortly before Christmas her mother became sick. When Miranda tried to weave the blanket on her own, the yarns became hopelessly tangled. She couldn’t finish it.

When Miranda and her father went to church that Christmas Eve, she was sad, for they had no gift to bring. Not even the candles and the singing could cheer her heart. Then an old woman comforted her saying, “Your mother will get well. And you should bring to the Lord any gift you can find. It’s the giving, not the gift, that matters.

Miranda went outside and picked some weeds from the roadside and brought them to the manger. There was a stir among the people and when Miranda looked at the weeds in her hand they had become bright red flowers, each like a flaming red star.

When the people went home that night, the roadside weeds had all become bright red flowers – the Flor de la Navidad.

* * *

The poinsettia is native to Mexico where it grows as a wild shrub reaching a height of over 15 feet. In 1839 it was brought to the United States by the foreign minister to Mexico, Joel Poinsett, after whom the flower was named.

Monday – 2nd Week, Christmas Season

The tempter approached and said to him, “If you are the Son of God, command that these stones become loaves of bread.”

He said in reply, “It is written: One does not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes forth from the mouth of God. (Matthew 4:3-4)

Many temptations, which seem minor invitations to do this or that, go much deeper. They have to do with whether we want to live up to our true identity.

Interesting that the very first words on the lips of the tempter pick up on the identity of Jesus: “If you are the Son of God..."

The devil isn’t dumb enough to say, “Do you want to be what that voice from heaven said you are?” Instead the tempter suggests that Jesus do a few touch-ups. Use his power for show. Play to his audience and be more popular. Zap some stones into bread.

Jesus doesn’t fall for it, but goes to the heart of the matter. He has been sent by the Father to use his power to bring salvation to people, not show off. His food is God’s word.

Straight answers are best when I’m tempted. And the person I usually have to talk straight to is myself.

And the Lord.

Spend some quiet time with the Lord.

Monday, January 4, 2005

St. Elizabeth Ann Seton

Elizabeth Ann Bayley Seton, a wife, mother, widow, convert, and foundress of a religious community of women was the first native-born U. S. citizen to be canonized a saint.

Elizabeth was born into a distinguished New York family on August 28, 1774. Richard Bayley, her father, was a physician and professor of anatomy at Kings’ College (later Columbia University). Her mother, Catherine, was the daughter of the rector of St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church on Staten Island.

Early in her life Elizabeth showed an unusual concern for the poor and the sick. People called her a “sister of charity.”

At the age of 20 Elizabeth married William Magee Seton, a wealthy young merchant. They had five children.

Then came a reverse of fortune which so affected her husband’s health that he, Elizabeth, and their older daughter went to spend some time in Italy at the home of Catholic friends. William died six weeks later. Elizabeth stayed on some months with her friends.

Elizabeth returned to New York and in 1805 was received into the Catholic Church. Ostracized by her family and friends, she moved to Canada. In 1807 she returned to the U. S. and founded a school for girls in Baltimore. It was a success and Elizabeth, along with several of her teachers, formed a religious community based on the rule of St. Vincent de Paul for the Sisters of Charity. She later moved to Emmitburg, Maryland.

Elizabeth and her community devoted themselves to Catholic schools, with a special concern for the poor and the sick. She died on this date at the age of 46.

Tuesday – 2nd Week, Christmas Season

Then the devil took him to the holy city, and made him stand on the parapet of the temple, and said to him, “If you are the Son of God, throw yourself down. For it is written: ‘He will command his angels concerning you’ and ‘with their hands they will support you lest you dash your foot against a stone.’” (Matthew 4:5-7)

If you travel to Jerusalem you can still see the corner of the massive platform on which the Temple was built – the place Matthew is describing here.

This scene plays out like a poker hand. Jesus’ response to this first temptation, expressed his trust in God. So the devil raises him: “Okay, if you trust God, then show it. Jump.” To strengthen his bluff, the devil even quotes Scripture.

Jesus raises him back: “Really to trust God is to be obedient to God and believe that this is the way to success, happiness, and fulfillment.” To strengthen his hand, Jesus quotes Scripture right back.

To trust – really to trust – to be obedient to God. That’s not as easy as it sounds.

But it’s true. And it's the kind of trust to which a son or daughter of God is called.

It keeps coming back to that: Am I willing to be the person God made me to be?

Spend some quiet time with the Lord.

Wednesday, January 5, 2005

St. John Neumann

John Neumann was born in Bohemia on March 28, 1811. After entering the seminary, but before ordination, he decided to do missionary work in the United States. He arrived in New York with one suit of clothes and a dollar in his pocket. Shortly after his ordination in 1836 he became a member of the Redemptorists community and worked in parishes in Baltimore and Pittsburgh.

At the age of 41, he was named bishop of Philadelphia where he served until his death eight years later.

John Neumann was a humble man, small of stature, but vigorous in his work for his people. Over 80 parishes were established during his episcopacy, and he vigorously promoted Catholic schools. He also wrote two catechisms in German. (He spoke six languages.)

He died on this date in 1860, and was canonized by Pope Paul VI in 1977.

Wednesday – 2nd Week, Christmas Season

But the devil took him up to a very high mountain, and showed him all the kingdoms of the world in their magnificence, and he said to him, “All these I shall give to you, if you will prostrate yourself and worship me.”

At this Jesus said to him, “Get away, Satan! I It is written: ‘The Lord, your God, shall you worship and him alone shall you serve.’”

Then the devil left him and behold, angels came and ministered to him. (Matthew 4:8-11)

The subtleties vanish with this third temptation and we see what the stakes really are: Satan presents himself as the god to be worshiped.

Each day we come face-to-face with this issue. Is it God, or is it something else I will worship – something else that will take first place in my life, something else that will consume my time, energy, preoccupation?

Jesus says that there’s no possible debate on this one. God is God, and God alone shall you serve.

Here’s something to take to heart: Tell me how you spend your time, your money and your thoughts, and I’ll tell you what’s important to you.

Spend some quiet time with the Lord.

Thursday, January 6, 2005

The Magi

In most parts of the world, today is the traditional date for Epiphany, a feast which celebrates the visit of the Magi.

These mysterious figures from the East (about whom little is known) have long been the subject of stories, legends and speculation. Early on they were looked upon as royal figures. This may have been suggested by Psalm 72: “The kings of Arabia and Sheba shall bring tribute; all kings shall pay him homage.”

It is not known how many Magi there were. The three gifts gave rise to the number that has been commonly used. Some medieval Eastern lists have as many as 12.

Various names were assigned to them. The names usually given go back to perhaps the sixth century. A century or two later an unknown writer provides a description of them” Magi were the ones who gave gifts to the Lord. The first is said to have been Melchior, an old man with white hair and a long beard…The second, Caspar by name, young and beardless, and ruddy complexioned…The third, black-skinned and heavily bearded, name Balthasar…

This description has influenced artists every since.

Thursday – 2nd Week, Christmas Season

When Jesus heard that John had been arrested, he withdrew to Galilee. He left Nazareth and went to live in Capernaum by the sea, in the region of Zebulun and Naphtali, that what had been said through Isaiah the prophet might be fulfilled:

”Land of Zebulun and land of Naphtali, the way to the sea, beyond the Jordan, Galilee of the Gentiles, the people who sit in darkness have seen a great light, on those dwelling in a land overshadowed by death light has arisen.”

(Matthew 4:1216)

Thunderclouds are gathering. Jesus is headed for dangerous territory, to Galilee which was controlled by Herold Antipas who arrested (and will behead) John the Baptist.

Galilee was looked upon as a religiously darkened area rife witn “sinners,” who were not known for their strict observance of the Law. Except for special trips to Jerusalem, Jesus will spend all his remaining time there, an area about 45 miles north to south.

It is a new dawn. Light now shines in that darkened land.

Any darkness in your life? There’s light avaialble.

Spend some quiet time with the Lord.

Friday, January 7, 2005

Fr. Solanus Casey

On December 8, 1896, Barney Casey, a former prison guard and lumberjack made a novena in preparation for the Feast of the Immaculate Conception. He felt his life was at a crossroads.

Despite a desire to become a priest, family obligations had delayed his vocation. When he finally did enter the seminary in his mid-twenties, he struggled with classes and was asked to leave after one year. Now, as he knelt in prayer, he felt the Blessed Mother’s presence and heard the words, “Go to Detroit.”

The Capuchin noviate was located in Detroit and on Christmas Eve, Barney entered the St. Bonaventure Monastery. He took the name Solanus, after St. Francis Solanus, a Spanish Franciscan missionary who worked in South America. Like Barney Casey (who loved to play his violin), St. Francis had been a violinist whose music often accompanied his preaching.

Although he still struggled academically, Solanus Casey was eventually ordained in 1904, but was prohibited from preaching formal sermons or hearing confessions. He was given the task of “porter” – the receptionist and doorkeeper of St. Bonaventure’s. Soon, stories of his compassion and his performing “miracles” began to surface. During more than two decades as a porter, he received more than 6,000 requests for help, as his reputation for holiness became widespread.

At Christmas 1956, Fr. Solanus had grown weaker from skin cancer. Still, he went to the chapel where he played his violin and sang carols to the Christ Child. Fr. Solanus died the following July 31.

In 1995, he was declared “venerable” by the Vatican, the first U. S. - born male to be so honored.

Friday – 2nd Week, Christmas Season

From that time on, Jesus began to preach and say, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.” (Matthew 4:17)

This is the formal beginning of the public ministry of Jesus: “From that time on, Jesus began to preach…”

The first words of John the Baptist’s preaching were exactly the same: “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.” But Jesus and John are very different.

Both were executed, but the effects of Jesus’ death are unlike any other. Jesus died to make death no longer a dead-end but rather a birth to a new and fuller life.

Jesus also cut a new path to holiness, not a fiery path, but one of mercy, gentleness and love. It was not all desert dwelling and desert food. Jesus himself, later in the Gospel, will contrast John and himself.

For John came neither eating nor drinking, and they said, “He is possessed by a demon. The Son of Man came eating and drinking and they said, ‘Look, he is a glutton and a drunkard, a friend of tax collectors and sinners.”

The path of Jesus winds its way through real life, and it is a path we all can walk. We need to “repent” – to re-think and see things “differently.” We are surrounded by God’s creation. All we have to do is see it that way – meant not for greed, selfishness, but meant for the good of all, and blessed by the presence of God.

There are 359 days left in this Year of Our Lord, 2005, The Year of the Eucharist. Jesus cut a path for us to follow.

Spend some quiet time with the Lord.

Saturday, January 8, 2005

Early Days in the Life of Jesus

Matthew and Luke tell the story of the birth of Jesus. Apart from these accounts – plus Luke’s story of the finding in the Temple when Jesus was 12 – nothing is known about Jesus until he began his public ministry at about the age of 30.

A gap like that is a fertile field for folklore. Some legends are quaint – the child Jesus making birds out of clay and bringing them to life. Others are offensive. For example, this from the apocryphal Gospel of Thomas:

Jesus was walking through the village and a boy ran and knocked against his shoulder. Jesus was exasperated and said to him: “You shall go no further on your way, “ and the child immediately fell down and died.

The truth is, nothing is known about these years in his life. Given the surprised reaction of his townspeople when he began his public ministry, presumably he led a normal life.

Saturday – 2nd Week, Christmas Season

The ‘Domestic Church’

In commemoration of the visit of the Magi to the home of the Holy Family, there arose the custom of blessing homes during the week of Epiphany.

The first initial of the legendary names of the Magi (Caspar, Melchior and Balthasar) are marked at the top of the main door frame, along with the year, plus crosses in between the numbers and the letters. This year it would look like this:

20 † C † M † B † 05

The home of a Christian is a holy place – a place with Christian symbols, and a place where prayers are said.

The Church encourages the practice of lay people praying blessings – blessing food, children, their home. The bishops of the United States have published a book of Catholic household blessings, noting that if the Sunday assembly is to be a praying community, prayer has to happen in the “little churches” – households and families.

Whether you live alone or with a family, pray a blessing on the place you call home. Here’s an example:

Be my shelter, Lord, when I am at home, my companion when I am away, and my welcome guest when I return. And at last receive me into the dwelling place you have prepared for me in your Father’s house, where you live forever and ever. Amen.

Spend some quiet time with the Lord.

Sunday, January 9, 2005

Ordinary Time

The Church’s liturgical year begins with the first Sunday of Advent and ends on the Saturday before the next Advent. The framework of the year is fixed, but there are variations within it because the date of Easter changes from year to year.

• Most of the liturgical year is called Ordinary Time – weeks that are numbered, e.g. the “20th Sunday of the Year.” The phrase “ordinary time” can be misleading since in English, it implies “pedestrian.” Actually, it is a literal translation of the Latin “ordinarius” which means “ordered.”

• There are four “special seasons”: Advent, Christmas, Lent, and Easter. The entire year works out this way:

† Season of Advent [22-28 days]

† Season of Christmas [13-19 days]

† Ordinary Time (from end of Christmas Season to Lent) [29-56 days]

† Season of Lent/Triduum [46 days]

† Season of Easter [50 days]

† Ordinary Time (from end of Easter Season to Advent) [173-201 days]

Today’s feast of the Baptism of the Lord is the last day of the Christmas Season. “Ordinary Time” begins tomorrow.

Sunday – Feast of the Baptism of the Lord

Baptism of Jesus

The baptism of Jesus is the first appearance of the adult Jesus in Matthew’s Gospel, and the first time Jesus speaks. Matthew’s primary interest is not the baptism as such, but the voice from the heavens revealing that Jesus is the Son of God.

Note that the voice from heaven is directed, not to Jesus (as in Mark) but to those present (“This is my beloved Son) and to those who read this passage…namely, us.

Matthew wants us to learn something about our own baptism. We receive the Holy Spirit and are made sons and daughter of God.

The baptism of Jesus was a dramatical turning point in his life. Jesus was about 30 years old, and had spent his whole life in the obscurity of a small hill town up north called Nazareth. He worked as a carpenter; in the eyes of the townspeople he was just like everybody else.

After his baptism, Jesus put aside whatever dreams he might have had of a quiet life as a carpenter. He would now be center stage, loved by some, disliked by others. He would preach, teach, and heal. He would show us a new way to die – with trust in a God.

His decision was not without struggle. Right after his baptism he faced the temptation to take a different path, but he fought it off and lived the life he was called to live.

As we close the Christmas Season and open the door to the rest of the year, it is this Jesus who says to us: “Come, follow me.”

Spend some quiet time with the Lord.

Monday, January 10, 2005

Epilogue

Today marks our emergence into a stretch of “Ordinary Time” for 30 days, after which Lent starts.

The reason why the Church has a “Liturgical Year” is to sanctify time. Many ancient cultures saw time as “cyclical” – i.e. a never –ending cycle of repetition, going around in circles. The Christian view of time is “linear” – i.e. moving constantly ahead, “on a line.” Going somewhere. The liturgical seasons and feasts recur year after year, but they are like a spiral staircase – going upward, not around in the same circle.

We may feel trapped in a cycle (e.g.. we make resolutions, break resolutions, make resolutions) but it doesn’t have to be that way. We may not be able to break out of it on our own, but the Lord helps us do what we can’t do on our own. It’s called “God’s grace.”

For the past 43 days, we’ve experienced prayer for “six minutes a day.” There’s no reason why we can’t continue this.

Consider taking your Bible and spending six minutes mulling over a few verses each day. They are graced words, and the Lord speaks to us personally through them

As we emerge from the Christmas Season to the rest of the “Year of Grace 2005” we stay close to the Lord, asking him to lead us down the path he calls us to walk.

May you journey with Jesus Christ ever at your side.

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