While visiting lately with much older friends I heard them express feelings of sadness, even grief. They spoke tearfully of injustices and suffering in the world, specifically in the U.S. They had done their best to alleviate that suffering throughout their lives and saw significant change happen. Now, from walkers and wheelchairs, they were watching … Continue reading “Salt and Light Within”
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Presentations
Included in this Sunday’s Gospel are the stories of Simeon and Anna. They are both prophets who present prayers of thanksgiving in response to Jesus’ birth. Simeon and Anna are just a few of the many common people who are drawn from the background to the foreground in the Gospel. The Gospel’s habit of presenting … Continue reading “Presentations”
Ordinary
There is much about us that is ordinary. We are ordinary in our routines, in our customary habits, and in our character. Peter, Andrew, and James were quite ordinary people when the Gospel tells their story of encountering Jesus. Jesus then showed them how to live within the ordinary and transform it, thus creating an … Continue reading “Ordinary”
Knowing God
John the Baptist twice says of Jesus in this Sunday’s Gospel: “I did not know him.” There are additional instances after Jesus’ baptism that shows John didn’t entirely understand Jesus, or His mission. (Matthew 11:2-6) Though John doesn’t know Jesus, John knows the old God and the old religion of the Old Testament. John unfortunately … Continue reading “Knowing God”
Love and Justice
As important as justice might seem for disciples it gives way to the more important virtue of love. This truth is exemplified in Sunday’s Gospel when John the Baptist gives way to Jesus. John revealed a just God. John’s God was concerned with denouncing sinners and cleansing the world of evil. As it was time … Continue reading “Love and Justice”
Strong and Weak
The Magi seek a child they believe is born to wisdom. They are strong in their conviction, travelling possibly thousands of miles to find the child. They are therefore also strong physically to make the journey and strong emotionally to keep at it. Being strong they are not deterred by a weak King, Herod, who … Continue reading “Strong and Weak”
Family
Family is indeed under assault by the U.S. culture. Though not by the forces its conservative members assert. Family is not under assault by people who love each other, no matter their gender or ethnicity, their religion or lack thereof. People who love each other teach us how to care, how to be compassionate, and … Continue reading “Family”
How Unbelievable is Our Belief?
The risks of giving birth are almost unbelievable. So many things have to go just right in the life of the growing baby and in the life of the mother. In the case of Mary of Nazareth she begins her birthing saga as an unwed mother. Joseph is initially a less than certain partner in … Continue reading “How Unbelievable is Our Belief?”
Fertility
Fertility is one meaning of the feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe. It is recognized in the sash tied across Mary’s waist indicating she is pregnant. Mary’s feast fits well as a celebration during the Advent season when we are all awaiting new life. The feast celebrates the pregnant Mary’s fruitful appearance to a poor … Continue reading “Fertility”
Conception
Conception, a natural consideration in this season awaiting a baby’s birth, is not considered this Sunday. It is displaced by a warning from John the Baptist as the Gospel reading. Quite unfortunate, since today, December 8th, is a specific day celebrating conception. It is Mary’s Immaculate Conception. The festive celebration of Mary’s conception happens in … Continue reading “Conception”