It is seemingly remarkable that it is not always Jesus’ birth arrival, Advent, that is emphasized in readings during Advent. Leading up to Christmas, it is just as often, if not more often, that Jesus’ arrival into public life is emphasized. One result is a greater emphasis not on Mary but on John the Baptist. … Continue reading “Remarkable Arrival”
Tag: Christmas
Spectrum of Learning: Awake
Jesus is encouraging those who want to learn from him to stay awake to a coming meaningful event. It is the coming of the Son of Man. It is a highly misunderstood and misinterpreted event. The coming of the Son of Man refers to Resurrection. Like Jesus’ coming at birth, the soon to be celebrated … Continue reading “Spectrum of Learning: Awake”
Who or What Do We Cradle This Christmas?
Two life-giving women, Mary and Elizabeth, come together in this Sunday’s Gospel. They are cradling within and between themselves the power of life. They respond to each other from that power: “At the moment the sound of your greeting reached my ears, the infant in my womb leaped for joy.” For Christmas to be a … Continue reading “Who or What Do We Cradle This Christmas?”
How Can We Change the Climate This Christmas Season?
The Advent/Christmas season begins with the Gospel forecasting an apocalyptic event. It uses symbolic language to convey its seriousness: “There will be signs in the sun, the moon, and the stars, and on earth nations will be in dismay.” Jesus describes a climate of distress apparent socially and personally (he’s facing his own suffering and … Continue reading “How Can We Change the Climate This Christmas Season?”
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, as 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”
Giving Birth To Christ
Advent is a time of pregnancy in which we are patiently waiting with a pregnant Mary each year. As she prepared to give birth to Jesus so we too prepare to give birth to the Christ child in our world. Meister Eckhart, a 14th century mystic, wrote: “What good is it if this eternal birth … Continue reading “Giving Birth To Christ”