Advent means arrival and specifically harkens the arrival of the Christ child, Jesus of Nazareth. The Gospel readings throughout Advent always expand the meaning of Jesus’ arrival. For example, the Advent readings include Jesus’ arrival into public ministry. John the Baptist’s experience is thus emphasized. The readings also include messages mistakenly interpreted as Jesus’ arrival … Continue reading “Arrival of a Pregnancy”
Tag: mary
Giving Birth to Peace
Mary of Nazareth is undergoing a series of very trying experiences. She is pregnant under questionable circumstances. She is traveling a great distance on the back of a mule while pregnant. She is being forced upon this trip late in her pregnancy by an emperor who wants more tax money from working people. She and … Continue reading “Giving Birth to Peace”
The Beauty of Being Received
Jesus is visiting with his friends, Martha and Mary, in their home in this Sunday’s Gospel. Both are taking seriously their witness to hospitality. Martha expresses her hospitality by lifting from Jesus any concerns about nourishment; she prepares all the food and drink and serves him. It seems, however, that her attention is not so … Continue reading “The Beauty of Being Received”
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?”
Lives That Matter
Announcing the arrival of a V.I.P. is its own event. I once watched a 14 car motorcade announce a U.S. President’s arrival to a theater. V.I.P. status is confirmed by temples of fame and fortune with their outside trappings of red carpets and media. It is confirmed by expensive gifts and plush surroundings. All of … Continue reading “Lives That Matter”
Presentations
Included in this Sunday’s Gospel are the stories of Simeon and Anna. They are both prophets who happily receive Jesus and present prayers of thanksgiving in response. 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 … Continue reading “Presentations”
Strong and Weak
The Magi seek one 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 is … Continue reading “Strong and Weak”
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, 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”