" There is only one God, brethren, and we earn about him only from sacred Scripture. It is therefore our duty to become acquainted with what Scripture proclaims and to investigate its teachings thoroughly. We should believe them in the sense that the Father wills, thinking of the Son in the way the Father wills, and accepting the teaching he wills to give us with regard to the Holy Spirit. Sacred Scripture is God's gift to us and it should be understood in the way that he intends: we should not do violence to it by interpreting it according to our own preconceived ideas." St. Hippolytus

How important it is that we regularly read and reflect of God's word! Some say that it is difficult to understand what they read. Pray for God's wisdom when we read and reflect on the Sacred writings. There is much wealth in the word of God that is given to us to lift us up, to deepen our relationship with God, to show us the path to holiness, to point out our sins, and to direct our thoughts to what is good, pleasing and perfect according to God's will. If you are looking for a Christmas gift back to Jesus for all he has given and done for you, give him the decision to read and reflect on the scriptures more. It is his word to us. In accepting it and applying it will be our response to him.

The Father loved us by sending his Son.

The Son loved us by becoming Man.

The Spirit loved us by overshadowing Mary.

God did all this to share his life with us,

   even before we have responded.

In love let us cry out, Come Jesus, be born anew in us.

Merry Christmas!

 "Those who let their appetites take hold of them suffer torture and affliction like an enemy held prisoner." Saint John of the Cross

The O Antiphon for today is: "O Key of David, opening the gates of God's eternal kingdom, come and free the prisoners of darkness." If we are looking to welcome Christ in a fresh new way as he comes to us in the present moment, we need to walk in the light and not in the darkness of sin. Heed the word of St. John the Baptizer, "Repent! Open your lives to the Messiah who is in our midst." While darkness is the absence of light, the light can overcome the darkness. The darkness of sin prevents the light of grace to transform us. But repentance opens the door for the light to come. Come, Lord Jesus, come!

" O Root of Jesse’s stem, sign of God’s love for all his people: come to save us without delay!"

I like St.John of the Cross' refection on this O Antiphon. "What we need most in order to make progress is to be silent before this great God with our appetite and with our tongue, for the language he best hears is silent love. Jesus came to the world in the silence of the night and will continue to come to those are await him in the silence of love and adoration. The busy world did not receive him, only those, like Mary and Joseph, who longed for him in silent prayer. Come, Lord Jesus, come!

Homily Fourth Sunday of Advent Year C     

Reading 1: The prophet Micah centuries before the birth of Messiah prophesied that he would be born in Bethlehem. This was in keeping with the prophetic word before him, which said that the Messiah would be from the house/clan of Judah. Bethlehem was insignificant among the towns in Judah in size. However, it’s fame was the town which David the King had come from. Again the connection to the prophetic word of God, the Messiah will be of the house of David, of the house of Jesse, of the clan of Judah.

Micah further specifies two qualities of the Messiah in relationship to David. Like David he will be a king and like David he will be a shepherd caring for the flock of the Lord. The Messiah will be able to accomplish all because his strength is in the Lord. As a result, he shall bring peace to the earth.

This prophetic word was fulfilled by Jesus, who was born in Bethlehem and who said he was the Good Shepherd, whose kingdom is not of this world. The text from Micah was the text that the priests told Herod , when he inquired where the Messiah was to be born.

Gospel: Mary had experienced the appearance of an angel, who told her that though insignificant in the eyes of the world had been chosen to be the Mother of the Messiah. He told her that she would conceive the Son of the Most High by the power of the Holy Spirit. This Son would save his people from their sins. Mary without understanding his message submitted herself to God’s plan.

Mary was also told of another work of God. Her cousin, Elizabeth, who in her old age as conceived a son. Mary, not thinking about herself hastened to care for Elizabeth. Zachariah and Elizabeth were both insignificant in the eyes of the world. Yet the child to be born would be the greatest of all prophets before Jesus.

Elizabeth, by the power of the Holy Spirit confirms for Mary the message that the angel had revealed to Mary. She also confirmed that the child conceived by Mary was the Lord. Elizabeth’s prophetic word concluded with the confirmation of Mary’s decision to submit herself to fulfill the word of God to her.

In the eyes of the world, each of us is insignificant. Yet, God has done great and mighty things for us. Mary’s response was obedience to the plan of God. Elizabeth’s response was rejoicing in the Spirit for what God has done in her and in Mary. From them we learn what our response should be to all that God does in our lives.  We are called not only to say “Thy will be done” but to do the will of God consciously each day. We are called not only to recognize what God is doing, but to praise God privately and publically, proclaiming his mighty deeds of mercy and love.

Reading 2: Jesus made the hallmark of his mission on earth that of doing the will of the Father, even to become a sacrifice for our sake. “By this will” we have been consecrated through the offering of the body of Jesus once for all. The sin of Adam and Eve was choosing not to do the will of God, not to submit themselves to the plan of God, not to be dependent on God, but to seek to be equal to God. Jesus, in his humanity, came to rectify what was done by the sin of Adam and Eve. He did this by choosing to embrace the will of God even to death by crucifixion.

 "It is noteworthy that even though God has knowledge and understanding of all, and even sees the very thoughts of the soul, as Moses asserts [Dt 31:21], it is said when he provides a remedy for us in our needs that he sees them, and when he answers our prayers that he hears them. Not all needs and petitions reach the point at which God, in hearing, grants them. They must wait until in his eyes they arrive at the suitable time, season, and number, and then it is said that he sees and hears them." Saint John of the Cross

The O Antiphon for second day of our Christmas novena is: “O Adonai and Ruler the house of Israel, who appeared to Moses in the flame of the burning bush and gave him the law on Sinai: come, and redeem us with outstretched arms.”  In this prayer we recognize God as our Lord and Savior. As he redeemed us after a long time between the fall of Adam and Eve until the coming of the Savior, he doesn't always answer our prayers quickly. He delayed his redemption to show us how much he loved us in spite of of our sinfulness. So, if he delays in answering our prayers, it may be to show us his love in spite of our not understanding his ways.

 "Wisdom enters through love, silence, and mortification. It is great wisdom to know how to be silent and to look at neither the remarks, nor the deeds, nor the lives of others." Saint John of the Cross

As we begin our Christmas Novena, the Church has celebrated these days with what is known as the O Antiphons.  These recognize various titles of Christ in preparation of his coming. Today, it is Christ, our Wisdom. From him we learn in a personal way the love of the Father and the will of the Father for each of us. The scriptures tell us that authentic awe of God is the beginning of wisdom. This means that the more we praise the Lord for who he is, the more open we will be to know the mind of the Lord for us. "O Wisdom of our God Most High, guiding creation with power and love, come to teach  us the path of knowledge!"

 "And this is clearly the reason: you first loved us so that we might love you--not because you needed our love, but because we could not be what you created us to be, except by loving you." William of St. Thierry

God called us into existence, so that we could share in his divine life eternally. Since God's life is one of mutual love, the only way we could share in his life is by living also a life of love. To do this, God first loved us. not because we were deserving of his love, but because of who he is. Thus, the commandment of Jesus is that love God with our whole being and love others as he has loved us. Advent is another grace-time to respond and grow in this call of God to love. If we want to receive Christ in a fresh new way this Christmas, then prepare a place in our hearts with acts of intentional love for God and others. And he will come.

 
"The liturgy of Advent...helps us to understand fully the value and meaning of the mystery of Christmas. It is not just about commemorating the historical event, which occurred some 2,000 years ago in a little village of Judea. Instead, it is necessary to understand that the whole of our life must be an 'advent,' a vigilant awaiting of the final coming of Christ. To predispose our mind to welcome the Lord who, as we say in the creed, one day will come to judge the living and the dead, we must learn to recognize him as present in the events of daily life. Therefore, Advent is, so to speak, an intense training that directs us decisively toward him who already came, who will come, and who comes continuously." St John Paul II

For most of us, Advent is a time to buy gifts for Christmas, put up festive lights, celebrate Christmas and then move on in our life. We are not that conscious of Christ's coming in the present moment of each of our lives and thus we are not preparing for his final coming in time for each of us. We miss the graces of his different comings in the present moments of our lives. We are too busy with life that we fail to recognized Life when he comes to us.  Only an attentive heart that is longing for Jesus will become sensitive to his presence. Mary Magdalene was searching for the body of Jesus at the empty tomb. Jesus comes to her as the Risen Lord, not a dead corpse. When  he speaks her name, she recognized that it was the Lord. That recognition resulted from her seeking him in love. Seek the Lord in love. Long for the Lord in love, so that your spiritual eyes may be able to recognize him in the present moment. 

 "Next  to that which directly concerns God, nothing is more precious for truly enlightened piety than that which concerns the honor of the Blessed Virgin Mary. Here we encounter all that exists in a son towards his mother. And what a Mother! To us she gave her Son, the world's life and salvation she engendered all of us spiritually at the foot of the Cross through the pangs of the passion and death of the God-Man, the blessed fruit of her womb. She is rightly called the new Eve of the human race." St Eugene de Mazenod

On this Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe, we thank God for all that he has done in her life and even today through her. Mary's various apparitions reminds us of the same message. Jesus is the Savior of the world. She calls us to repent and encounter her Son in a fresh new way, so that her Son may accomplish in us what he truly desires, union with him. Mary is the one who proclaims to us today: "Prepare the way of the Lord." He came in the flesh through Mary as his Mother. Now, he comes in spirit and in sacramental signs to prepare us for his final coming in glory. If we receive him now as he comes, hopefully, we will receive him then, in his final coming, the most important encounter. Come, Lord Jesus, come!

Homily Third Sunday of Advent Year C

Reading 1: What is the cause or reason for rejoicing? The prophet Zephaniah gives two reasons why they should rejoice. One, God has removed his judgment against the people of Israel, namely their sinfulness and consequent punishment of exile. Their time of mourning and shame is to come to an end. Secondly, the Lord is in their midst. In spite of the fact that the people had abandoned the way of the Lord, God had not abandoned them.  As a result, they were no longer to fear or become discouraged by their situation in exile. The prophet also gives them a promise. The Lord will renew them in his love.

To shout with joy, to rejoice in the midst of struggles and difficulties, tragedies and major disappointments is not easy. In fact, it goes against real feelings and perceptions. But it can be our attitude, if we recognize what God has and is doing and desires to do in and for us. Joy can be in us, if we realize that God is with us, even when we don’t see or feel him.

Is it possible that we have forgotten the good news, namely, the promise that Jesus has made? He said that he would be with us always. There may be at times a lack of inner joy in our lives because we focus on externals and not internals. If we are living in relationship with God, sharing in his life, is he not present within us? Is that a reason for joy? That he has forgiven our many sins and taken away our shame and guilt, is this not a reason for rejoicing? Like the Israelites, we have to be reminded again and again of the deeds and promises of God for us. We are called not to deny our past life of sin, but to embrace the present grace of God.

Reading 2: Paul is also a prophet of the Lord. He reminds us that we are not just to rejoice but to rejoice in the Lord, not occasionally, but always. Our joy, he says, should be obvious to others, for we are aware that the Lord is near as far as his second coming. But more importantly he is in us and with us in his present coming.

If we are conscious of the Lord’s presence and love is there room for anxiety? Instead of being anxious over things we have no control over, Paul urges us to pray to the Lord in thanksgiving. In another words, offer our anxieties to the Lord. If we follow this pattern, then the peace that surpasses all understanding will be present in our hearts. In either case, rejoicing in the Lord or becoming overwhelmed by anxieties is a choice that I make.

Gospel: The people who came to John at the Jordan and were asking to be baptized, were instructed by John to show their repentance by their way of life. They were expecting the Messiah. They wanted to prepare for his coming. But they wanted to know what more should they do to prepare for him. John basically said to act in a truly loving way to others, sharing with them, treating them justly and rightly with respect.

John reminded them that the One who is to come will baptize them with the Holy Spirit and fire. This is what Jesus said to the Apostles on the Day of the Ascension: “You will be baptized with the Holy Spirit….You will receive power to witness to others.” This is what happened on the Day of Pentecost. The Spirit came upon them and tongues of fire hovered over them. Jesus was the Lord of their lives. They rejoiced in him and followed the lead of the Spirit in preaching God’s love and plan to others.

We can become so off focus during this season that we miss the point of it. We can become overwhelmed and caught up with the details of the pre-Christmas season that we missed the person, Jesus. Is there a joy or excitement in our hearts? Is the reason for that excitement and joy Jesus? The celebration of his birth? Like the people in today’s Gospel, we should be asking what more can we do to prepare for his coming? Will we cleanse our hearts of sin? Will we desire him to come more fully into our lives and be the Lord of them? Will we recognize him in one another? Will love or obligation be the reason we do for others?

Let the Lord be the reason of our joy as we invite him more fully into our lives.  Come, Lord Jesus, come!

 "God, who is faithful, put himself in our debt, not by receiving anything but by promising so much....He promised eternal salvation, everlasting happiness with the angels, an immortal inheritance, endless glory, the joyful vision of his face, his holy dwelling in heaven, and after resurrection from the dead no further fear of dying., This is as it were his final promise, the goal of all our striving. When we reach it, we shall ask for nothing more." (St. Augustine)

How great is our God! We deserve none of these promises. They are beyond our reach on our own. But out of his abundant, unconditional love, God wanted more for us than mere human existence. He wanted us to experience and share in his own divine life and glory. Even when we sinned, he would not allow that to be a lasting bearer, unless that is our last choice of will. Knowing these graced promises, how should we respond? Surrender ourselves into the plan and will of God. He loves us and waits for our love gift by which we acknowledge his promises and choose to receive them from his hands. We allow him to transform us without any resistance, step by step, until the promises are fulfilled. Come, Lord Jesus, come.

 Third Sunday of Advent Gospel C

At that time, the crowds asked John the Baptist, “What should we do?”

· Some of them had already repented and were baptized. Now they where asking for the more. This should be our question as well, as we prepare for the continuing and final coming of Jesus. This was the question of the rich young man to Jesus. Unfortunately, asking isn’t enough. We have to act on the answer.

 He said to them in reply, “Whoever has two cloaks should share with the person who has none.  And whoever has food should do likewise.” 

· John called them (and us) to examine our true needs and to share with those who have less.  It is not enough to do the minimum, namely repentance and forgiveness, but we must be willing to follow the call to love through providing for the needs of others whenever possible.  Will not this be the issue at the Last Judgment when God will say: “What you did or did not do to the least you did or did not for me?”

Even tax collectors came to be baptized and they said to him, “Teacher, what should we do?” He answered them, “Stop collecting more than what is prescribed.” Soldiers also asked him, “And what is it that we should do?” He told them, “Do not practice extortion, do not falsely accuse anyone, and be satisfied with your wages.” 

· How fairly and justly do we treat others?  Ask this question within the context of being judged by God one day.

· Again, it is not enough to ask, if we are not determined to act accordingly.

Now the people were filled with expectation, and all were asking in their hearts whether John might be the Christ. John answered them all, saying, “I am baptizing you with water, but one mightier than I is coming. I am not worthy to loosen the thongs of his sandals. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire. His winnowing fan is in his hand to clear his threshing floor and to gather the wheat into his barn, but the chaff he will burn with unquenchable fire.” Exhorting them in many other ways, he preached good news to the people.

· John quickly distinguishes himself from the true Messiah who is to come.

· The baptism that the Messiah will proclaim will be greater than the one John preached. The latter was a preparation of the former.

· John considers himself, in comparison, as less than a servant. For a servant would be the one who unties the straps of the master’s sandals.

· The Messiah will come as judge separating the good and the bad.

· How do we apply this text in our lives today?

· Have we been baptized with the Holy Spirit and fire? Are we living out of that context in our daily lives? Are we zealot for the kingdom of God under the lead of the Holy Spirit?

· How attentive are we to our own baptismal life and the grace of Confirmation? To what extent do we witness these graces in our lives to others?

 "God walks into your soul with silent step. God comes to you more than you go to Him. Never will his coming be what you expect, and yet never will it disappoint. The more you respond to his gentle pressure, the greater will be your freedom." Venerable Fulton Sheen

As the Christ child came into the world without much fanfare, in the silent of the night, while the world was asleep, so Christ comes to us.  It is hard to perceive his presence, except through faith. Mary and Joseph and the shepherds saw a new born child with their natural eyes, but saw in faith the Messiah of the world. How often he comes to us in the same way. We see bead and wine but receive Jesus. We hear words from the Scriptures, we heed the voice of the Lord. In the silence of our hearts, Jesus speaks the language of love and peace. The more we are attentive to this different comings of the Lord to us, the more his life will transform ours.  Come, Lord Jesus, come.

 
"Open to the Spirit, Mary consecrated herself totally as lowly handmaid to the person and work of the Savior. She received Christ in order to share Him with all the world whose hope He is. In her, we recognize the model of the Church's faith and our own.." St. Eugene de Mazenod

As we celebrate Mary's Immaculate Conception, we can understand why the Angel greeted her the way he did. "Hail, full of grace. The Lord is with you." He was attesting to the great grace, privilege God had already given Mary. In lieu of Jesus' death and resurrection, Mary received the grace of salvation, freeing her from the sin of Adam and Eve. From her first moment of existence she was full of grace, sharing in God's life. This special grace was given to Mary so that she could later conceive the Son of the Most High by the power of the Holy Spirit. As her Immaculate Conception is a mystery, so is her vocation as the Mother of the Son of God in flesh. In honoring Mary, we are honoring God for his marvelous plan.

 "Insignificant man, escape from your everyday business for a short while, hide for a moment from your restless thoughts. Break off from your cares and troubles and be less concerned about your tasks and labors. Make a little time for God and rest a while in him." (St. Anselm)

Even in our business and in the complications of our daily life, we need to take time to seek the Lord. If we hope to spend eternity with God, how can that be unless we learn to spend time with him in this life. Even though our daily tasks are important, will they matter in the end? What will God ask of us when our time to depart from this life comes? Who was I to you? Did you seek me? Did you spend time with me? If I was not that important to you then, why should you be important to me now? Spending time with the Lord now is not a luxury, but a necessity, not an option, but a priority.

 "The liturgy of Advent...helps us to understand fully the value and meaning of the mystery of Christmas. It is not just about commemorating the historical event, which occurred some 2000 years ago in a little village of Judea. Instead, it is necessary to understand that the whole of our life must be an "advent,' a vigilant awaiting of the final coming of Christ. To predispose our mind to welcome the Lord who, as we say in the Creed, one day will come to judge the living and the dead, we must learn to recognize him as present in the events of daily life. Therefore, Advent is so to speak, an intense training that directs us decisively toward him who already came, who will come, and who comes continuously" (St. John Paul II)

We know in faith that Jesus is coming again in glory,  but do we know this in lived reality? What does that mean? When one expects another to come, the person  is always in a state of readiness for that coming. When we expect a guest to come to dinner, we prepare everything before hand and we anticipate the person's coming. How attentive are we to the Lord's coming in the present moments of life? How attentive are we, not in fear or anxiety, but in love and hope for his final coming to us? His coming is a certainty. The timing is not known to us, so that we can truly be ready to receive and welcome him when he does come. But what we do know is that while we wait we are given time to repent of our sins and live a life worthy of our calling. In that way, when he comes, he will find us ready to receive him. Come, Lord Jesus, come!

Advent wreath prayer for Second Week

Father in heaven, set our hearts ablaze to follow in the steps of John the Baptist. May we bring light and love to all we meet, that the darkness of sin and fear may be overcome. In Christ's name we ask this.  Amen

 "We know that there are three comings of the Lord. The third lies between the other two. It is invisible, while the other two are visible. In the first coming he was seen on earth, dwelling among men; he himself testifies that they saw him and hated him. In the final coming 'all flesh will see the salvation of our God, and they will look on him whom they pierced.' The intermediate coming is a hidden one; in it only the elect see the Lord within their own selves, and they are saved. In his first coming our Lord came in our flesh and in our weakness; in this middle coming he comes in spirit and in power; in the final coming he will be seen in glory and majesty." (St. Bernard)

How attentive are we of his present coming? Only those with a keen eye of faith can appreciate this invisible coming of the Lord. As St. Paul says, "we live by faith and not by sight." He comes today in his Word, which we hear, receive and respond to in faith. He comes to us in the Eucharist though we see bread and wine. He comes to us in the silence ;of prayer. He comes to us in one another, especially in those who are sharing in his divine life. Remember his first coming with gratitude. Prepare for his second coming with longing expectation. Connect the two by living a life worthy of your calling as his adopted sons and daughters. Then the first will have meaning and the third will be an eternal blessing.

 Second Sunday of Advent: Gospel C

In the fifteenth year of the reign of Tiberius Caesar, when Pontius Pilate was governor of Judea, and Herod was tetrarch of Galilee, and his brother Philip tetrarch of the region of Ituraea and Trachonitis, and Lysanias was tetrarch of Abilene, during the high priesthood of Annas and Caiaphas, the word of God came to John the son of Zechariah in the desert.

· Luke sets the ministry of John the Baptist (and of Jesus) in its historical context, in particular, during the Roman Empire.

· This would be around 28-29AD.

· Following the death of Herod the Great, his kingdom was divided into four parts.   Herod Antipas, one of the sons of Herod the Great, ruled Galilee.  We know little about Philip (except that Herodias, whom Herod married, was first married to Philip) and Lysanias. Along with the connection to Tiberius and Pilate, Luke further situates John’s ministry in the political context of his day.

· According to Jewish tradition there could be one high priest at a time and he remained for life. The Romans insisted that there would be some tenure. So even though in fact Caiaphas was the high priest, Annas was still recognized as such by the people.  This is the religious context.

· God has chosen John to be the forerunner of the Christ.

· That the word of God came to John in the wilderness reminds the people of the covenant which was ratified in the desert or wilderness.

John went throughout the whole region of the Jordan, proclaiming a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins, as it is written in the book of the words of the prophet Isaiah: A voice of one crying out in the desert: “Prepare the way of the Lord, make straight his paths. Every valley shall be filled and every mountain and hill shall be made low. The winding roads shall be made straight, and the rough ways made smooth,

and all flesh shall see the salvation of God.”

· The purpose of the repentance and the baptism as a sign of their desire for forgiveness was to prepare their hearts to receive the word of the Messiah.

· Luke situates John’s ministry in the prophetic context. He quotes Isaiah 40:3-5.

· It was the custom of the day for the king to send messengers ahead of him to prepare the people for his pending visit. God sends John to be his spokesperson.

· During this Advent season what are we doing to prepare our hearts for a deeper coming of Jesus, so that we too can see his salvation?

· Will that preparation include the Sacrament of Reconciliation? Will it include the forgiveness of others as well as asking their forgiveness?

· Pray: Come, Lord, Jesus, Come.  Come into my heart in a fuller way. Draw me into your presence.

 "There are two births of Christ, one unto the world in Bethlehem; the other in the soul, when it is spiritually reborn. Men think of the former much more than the later, and celebrate it every year; but the spiritual Bethlehem is equally momentous...It was the second birth that Saint Paul insisted on when he wrote from prison to his beloved people, the Ephesians, asking that Christ may dwell in their hearts by faith and that they be rooted and grounded in love. This is the second Bethlehem, or the personal relationship of the individual heart to the Lord Christ." (Venerable Fulton Sheen)

During this Advent season as we prepare to celebrate the birth of Our Savior, we are reminded that because of his birth, death and resurrection we have been given the grace to be reborn as a child of God. Without his birth, our rebirth would not have been possible. In honoring his birth  with gratitude, we are also honoring our rebirth with heartfelt thanks. We honor his birth by sharing gifts with one another. The gift that means most to God is our love for one another for his sake. The gifts we exchange at Christmas are important. But what is of greater importance is the love we express to others in our daily encounters with them. This is the gift we give to Jesus in thanksgiving for his birth and our rebirth in the waters of salvation.

 "We do not preach only one coming of Christ, but a second as well, much more glorious that the first. The first coming was marked by patience; the second will bring the crown of a divine kingdom. In general, whatever relates to our Lord Jesus Christ has two aspects. There is a birth from God before the ages, and a birth from a virgin at the fullness of time. There is a hidden coming, like that of rain on fleece and a coming before all eyes in the future. At the first coming he was wrapped in swaddling clothes in a manger. At his second coming he will be clothed in light as in a garment. In the first coming he endured the cross, despising the shame; in the second coming he will be in glory, escorted by an army of angels." (St. John Chrysostom)

As we begin this new Advent season, our focus is not on a past event, even though we are preparing to celebrate the birth of our Savior on Christmas, but on a present and future event. In his first coming the world waited in patience for the promises of God to be fulfilled. In his second coming, he will come in glory as King. His first coming was quiet, was announced by angels, and was experienced by a few. His second coming will be more glorious with signs and wonders preceding his return as judge of the living and the dead. In his first coming, his name was written in the synagogue as a newly circumcised devotee of the Most High. In his second coming, only those whose names are written in the Book of Life will celebrate and be with him forever in glory. Prepare to remember his birth but, more importantly, be prepared to welcome him when he comes for you at a time and day you know not.

 “The Will of God –that is my Paradise.” St. Francesco Antonio Fasani (1681-1742)

Only one who is seeking to continue to be in union with God can say this with any conviction of truth. Often we seek our own will and find that we are still not satisfied. At other times, we seek to do the will of someone else to receive acceptance or applause. Something remains missing within us. But when we begin to align our will with the will of God, then something begins to click within us. At first, it is not clear, but as we continue on this path, we begin to find meaning and fulfillment in our lives. Why? This is the order designed by God for each individual. In seeking the will of God we are fulfilling our will, which desires good, beauty, truth and love.

 First Sunday of Advent Gospel C

Jesus said to his disciples:

· Jesus is prophesizing about his Second Coming. At the end and beginning of the Liturgical season the Church helps us to keep this perspective as we go through the whole season.

· Jesus doesn’t say things to frighten us but to prepare us.

 “There will be signs in the sun, the moon, and the stars, and on earth nations will be in dismay, perplexed by the roaring of the sea and the waves. People will die of fright in anticipation of what is coming upon the world, for the powers of the heavens will be shaken. And then they will see the Son of Man coming in a cloud with power and great glory. 

· The people who die of fright will be those who are not prepared to receive the Lord in his Second Coming.

· At another time, Jesus asked a haunting question: “When the Son of Man comes in glory, will he find faith on the earth?” A person of faith is not frighten.

· Are we prepared, even if he comes to us at our own personal end of life?

But when these signs begin to happen, stand erect and raise your heads because your redemption is at hand.

· Our response is to be different. We know that he is coming and we have been longing for it to some extent. For us this will be the completion of a long journey begun at the moment of our baptism.

· We are called to be a people of expectation, of waiting, of longing. Are we?

 Beware that your hearts do not become drowsy from carousing and drunkenness and the anxieties of daily life, and that day catch you by surprise like a trap. 

· Jesus identifies a couple of attitudes to be vigilant against during the waiting time. It is easy for us to become distracted and inattentive on the journey of our life. We should not allow the worries of daily life to consume us so that we forget that the most important thing is to remember our destiny is heaven.

· If we keep our eyes fixed on the Lord, we will not be caught off guard.

For that day will assault everyone who lives on the face of the earth. Be vigilant at all times and pray that you have the strength to escape the tribulations that are imminent and to stand before the Son of Man.”

· Prayer helps us to keep our relationship with God at the forefront of our life. This time of intimacy with the Lord allows us to yield our concerns and worries to the Lord and seek his guidance and strength.

· How conscious are we that we are preparing for something greater than this present life?

· How vigilant are we of our decisions to insure that they are in right order with our relationship with God?

· How central is prayer in our daily life?

· If we spend so much time and energy in things that are here today and gone tomorrow, do we do the same with that which will last forever?

· Advent is the time to renew our decision to be vigilant for and with the Lord as we wait his future coming with certainty.

 "I do not fear death, for I have already died once. To live is Christ, to die is gain.” St. Edmund Campion (1540-1581)

Death is a process in the life-death-life cycle of every human being. We are given life in the womb of our mother. Then we have to die to that life, in order to live our own human life. When we were baptized, we died to a life of alienation from God and began a new life of relationship with God. Throughout our human existence in a real but unperceived way old cells are dying and new cells are coming to life. Each death brings new life. So with all this life-death-life process, why does our physical death make us fearful? If we are living in Christ now, death will be another instant in a cycle of life. This time eternal life.  The only time we should fear death is when we are living in sin. For if we die alienated from God, then that death will be an eternal death.

 Thanksgiving Day Blessing Service

Leader: In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.

All:           Amen.

Leader: Let us glorify the Lord who fills us with his bounty. Blessed be God for ever.

 All:           Blessed be God for ever.

Leader: We gather today to give thanks to God for his gifts to this land and its people, for God has been generous to us. As we ask God’s blessing upon     the food we will share with our families, may we be mindful of those in need.

Reader: 1 Corinthians 1:3-9

Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. I give thanks to my God always on your account for the grace of God bestowed on you in Christ Jesus, that in him you were enriched in every way, with all discourse and all knowledge, as the testimony to Christ was confirmed among you, so that you are not lacking in any spiritual gift as you wait for the revelation of our Lord Jesus Christ.  He will keep you firm to the end, irreproachable on the day of our Lord Jesus [Christ].  God is faithful, and by him you were called to fellowship with his Son, Jesus Christ our Lord.  The Word of the Lord.

Reader: I will give you thanks, O Lord, with all my heart.

All: I will give you thanks, O Lord, with all my heart. 

Reader: I will give thanks to you, O Lord, with all my heart, For you have heard the words of my mouth;

In the presence of the angels I will sing your praise; I will worship at your holy temple and give thanks to your name. 

All: I will give you thanks, O Lord, with all my heart.

Leader: Because of your kindness and your truth; for you have made great above all things your name and your promise.  When I called, you answered me; you built up strength within me.

All: I will give you thanks, O Lord, with all my heart.

Leader: All the kings of the earth shall give thanks to you, O Lord, when they hear the words of your mouth; and they shall sing of the ways of the Lord: “Great is the glory of the Lord.”

All: I will give you thanks, O Lord, with all my heart.

Leader: Let us pray to our loving Father as Jesus taught us:

All: Our Father…

Leader:  God most provident, we join all creation in raising to you a hymn of' thanksgiving through Jesus Christ, your Son. For generation upon generation peoples of this land have sung of your bounty we too offer you praise for the rich harvest we have received at your hands. Bless us and this food which we share with grateful hearts. Continue to make our land fruitful and let our love for you be seen in our pursuit of peace and justice And in our generous response to those in need. Praise and glory to you, Lord God, now and for ever!

All:       Amen

 “Our true worth, does not consist, in what human beings think of us. What we really are, consists, in what God knows us to be.” St. John Berchmans (1599-1621) 

Someone once said that one’s true value is not what I think of myself; not what others think of me; not what I think others think about me. My true worth is known only by God, who sees and knows me in my full potential.  Our primary awareness, unfortunately, is our faults and failures. God’s insight is more like that of Michelangelo. Though he saw the flawed marble slab which others rejected, he also the possibility of a statue within it. Thus we have the famous statue of the boy David. God sees what no one can see, because he sees that with the chisel of grace and the chipping of struggles, we can become a great saint.

 Start with the Advent Wreath Blessing

 “Everyone must do what he can.  I am not able to do great things, but what I can, I want to do for the greater glory of God. I offer him my mere deeds.” St. Dominic Savio (1852-1857)

It is not the deeds that are important before God, as much as the love in which we do our deeds. A parent receives and appreciates a wilting, wild flower from a child, given in love, more than any material object of far greater value.  What is done in love, no matter how great or insignificant, is of the greatest value. A cup of cold water given in love is more important than all the monumental deeds of famous people. Mix love in the batter of all you do, little or great, and the results will worthy of heaven. Without love, it is only another human deed of no lasting value.

 “Men call me Cecilia, but my most beautiful name is that of Christian” St. Cecilia (180-230)

Our human birth was a gift from God. But a greater gift was our re-birth in the waters of Baptism. When we were born, we were a child of our parents. When we are re-born, we become the adopted son or daughter of our God and Father. When we were born and registered, we became the citizen of a nation. When we were baptized, we became a Christian, a citizen of the Kingdom of God. In each of these instances, the latter is the more important in fact. But do we realize that? Do we celebrated what God has done and is doing in our life more than what our parents and others have done?

Hail, holy throne of God,
divine sanctuary, house of glory,
jewel most fair, chosen treasure house
and mercy seat for the whole world,
heaven showing forth the glory of God

Purest Virgin, worthy of all praise, sanctuary dedicated to God
and raised above all human condition,
virgin soil, unploughed field, flourishing vine,
fountain pouring out waters, virgin bearing a child,
mother without knowing man,
hidden treasure of innocence, ornament of sanctity,
by your most acceptable prayers,
strong with the authority of motherhood,
to our Lord and God, Creator of all,
your Son, Who was born of you without a father,
steer the ship of the Church
and bring it to a quiet harbor.” St. Germanus (378-448)

Words are inadequate when it comes to reflecting on Mary’s role in the History of Salvation. God through the Archangel Gabriel gave her the highest compliment, when he said: “Hail, favored one! The Lord is with you.” (Luke 1:28) Mary herself proclaimed: “Behold, from now on will all ages call me blessed. The Mighty One has done great things for me, and holy is his name.^” (Luke 1:48-49) Because of who God was in her life, Mary wanted early on in her life to be dedicated to the Lord, without knowing what God had in store for her as the Mother of the Savor. Can we dedicate ourselves to God without knowing what God’s plans are for us?

 “When you have been insulted, cursed, or persecuted by someone, do not think of what has happened to you, but of what will come from it, and you will see that your insulter has become the cause of many benefits to you, not only in this age, but in that which is to come” St. Mark the Ascetic (360-430)

Our normal human tendency is to retaliate in kind. In this way we are following the Law of sin within us. But what does our life in the Spirit tells us?  “But to you who hear I say, love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you.^” (Luke 6:27-28) We cannot break the chain of evil, if we do evil. Even though in the moment we did not deserve the mistreatment, for our many sins, we deserve far worse treatment. It is better to suffer in this life than in the next. Enduring these sufferings patiently and silently will prove who is the person in relationship to Christ, who so suffered for our sake.

 Homily Solemnity of Christ the King Year B

Reading 1: Daniel in a vision sees what is to take place centuries after him. In effect, Daniel sees One like the Son of Man ascending to the Ancient One, where he receives in his glorified humanity glory, dominion and kingship.  Jesus is the Son of Man and the Ancient One is the Father. This prophetic vision was fulfilled in the person of Jesus at the time of his Ascension to the Father.

Paul attested to this fact of revelation in his Letter to the Philippians where he says: “God raised the Son up and exalted him at his right hand and gave a name above all other names—at this name every knee shall bend on earth, in the heavens and under the earth acclaiming Jesus as Lord to the glory of the Father.”

Daniel prophesied that the Son of Man received dominion, glory and kingship and all peoples served him. What does this indicate? It says that Jesus’s kingship is 1) supreme, extending to all peoples. It is a 2) universal kingship, covering all nations and places. Finally, 3) it is an eternal kingship, lasting forever.

At the time, Daniel does not know the full ramifications of his vision. But when Jesus was questioned by the Sanhedrin during his trial, he predicted that the Son of Man will be seen coming upon the clouds. 

Reading 2: The reading from the Book of Revelation picks this theme up. “Behold, he is coming amid the clouds, and ever eye will see him, even those who pierced him.” This connects us to last Sunday’s reading, namely that Jesus will come again in glory to judge the living and the dead. Jesus, the God/Man is king because of his death on the cross by which he freed us from our sins by his blood. He is the “faithful witness, the firstborn of the dead and the ruler of the kings of the earth.”

To him belongs the glory and power because of who he is and what he has done. He not only created us but, when we chose to alienate ourselves through sin, he chose to give his life for our redemption from the kingdom of death.

Gospel: The Jewish leaders tried to juxtaposition Jesus in opposition to the Roman Emperor. Their desire to have Jesus put to death was so intense that they were willing to align themselves with Caesar, which was contrary to their deepest beliefs. This prompted Pilate to ask Jesus

about his kingdom. “Are you a king?” Jesus emphasized that his kingdom was a spiritual kingdom, not limited to time and space. 

Pilate missed the point. The fact is Jesus is Lord and King, not because we made him so, but because he is by virtue of his role as God and Savior.

The question for us to answer is this. Is Jesus our Lord and King? Do we not only say this but live it as fully as possible. Even though the Jewish leaders said that Caesar was their king, they were giving lip service. Is ours lip service or do we consciously submit ourselves and everything we have to the Lord. He is the Lord of my life, all I am and all I have. 

Jesus is the Lord of my life because he created me in his own image and likeness and sustains me every second of my life. I belong to him by virtue of my creation. Jesus is the Lord of my life because I came into life alienated from God because of Original sin and to which I added my personal sins as well. Jesus redeemed me by his death on the cross. I belong to him. He is Lord of my life because he has adopted me as his son or daughter, sharing his own divine life with me. 

Even though all this is factually true, I may still not acknowledge and accept him as such; I still may not surrender my life into his hands as my Lord and King. I may still be seeking to have full control, not trusting him. To this extent we can give him lip service on this day but withhold our heart, mind and will from him. Or I can embrace the mystery of his love and plan for me, giving him glory and honor, praise and love now in preparation for what awaits me in glory with him.

 "A fish that is alive swims against the flow of water. One that is dead floats down with the water. A true Christian goes against the current of sinful age. A false one is swept away by its swiftness." St. Philaret of Moscow (1782-1867)

Jesus said that either we are with him or against him. There is no middle ground. Either we put our faith and trust in him and his word or we put our faith and trust in something other. Many people over the centuries have given their lives rather than compromise their faith. They may not be remembered on earth today, but they are honored and remembered in eternity, where it counts. It is not easy to go against the current of today's culture. In fact, it is very risky. But the consequences are eternal. Like Joshua, we need to proclaim without qualification: "As for me and my household, we will serve the Lord." Let your faith be a light dispelling the darkness.

 “The more I reflect on the graces I have received, the more they astonish me and make me tremble.”  St. Rose Philippine Duchesne (1769-1852)

When was the last time you reflected on the graces you have received in your life-span so far? It is easy for us to complain about the struggles we have had. But what are these in reference to the many more graces we have been given by God out of love? Let’s begin with the grace of salvation and the subsequent graces of sharing in God’s own Divine Life, all through no merits of our own. Then to these add the graces of reconciliation for the many sins we have committed ungrateful to the gift of salvation. As we keep going, there will be no end to our list. Maybe we need to do this regularly to keep the ledger of our life more accurate.

 "He took over anger to intimidate subordinates, and in time anger took over him." St. Albert the Great (1200-1280)

Once we give way to the vice of anger, it has a way of consuming us and poisoning us. How often King Saul gave vent to his anger against David, because of fear and jealousy! Saul wanted to control the narrative, written by God. He used his anger to do this. He even turned against his own son in anger. A life of uncontrolled anger is destructive to others and to self. It drains the joy of life, the peace of the soul, and one’s relationship with God. It spawns hatred and retaliation, paranoia and isolation. What is the antidote to anger? Repentance and reconciliation. Forgiveness and letting the past go. Right relationship with God is more important than personal feelings and self-justification.  Heed the words of the Psalm: “Refrain from anger; abandon wrath; do not be provoked; it brings only harm.” Psalm 37:8)

 “There is One very near you who knocks at your door every hour of the day, who begs you to listen to Him and to keep silence… in order to hear Him.” St. Just Bretenieres (1838-1866)

We are better in speaking than listening, at times, especially when it comes to listening in silence to the Lord. Prayer is both speaking and listening. Sometimes our prayer is one sided, namely speaking. To be still and silently wait upon the Lord, if he chooses to share with us, is an important part of our relationship with God. Whether he speaks or not in the silence of our heart is not the issue. Our silence in listening is acknowledging that he is Lord and God. We are his. He is God and we are not. Be still and know that he is God and, like the prophet Elijah, we may hear God in the quiet whisper of the stillness of our heart and voice.

Homily: Thirty-third Sunday Year B

Reading 1: There has always been an interest in the end times. The Old Testament reading from the Book of Daniel written over 2000 years ago reflects on that very question. The prophet Daniel is in exile. He was pondering on how long the exile from Jerusalem would continue. In a vision he is given insight into God’s plan. It is important that one’s name is found written in the Book of life.  

Both the just and the wicked will die; both will rise from the dead. There are two destinations for all human beings. 1. Those who will live forever in the glory of God. 2. Those who will suffer forever in everlasting horror and disgrace. One is heaven; the other is hell. Who are those who will live forever in glory with God? The wise—those who heard the word of God and acted on it; those who led many to justice or the truth or to the truth of God’s Word.

What is the question for us? Is heaven or hell a reality for us, even though it is a reality in fact? What wise decisions are we making to be judged worthy by God’s grace and mercy to share in his glory forever? Are we leading others to the truth of God’s word?

Reading 2: The author of Hebrews shows the difference between the priests of the Old Testament and Jesus, the High Priest of the New Testament. The former offered sacrifice to God but their sacrifice did not take away sins. Jesus offered the perfect sacrifice of himself once and sins have been forgiven. Today, we participate in Jesus’ one sacrifice in thanksgiving and praise to God.

What is the connection with the first reading? We can’t earn heaven, but we can earn hell. It was the offering of Jesus, who gave his life as a sacrifice once for all, that has forgiven all sins and reconciled us to God and to one another.

For by one offering he has made perfect forever those who have been consecrated. It is only because of his sacrifice that we can respond to his gift of eternal life or reject the gift of eternal life. The choice between heaven and hell.

Gospel: Jesus speaks of an end time, but says only God knows when and how it will happen. Our focus is not to be the end time of all things as we know them, but a specific end time: the time when death will come to me. It is then that I must face the final consequences of my relation or non-relationship with God.

We are called to be wise as we read the signs of the times, namely, human beings die every day, some suddenly; some after lengthy illness. But death is inevitable. Knowing this we need always to be prepared, not out of fear or anxiety but out of knowing that I have been given the grace of salvation in Baptism, the forgiveness of my sins, the food of eternal life. I have heard the truth of justice, the Word of God. What have I done in response to the countless blessings of God, beginning with Jesus’ death on the cross, his promises and gifts?

Even though I know that death is certain, the time is not. Even though I know that death is final and life after death follows, am I living in a way that I will be with God in glory or living in a way that I will experience, because of my choices, the everlasting horror and disgrace?

Let the hearing of this sacred revelation today become a reality check for us. If I died tonight, what will my eternity be: life with God or life alienated from God?

 “If you are in danger, if your hearts are confused, turn to Mary; she is our comfort, our help; turn towards her and you will be saved.” St. Frances Xavier Cabrini (1850-1917)

Mary saves us by bringing us to her Son, who is the Savior of the world. Her words to us when we go to her in our needs are the words she spoke to the servants at the Wedding of Cana: “Do whatever he tells you.” (John 2:5). Jesus entrusted us to the care of his mother, knowing her motherly heart, is always directed to doing the will of the Father. The will of the Father is our salvation through his Son’s death and resurrection. This in turn is the desire of Mary.

 Thirty-Third Sunday Gospel B

· As we come to the end of the Liturgical Year, the Church begins to reflect on the end-times statements of Jesus in the Gospel, of which this is one.

Jesus said: "But in those days after that tribulation

· Before this Jesus mentioned things pertaining to earthly events such as wars, earthquakes, famines. Now he mentions cosmic events.

the sun will be darkened, and the moon will not give its light, and the stars will be falling from the sky, and the powers in the heavens will be shaken. 

· Much of what Jesus is referring to is found referenced in the Old Testament in the writings of the prophets: Is 13:10;34:4; Joel 2:10, 31; 3:15.

And then they will see 'the Son of Man coming in the clouds' with great power and glory, and then he will send out the angels and gather (his) elect from the four winds, from the end of the earth to the end of the sky.

· What is your feeling when you read this? Humanly, it may be of fear. But what do you think Jesus’ intention is for us when we hear this and other similar statements?

· The real key is whether we will be among the elect or not?

"Learn a lesson from the fig tree. When its branch becomes tender and sprouts leaves, you know that summer is near. In the same way, when you see these things happening, know that he is near, at the gates. 

· What is the message Jesus wants us to hear and act on? Live in the present moment as if it was your last. Always be ready, not in fear, but in true relationship with God. Is this your attitude?

Amen, I say to you, this generation will not pass away until all these things have taken place. Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will not pass away. "But of that day or hour, no one knows, neither the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father. 

· This last statement is very key. No matter how often people try to read the “signs” of the time and predict the future, especially the end of the world, only the Father, Son, and Spirit know as God. Jesus is saying that in his humanity he does not have this knowledge. At the moment he is speaking from his humanity, not out of his divinity.

· How should this whole passage impact your life today?