January 31, 2016

4th Sunday in Ordinary Time C Jeremiah 1: 4-5 17-19; 1 Corinthians 12:31 - 13:13; Luke 4: 21-30 We know that we have been called and chosen. We know that God has always been present in our lives. We know that God loves and cares for us all the time. We know that we haven’t even come close to being grateful for all that God continues to do for us. We know when Jesus said that we are not to hide our gifts or ‘light’ under a bushel basket, (Matthew 5: 14-16; Luke 8: 16-18). He was referring to each of us. We know Jesus referred to each of us as being lights for our world to see. We know that these lights are what Paul is referring to as ‘gifts’ in the second reading. We know all these things in our head. And for the most part, we try to ‘shine’ with the gifts God has blessed us with so that others can see that they are ‘gifted’. And we know we need to let these gifts be shared so that others can see God’s love filling every inch of our world. All this sounds very nice. It also seems very easy. It would seem that it is the most logical application of Jesus’ constant theme that St. John tells us in his first letter (1 John 4:16) “God is love and whoever remains in love remains in God and God in him.” Yet Jesus never said that it would be easy. He never said that people would be overjoyed in hearing about God’s love. He never said that the devil would give up and quit in his total opposition to God and God’s love and the exercise of total loving by the followers of Jesus. Instead He told us repeatedly not to be afraid. He said over and over that it is by God’s power that the devil would be defeated. Jesus showed us by His death that God has won the battle. Now we are to continue the ‘conversion’ of people to God, to love. Is it easy? No, never has been never will be. This is what the readings highlight for us today. I think it is good at this point to go to the Book of Revelation and listen to John’s words in the twelfth chapter. It starts out with, “A great sign appears in the sky, a woman clothed with the sun, with the moon under her feet, and on her head a crown of twelve stars.” John then describes the war that broke out in heaven with Michael and his angels battling against the “huge red dragon” which the footnote says was the Devil or Satan. Michael won and there was no longer a place for the devil in heaven; so the ‘huge’ dragon and his angels were thrown down to earth. What follows is a highlighted section where St John shares his vision, “Then I heard a loud voice in heaven say: ‘Now have salvation and power come and the kingdom of our God and the authority of his Anointed. For the accuser of our brothers is cast out, who accuses them before our God day and night. They conquered him by the blood of the Lamb and by word of their testimony love for life did not deter them from death. Therefore, rejoice, you heavens, and you who dwell in them. But woe to you, earth and sea, for the Devil has come down to you in great fury, for he knows he has but a short time.” John concludes this chapter with these important words, “Then the dragon became angry with the woman and went off to wage war against the rest of her offspring, those who keep God’s commandments and bear witness to Jesus. It took its position on the sand of the sea.” We are in a battle and there is no battle that is lovely. Battles are fierce and constantly raging. In the first reading we hear how Jeremiah was privileged to receive a call from God while there was peace in Jerusalem. Had the king and the people listened to his message, Israel would not have fallen captive to Babylon. Even though Jeremiah was young, God is clear about the challenges he will have to face in being God’s witness. Where does the attack come from? Not from the enemy but from his own people. They felt they knew what was right so they would not listen to God’s word through the prophet. ‘I know what is right for me!”’ How often I have thought this? God knows what’s right for me but I can so easily want ‘my way’. Paul encountered a similar opposition with the Corinthians. They were a proud community and they felt good about themselves and where they were at with the Lord. Paul’s constant plea was for unity. “‘Be united in the same mind and in the same purpose” He tells them that they are to strive for the spiritual gifts from God which enable them to be aware of God’s love and how He wants others to see and be touched with this love. But the people liked their own importance and the ‘flashy’ gifts like prophecy and tongues. Paul tells them that even if they have these gifts and fail to love they are empty. This love is the type that sacrifices for the good of the whole. It’s not about me, it’s about God and loving God. Paul is telling them and each of us that LOVE is God’s greatest gifts since it is meant to be the way of life for all Christians. In the Gospel the people in Jesus’ own hometown did not respond with delight over what He said. No one cheered. Instead they attempted to throw Him off the steep cliff down to the rocks below because He did not fit into ‘their thoughts’ as to what the Messiah would be. So the message of the Good News is not ‘good’ for people who are living their lives according to ‘their own book’. They are growing in their pursuit for more power for more possessions, for more pleasure. They want to enjoy the ‘love’ they feel will set them free and will bring them freedom and ‘real life.’ This slips so easily into me and each person’s psyche. Why not? The world of ‘me’ is in keeping with the world of anti-love. We want to do what we want to do…because I want to do it and it makes me happy. We want to be the ‘nice person ’ and have everyone ‘love me’ but we often find ourselves in that difficult position of having to be the ‘big, bad grown-up for our children.’ We have to be the person who realizes love involves much sacrifice and pain and always concerns the other. AND we need help to be people of love. So how are we doing? And I reflect on: Alice Camille in Exploring the Sunday Readings asks: • “Have you ever been inspired to challenge a prevailing or popular idea? How do you discern if a contrary voice is speaking prophetically? • Paul talks of the three things that matter: faith, hope and love. “If you had to prove your investments in the three things that remain to what would you point? • What obligations does freedom put on the human soul that possesses it? How might we be unwilling to accept that responsibility today?” • Jeremiah showed courage, Paul did not change his proclamation of the truth; Jesus is the Way, the Truth, the Life…where does my guiding light come from? • The people in the synagogues were so angry at Jesus because of what He said. But why did they take the ultimate step and try to kill him? Because He showed the ugly things that lay hidden in them. What is ugly in me that I won’t give up? Why? Sacred Space 2016 shares: “‘Is this not Joseph’s son?’ His townspeople begrudged Jesus His success and the fact that ‘all spoke well of Him.’ How do I feel when someone I know well is successful? Am I a begrudging person? ‘He passed through the midst of them.’ Jesus was fully human yet he was also in control of His life He is a mysterious person No one could take His life from Him: He would lay it down freely. I make myself a companion to Jesus as He walks sadly away from Nazareth.

January 24, 2016

3rd Sunday in Ordinary Time C Nehemiah 8: 2-6, 8-10; 1 Corinthians 12: 12-30; Luke 1: 1-4; 4: 14-21 In talking to people I sometimes find it necessary to give an overall picture of themselves and their relationship with God and God’s relationship with them. They ask: ‘Tell me what it is all about and what is my role or better what is God’s role for me?’ This is an excellent question and it really is what today’s readings are addressing directly. I begin with the reading from the book of Nehemiah. Originally, in ancient times, these historical books of Ezra and Nehemiah were put under the one name — Ezra. Now these two books taken together were the most important literary sourced for the formation of the Jewish religious community after the Babylonian exile. Today’s passage highlights this importance. After the people returned from the exile the key question they faced was how could they avoid ever being exiled again. The answer is given them today. Ezra and Nehemiah were two leaders who were appointed by God to guide the people in all the problems and challenges they had in rebuilding their homeland. Today’s passage begins with the details in the dramatic reading of the Law of Moses. This was their foundation. Even though Ezra and Nehemiah were in charge of rebuilding the walls around Jerusalem, this could never be the answer if the people didn’t have God’s law totally in their hearts. Which leads to an interesting question for each of us: Am I living by God’s law or what I want to do? Do I even know what God’s law is? Jesus took all the laws, and the 10 Commandments and reduced them to the essential law of love, the greatest commandment found in Luke 10:28—when a learned scholar asked Jesus what he must do to inherit eternal life. Jesus asks what is written in the law, and how do you read it. He responded with “You shall love the Lord, your God, with all your heart, with all your being, with all your strength,and with all your mind, and your neighbor as yourself.” So do I have this law totally in my heart? The people are all gathered in an open place in Jerusalem to hear the solemn presentation of the Law. When Ezra opens the scroll, the people show their deep respect by rising to their feet and responding “Amen”…so it is… so be it. They have heard God’s love for them and are moved to tears, they knew all too well that they had to remain loyal to God’s law, this hadn’t been done under Moses. Now the bond has been renewed. God’s law is in their hearts….is God’s law in my heart? This is the bottom line…this is what is important; now what is my role in this? Paul responds to this in his writing to the Corinthians. Paul tells his listeners that all belong to Christ. God created us out of love, continues to love us and needs us to love so that ALL can see God’s love and realize that by loving this we live and fulfill God’s plan for all to be in heaven. So Paul used the expression ‘the body of Christ’ which means that each of us is in Christ and is dependent upon Christ and subject to His rule. Paul continues by showing that in the Church, like the human body, each person has their own function. He points out there are apostles, prophets and teachers, this was how the church in Corinth was shaped and there are many other gifts given by God that help to shape the community in God’s mold of love. As a body has many members, yet is one body, so also is Christ. There are different functions but each are important for the one body. It is in Baptism that all are united to Christ and to one another by the Holy Spirit. To be healthy members of Christ, of the Church, all must work together. So is it about me or is it about God? The Church then presents Luke’s gospel in two parts: the first is the prologue where Luke says, “I am writing down in an orderly sequence …so that you may realize the certainty of the teachings you have received.” What is it all about? Why did Jesus come? What did He tell us will happen and how important that each of us….in our own way….with our own gifts…are a part of God’s plan of sharing God’s love? And the second part of the reading shows Jesus beginning His ministry in the synagogue in his home town of Nazareth by quoting the prophecy of Isaiah 61: 1-2, “The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he has anointed me to bring glad tidings to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim liberty to captives and recovery of sight to the blind, to let the oppressed go free, and to proclaim a year acceptable to the Lord.” Then Jesus added, “Today this Scripture passage is fulfilled in your hearing.” He is telling His listeners and each of us what He would be doing for the rest of His ministry. This is His inaugural speech. He is the Messiah and the Messianic age has begun. The remainder of the Gospel of Luke unfolds Jesus’ mission who is God’s anointed prophet. So am I listening to Jesus? Do I take the teachings that I like or do I realize His mission is my mission? There is no way that Jesus’ sees the role of messiah as a one-person job! God is Love and needs you and me to be love. So the Kingdom of God lies in the future. God needs me in this time, in this place to use the gifts I have been blessed with coupled totally with God’s help to tell people, show people that love is the answer. Today is the day. Do I see God in new ways? Do I realize that whatever gifts and graces I possess can work great and wondrous things when done in the Spirit of God? Why else would I be given what I have? It’s not about my being famous or honored or adored; it’s about God’s love catching fire in our hearts and in the hearts of those who see in me the importance and need I have to be Jesus’ love to those in my life. Alice Camille in Exploring the Sunday Readings asks us to reflect on: • “DOES THE NEWS SOUND GOOD TO YOU? • Does the realization that God is my God and lord of my life seem important to me? • Today is holy. Today we can make a new decision. What can you do to make today worthwhile? • Identify the part you play in the local Body of Christ. What roles might be missing, and how would you go about advertising for them? • Think of an aspect of your life that needs liberation. If you got it, what would you do with it? • Luke’s gospel challenges our own images of God: He reveals in Jesus a God of compassion and mercy. Am I compassionate? Am I merciful? • He reveals in Jesus a God who seeks reconciliation with us always. Do I seek reconciliation? Do I forgive? Do I pray for those who are giving me the hardest time? Do I care about them or am I concerned with getting even? • He shows us a Jesus a God who makes His presence known to us in every act of kindness and healing we experience. Do I do the same? Sacred Space 2016 says: “I must take personally what God says here: ‘You are the one I choose today to bring good news to the poor and oppressed. The Holy Spirit is upon you. I am sending you’! Jesus saw these statements as giving Him His identity. Do they give me mine? Holy Spirit of God, you are the living force in the words of the gospel we proclaim You are the wind on which the message about Jesus is borne to others. Our agenda is to proclaim You. This is worth all the trouble this life can bring.”

January 17, 2016

2nd Sunday in Ordinary Time C Isaiah 62: 1-5; 1 Corinthians 12: 4-11; John 2: 1-11 Do we look at our gifts? Isaiah shares his own gifts today when he says, “…I will not be silent…I will not be quiet…” Then he addresses the exiles and each of us, “You shall be a glorious crown in the hand of the Lord…a royal diadem.” People will no longer embarrass you or push you to the background or say the that you are no good, but each person shall be called by God, “My Delight” and he concludes that “…so shall your God rejoice in you.” So often this view of God for each of us seems to be way off the mark. We might really like ourselves or we may have a low opinion of ourselves but we just don’t think that God is loving us all the time as Isaiah tells us. We beat ourselves up or say that ‘if I were this or that, then God would like me…or if I was really good that God would love me.’ But He loves you and me…We might call our view deep down humility or maybe it is just not realizing as the old phrase goes, “God doesn’t make junk!” We look into the background of Isaiah’s work: Earlier, he had described how faithless kings had led the kingdom into ruin. Now he shares from God how a brighter future lies in store for the kingdom, thanks to the mercy and love of God. God wants all nations to see what Jerusalem has become. Now the people are serving God and are beacons or lights so others can find God. God is the responsible One… He graces and fills His people so they can be His witnesses and He is so pleased that this is happening. WE don’t realize very often, if at all that ‘God is very happy with me, with you.’ I feel one of the reasons is that we don’t relish the gifts that God has blessed each one of us with today and even we may downplay them. God gifts each person. God continues to fill every person with gifts. This is the theme in Paul’s letter to the Corinthians. It seems that the Corinthians have been arguing among themselves as to who has been the recipient of the best spiritual gifts by the Holy Spirit. Paul takes a much more realistic approach by sharing that the Spirit’s gifts are for the good of the community. The Spirit gives an innumerable and countless array of gifts for the good of the community. This means that the purpose of the gifts are for God’s purpose. They are to show that God cares and loves each person…that God forgives and overwhelms us with His mercy…that God wants each person to know how precious they are in God’s eyes and how much He needs each one to share this love with others. That’s what it is all about. Paul explains it in this way, “To each individual the manifestation of the Spirit is given for some benefit.” What are my gifts? What are my gifts given to me for? Do I think as the Corinthians want to know, ‘which are the snappiest, the big ones that I can be complimented for and affirmed forever with?’ Paul is saying the gifts are not for me but to show others God and lead them to God so that they can actively be a part of developing God’s plan each and every day. A very good question/reflection at the end of the day is to look at the ‘compliments’ that people have given me: thanks for you help…you have a beautiful smile… you have a gift to put in a few words what the passage/message was all about… your eyes twinkle when you see something beautiful…you care so beautifully when people are hurting…and on and on. Acknowledging these gifts and being grateful are stepping stones in the spiritual life. Alice Camille in Exploring the Sunday Readings says, “Most of us can name at least seven place where divine Presence makes a regular appearance— in the sacraments of the Church The fruitful activity of the Holy Spirit is also evidence that God is here: wherever faith is demonstrated, wherever healing comes, where miracles happen, where the voice of prophecy still speaks, where good and evil are clearly distinguished, where people communicate across the barriers that divide them, whoever peacemakers labor to bring about the birth of reconciliation. If these things aren’t happening in the community where you live, that’s clear invitations to pray for the Holy Spirit to propel you into the task of bringing those works home. One of them has your name on it. In the Marriage at Cana we see a hesitant Jesus being put on the spot by His mother. Why is He so reluctant? I have no idea. The Gospel of John is divided into two parts: the Book of Signs — in John’s gospel Jesus doesn’t perform ‘miracles’ as he does ‘signs’, seven of them in all. The remainder of John’s gospel is the Book of Glory. These ‘signs’ in a sense are the gifts of the Father to let us know His love and care for us through Jesus. So in looking at this reading what could we say were the gifts that Mary showed? I would say that she certainly had the gifts of sensitivity and alertness to see where things would cause an embarrassment for the wedding couple’s family. Now only that but she stepped right in and ‘took charge’; certainly another gift. She also stayed in the background and didn’t call attention to herself but to the task at hand. And she encouraged even ‘pushed’ Jesus into acting. ‘You are needed…go.’ Now you could see Jesus gifts in the respect that He had for His mother and you can see this throughout His ministry: He respected each and every person…rank, wellness, or position didn’t matter. The headwaiter gift was honesty in telling the bridegroom about the break with the wedding traditions in serving the good wine last. What were Isaiah’s gifts: he certainly spoke up and was not only not afraid but courageous to speak the not popular things. Paul continued to speak out—always about God. We might not have these gifts… but they don’t have our gifts either. All gifts are from God…not to make me important but to point to God and His love and care, compassion and mercy and the importance of each person as being a deliverer of His love. So I reflect on some of the questions from Alice Camille’s reflection: • “If God is looking for you, where is the best place God might find you? • Which of the activities listed in Paul’s description of the Spirit’s work sounds like a job you’d be good at? • Which may be missing from your present community? • How do we, like Mary, prepare the way for miracles to enter our world?” • What gifts has God given you? Do you notice how these bring people closer to a God who is constantly loving them? • How do your gifts compliment those of your family, friends, co-workers, classmates or neighbors, church goers? Sacred Space 2016 shares: “Jesus reveals His glory, but not through a TV campaign or e-mails. He goes to a wedding. He likes to celebrate God’s wonderful gift of marriage. He also takes the opportunity to reveal the abundance of God’s grace. He is saying, ‘My wedding gift to you is 200 gallons of God’s love!’ Lord, we thank you for good marriages We thank for the wonder of faithful, unconditional love shown by husband and wife, partner and grandparents. This fidelity powerfully reflects the quality of Your love for us all.”

January 10, 2016

anuary 10, 2016 Baptism of the Lord Isaiah 40: 1-5, 9-11; Titus 2: 11-14, 3: 4-7; Luke 3: 15-16, 21-22 Today the Christmas season ends. The Christmas carols and songs have ceased by now playing on the specialized music stations on the internet and cable. Stores have long ago taken down their decorations. Our own decorations, artificial trees and manger screens are packed away. Gifts have been put away or returned. Updating the Christmas card list has taken place. Is everything about Christmas and it's meaning been put away? Do we just go back to our ‘regular’ life and activities? Perhaps and unfortunately we do. Today’s feast asks each of us to STOP and to REFLECT on our lives and on our ‘Jesus life.’ Maybe we are unfamiliar with ‘Jesus life’…well…it’s really quite simple: how am I living the gifts and love of Jesus that I have received and been made aware of during this season of giving? Have I been aware of this life? Have I been cognizant of how people have reacted to me? Have I been aware of what they have been telling me about myself? Do I see from their ‘comments and intuitions’ that they are bringing to light what they have seen in each of us that reminds them of Jesus? This is what today’s feast of the Baptism of Jesus is all about: each of us has been gifted and called and we have been called with our gifts to ‘be Jesus’ each day. The Christmas season has not ended…Jesus has not been put in a box and carted off to return sometime next December. Jesus is here and alive. Is He alive in my life? That is the question. Another way to put this is have we put our Baptismal commitment into practice? Am I living as a believer and follower of Jesus? Can people who come into my life each day be aware that I have a ‘love affair’ with Jesus and they are the grateful recipients of this love? In looking at the book of the prophet Isaiah, we see that in the first part, he is very concerned with the people not being aware of God and concentrating on themselves and seeking security in earthly resources rather than in God. Isaiah is reminding them that even though they are in exile, they are ‘God’s people’. That’s means that they have to ‘proclaim this message’ by their example, the way that they live. Are they doing this? The prophet tells them they are never to stop until the earth is filled with the kind of justice that comes only with a right relationship with God. So often we feel, ‘well who am I…I’m just a small clog in a big world’. But each is loved and important and each of us is to be a beacon of light for all people who come in contact with us. Then, as Isaiah says, “Then the glory of the Lord shall be revealed, and all people shall see it together; for the mouth of the Lord has spoken.” The prophet continues with the catch phrase that must light up each of our lives, “Go up onto a hight mountain…cry out at the top of your voice…Fear not to cry out and say…Here is your God!” Do I say this? Do I live this? WHY? Or more directly WHY NOT? In the second reading, Paul is writing to Titus. He begins with the word ‘Grace’ and he ends with the word ‘Grace.’ God has always blessed us and always fills each of us with the HELP that we need to be Jesus and to do what Jesus needs us to do in spite of the daily horrors of the ‘jungle’ that we walk in. GRACE means HELP…God knows and God freely gives ALL that I need, all that you need. So Paul is telling Titus and his disciples that in our baptism each of us have been ‘reborn’ and ‘renewed’. Our Baptism has cleansed us of each of our sins and invigorated each of us with new life…which is the gateway into new life in Christ. So what am I doing with My Baptism? Luke has put John the Baptist and his message in front of us today. John’s words are hard and demanding and he tells us, ‘“I baptize you with water; but He who is mightier than I is coming…; He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire.’ He is telling us of the spiritual life that Jesus came to give each and this challenges us DAILY to change our lives. The more we experience the life Christ has for us the more we continue to live John’s challenges. We live not because we are afraid, but we live because we are FILLED with life and love. We continue to be growing in our desire and ability to be pure and generous as John the Baptist advocated. We know that God is always a mystery but God is never a secret. God is here and is so unbelievably present. Do I realize this? It is a wonderful reflection at the end of each day to contemplate where I saw Jesus today? What was the message for me? Did I see Jesus working in me today? Was I grateful? Did I care about this? As the Christmas season comes to a close and we embark on a new year, it is good even necessary to take stock of our relationships with God. We can do this by looking at our own change and growth…has it reflected that of Jesus? Have I found myself to be less anxious? Am I less judgmental? Do I dominate discussions with all that I have done? Living the Word Scripture Reflections and Commentaries for Sundays and Holy days gives this reflection, “Baptism makes us heralds of glad tidings who announce that God is with us, offering comfort and speaking tenderly. Our lives proclaim ‘here is your God’ in small ways that speak loudly, for nothing is small in God’s service, St. Francis de Sales says. Paying attention to every person we meet, sharing our resources like offering a smile, a call, an e-mail, a text, or a wave that acknowledges the other—all proclaim, ‘God is here.’ They can lift the valley of depression, topple the mountain of arrogance, smooth the rough ways of hurt or fear, and make the desert of loneliness bloom. By living our Baptism we reveal the glory of the Lord for all to see and enjoy. And if you are stuck in a valley or struggling with some ruggedness in our life, listen for the voice of God that spoke at our baptism: ‘You are my beloved. With you I am well pleased.’ Be a living carol that sings joy to the world, the Lord is come for all.” So I reflect on What does it mean to be a son or daughter of God? What is God’s will for me today? Do I ask this question of myself each day? As I look back on my life, have I noticed how my giving back has increased? Mother Teresa and Therese of Lisieux have invited each of us to do ‘small things with love’. How am I doing with this? A popular phrase of St. Francis was ‘Preach the Gospel always. If necessary, use words.’ Is this a part of the way I am living? Sacred Space 2016 shares: “God always speaks to Jesus in an intimate and joyful fashion. He says, ‘You are my beloved Son; I am pleased with you. I love you deeply. Your whole being springs from me. I am your Father.’ Jesus answers, ‘Abba’ — ‘beloved Father’. His whole life reveals trust. He hands himself over unconditionally to his Father. God, I ponder on the love you have lavished also upon me, calling me your child. You are the tender and compassionate Mother of my life. You are the faithful Father, the rock on which I stand. Your love is everlasting. Your faithfulness is eternal.” Baptism of the Lord Isaiah 40: 1-5, 9-11; Titus 2: 11-14, 3: 4-7; Luke 3: 15-16, 21-22 Today the Christmas season ends. The Christmas carols and songs have ceased by now playing on the specialized music stations on the internet and cable. Stores have long ago taken down their decorations. Our own decorations, artificial trees and manger screens are packed away. Gifts have been put away or returned. Updating the Christmas card list has taken place. Is everything about Christmas and it's meaning been put away? Do we just go back to our ‘regular’ life and activities? Perhaps and unfortunately we do. Today’s feast asks each of us to STOP and to REFLECT on our lives and on our ‘Jesus life.’ Maybe we are unfamiliar with ‘Jesus life’…well…it’s really quite simple: how am I living the gifts and love of Jesus that I have received and been made aware of during this season of giving? Have I been aware of this life? Have I been cognizant of how people have reacted to me? Have I been aware of what they have been telling me about myself? Do I see from their ‘comments and intuitions’ that they are bringing to light what they have seen in each of us that reminds them of Jesus? This is what today’s feast of the Baptism of Jesus is all about: each of us has been gifted and called and we have been called with our gifts to ‘be Jesus’ each day. The Christmas season has not ended…Jesus has not been put in a box and carted off to return sometime next December. Jesus is here and alive. Is He alive in my life? That is the question. Another way to put this is have we put our Baptismal commitment into practice? Am I living as a believer and follower of Jesus? Can people who come into my life each day be aware that I have a ‘love affair’ with Jesus and they are the grateful recipients of this love? In looking at the book of the prophet Isaiah, we see that in the first part, he is very concerned with the people not being aware of God and concentrating on themselves and seeking security in earthly resources rather than in God. Isaiah is reminding them that even though they are in exile, they are ‘God’s people’. That’s means that they have to ‘proclaim this message’ by their example, the way that they live. Are they doing this? The prophet tells them they are never to stop until the earth is filled with the kind of justice that comes only with a right relationship with God. So often we feel, ‘well who am I…I’m just a small clog in a big world’. But each is loved and important and each of us is to be a beacon of light for all people who come in contact with us. Then, as Isaiah says, “Then the glory of the Lord shall be revealed, and all people shall see it together; for the mouth of the Lord has spoken.” The prophet continues with the catch phrase that must light up each of our lives, “Go up onto a hight mountain…cry out at the top of your voice…Fear not to cry out and say…Here is your God!” Do I say this? Do I live this? WHY? Or more directly WHY NOT? In the second reading, Paul is writing to Titus. He begins with the word ‘Grace’ and he ends with the word ‘Grace.’ God has always blessed us and always fills each of us with the HELP that we need to be Jesus and to do what Jesus needs us to do in spite of the daily horrors of the ‘jungle’ that we walk in. GRACE means HELP…God knows and God freely gives ALL that I need, all that you need. So Paul is telling Titus and his disciples that in our baptism each of us have been ‘reborn’ and ‘renewed’. Our Baptism has cleansed us of each of our sins and invigorated each of us with new life…which is the gateway into new life in Christ. So what am I doing with My Baptism? Luke has put John the Baptist and his message in front of us today. John’s words are hard and demanding and he tells us, ‘“I baptize you with water; but He who is mightier than I is coming…; He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire.’ He is telling us of the spiritual life that Jesus came to give each and this challenges us DAILY to change our lives. The more we experience the life Christ has for us the more we continue to live John’s challenges. We live not because we are afraid, but we live because we are FILLED with life and love. We continue to be growing in our desire and ability to be pure and generous as John the Baptist advocated. We know that God is always a mystery but God is never a secret. God is here and is so unbelievably present. Do I realize this? It is a wonderful reflection at the end of each day to contemplate where I saw Jesus today? What was the message for me? Did I see Jesus working in me today? Was I grateful? Did I care about this? As the Christmas season comes to a close and we embark on a new year, it is good even necessary to take stock of our relationships with God. We can do this by looking at our own change and growth…has it reflected that of Jesus? Have I found myself to be less anxious? Am I less judgmental? Do I dominate discussions with all that I have done? Living the Word Scripture Reflections and Commentaries for Sundays and Holy days gives this reflection, “Baptism makes us heralds of glad tidings who announce that God is with us, offering comfort and speaking tenderly. Our lives proclaim ‘here is your God’ in small ways that speak loudly, for nothing is small in God’s service, St. Francis de Sales says. Paying attention to every person we meet, sharing our resources like offering a smile, a call, an e-mail, a text, or a wave that acknowledges the other—all proclaim, ‘God is here.’ They can lift the valley of depression, topple the mountain of arrogance, smooth the rough ways of hurt or fear, and make the desert of loneliness bloom. By living our Baptism we reveal the glory of the Lord for all to see and enjoy. And if you are stuck in a valley or struggling with some ruggedness in our life, listen for the voice of God that spoke at our baptism: ‘You are my beloved. With you I am well pleased.’ Be a living carol that sings joy to the world, the Lord is come for all.” So I reflect on What does it mean to be a son or daughter of God? What is God’s will for me today? Do I ask this question of myself each day? As I look back on my life, have I noticed how my giving back has increased? Mother Teresa and Therese of Lisieux have invited each of us to do ‘small things with love’. How am I doing with this? A popular phrase of St. Francis was ‘Preach the Gospel always. If necessary, use words.’ Is this a part of the way I am living? Sacred Space 2016 shares: “God always speaks to Jesus in an intimate and joyful fashion. He says, ‘You are my beloved Son; I am pleased with you. I love you deeply. Your whole being springs from me. I am your Father.’ Jesus answers, ‘Abba’ — ‘beloved Father’. His whole life reveals trust. He hands himself over unconditionally to his Father. God, I ponder on the love you have lavished also upon me, calling me your child. You are the tender and compassionate Mother of my life. You are the faithful Father, the rock on which I stand. Your love is everlasting. Your faithfulness is eternal.”

January 3, 2016

found it very interesting when I ‘googled’ Christmas traditions and customs and read about today’s feast of the Epiphany. “Epiphany The Feasts of The Three Kings” Epiphany is celebrated 12 days after Christmas on 6th January (or January 19th for some Orthodox Churches who have Christmas on 7th January) and is the time when Christians remember the Wise Men (also sometimes called the Three Kings) who visited Jesus. Epiphany is also when some Churches remember when Jesus was Baptized, when He was about 30 and started to teach people about God. Epiphany means ‘revelation’ and both the visit of the wise Men and His Baptism are important times when Jesus was ‘revealed’ to be very important. Some Churches use Epiphany to celebrate and remember both the visit of the Wise Men and Jesus’ Baptism! Epiphany is mainly celebrated by Catholics and Orthodox Christians. It’s a big and important festival in Spain, where it’s also known as The festival of the three Magic Kings’ - Fiesta de Los tres Reyes Mages, and is when Spanish and some other Catholic children receive their presents as they are delivered by the Three Kings! In Spain on Epiphany morning you might go to the local baker and buy a special cake/pastry called a ‘Roscon’ (meaning a ring shaped roll). They are normally filled with cream or chocolate and are decorated with a paper crown. These are normally a figure of a king (if you find that you can wear the crown) and a dried bean (if you find that you’re meant to pay for the cake!). In Catalonia it’s known as a Tortilla or Gateau des Rois and is stuffed with marzipan. In France you might eat a ‘Galette des Rois’, a type of flat almond cake. It has a toy crown cookie inside and is decorated on top with a gold paper crown. There are similar traditions in Mexico where Epiphany is known as ‘El Dia de los Reyes’ (the day of The Three Kings). It’s traditional to eat a special cake colled ‘Rosca de Reyes’ (Three Kings Cake). A figure of Baby Jesus is hidden inside the cake. Whoever has the baby Jesus in their piece of cake is the ‘Godparent’ of Jesus for that year. In Italy, some children also get their presents on Epiphany. But they believe that an old lady called ‘Befana’ brings them. Children put stockings up by the fireplace for Befana to fill. In Austria at Epiphany, some people write a special sign in chalk over their front door. It’s a reminder of the Wise Men that visited the baby Jesus. It’s made from the year split in two with initials off the name that are sometimes given to ‘the Three wise men’, Caspar, Melchior and Balthazar, in the middle. So 2014 would be: 20’*C*M*B*14. The sign is meant to protect the house for the coming year. Some parts of Germany also have the tradition of marking over doors. The ‘Four Hills’ Ski Jumping Tournament also finishes on 6th January in Bischofshofen, Austria. At Epiphany in Belgium, children dress up as the three wise men and go from door to door to sing songs and people give them money or sweets, kind of like Trick or Treating on Halloween. Children in Poland also go out singing on Epiphany. In Ireland, Epiphany is also called ‘Nollaig na mBean’ or Women’s Christmas. Traditionally the women get the day off and men do the housework and cooking! It is becoming more popular and many Irish women now get together on the Sunday nearest Epiphany and have tea and cakes! In the Ethiopian Orthodox Church (which celebrates Christmas on 7th January), twelve days after Christmas, on 19th January, the three day celebration of Ethiopians Timkat starts. This celebrates Jesus’s baptism. Epiphany Eve (also known as Twelfth Night) markes the end of the traditional Christmas celebrations and is the time when you were meant to take Christmas decorations down - although some people leave them up until Candlemas.” What does all this mean to me? God is for all people. He is not the exclusive right of any religion, any culture, any tradition. God comes into our midst all the time. For years spiritual writers have referred to this as ‘God breaking into our lives.’ He comes when He comes…I have nothing to do with His coming…He just comes. I have found it an interesting reflection when usually at the end of the day I look back over the day and see where I have seen God present. Then I take time and see what did this mean and what was God’s message to me. Sometimes it just was being aware of Him which covers countless areas concerning His love, His compassion, His mercy, His gratitude for ‘me’. It brings His special notes on living and learning and remembering. The feast reminds me that God is always present and asks me if I am aware of His presence? In the gospel from Matthew, the magi who are seekers are contrasted to Herod who looks only at himself. The magi travel to clarify what they have seen and believed. Herod doesn’t want anything to interfere with his ‘almighty self’. It’s obvious he is afraid of losing what he hoards whereas the magi are anxious to learn and to be aware of this ‘God’ inside who is leading, caring and filling them with ‘new life.’ As important as these ‘kings’…’wise men’…’magi’ were they came to see Jesus. What a scene that must have been. It seems that most (I hope ALL) people are captivated by a new-born. God’s special gift is so tiny, so dependent, so lovable, so beautiful that one’s total focus just stays on the little one and somehow is totally absorbed by love…because this child is love…it is the gift of love. And it was only a gift of God that these ‘magi’ could have been moved to recognize in Jesus the one they were coming to worship: the long Expected One…the Messiah…God. Francis of Assisi understood so fully that God is not remote or distant. God didn’t create and then leave, but that God is always breaking into our lives and loving us. Sr. Ilia Delio O.S.F., a Franciscan sister and powerful author and scholar in an amazing book, The Humility of God writes a wonderful sentence: God is unstoppable goodness—a God who simply can’t wait to give everything away and to love us where we are. God comes to us—that is God’s humility—and we are called to love Him in return….The humility of God means acceptance—God accepts ordinary fragile human flesh to reveal His glory so that we in turn may accept others, as the revelation of God.” We catch so many glimpses of God that we miss because the ‘self’ in me overpowers the image of God’s love. The customs of these countries have given us glimpses on how God just comes and ‘FILLS’ each person. Sr. Ilia gives this wonderful insight into God: “We are at this point pondering the ‘inner life’ of God, as if entering into the awesome mystery of three divine persons in love. If we find this divine life too lofty to ponder, we can lower the bar of imaginations one notch and think of our own lives. Think of someone you truly love or have loved. What is the power of that love that draws you to that person? Do you love that person because you have to or because you want to? Does the attraction of love with the person draw you beyond yourself in such a way that if you stopped loving that person, something real and tangible would die, perhaps the spiritual bond of love between you? If you have had an experience of love, then you have had some insight into the Trinity of love. In fact, by loving another person you have been—yes, believe it or not—caught up in the Trinity of love. The Trinity is not three men at a tea party. It is a mystery of relationships—giving, receiving and sharing love. When we say ‘God is love’ we are saying that God is a mystery of persons-in-love.” This is todays feast God showing us He is in love with you and me right now, just the way we are. I am…each of you are this miracle!