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Feast of The Holy Family of Jesus, Mary and Joseph

A reading from the holy Gospel according to Matthew

He rose, took the child and his mother, and went to the land of Israel. But when he heard that Archelaus was ruling over Judea in place of his father Herod, he was afraid to go back there. And because he had been warned in a dream, he departed for the region of Galilee. He went and dwelt in a town called Nazareth, so that what had been spoken through the prophets might be fulfilled, He shall be called a Nazorean.

In today’s Gospel reading, Matthew tells us that an angel appeared to Joseph once again in a dream to tell him after Herod had died that “those who sought the child’s life are dead.” Joseph rose and took Mary and Jesus not to Judea, where Herod’s son now ruled, but to Nazareth. And in this way, what the prophets said would be fulfilled. Jesus was to be called a Nazorean. From today’s reading, the care Joseph gives his family is clear in his decision both to fulfill the word of the prophets and protect them from Herod’s son. Just as Joseph paid attention to the guidance of an angel of the Lord, how do I seek God’s guidance in order to accomplish his will?

Holy Family, see me and hear my prayers as a father and husband. Intercede for me to the Father that I know and understand his will. As the Responsorial Psalm says, “Blessed are those who fear the Lord and walk in his ways.” Lord, teach me to honor you and be obedient to your word.

Thank you, God, for your guidance! Without you, I wander aimlessly toward an uncertain end even in daylight; with you, even if traveling by night, I know you guide me safely along the way.

Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, as it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.

Readings

Feast of the Holy Innocents, martyrs

When the magi had departed, behold, the angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph in a dream and said, “Rise, take the child and his mother, flee to Egypt, and stay there until I tell you. Herod is going to search for the child to destroy him.”

In today’s Gospel reading, Matthew says that Herod became enraged when the magi had deceived him. He then ordered that all of the boys two years old and younger in Bethlehem and the area to be murdered. Herod sought to destroy a truth he could not bear to come to the throne: Jesus, incarnate Truth. In Herod’s massacre of the Holy Innocents, great suffering and inconsolable grief came among the people of Bethlehem. As a baptism by blood, this martyrdom brought them into God’s perpetual light and mercy. Herod in his fury, would acknowledge no wrongdoing in this and deceived himself of the truth and redemption revealed in the infant Jesus. As Saint John says in the first reading: “If we say, ‘We are without sin,’ we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. If we acknowledge our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive our sins and cleanse us from every wrongdoing.” What do I do to speak for the Holy Innocents, the unborn, who have no voice to defend or protect them?

God, help me understand that the massacre of the Holy Innocents continues today. Turn my heart in prayer to you alone who can free the Holy Innocents from slaughter. As the psalmist says, “Broken was the snare, and we were freed. Our help is in the name of the LORD, who made heaven and earth.” Father almighty, Truth and Mercy itself, take my hands and my voice to make me an instrument of your will. Help me know and do your will.

Jesus, dying on the cross you destroyed death; rising, you restored life. Massacred at the command of Herod, the Holy Innocents received a baptism by blood; born into heaven, they praise you forever. Grant me the grace, Lord, to acknowledge my sins so that you can cleanse me from every wrongdoing. Lord, have mercy!

Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, as it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.

Readings

https://youtu.be/0jc9_eG_8No

Memorial of Saint John of the Cross, Priest and Doctor of the Church

When the men came to the Lord, they said, “John the Baptist has sent us to you to ask, ‘Are you the one who is to come, or should we look for another?’” At that time Jesus cured many of their diseases, sufferings, and evil spirits; he also granted sight to many who were blind.

In today’s Gospel from Luke, Jesus responds to this question from the disciples of John in a matter-of-fact way: “the blind regain their sight, the lame walk, lepers are cleansed, the deaf hear, the dead are raised, the poor have the good news proclaimed to them.” In the first reading from Isaiah, God who sent his Son to be the Incarnate Word, proclaims “I am the LORD, there is no other; I form the light, and create the darkness, I make well-being and create woe; I, the LORD, do all these things.” In this is the Lordship of Christ—his majesty as the one who is to come; there is no other. As the psalmist says, “ I will hear what God proclaims; the LORD–for he proclaims peace to his people. Near indeed is his salvation to those who fear him, glory dwelling in our land.” What is there in this day that would obstruct me from the depth and breadth of joy in these words? “I am the LORD, there is no other.”

Be with me today, Lord, to aid me in taking all of this in. I am subject to many diversions the world offers, and I easily stray from hearing your word and living by it. Grant me the grace to fear being far from you; as the words of today’s Psalm proclaim, “Near indeed is his salvation to those who fear him.”

Father in heaven, you form light and make well-being. Blessed are you, Lord; there is no other. Lord, as you say to the disciples of John the Baptist, say to me in my heart: “the blind regain their sight, the lame walk, lepers are cleansed, the deaf hear, the dead are raised, the poor have the good news proclaimed to them. And blessed is the one who takes no offense at me.” Saint John of the Cross, pray for us!

Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, as it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.

https://youtu.be/2W-KSOPWWBY

Readings

Saturday of the Second Week of Advent

“Elijah will indeed come and restore all things,” Jesus said, “but I tell you that Elijah has already come, and they did not recognize him but did to him whatever they pleased. So also will the Son of Man suffer at their hands.”

In today’s Gospel reading, Jesus speaks to his disciples as they come down from the mountain after the Transfiguration. By referring to John as Elijah who had come and faced rejection and suffering, Jesus foreshadows his own rejection to come: “So also will the Son of Man suffer at their hands.” How do I recognize the coming of the Son of Man today and every day of this Advent?

Help me understand, Lord, the significance of this question of the disciples who had just witnessed Jesus’ Transfiguration. Elijah will come, and Elijah has already come. In the same, way Jesus has come and will come again. God, give me the grace to understand that you exist outside of time. You are the alpha and the omega—always and forever present in love and mercy.

In the Responsorial Psalm, the refrain is “Lord, make us turn to you; let us see your face and we shall be saved.” The disciples saw God made Man face to face in the Transfiguration. Let me turn back to you time after time in the fog and frenzy of the day’s activities. Stay beside me, Lord!

Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, as it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.

Readings

https://youtu.be/2W-KSOPWWBY

Friday of the Second Week of Advent

Jesus said to the crowds: “To what shall I compare this generation? It is like children who sit in marketplaces and call to one another, ‘We played the flute for you, but you did not dance, we sang a dirge but you did not mourn.’ For John came neither eating nor drinking, and they said, ‘He is possessed by a demon.’”

Today’s Gospel passage from Matthew shows Jesus responding to those who were critical of John and those who were critical of him. John came neither eating nor drinking, and the Son of Man came eating and drinking. In either case, their ministry is criticized. John is seen as possessed; Jesus, as a glutton and a drunkard. Either criticism obfuscates the main thing, the goal, which the first reading from Isaiah brings to light: “I, the LORD, your God, teach you what is for your good, and lead you on the way you should go.” Those who follow the Lord, says the psalmist, have the light of life and meditate on his law day and night. In my own mind, how can I switch off the critical response that debilitates my response to God? What do I need to do to bring the Lord more present into my life day and night, today and tomorrow?

God, help me understand your Son’s words. I want to be childlike in hanging on your every word; keep my spirit from playing children’s games, imposing childish expectations on how you should work in my life and in the world. Jesus, you say, “But wisdom is vindicated by her works.” I want to be like the man in the Psalms who follows you and has your light: “He is like a tree planted near running water, That yields its fruit in due season, and whose leaves never fade. Whatever he does, prospers.”

Lord, I know you are near. You are not confined by human perception and categories; you are above all. Give me the grace today to put away my critical mind and trust in what you have to teach me. You say to me: “I, the LORD, your God, teach you what is for your good, and lead you on the way you should go.” I ask you to lead me.

Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, as it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.

Readings

https://youtu.be/2W-KSOPWWBY

Memorial of Saint Charles Borromeo, Bishop

Jesus said to his disciples, “For the children of this world are more prudent in dealing with their own generation than the children of light.”

In today’s Gospel reading, Jesus tells the parable of the steward who squandered property. When his master made clear that he would no longer be his steward, the steward then made dishonest arrangements with his master’s debtors to give him an advantage once out of his service. The meaning of the parable is somewhat difficult to unravel. In subsequent passages in Luke, however, Jesus says this about the steward in the parable: “If, therefore, you are not trustworthy with dishonest wealth, who will trust you with true wealth?” God, how far do I go in recognizing true wealth when I see it, and how do I take that into my care as a steward of my faith?

Help me understand, Lord, the Gospel and the reading from Saint Paul. Through Jesus’ dying and rising, I have the means—the freedom to choose—of attaining eternal life even as a sojourner here on earth. Saint Paul speaks of this choice: “Their God is their stomach; their glory is in their ‘shame.’ Their minds are occupied with earthly things. But our citizenship is in heaven, and from it we also await a savior, the Lord Jesus Christ.” Saint Charles Borromeo, whose memorial is celebrated today, recognized the place of worldly things in respect to the world to come, saying, “Make use of [the things of this world] according to need, not pleasure, and take care to pass through these temporal things in such a way as not to lose things eternal.”

Jesus, be present with me today so that I can stand firm in desiring true wealth and bringing its hope to others. Through your grace, Lord, let me recall that I live in the hope of the resurrection because of your power to bring all things into subjection to yourself. I want to be a child of the light.

Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit. As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.

Readings

Thirty-first Sunday in Ordinary Time

“Today salvation has come to this house because this man too is a descendant of Abraham. For the Son of Man has come to seek and to save what was lost.”

Zacchaeus, short in stature, is unable to see Jesus from within the crowd passing through Jericho, so he runs ahead to climb a sycamore to see him. Jesus stops, looks up, and asks Zacchaeus to come down. “For today I must stay at your house,” Jesus says. Repenting all of the wrong he has done as a tax collector, Zacchaeus says to Jesus: “Behold, half of my possessions, Lord, I shall give to the poor, and if I have extorted anything from anyone I shall repay it four times over.” Jesus, speaking of himself as the Son of Man, makes clear his intention to anyone listening. He came to find and save the lost. But the people who overheard Jesus at that moment were angry that Jesus would spend time at the house of a sinner.

God, thank you for your mercy to the people you created, especially to the ones you come to seek and gather under your wings. Your love is clear in the example of Zacchaeus and in the first reading, which says: “But you have mercy on all, because you can do all things; and you overlook people’s sins that they may repent. For you love all things that are and loathe nothing that you have made.” Help me understand that today, on the day of your Son’s resurrection so that I can live in your love, just as Zacchaeus received Jesus with joy.

Stay with me today, Lord, as I rest in you. Let me release my grip on material concerns and enjoy the beauty of this day of rest. Just as you invited Zacchaeus to come down quickly, when I hear your voice by the grace of God, let me run to you and invite you into my house.

Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit. As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.

Readings

Sixteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time: Reflection

“Jesus entered a village
where a woman whose name was Martha welcomed him.
She had a sister named Mary
who sat beside the Lord at his feet listening to him speak.
Martha, burdened with much serving, came to him and said,
‘Lord, do you not care
that my sister has left me by myself to do the serving?
Tell her to help me.’
The Lord said to her in reply,
‘Martha, Martha, you are anxious and worried about many things.
There is need of only one thing.
Mary has chosen the better part
and it will not be taken from her.’ ”

It is generally accepted that Martha, Mary, and their brother Lazarus (whom Jesus raised from the dead) were close friends. With this in mind, I can’t help wondering just how this scene played out. Culturally, Martha was observing the customs of serving an guest while Mary sat beside Jesus listening to him speak. The each chose a part. Was this a playful moment as Martha called out Mary’s behavior? Did they joke with each other? Or was Jesus responding to Martha’s anxiety, trying to ease it and offer her the same peace of choosing “the one thing needful,” the better part?

God, only you know your intentions, where are our hearts are. But there is a certain seriousness when Jesus says, “and it will not be taken from her.” In her commitment to doing the customary thing, Martha chose to serve, to keep busy, just as Mary chose to be present, together two sides of a coin. Mary’s choice, though, is something that will not be taken from her.

Some days I wriggle and squirm while trying to stay present with God in prayer. Mary has chosen the better part and is a model for contemplative prayer. Let me follow her example.

Today let me find a bit of quiet certainty that you are near—whether outdoors among the trees and grasses or indoors among people and their expressions.

Readings

Memorial of Saint Bonaventure, Bishop and Doctor of the Church: Reflection

“When the Pharisees saw this, they said to him, ‘See, your disciples are doing what is unlawful to do on the sabbath. . . .’ Then Jesus said: ‘I say to you, something greater than the temple is here. If you knew what this meant, I desire mercy, not sacrifice, you would not have condemned these innocent men. For the Son of Man is Lord of the sabbath.’ ”

The Pharisees point out to Jesus the unlawful actions of the disciples. They are bound by law and respond out of reverence for the law to bring others back to order. There’s nothing wrong with this in itself. What is lawful is for the good of all, and presents society with a common code of conduct. From the Pharisees’ perspective, law was sacred. Jesus’ response does not negate law but draws on scripture and Jewish sacred customs to point to something greater than the law. By doing this, he not only sets an example for others, but as Lord of the sabbath, he places love over the law.

God, help me understand how to quiet my judgmental side when there is an opportunity to place love over the law. In my closest relationships, I have the chance dozens of times throughout the day to show love and understanding rather than reinforce or shore up “the way things are done.” Who’s got this task? Why didn’t this get done? How close is ______ to completion? (Do I have to do this myself?)

“Leave them alone,” Jesus seems to say to the Pharisees. Something greater is at stake than the temple than rigid obedience to the law. “I offer you my prayers, works, joys, and sufferings of this day for all the intentions of your Sacred Heart.” In your mercy, Lord, please accept them.

Today I will without a doubt face structures—ways of doing things—that need shoring up. Some of that is good and necessary, but some of it becomes secondary to love. Let me see if I can put order second today in place of love. Let St. Augustine’s “love God and do as you will” be in my heart today and let order for the sake of order take a back seat. I desire mercy, not sacrifice. If I remember that today, I think that would be pleasing to God.

Readings

Audio

Wednesday of the Fifteenth Week in Ordinary Time: Reflection

“No one knows the Son except the Father, and no one knows the Father except the Son and anyone to whom the Son wishes to reveal him.”

The relationship between the Son and the Father is one to one. Unlike an earthly father and son relationship, the Father knows the Son and the Son the Father. Then, into that relationship, Jesus includes all of us—“anyone to whom the Son wishes to reveal him.” In the same Gospel passage, Jesus says this revelation is not to the wise and the learned but to the childlike.

God, help me understand that your Son invites me into the same knowledge of you that he has. To know you is to love you, and to love you is to see you with the eyes of a child. That sense of awe that a child has in exploring the world, seeing things for the first time—from that point of view it’s possible to turn to God and say, “I give praise to you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth.”

Only God is apart from all the tumult and anxieties of the day; with his Son at his right hand, he waits for me to return to him where both tumult and anxieties cease. Saint John Vianney said, “God loves us more than the best of fathers, and more tenderly than the most devoted of mothers. We have only then to abandon ourselves to His Will with the heart of a child.”

Today let me slow down enough to remember to give the Father praise for relationships—the relationship of the Son to the Father and the relationships God has given me for the sake of praising him. Let me be open to seeing God’s work in the world and experiencing awe as a child experiences it, as if for the first time.

Readings