THIS TIME OF year, it may be tempting to let the light of Christmas fade away. The tree and Nativity scenes are gone; the ornaments are carefully stored. The season is over, and we resume the part of the calendar liturgically called Ordinary Time.
Sunday Scriptures
Bask in the Light of Christ
Today’s readings point to the light that had come to dispel the darkness of the world – not only the planet we live on, but also the unique individual worlds that you and I are in this universe of humanity. Revolving around the Son, we sometimes allow sin to eclipse the grace of God bestowed on us at baptism. So it is good to breathe in this celebration deeply, basking in the light of Christmas that continues to shine brightly.
Let Mary Be Our Guide
WHAT A WAY to start the new year! As a Church, we are privileged to begin by honoring Mary, the Mother of God, while still basking in the fresh light of Christmas. We have honored the Christ Child – and indeed continue to do so – but for a brief moment we turn our gaze to His Mother and ours, while her loving gaze never leaves His precious little body. This is at the heart of the mystery of Mary which we contemplate today.
Best Gift of All? The Eucharist
by Father John P. Cush A PRIEST WHO is a friend of mine was the celebrant of Mass on Christmas Day in his parish and proclaimed the Gospel with which we are presented this Sunday, the Solemnity of the Lord’s Nativity. There are several Masses of Christmas, each with its own set of readings. The Mass for Christmas Day is titled “Mass During the Day,” and has the Prologue of the Gospel of John as its Gospel.
Following the Example of Joseph
by Father John P. Cush THE GOSPEL WE proclaim today, taken from the Evangelist Matthew, puts the focus firmly on St. Joseph, the husband of Mary. Joseph stands as a model of what every Catholic man – or woman, for that matter – should be.
Knowing Our Roles In the Kingdom
IN THIS SUNDAY’S Gospel from the Evangelist Matthew, we encounter, yet again, the figure of St. John the Baptist. At this time in the Gospel story, John is already imprisoned, locked away by Herod. The Lord Jesus had John’s disciples come to Him, asking quite bluntly if He’s the one about whom John was preaching, the long-awaited Messiah of Israel.
Complicity and Ultimate Concerns
by Father John P. Cush, THERE’S A TREMENDOUS sense of urgency in the message of St. John the Baptist, a central figure of the early part of the liturgical season of Advent. John is a radical figure, not only in dress but also in demeanor, utterly fearless in his preaching about the coming Kingdom of God. He recognizes the hypocritical nature of the lives of the Pharisees and Sadducees and he is not afraid to call them out on it.
In What Direction Are We Going?
Here we are at Advent’s door and we hear a clear call, an imminent command to turn to God and away from injustices.
Continue to Carry Message of Mercy
As we await His coming again in glory let us remember the lessons of this Church year and this Holy Year of Mercy. We and our world so need such memories. When tempted, as we view the state of our world, to shake our fist at Heaven and cry out “God, why don’t You do something?” – let us hear in our hearts, minds and spirits: “I did, I sent my chosen One and I created you.”
The Challenging Side of God’s Mercy
Today’s “end time” readings are strong warnings and urgent reminders. They remind each of us of who we are and Whose we are through our baptism. We contemplate who we’re called to be and Who we, as Christians, are called to follow and proclaim with our lives.