The Catholic Calendar for Wednesday, December 31, 2003
The Seventh Day in the Octave of Christmas
St. Sylvester I, pope

Scripture from today's Liturgy of the Word:
1 John 2:18-21
Psalm 96:1-2,11-13
John 1:1-18

Whatever came to be in him, found life. (John 1:4)

The apostle John reveals in his letter that the infant Church was being afflicted with those who denied Christ's identity and so departed from her. He explains the reason for their desertion to be their lacking knowledge of the truth because they had not received the anointing of Christ's Holy Spirit. God never denies His Spirit to anyone; His self-giving love and truth is ever seeking entrance into our hearts and minds. It is our free will choosing unbelief that prevents our being imbued with the Spirit and truth.

Psalm 96, however, expresses an everlasting hope, a rejoicing in anticipation of God fulfilling His promise to send us a Savior and through Him provide the power to restore the world to justice and peace. Salvation comes from God; history proves that unaided by our Creator, man cannot shun evil. But the final choice rests upon each person.

John's Gospel explains how God fulfilled His promise of salvation, by sending His living Word to us in human flesh. We learn that Christ made all that exists, creating man in the image of God to shine forth and share with one another the goodness and glory of our heavenly Father. Christ also gave Himself for us to cancel our sin and overcome the darkness it casts over the earth. He gives us His Spirit to provide the grace of truth and the love of God that enable us to follow the Word and so conquer the evil invading humanity. At Christmas, God's promise of new life was made a reality. How shall we answer?

Spirit of Truth, throughout this coming year grant us
the additional grace we need to accept God's Word
and live in it so we may be led to the joy of eternal life.
Amen.

- Marie Bocko, ocds (mlbocko at borg dot com)

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The Catholic Calendar for Tuesday, December 30, 2003
The Sixth Day in the Octave of Christmas

Scripture from today's Liturgy of the Word
1 John 2:12-17
Psalm 96:7-10
Luke 2:36-40

A reflection on today's Sacred Scripture:

There are certain times in the liturgical year when one can feel quite overwhelmed with the generosity of God, and Christmas is one of those times. The idea that God would send His only-begotten Son to redeem us is difficult to understand in human terms. Sometimes we wonder what gift we can bring in return. We do not have the opportunity of the three wise men, and we cannot be like Anna the prophetess referred to in the gospel of today. We cannot stay day and night in the temple praying and fasting and still carry out our family responsibilities. What therefore can we do?

There is a wonderful story about a very poor woman in a developing country who had no money to put into the collection plate at her church service, so when the plate came to her she gracefully set the plate on the floor and stepped into it. She symbolized giving her all. That is what God wants of us, only our all. That's all we have to give.

God does not want our many petitions, our empty material offerings. He wants =us=, our hearts, our love, our weaknesses and our strengths. His request is not unlike that of spouses to one another, each wants the others faithful presence. His request is not unlike that of a parent who feels best when they know their children are safe and secure within a loving home, or that of an elderly parent who asks only for the presence of their adult child to just sit and be present to them. It is in this way that we worship the lord in holy attire spoken of in the psalm of today. We bring that attire, our very being, made and redeemed by God into His presence., sometimes in front of the tabernacle and sometimes in visiting a lonely person in a nursing home or prison.... We bring our presence before God in others, and we pay them homage through being a Christian.

Anna, the prophetess, realized this. She brought the total gift of self to the temple and as a result of this, God blessed her with the gift of prophecy. While we do not expect to have that gift in return, that of prophecy, we can be more assured that we're becoming more like our true selves, adopted sons and daughters of God. Let us bring gifts and enter His courts in our holy attire, made by God.

- Joan of Jesus, ocds (jmurphy at utica dot edu)

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The Catholic Calendar for Monday, December 29, 2003
The Fifth day in the Octave of Christmas
St. Thomas Becket, bishop, martyr

Scripture from today's Liturgy of the Word:
1 John 2:3-11
Psalm 96:1-3,5-6
Luke 2:22-35

A reflection on today's Sacred Scripture:

For many folks, Christmas is all over. They're throwing out the tree, tearing down decorations -- happy, it seems, to have the whole thing over. For those who live Christmas as intended, the celebration continues. The candles, a sign of the Light of Christ that has come into the world, still blaze. The Christmas Crib remains, awaiting the adoring Magi.

It's a challenge to remain rooted in the true meaning of all our celebrations; it requires constant vigilance and determination to have Christ as the center of our lives and therefore the reason for any meaningful traditions.

Let us pray then that The Grace that came down from heaven that first Christmas Day will remain with us and illuminate us in a world that seems to have lost its way. Let us be encouraged by the words of Holy Scripture. Let us allow the meaning of all this, to soak into our hearts and permeate all our activities.

“God so loved the world that in the fullness of time He sent His only Son
that whosoever should believe in Him might not perish, but have eternal life.”
(see John 3:16)

Now that is something to celebrate!

- Donna Nelson, ocds (drn3rd at hotmail dot com)

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The Catholic Calendar for Sunday, December 28, 2003
The Holy Family of Jesus, Mary and Joseph

Scripture from Today's Liturgy of the Word:
Sirach 3:2-6,12-14
Psalm 128:1-5
Colossians 3:12-31
Luke 2:41-52

A reflection on today's Sacred Scripture:

Today is the feast of the Holy Family. There are many beautiful references about what pleasing behaviors the Lord seeks from His followers who are, in truth, brothers and sisters in Christ; forgiveness is one of them.

To forgive someone who has grievously hurt you is one of the most difficult and sometimes seemingly impossible demands of Christian behavior and yet it is of absolute necessity if there is ever to be any peace of mind, much less peace in the world. The fact that we are called to forgiveness illustrates first of all that because of the wounded nature of mankind, we're likely to be hurt and in turn to hurt others.

Sometimes we forget how graciously God has forgiven us. The lesson to forgive others in imitation of Him is not something we readily relate to, even though it is the ultimate example of the essence of true forgiveness. Perhaps as we work to develop the concept of divine forgiveness we might look deep into our own personal experiences and discover a situation where we have wronged someone and they in turn have really forgiven our behavior. Then it becomes evident that in this human plane, forgiveness is possible and astoundingly healing.

Let us then endeavor to develop a spirit of true forgiveness, recognizing that first of all we're in need of it and so is our brother. Then, and only then, will universal peace be possible.

Bear with one another. Forgive as the Lord has forgiven you.
(see Colossians 3:13)

- Donna Nelson, ocds (drn3rd at hotmail dot com)

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The Catholic Calendar for Saturday, December 27, 2003
Feast of St. John, apostle and evangelist

Scripture from today's Liturgy of the Word:
1 John 1:1-4
Psalm 97:1-2,5-6,11-12
John 20:1a,2-8

A reflection . . .



I asked the Lord for a new house, and He sent me a hammer.




- Karl Kohlhase (www.k4communications.com)

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The Catholic Calendar for Friday, December 26, 2003
Feast of St. Stephen, first martyr

Scripture from today's Liturgy of the Word:
Acts 6:8-10;7:54-59
Psalm 31:3-4,6-8,17,21
Matthew 10:17-22

A reflection:

After the joyful, peace-filled spirit of Jesus' Birthday, it is always a shock to celebrate a martyr's death the very next day -- fallout from the life and message of the Prince of Peace. Jesus, as an adult, always spoke out fearlessly to those who ignored the path of righteousness, and who abused the weak and powerless. To confront the power people directly to their faces with accusations of sin, was a most dangerous action. It brought out Jesus' death, and it resulted in the stoning of Stephen. Their commendations of their lives to the Father are remarkably similar.

We have seen modern examples of this in the assassination of Bishop Oscar Romero, and in the deaths of countless priests and prelates during Communist rule in Poland and China. While we are not directly in danger, we are nonetheless challenged daily to speak and live the truth of Jesus' message despite opposition even from our own families and friends. The Incarnation of the Son of God has changed the world, and must continue to change it until Truth and Justice reign supreme.

- Msgr. Paul Whitmore (smartins at twcny dot rr dot com)

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The Catholic Calendar for Thursday, December 25, 2003
The Nativity of the Lord (Christmas Day)

Scripture from the Mass during the day:
Isaiah 52:7-10
Psalm 98:1-6
Hebrews 1:1-6
John 1:1-18

A reflection on the Readings from Christmas Day:

The Word Was With God

And the word was God. Nothing that has happened from the very beginning has happened without the knowledge of Jesus, Lord and Brother. He has been through all of time and is present at all time.

On the feast of the Nativity we celebrate a single historical moment, when He who is outside of time and Lord of all time, entered it at the behest of His Father to redeem it forever and make it God's.

When we look upon the struggling infant in a bed of straw, we must recall that this is the Creator of the Universe. This is the all-powerful Word who is indeed God. This is God, robed in flesh, and come into time to make time His own in a very particular way.

God is with us. We are reminded time and again. And today, amid the lights, the packages, the celebrations and the feasts, take time as a person, as a family, as a household, as a community, to remember Jesus Christ, who came to us as a baby, marked for sorrow early in His childhood, and loved as no child since has ever been loved. Loved by the Father as the Father loves Himself, and loved by the Mother, who born without original sin, was capable of the most perfect of human loves -- approaching the divine. When we reflect upon this, let us recall that this love was incarnate to be shared with all of us. Our Christmas gift is this -- the knowledge, the certain, rock-solid knowledge that God loves each of us as much as He loved that only Son, and that the blessed Virgin cares for each of us as she cared so tenderly for that Child of her womb.

May you have a most joyous and fulfilling Christmas!

- JuandelaCruz, (sriddle415 at yahoo dot com)

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The Catholic Calendar for Wednesday, December 24, 2003
Wednesday of the Fourth Week of Advent
(Mass in the Morning)

O Come,
Emmanuel,
God's presence among us, our King, our Judge:
save us, Lord our God!


Scripture from today's Liturgy of the Word:
2 Samuel 7:1-5,8-12,14,16
Psalm 89:2-5,27,29
Luke 1:67-79

The Dayspring shall visit us in his mercy
to guide our feet into the way of peace. (see Luke 1:78-79)

This Advent season renews our hope in the creation of a better world, one not torn apart by hatred and bloodshed. Christ was sent to us for several reasons: first, to fulfill God's justice through His death in human flesh, thus expiating our sin and restoring us to friendship with God; second, to define and demonstrate to us God's love which is His very own context, the context in which He created humanity to live; and third, to give us through His Holy Spirit the grace we need to be created anew, transformed into the image of Himself which we lost through sin at The Fall. If we desire to gain true peace, we must relearn how to love as God loves.

From time to time we read about whales that have beached themselves and will perish if they remain removed from the context in which God created them -- the seas. We can't fathom why a whale does this, but we do know that the human psyche is prone to sin. In brief, we prefer to live independently and selfishly apart from the self-giving context of God's love, the very source of our life. Presently, humanity's behavior is like that of beached whales dooming themselves to death.

O merciful God,
help us to see that we were created by You to love as You love:
perfectly and unconditionally.
By grace, restore us to living in the context of Yourself
so clearly demonstrated to us by Your Son.

- Marie Bocko, ocds (mlbocko at borg dot com)

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The Catholic Calendar for December 23, 2003
The Fourth Week of Advent

O Come,
Emmanuel,
God's presence among us, our King, our Judge:
save us, Lord our God!


Scripture from today's Liturgy of the Word
Malachi 3:1-4,23-24
Psalm 25:4-5,8-10,14
Luke 1:57-66

A reflection on today's Sacred Scripture:

“Lo, I am sending a messenger to prepare the way before me.”

Throughout Bible history God has dealt with His people through prophets, sent to awaken them to their sin and to point them toward reconciliation with Him. Through Moses God gave His chosen people the Law of love, the most basic rules for establishing a community pervaded by peace and justice. God intended His "chosen" to be an example to other nations, as they lived in His love and truth.

It became evident through His people's moral failures that the law alone was not sufficient, for it only pointed out their sinful behavior. They needed additional help to actually live in God's goodness and holiness; so He planned sending them a Messiah to free them, not from oppression by other nations but oppression from “self,” which lies at the root of all sin. Through this Savior and His Holy Spirit, His people would receive all the grace they needed enabling them to fulfill the Law. Scripture attests that God works slowly and meticulously in preparing His people for change. At this point John the Baptist enters salvation history.

John was the last of the “old prophets” sent to prepare God's people to receive their Messiah and another covenant promising them a renewed life which they could see perfectly fulfilled in Christ's own human flesh. The Baptist's mission was to show God's chosen their need for admitting, repenting of and being cleansed of their sin; for this is the first and most essential step toward a true conversion leading to salvation.

God of love and truth,
open our hearts to receive You
and allow You to transform us from within
into the image of Your Son.
Amen.

- Marie Bocko, ocds (mlbocko at borg dot com)

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The Catholic Calendar for Monday, December 22, 2003
The Fourth Week of Advent


O Come,
King of all nations,
source of your Church's unity and faith:
save all mankind, your own creation!


Scripture from today's Liturgy of the Word:
1 Samuel 1:24-28
1 Samuel 2:1,4-8
Luke 1:46-56

A reflection on today's Sacred Scripture:

Listen to the words of Mary,

“My soul proclaims the greatness of the Lord,
And my spirit doth rejoice in God my Savior.”

Do our souls proclaim the greatness of the Lord? Or do they, like the soul of Ebeneezer Scrooge, crouch, carefully sheltered within us. Are we afraid to share with those around us? Are we afraid of each other? Are we afraid to be close and to risk being hurt?

Proclaim freedom to the captives! Isaiah announces that the Messiah will come to truly free us. Surrender to the God who loves you and be freed from the captivity of fear. Surrender, so that you too can proclaim the greatness of the Lord!

- JuandelaCruz

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The Catholic Calendar for Sunday, December 21, 2003
The Fourth Sunday of Advent


O Come,
Radiant Dawn,
splendor of eternal light, sun of justice:
shine on those lost in the darkness of death.


Scripture from Today's Liturgy of the Word:
Micah 5:1-4
Psalm 80:2-3,15-16,18-19
Hebrews 10:5-10
Luke 1:39-45

A reflection on today's Sacred Scripture:

Some time ago I heard a homily whose main point I've never forgotten. That is, when Mary heard her elderly cousin Elizabeth had conceived and was in her sixth month of pregnancy and just after learning that she herself had conceived by the power of the Holy Spirit, she went in haste to help Elizabeth.

The image that the Gospel paints for us is of a woman so totally selfless that she puts aside what others might have done in similar circumstances and puts herself at the service of another. This image of selflessness is behavior that we must begin to take upon ourselves so that God may find in us, like he did in Mary, a holy and proper dwelling place.

And what does going in haste to respond to others mean in our particular lives? It doesn't necessarily mean that we have to do extraordinary things, but instead, that we do ordinary things with great love.

As the days of this Advent move closer to the fulfillment of our joyful watching and waiting, may we, through the intercession of the Mother of God and our Mother, become more like her whose soul proclaimed the greatness of the Lord and who responded with urgency to all that genuine love demands of us.

- Donna Nelson, ocds (drn3rd at hotmail dot com)

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The Catholic Calendar for Saturday, December 20, 2003
Saturday of the Third Week of Advent


O Come,
Key of David,
opening the gates of God's eternal Kingdom:
free the prisoners of darkness!


Scripture from today's Liturgy of the Word:
Isaiah 7:10-14
Daniel 24:1-6
Luke 1:26-38

A reflection:

Come, let us go up to the Lord.
Let us kneel before Him in the presence of His holiness.
Let our praises ascend as incense before His throne.
And may our lives be transformed by our blessed communion
with the King of Glory.

Alleluia!


- Karl Kohlhase (www.k4communications.com)

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The Catholic Calendar for Friday, December 19, 2003
Friday of the Third Week of Advent


O Come,
Flower of Jesse's stem
sign of God's love for all his people:
save us without delay!


Scripture from today's Liturgy of the Word:
Zechariah 2:14-17
Psalm 113:1-8
Luke 1:39-47

A reflection on today's Sacred Scripture:

Two extraordinary births today... from two women, both barren... Hannah and Elizabeth. Since God intervened in causing them to be fertile, we can assume that He had a special reason. Both are "Nazarites", that is, vowed in a special way to serve God, not cutting their hair, not drinking strong drink. When Samson broke his vow, and allowed Delilah to cut his hair, God abandoned him. On the other hand, John the Baptist was loyal to the Lord as his special prophet and precursor.

We may not have had such extraordinary births, but God nevertheless has called us to be his beloved followers. No matter how we may stray, God's designs on us are still in place, urging us to realize our dignity and to live by its demands.

Not "how many shopping days" until Christmas, but "how many days to prepare for His coming."

Hurry, the Lord is near!

- Msgr. Paul Whitmore (smartins at twcny dot rr dot com)

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The Catholic Calendar for Thursday, December 18, 2003
Thursday of the Third Week of Advent


O Come,
Leader of ancient Israel,
giver of the Law of Moses on Sinai:
rescue us with your mighty power!


Scripture from today's Liturgy of the Word:
Jeremiah 23:5-8
Psalm 72:1,12-13,18-19
Matthew 1:18-24

A reflection on today's Sacred Scripture:

"Which Means, 'God Is With Us'"

We approach Christmas rapidly and we hear about the birth of the long-awaited One -- Him for whom the world pined even when it did not know for what it was longing.

And Jesus came as a sign of many things. One of those things was a reminder to the people who awaited Him. God is with us. He was always with the chosen people, and His express desire was that all should become part of the chosen people.

Today, God is with us still. He is with us in our every-day lives. He is with us in the extraordinary events of the day. He is with us in our sorrows when we turn to Him and notice Him. And He is with us in our joys, when all too often we forget and neglect Him. He patiently awaits us. He longs for us to turn to Him and recognize Him as the One for whom we have thirsted and waited so long. We waited so long for His coming to us because we never opened the door outside of which He has been standing and gently knocking for many, many years.

Jesus is Emmanuel--God is with us.

Let's make a point of remembering that every single day.

- JuandelaCruz, (sriddle415 at yahoo dot com)

The Catholic Calendar for Wednesday, December 17, 2003
Wednesday of the Third Week of Advent

[Today we begin the second stage in our Advent preparation for Christmas. In the eight days leading up to the Nativity, the liturgy uses a short prayer known as the "O Antiphon" as the Alleluia verse at the Advent Masses and also at Evening Prayer of the Divine Office.]

O Come,
Wisdom of our God Most High,
guiding creation with power and love:
teach us to walk in the paths of knowledge.


Scripture from today's Liturgy of the Word:
Genesis 49:2,8-10
Psalm 72:1-4,7-8,17
Matthew 1:1-17

A reflection on today's Sacred Scripture:

The family record of Jesus. . .

Today's Gospel raises the question: Why include this long genealogy? Such pedigrees were popular in Jesus' time to prove the purity of an individual's Jewish bloodline; those unable to prove this were labelled polluted, barred from holding office. This is one reason that Herod was so despised. What makes Jesus' genealogy particularly worthy of note is that it smashes all the conventions of His day.

Although Jesus' lineage proves He is David's descendant, it surprisingly includes three women the gender who then had no legal rights but were only considered their father's or husband's property. Rahab was known as a harlot of Jericho, Ruth was a Moabite, not a Jew and Bathsheba (Solomon's mother) had been seduced and widowed by King David. Jesus, then, becomes the universal Savior with all barriers to God and His salvation removed -- gender, nationality and sin.

Jesus comes to us in genuinely human flesh; conceived by the Holy Spirit in the body of a virgin. Christ's Spirit is then God's own Spirit of truth; therefore He is the one person who perfectly reflects the image of God to us. He is the personification of all of our heavenly Father's love, compassion and forgiveness toward us, His children. Jesus calls to us through His Holy Spirit's grace to participate in His Godly attributes, be transformed into the image of our Savior and bring Him into the world in our own flesh. If we so choose, Christ's birth enables us to be reborn in a holy, blessed life.

- Marie Bocko, ocds (mlbocko at borg dot com)

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The Catholic Calendar for December 16, 2003
Tuesday of the Third Week of Advent

Scripture from today's Liturgy of the Word
Zephaniah 3:1-2,9-13
Psalm 34:2-3,6-7,17-18,19,23
Matthew 21:28-32

A reflection on today's Sacred Scripture:

Anyone who ever wonders if God understands our human nature, should ponder the readings of today. We hear about listening, drawing near, acceptance, trust, seeing, changing our minds, and the cry of the poor. Our God made us, truly understands us, and was willing to become man to draw us close to Himself.

The first reading warns a people who had become hard-hearted, that their failure to listen, to draw near to God would result in a time of purification. The remnant would be a people who were humble and lowly, people who would turn their hearts towards God. The psalm is like a theme song to remind us that God hears the cry of the poor, a humble reminder.

It is of interest in the Gospel that Christ directs His questions not to the common folks, who would be the learners, but rather to the chief priests and elders, who would be recognized as the learned ones, about the ways of God. Any of us can succumb to pride, an indifference about our relationship towards God, and get caught up in the seemingly important roles of our various states in life. We can be guilty of placing God on the sidelines of our life. We will pray if we have time, if it is convenient. It is a blessing for us that God is also a patient God, but for how long? The liturgical season of Advent is a good time to ponder these readings, so lovingly placed before us by mother Church.

Mary, spouse of the Holy Spirit,
intercede for us.

- Joan of Jesus, ocds (jmurphy at utica dot edu)

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The Catholic Calendar for Monday, December 15, 2003
Monday of the Third Week of Advent

Scripture from today's Liturgy of the Word:
Numbers 24:2-7, 15-17
Psalm 25:4-9
Matthew 21:23-27

A reflection on today's Sacred Scripture:

We need more Josephs!

Let's take a closer look at what happens to Joseph in today's gospel reading. Here is a man, engaged to be married to a young woman probably in her mid teens, who suddenly finds out that she is pregnant. But he knows the child is not his! Keep in mind that the families and friends don't know this, however. So what does he do? He acts like many modern day men and plans to take off and leave the woman and child on their own.

Joseph is a righteous man, however, and listens to the word of his God. He does the right thing - even though it's not his child - marries the woman and cares for her infant son.

Unlike many men today Joseph listened to God. Granted, he had an angel personally visit him, but this does not excuse men of today who do not do the right thing. The word of God is widely known and says very bluntly what men should and should not do. The error of many men today is that they just refuse to listen.

We need more Josephs today.

- Don Claunch, sfo

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The Catholic Calendar for Sunday, December 14, 2003
The Third Sunday of Advent
Gaudete Sunday

Scripture from Today's Liturgy of the Word:
Zephaniah 3:14-18
Isaiah 12:2-6
Philippians 4:4-7
Luke 3:10-18

A reflection on today's Sacred Scripture:

The Lord Himself is near! (Philippians 4:4)

The Readings for today are filled with the joyful message of God's nearness. It is one of the central messages of the season and yet it isn't, just for the season, but for every day, time and age. The story of salvation history is not something that just happened, but is something that continues to happen. Often we forget that God is always near and we fail to let His grace and presence be operative in our lives.

Is it any wonder then, that sometimes the beautiful hope-filled messages of Advent don't seem to resonate in our lives? It's as if we're listening to a story that happened long ago and has little meaning today.

St. Paul tells us how the beautiful Advent theme of God's peace can become a permanent theme -- a source of joy and hope -- in our lives. He says that we must communicate with God (pray) and tell him of our needs (pray) and praise Him for His goodness (pray). Then he says, God's peace will rule over our hearts and minds, a peace which is beyond our comprehension.

Let us then acknowledge the Lord who is so near to us; let's remember Him constantly in simple little prayers of faith throughout our busy and often distressing daily activities. Then, when we call upon Him, we can joyfully expect that God's own peace will stand guard over our hearts and minds.

The Dawn from on high has broken upon us!

- Donna Nelson, ocds (drn3rd at hotmail dot com)

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The Catholic Calendar for Saturday, December 13, 2003
The Second week of Advent
St. Lucy, virgin, martyr

Scripture from today's Liturgy of the Word:
Sirach 48:1-4,9-11
Psalm 80:2-3,15-16,18-19
Matthew 17:10-13

Have you ever had a dream you were pursuing but it just wasn't being realized?
Think of Joseph. He had a dream of doing great things for God, and soon after he was thrown into a hole by his brothers and sold into slavery. Then there was prison. He could have lost hope. But the dream was fulfilled in its time.

Think of David. Annointed to be King at a young age. But did he take the throne right away? No! He spent years running around the desert, hiding from cave to cave from the wrath of Saul. But his dreams of the kingdom came to pass, at the appointed time.

Just because your ‘dream’ hasn't been fulfilled yet, does not necessarily mean that you were mistaken for having it in the first place. Trust in God. He has ways that are beyond our own and is full of surprises.

- Karl Kohlhase (http://www.k4communications.com/)

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The Catholic Calendar for Friday, December 12, 2003
Friday of the Second Week of Advent
Our Lady of Guadalupe

Scripture from today's Liturgy of the Word:
Zechariah 2:14-17
Psalm 113:1-8
Luke 1:39-47

A reflection on today's Sacred Scripture:

One of the great virtues of a follower of Christ is flexibility--this does not mean wavering in faith or vagueness in our commitment. What it means is openness and acceptance of all types of people. In the Gospel, Jesus shows his attempts to ‘accommodate’ to all situations. He bonds with the truly virtuous and honestly religious people of the day, and he also eats with sinners and reaches out in love to the outcasts, even to the point of scandalizing the righteous lawkeepers. And he urges us to use our talents as he did--to pipe a merry tune in times of joy, and to sing a dirge in sympathy with those who mourn. We must be ‘all things to all men’, as St. Paul urges.

Today is also the feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe. How Mary rebuked the proud Spanish conquistadors for their trampling on the poor Indian people of Mexico just ten years before her appearance! How graciously she addresses the humble Indian as ‘dignified Juan Diego.’ She tells him she has come with love and compassion as their merciful Mother. She promises to hear the people's laments and to cure their miseries and sorrows. How, like her Son, she opens her heart in love for all.

May we strive to have such a heart, and treat even those we disagree with or disapprove, with dignity and love.

- Msgr. Paul Whitmore (smartins at twcny dot rr dot com)

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The Catholic Calendar for Thursday, December 11, 2003
Thursday of the Second Week of Advent
St. Damasus I, pope

Scripture from today's Liturgy of the Word:
Isaiah 41:13-20
Psalm 145:1,9-13
Matthew 11:11-15

A reflection on today's Sacred Scripture:

On this Thursday of the Second Week of Advent, we now take into account the role of John the Baptist, the one who came before the Lord to announce His coming.

From the prophet Isaiah, we learn today of God's desire to lift mankind from the morass of sin, to that of salvation. How greatly God desires our happiness and our adoration; so much so, that He brought forth Jesus His Son, to make fitting atonement for our sins. We should consider how helpless we are in our sinful, fallen state. Yet, God wishes to show all of humanity that He is the Lord, the all-powerful Master of all, that His goodness will shine forth in a world otherwise darkened by sin.

So today, let us think about John the Baptist and his message, that final voice crying in the wilderness, like a beam of light emerging from the darkness, announcing at long last that salvation was about to descend upon Israel -- and indeed, upon all the world!

Let us earnestly prepare our souls by a genuine, soul-searching examination of conscience followed by the healing Sacrament of Reconciliation. Let us endeavor to fill the void of uprooted worldly habits and sin with holy prayer and a constant love of God.

Come Lord Jesus,
bring to us your peace;
let us rejoice before you
with a perfect heart.
Amen

- Joachim (1997)

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The Catholic Calendar for Wednesday, December 10, 2003
Wednesday of the Second Week of Advent

Scripture from today's Liturgy of the Word:
Isaiah 40:25-31
Psalm 103:1-4,8,10
Matthew 11:28-30

A reflection on today's Sacred Scripture:

For my yoke is easy and my burden light. (Matthew 11:30)

During this blessed season we anticipate joyfully the coming of our Savior in human flesh, prepare ourselves to receive God's love offered to us in Christ. In taking on our flesh, Jesus demonstrates the great dignity and worth of humanity; for we know that He was sent to relieve us from our great burden of sin, to put our sin to death in His own flesh and so restore us to friendship with our heavenly Father. Let us ponder on the great price God paid for our redemption.

Today's Psalm reflects the tender care God has for humanity, His diligent, unceasing search for, renewal and strengthening of every lost soul. We should remind ourselves that man led an idyllic life until he chose to sin, to declare his independence from God. If we carefully consider the present state of this world, we will see that we have created our own heavy loads in the sufferings we bring upon one another. Jesus is the very Word of life, when this world accepts His truths and by His grace learns to live in His word, our weight of cares will be lifted from us.

Blessed Jesus,
we thank you with our whole hearts
for having lifted the weight our sins from us.
Touch our hearts with Your love,
imbue us with Your truths,
that we may give ourselves to living in You.
Amen.

- Marie Bocko, ocds (mlbocko at borg dot com)

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The Catholic Calendar for Tuesday, December 9, 2003
First Week of Advent
St. Juan Diego

Scripture from today's Liturgy of the Word:
Isaiah 40:1-11
Psalm 96:1-3,10-13
Matthew 18:12-14

A reflection on today's Sacred Scripture:

If he finds the stray sheep, he rejoices. . . (see Matthew 18:13)

During this blessed season we anticipate joyfully the coming of our Savior in human flesh, prepare ourselves to receive God's love offered to us in Christ. In taking on our flesh, Jesus demonstrates the great dignity of man, our being worthy of forgiveness and regeneration, able to participate in His goodness and glory.

Today's readings reflect the tender care God has for humanity, His diligent, unceasing search for every lost soul. So many are like foolish sheep who refuse to be led by the Good Shepherd and instead insist on wandering from the safety of God's flock, placing themselves in the danger of perishing in the wilderness of this world. In Christ, our lives find safety, a new life; for if we are willing to die to our sin with Him, amend our selfish, mindless and heartless ways, we can be made holy, fit to abide with Him in eternal life.

If we have carefully listened to Matthew's gospel reading today, one particular phrase should stand out in our minds. We are told that the lost sheep can be saved only if he finds it. Although nothing and no one is ever hidden from God's eyes, we retain our free will, continue to run and try to hide each time He approaches us. Isaiah's words are a valuable reminder of our mortality, that we will perish like "grass," and we may have no tomorrow when we can be saved from eternal death.

Lord of all,
draw us to Yourself
that we may live in the joy and glory
of Your new life.
Amen.

- Marie Bocko, ocds (mlbocko at borg dot com)

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The Catholic Calendar for Monday, December 8, 2003
Second week of Advent
Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception of Mary
(Monday is a Holyday of Obligation)

Scripture from today's Liturgy of the Word:
Genesis 3:9-15,20
Psalm 98:1-4
Ephesians 1:3-6,,11-12
Luke 1:26-38

A reflection on today's Sacred Scripture:

Today, on the Feast of the Immaculate Conception we are reminded of the perfection of our Blessed Mother, and sadly, our own imperfection. She always, and in every way, was wholly pleasing to God. Her every desire and action was always in response to the Divine Will of God. Though a creature with a free will, she had (unlike us), no inclination to sin.

It is awesome to consider that we should have been -- could have been -- like her. Tragically, sin has mutated us; we're not what the Lord intended us to be. Happily, through the generous outpouring of His merciful love we are called to repentance. Our lost innocence is restored and the supernatural outpouring of His grace inclines us to respond in love -- as did Mary.

Let us rejoice on this Holy Day and thank God for His Beautiful Mother who has embraced us as her children. Let us listen to her instructions and follow her example so that one day in the heavenly Jerusalem we may love the Lord as she does.

- Donna Nelson, ocds

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The Catholic Calendar for Sunday, December 7, 2003
Second Sunday of Advent

Scripture from Today's Liturgy of the Word:
Baruch 5:1-9
Psalm 126:1-6
Philippians 1:4-6,8-11
Luke 3:1-6

A reflection on today's Sacred Scripture:

The Opening Prayer at today's Mass reads: Let us pray that nothing may hinder us from receiving Christ with joy. This prayer intimates something that many might be experiencing; namely, that they don't feel much joy. Even though it isn't surprising that the cares and worries of the world are many, it is often surprising that, for those who try to conform their hearts and minds to those of Christ, they should feel little joy.

It is because of these real human experiences, that we're in such great need of the Savior -- to be reminded that the Light will come and all Darkness will be dispelled. Jesus is the wellspring of joy -- Goodness has conquered Evil! There is good reason for hope, but if it were not for the faith-fortifying words of Holy Scripture and the life-giving effects of the Sacraments, there would be real cause for worry, real sadness.

Let us not be trapped into the prison of our emotions, but utilize instead the gifts that God has granted us to evoke an interior sense of joy.

The windings shall be made straight and the rough ways smooth. (Luke 3:5)

- Donna Nelson, ocds (drn3rd at hotmail dot com)

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The Catholic Calendar for Saturday, December 6, 2003
First week of Advent
St. Nicholas, bishop

Scripture from today's Liturgy of the Word:
Isaiah 30:19-21,23-26
Psalm 147:1-6
Matthew 9:35--10:1,6-8

Please welcome our new Catholic author, Karl Kohlhase, a talented musician and composer of contemporary Christian music. Be sure to visit Karl’s interesting website for more information. We will be excerpting from Karl’s weblog as he journeys with his wife and children to the Lord. Please note that his reflections will not be precisely based on the scripture for the Saturday liturgies.

Prayer + Perseverance + Patience = Peace
That seems to be the way it works for me anyway. If I'm bothered about something, or if I am convinced that the Lord should be doing this or that, this is how I approach it.
First, I pray.
When that doesn't produce any results, but I still have faith that what I was asking about is God's will, then I persevere and pray some more. Then some more... Remember the parable of the old woman who wore out that judge with her constant requests? God is not like a fast food drive through window. He asks us to persevere in prayer and not lose heart.
This is where patience comes in. I need to remember the Lord is not on the same time table as I am, and I am NOT His counselor.
When I'm persevering in prayer and patiently waiting for the answer then I can have peace in the middle of the storm, even before my miracle arrives.

- Karl Kohlhase (http://www.k4communications.com/)

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The Catholic Calendar for Friday, December 5, 2003
First Week of Advent
First Friday

Scripture from today's Liturgy of the Word:
Isaiah 29:17-24
Psalm 27:1,4,13-14
Matthew 9:27-31

A reflection on today's Sacred Scripture:

Do you believe I can make you see? (Matthew 9:28)

Interesting words our Lord uses, especially in our world today where exists quite the opposite: Seeing is believing! That's usually the preferred gauge of truth nowadays.

To that end, it seems that some of us go to great lengths to try to make the season bright. What? How utterly ironic, isn't it? The Light of the world is born, and we think we have to try to brighten things up! For example, every year around this time we see the homes of folks, usually featured on the evening news, who have obviously spent exorbitant time and money on elaborate house lighting displays. I don't know about you, but I have yet to see such a display that made me ponder the reality of Christ in our world, and in my own heart.


O dear Lord,

I believe only You can make me see.

Open my eyes!

You are the True Light in this world.

We cannot see You,

yet we cannot see without You!

Lead us,

heal us,

make us to reflect Your Light in this world.

Amen.


- Nancy Collingwood

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The Catholic Calendar for Thursday, December 4, 2003
First Week of Advent
St. John of Damascus, priest, doctor of the Church

Scripture from today's Liturgy of the Word:
Isaiah 26:1-6
Psalm 118:1,8-9,19-21,25-27
Matthew 7:21,24-27

A reflection on today's Sacred Scripture:

Today's readings remind us that Advent is a time for action as well as a time for waiting. It is not enough to call on the name of the Lord. We're also urged to act in solidarity with the poor, the marginalized, all those who can't speak or act for themselves. It may be children, or an elderly family member or neighbor. It may be someone we will never see or know that we reach through the many calls on our generosity through the Catholic Campaign For Human Development, or the Collection For Retired Religious.

Prayer is the spark, meditation is the flame, action is the fire that the Holy Spirit helps us ignite on the earth. Let us stir ourselves each day that we may be ready for the coming of the King!

- Msgr. Paul Whitmore (smartins at twcny dot rr dot com)

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The Catholic Calendar for Wednesday, December 3, 2003
First week of Advent
St. Francis Xavier, priest

Scripture from today's Liturgy of the Word:
Isaiah 25:6-10
Psalm 23:1-6
Matthew 15:29-37

A reflection on today's Sacred Scripture:

My heart is moved with pity for the crowd. . .

Jesus saw the condition of the people who had been following Him, hungering after what had so long been absent in their lives. And by this he was moved to one of His great miracles, feeding them all.

This feeding was quite real, but it was also a sign to us of the feeding that He would do through all of time for the people who followed the word. This feeding presaged and promised the institution of the Eucharist. Instead of perishable bread that feeds only the body, Jesus offered His own body, which feeds the soul.

This miracle is a wonderful thing to see as we enter Advent, because it fulfills the prophecies of the Old Testament about a Wonder Worker, and becomes a prophecy of what will be given to all people -- the great gift of the Eucharist -- eternal food for eternal life.

- JuandelaCruz (sriddle415 at yahoo dot com)

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The Catholic Calendar for Tuesday, December 2, 2003
First Week of Advent

Scripture from today's Liturgy of the Word:
Isaiah 11:1-10
Psalm 72:1-2,7-8,12-13,17
Luke 10:21-24

A reflection on today's Sacred Scripture:

Blessed are the eyes that see what you see. (Luke 10:23)

In this first week of Advent we begin a review of God's plan for humanity's deliverance from sin, God's plan for our salvation. The prophet Isaiah states that our Savior will come to us in human flesh, but will be endowed with all the divine attributes, so that in Him we will see fulfilled the goodness, love, truth, mercy and justice of God.

Isaiah also reveals the humility of our Creator, for He will come to us as a naked, helpless little child. He who created millions of suns, formed and populated the earth with many different creatures before creating man in His own image, now entrusted Himself to us as an infant, offering us His new life so we could be reborn in the likeness of God.

We may be puzzled by Christ telling us that the message of salvation will be hidden from the wise and learned and instead revealed only to the child-like. God excludes no one; we exclude ourselves when worldly riches, knowledge and power render us prideful, self-righteous and self-sufficient, feeling no need of a Savior. The poor, the needy, those humble in spirit and hungering for peace and security will be most open to Christ's message.

Blessed Lord,
shed Your light upon us
that we may see ourselves as we truly are
and so come to You for forgiveness of our pride,
the healing from all our sin.
Amen.

- Marie Bocko, ocds (mlbocko at borg dot com)

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The Catholic Calendar for Monday, December 1, 2003
First week of Advent

Scripture from today's Liturgy of the Word:
Isaiah 2:1-5
Psalm 122:1-9
Matthew 8:5-11

A reflection on today's Sacred Scripture:

Today's first reading from the prophet Isaiah tells of the how things will be -- someday. It's easy to get frustrated and lose hope in our world of violence, ungodliness and the like. But God promises that one day there will be peace and all nations will turn to Him.

God never breaks His promises. This will happen.

But what shall we do in the meantime? Well, Christ told us two things we must do: love God above all other things and our neighbors as ourselves.

But how do we deal with the frustrations of our world? Isaiah tells us today what to do: Come ...to the house of the God of Jacob, that He may instruct us in His ways, and we may walk in His paths. Or to put it another way: pray! This is one part of the prophecy we don't have to wait to see fulfilled. For through prayer we can call on God at anytime and learn directly from Him the ways to cope in these unsettling times.

Praise Jesus for opening the doors for us that lead directly to Him!

- Don Claunch, SFO

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