A Lectio Divina Approach to the Sunday & Weekday Liturgy

 

 

BREAKING THE BREAD OF THE WORD (Series 16, n. 4)

Advent Sunday 4 & Christmas Octave: December 24 - 30, 2017

 

 

(The pastoral tool BREAKING THE BREAD OF THE WORD: A LECTIO DIVINA APPROACH TO THE SUNDAY & WEEKDAY LITURGY includes a prayerful study of the Sunday liturgy of Year C from various perspectives. For the Lectio Divina on the liturgy of the past week: December 17-23, 2017, please go to ARCHIVES Series 15 and click on “Advent Week 3”.

 

Below is a LECTIO DIVINA APPROACH TO THE SUNDAY - WEEKDAY LITURGY: December 23-30, 2017.)

 

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 December 24, 2017: FOURTH SUNDAY OF ADVENT

“JESUS SAVIOR: Mary Conceived Him in Her Womb”

 

 

BIBLE READINGS

2 Sm 7:1-5, 8b-12, 14a, 16 // Rom 16:25-27 // Lk 1:26-38

 

 

I. BIBLICO-LITURGICAL REFLECTIONS: A Pastoral Tool for the LECTIO

 

A. Gospel Reading (Lk 1:26-38): “Behold, you will conceive in your womb and bear a son.”

 

The beauty of creation is a poem.  People are moved to prayer and contemplation by the deep feelings that it evokes.  The Advent readings and prayers of the Church are filled with poetic images of creation which is indeed a vehicle of divine revelation. Today’s Entrance antiphon, “Let the clouds rain down the Just One, and the earth bring forth a Savior,” is a poetic Advent invocation with a divine message.  In terms of creation motif, it presents the twofold movement of the mystery of Incarnation depicted in today’s Gospel reading (Lk 1:26-38).  The initiative of salvation comes from God, and Mary’s unconditional response is an absolute participation in the saving plan.

 

The first part of the invocation, “Let the clouds rain down the Just One,” refers to the initiative of the Father through the Holy Spirit, his creative power.  The Holy Spirit overshadows Mary and makes the incarnation of the Divine Son possible.  As the creative origin of life, the Holy Spirit fills the humble maiden of Nazareth with divine energy and knits together the flesh and blood of the Savior in her nurturing and virginal womb.  Indeed, through his life-giving power, the Holy Spirit would bring about the greatest miracle in the history of humankind: the mystery of the Incarnation.  With Jesus the Savior of the world, something radically new begins: the NEW CREATION.

 

The second part of the invocation, “(let) the earth bring forth a Savior,” focuses on Mary‘s participation in the miracle of life.  In a poetic way, Mary of Nazareth is “the earth that opens up.”  The gospel story of the announcement of the birth of the Messiah is set in the context of Mary’s own vocation as Mother and Disciple.  Her vocation is marked with deep receptivity to the creative action of the Holy Spirit.  Her total consecration to the divine plan, expressed in her reply to the angel, “May it be done to me according to your word,” would enable the Rose of Judah to bud forth from the stem of Jesse and from David’s royal clan.  Indeed, the Rose of Judah is Jesus Christ; the Rose plant is Mary of Nazareth, betrothed to a man named Joseph, of the house of David.  The birth of Jesus through a woman would fulfill the Lord’s promise spoken to David through the prophet Nathan.  The kingdom of David will be established forever in the sight of the Lord (see First Reading: 2 Sm 7:1-5, 8b-12, 14a, 16).  Moreover, in the words of St. Paul, the promised Messiah made flesh in the womb of the virgin of Nazareth is the mystery kept for endless ages but now fully revealed (see the Second Reading: Rm 16:25-27)

 

At the threshold of Christmas, let us look at the Incarnation from the ecological point of view. Indeed, a very significant pro-life issue is environmental concern. We have only one planet Earth to offer us life support, and there is no other. Let us contemplate the mystery of the Incarnation as intimately linked to God’s beloved creation. Indeed, the Incarnate Word born of Mary is the firstborn of creation and the Lord of creation. Let us therefore honor him through our reverence and promotion of the integrity of God’s creation.

 

The following family Christmas experience gives insight into what it means to be integrated with God’s beloved creation (cf. Stella Hickman, “Starry Night” in Guideposts 1994, p. 52).

 

I told the children and grandchildren to wear warm clothes when they came to our house for Christmas Eve. We were going on a hayride.

 

My husband, Charlie, hitched a small trailer to “Grey John”, our big ol’ tractor. We filled the trailer with hay, covered it with an old blanket, and we were on our way. Granddaughter Andre brought her fiancé from Michigan, who couldn’t believe we were going on a hayride in the dead of winter. Daughter Charlene and son Ralph led the Christmas carols as we rode through pastures and woods.

 

It was a perfect night, lit with many stars, and we could see our breath in the cold air. We laughed and talked, huddling together for warmth. Our last stop was the barn, where I had arranged hay bales in a semicircle. We sat down in the quiet darkness, and I turned on a cassette recording of the Christmas story. Our hound dog rested his head in my lap. The cows came up from the pasture and stared inside, listening to what it was like that first Christmas in a sweet-smelling barn.

 

 

B. First Reading (II Sm 7:1-5, 8b-12, 14a, 16): “The kingdom of David shall endure forever before the Lord.”

 

The Old Testament reading (II Sm 7:1-5, 8b-12, 14a, 16) takes on great meaning as we listen to the words of Venerable Bede. He underlines the enduring character of the Kingdom of Mary’s Son: “The Lord God gave to our Redeemer the throne of his father David, when he decreed that he should take flesh from the lineage of David. As David had once ruled the people with temporal authority, so Christ would now lead them to the eternal kingdom by his spiritual grace.” In the person of the Word made flesh, conceived by Mary of Nazareth and born of David’s lineage, is the radical fulfillment of the Davidic promise of an everlasting lineage and enduring Kingdom. As we approach the last days of preparation for the birth of Jesus, we are filled with marvel and awe at the immensity and magnanimity of God’s saving love and grandiose plan of redemption.

 

The following reflection of Sr. Mary Eunice, PDDM, gives added insight into the mystery of the incarnation.

 

God’s promise is not only for the people of ancient days. Today, this is also ours

to claim. And so, the invitation to be attentive and be engaged with God is our invitation also. Like Mary, we are also called to participate in the fulfillment of God’s promise and we are to imitate what Mary had obediently done.

           

Christmas is now around the corner and the breeze tells us that the day is really coming near. Are we still thinking of other promises or could it be that we are the promise? At present, our world is confronted with many crises, broken hearts, broken relationships and destroyed lives, as well as, hopes for a fulfillment of God’s promise through us. As God gave his Son to us, we too are sent to continue the mission Jesus had begun.

 

A story taken from the book, 150 More Stories, by Jack McArdle had a beautiful picture of such challenge to us. A holy hermit who was making his daily prayer saw passing by: a cripple, a mother begging for food for her pathetically malnourished child, and the victim of what must have been a very severe beating. Seeing them, the holy man turned to God and said, “Great God! How is it that such a loving Creator can see so much suffering and yet do nothing about it?” And deep within his heart, God replied, “I have done something about it. I made you.”

 

Jesus can never be physically born again, but we can make his presence become visible to others. We can be God’s agent in the fulfillment of his promise.

  

 

C. Second Reading (Rom 16:25-27): “The mystery kept secret for long ages has now been manifested.”

 

The saving mystery that we contemplate this Advent-Christmas season is summarized and extolled by Saint Paul in the last section of his letter to the Romans (Rom 16:25-27). Used as the Second Reading in this Sunday’s liturgy, this passage helps us to relish the mystery of Christmas and be thankful to our loving, compassionate God for the gift of our Savior Jesus Christ. The apostle Paul invites us to give glory and praise to God, the author of the Good News of salvation, the “mystery” once hidden but now fully revealed in Jesus Christ. The Good News needs to be lived out by his disciples and preached to all nations. God himself gives us the grace to be faithful to the Gospel. By his grace he strengthens us in the mission of evangelization to all peoples that they may obey God in faith.

 

“TO GOD BE GLORY FOREVER!” is Paul’s exultant cry. In the context of the Advent-Christmas celebration, Paul’s exhortation to give glory and praise to God for the Good News – incarnated and fulfilled in Jesus Christ - is very appropriate. Indeed, we are filled with joy and thanksgiving for Christ the Savior, the reason for the yuletide season and the essential meaning of Christmas.

 

The following article, “Jesus is the Reason for the Season” is being circulated through the Internet. Today’s Christians wish to put Christ back in Christmas. Our effort to proclaim the true spirit of Christmas within a secular, commercial, confused and fragmented society is a way of giving glory and praise to God.

 

JESUS IS BETTER THAN SANTA. 

Santa lives at the North Pole. Jesus is everywhere.

Santa rides in a sleigh. Jesus rides on the wind and walks on the water.

Santa comes but once a year. Jesus is an ever-present help.

Santa fills your stockings with goodies. Jesus supplies all your needs.

Santa comes down your chimney uninvited. Jesus stands at your door

and knocks … and then enters your heart.

You have to stand in line to see Santa. Jesus is close at the mention of his name. Santa lets you sit on his lap. Jesus lets you rest in his arms.

Santa doesn’t know your name; all he can say is “Hi, little boy/girl. What’s your name?”

Jesus knew our name before we did. Not only does he know our name. He knows our address, too. He knows our history and future, and he even knows how many hairs are on our heads.

Santa has a belly like a bowl of jelly. Jesus has a heart full of love.

All Santa can offer is HO-HO-HO! Jesus offers health, help and hope.

Santa says, “You better not cry!” Jesus says, “Cast all your cares on me

for I care for you.”

Santa’s little helpers make toys. Jesus makes new life,

mends wounded hearts, repairs broken homes and builds mansions.

Santa may make you chuckle, but …. Jesus gives you joy that is your strength. While Santa puts gifts under your tree.

Jesus became our gift and died on the tree. It’s obvious there is really no comparison.

 

We need to remember WHO Christmas is all about.

We need to put CHRIST BACK IN CHRISTMAS.

Jesus is still the reason for the season.

    

 

II. POINTS FOR THE EXAMINATION OF THE HEART: A Pastoral Tool for the MEDITATIO

 

1. What are your feelings and concerns within this second part of the Advent season, which is an immediate preparation for the celebration of the birth of our Lord Jesus? Do you allow yourself to be overwhelmed by the many activities of the Advent-Christmas season? How do you keep your balance, inner peace and harmony in the hustle and bustle of the yuletide season?

 

2. Do you imitate Mary in her preparation for the wonderful saving event of the Messiah’s birth? Will you devote some of your precious moments for prayer and contemplation in order to celebrate Christmas more meaningfully and thankfully?

 

3. Do you heed Saint Paul’s exhortation, “TO GOD BE GLORY FOREVER”? Does the Christmas event move you to a spirit of praise and thankfulness? What do you do to put Christ back into “Christmas”?

    

  

III. PRAYING WITH THE WORD: A Pastoral Tool for the ORATIO

 

Loving Father,

we thank you for the grace-filled season of Advent.

We wish to celebrate worthily the birth of Jesus Savior,

the fulfillment of messianic expectations.

With Mary, full of grace,

help us to contemplate the astounding Christmas event

with love and awe, with praise and thankfulness.

Let the clouds rain down the Just One,

and the earth bring forth a Savior.

You live and reign, forever and ever.

Amen.

  

  

IV. INTERIORIZATION OF THE WORD: A Pastoral Tool for the CONTEMPLATIO

 

The following is the bread of the living Word that will nourish us throughout the week. Please memorize it.

 

“Behold, you will conceive in your womb and bear a son, and you shall name  him Jesus.” (Lk 1:31)

 

 

V. TOWARDS LIFE TRANSFORMATION: A Pastoral Tool for the ACTIO

 

In your effort to promote the integration of creation, and by your acts of charity to the poor and the people around you, let the Christmas season this year be meaningful and transforming. That we may give glory and praise to God the Father for his “Christmas” gift in the person of our Savior Jesus Christ, make an effort to spend some moments of prayer before the Blessed Sacrament.

 

 

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December 25, 2017: MONDAY – THE NATIVITY OF THE LORD: CHRISTMAS (NIGHT MASS)

“JESUS SAVIOR: He Is the Savior Born for Us”

 

 

BIBLE READINGS

Is 9:1-6 // Ti 2:11-14 // Lk 2:1-14

  

 

I. BIBLICO-LITURGICAL REFLECTIONS: A Pastoral Tool for the LECTIO

 

In the Christmas mystery, the Son of God became totally involved in our human lot. Jesus Savior thoroughly embraced our humanity, immersing himself in the human situation – experiencing the best of us and the worst of us. This is what God intended. He refused to be a mere spectator in human affairs. He wanted to participate, to be a part of it. This is the tremendous mystery of the Incarnation; this is the beautiful mystery of Christmas; this is the profound mystery of the Eucharist. They are all a definitive participation of Jesus Christ in our human affairs in a self-giving manner. Thus, in these moments, Jesus gives us a model of self-giving. He shows us the way to love.

 

The studies of my professor in Scripture, Fr. Herman Hendrickx, CICM, on the Infancy Narratives of Luke, can help us deepen our understanding of the Lord’s self-gift and total involvement in our human situation.

 

1)      In chapter 2 of the Infancy Narrative, the evangelist Luke states that “there was no place for them in the inn”. There was no place for them in the inn because the inn is the place for strangers … for traveling strangers who stay only for the night. But Christ is not a stranger. He comes to his own. “The word became flesh and dwelt among us.” The inn is not a place for him to stay because he is not a stranger or distant from us. He belongs to us. His total involvement in our human destiny makes him really one with us. He could never be born in the inn, that is, outside of us. He has to be born in each one of us. He has to make his home in each of us.

 

2)      Luke also mentions that Mary laid him in a “manger”. The manger is the place where animals are nourished. The manger is the place of sustenance … of nourishment. Jesus was laid in the manger because he is the symbol and reality of God’s support and sustenance of his people. The Son of God has to be born in Bethlehem, the “city of Bread” for he is the Bread of life – the Bread to be given, broken, and shared. Jesus in the manger points to the reality of being a “self-gift” in the Eucharistic Bread, the nourishment of his people.

 

3)      Furthermore, Luke mentions that Jesus was wrapped in “swaddling clothes”, symbol of royalty. Rather than a sign of poverty and destitution, the swaddling clothes of Jesus indicate that he is a king. And in the biblical term, a king is the one who shepherds and cares for God’s people. And the infant wrapped in swaddling clothes becomes truly “king-shepherd” upon the tree of life – the Cross! It is there where he becomes truly KING-SHEPHERD in the fullest sense of the word – laying down his life for the sheep. On the Cross, Jesus King-Shepherd gathers all sheep into one flock to guide and lead them to the eternal home.

 

The Child Jesus laying in the manger, symbol of God’s sustenance and nourishment … the Lord Jesus who, on the night when he was given up, offered us the Eucharistic Bread and the Cup … the Lord Jesus, King-Shepherd, laying down his life for us on the Cross, the altar of sacrifice … HE IS STILL PRESENT IN OUR MIDST! He is the “Emmanuel”, the God-with-us Savior. Our celebration of Christmas and our participation in the Eucharist should transform us, like Jesus, into “self-gift”. Our celebration of the birth of Christ and our sharing in the Eucharistic feasting ought to make us – Christian disciples – capable of sharing the best of what we are … capable of sharing both our poverty and our riches, following the example of Jesus, the model of self-giving.

 

My former student in the seminary, G. Campese, writes: “Our expectations for something new, for a better humanity and human society, our joy and hope which come from the spirit of Christmas, will remain just a confused ideal and will return into a disillusion if we do not take seriously and clearly to ourselves the message of Christmas: in Jesus Christ the salvation from God becomes a reality; the kingdom is not yet fulfilled, but it is already here, and it needs our cooperation in service and self-giving.”

 

This remark reminds me of my favorite Christmas story that was narrated by Fr. Paul Bernier in his book, Bread Broken and Shared. How I wish that this Christmas story would be repeated and replicated over and over, certainly not just in story-telling, but in the daily miracles of life!

 

The film might have been entitled “Christmas Dinner in the Dump”. Being homemade, however, it was untitled. But it was about real people, and it was all about Christmas in the town dump. We were being told of the apostolic efforts of some Jesuits working in El Paso, Texas. It seems that across the border from El Paso lies Juarez. Juarez is much better known to Americans for its cheap goods, its gambling and the other amenities provided by Mexican border towns. Less well known is the town dump, which dozens of people call home. There they build their shanties, raise their families and compete with the rats for the food that is provided daily by the garbage pails of the nearby city.

 

One of the Jesuits working with a group of cursillistas had gotten the brilliant idea of expressing something of the joy and peace of Christ’s birthday by sharing Christmas dinner with the unfortunate people, the refuse of the society, living – existing would be a better word – across the border. It was considered to be a good idea, so two dozen or so people with their families prepared food and gifts and set off for the dump on Christmas afternoon. They were not prepared for what they saw. Instead of the dozens which they expected to find, there were hundreds. They were completely outnumbered by the wretched poor whose only hope of survival was vying with others to glean the leftovers and discarded items of the city.

 

The film captured that so graphically: a small group laden with food advancing amid the garbage and the rubble being met by an army of the hungry for whom the available food would hardly be enough for appetizers. But they continued on and bravely told the people of their love and concern, and offered apologies that they had not brought sufficient food so that they might all enjoy a good Christmas dinner together. However, they could at least share as much as would go around. So with songs, hymns, and good will the dinner was begun. They took the food, blessed it, and distributed it to the people. Did they eat! The film showed smiling faces and full plates. The film also showed, inexplicably, that horde of humanity completely satisfied – and plenty of food left over. Once again the disciples gathered what was left over after all had had their fill. Once again, the Lord wondrously fed the multitudes.

 

 

II. POINTS FOR THE EXAMINATION OF THE HEART: A Pastoral Tool for the MEDITATIO

 

Do we allow ourselves to be enthralled by the mystery of the Son “born for us” – God’s awesome self-gift to us?

 

 

III. PRAYING WITH THE WORD: A Pastoral Tool for the ORATIO

(cf. Alternative Opening Prayer, Mass at Midnight)

 

Lord our God,

with the birth of your Son,

your glory breaks on the world.

Through the night hours of the darkened earth

we, your people, watch for the coming of your promised Son.

As we wait,

give us a foretaste of the joy that you will grant us

when the fullness of his glory has filled the earth,

who lives and reigns with you forever and ever.

Amen.

 

 

IV. INTERIORIZATION OF THE WORD: A Pastoral Tool for the CONTEMPLATIO

 

The following is the bread of the living Word that will nourish us throughout the day. Please memorize it.

 

“She wrapped him in swaddling clothes and laid him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn.” (Lk 2:7)

 

 

V. TOWARDS LIFE TRANSFORMATION: A Pastoral Tool for the ACTIO

 

By your charity and goodness to people who are experiencing a bleak Christmas, translate the mystery of Christmas into a lived reality and into acts of self-giving.

 

 

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December 25, 2017: MONDAY – THE NATIVITY OF THE LORD: CHRISTMAS (DAWN MASS)

“JESUS SAVIOR: He Is the Father’s Gift of Love”

 

 

BIBLE READINGS

Is 62:11-12 // Ti 3:4-7 // Lk 2:15-20

  

 

I. BIBLICO-LITURGICAL REFLECTIONS: A Pastoral Tool for the LECTIO

 

A. Gospel Reading

 

The Christmas season is a privileged opportunity to contemplate the awesome sign of God’s love for us: his own beloved Son Jesus Christ. The Son of God made flesh, born as a child, is the most powerful sign of the Father’s will to bring us salvation: UNTO US A CHILD IS BORN! UNTO US A SON IS GIVEN!

 

My former student Fr. Mike Garcia remarked: “When we give anything, we give part of ourselves. When we give ourselves, we give everything we have – past, present, and future.” Indeed, in becoming man just like any of us, Jesus became personally involved in our suffering, in our human lot and destiny. Satan cannot impeach God’s integrity. No one can doubt the quality of the Lord’s self-gift … of his unconditional love for us.

 

Because God has loved us, we too must become lovers – lovers of one another. Only if we love the visible neighbor can we love the invisible God. This gift of love is exemplified in the self-giving act of a five-year old boy on behalf of his little sister. After the blood transfusion, he asked the doctor with a trembling voice, “Say, doctor, when do I start to die?” He thought that by giving his life-blood to his kid sister, he would die.

 

The child Jesus lying in a manger, symbol of God’s nourishment for his people … the Lord Jesus who, on the night when he was given up, offered us the Eucharistic bread and the chalice of life … the Lord Jesus, gentle shepherd and king, who laid down his life for us on the cross – the altar of sacrifice … HE IS STILL PRESENT IN OUR MIDST! He is Emmanuel, God-with-us. In our Christmas celebration, he invites us to be a “gift of love” for others.

 

 

II. POINTS FOR THE EXAMINATION OF THE HEART: A Pastoral Tool for the MEDITATIO

 

Do we endeavor to delve into the Christmas mystery of God’s self-giving? Do we endeavor to be a “gift of love” for others?

 

 

III. PRAYING WITH THE WORD: A Pastoral Tool for the ORATIO

 

Lord Jesus,

you are Love-incarnate,

the sacrament of the Father’s self-giving.

We celebrate your birth and your dwelling among us.

You are God’s “gift of love” to us,

the Emmanuel, God-with-us.

Help us to be a “gift of love” for others.

With the choirs of angels, we acclaim:

Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to people of good will!

 

 

IV. INTERIORIZATION OF THE WORD: A Pastoral Tool for the CONTEMPLATIO

 

The following is the bread of the living Word that will nourish us throughout the day. Please memorize it.

 

“So they went in haste and found Mary and Joseph, and the infant lying in the manger.” (Lk 2:16)

 

 

V. TOWARDS LIFE TRANSFORMATION: A Pastoral Tool for the ACTIO

 

Pray that in this Christmas season we may understand more deeply the depths of God’s self-giving to us. By your acts of goodness and compassion to the people around you, enable them to savor the joy of Christmas and the warmth of the “gift of love” for others.

 

 

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December 25, 2017: MONDAY – THE NATIVITY OF THE LORD: CHRISTMAS (DAY MASS)

“JESUS SAVIOR: He Is the Word Made Flesh”

 

 

BIBLE READINGS

Is 52:7-10 // Heb 1:1-6 // Jn 1:1-18

  

 

I. BIBLICO-LITURGICAL REFLECTIONS: A Pastoral Tool for the LECTIO

 

The readings proclaimed at today’s Mass during the day give deeper insight into the Christmas mystery. In the Prologue (Jn 1:1-18) Saint John asserts: “And the Word became flesh.” The deepest concept of “word” is not a mere verbalization or articulation of thought. In the Jewish biblical tradition, God’s word or “dabar” is God himself communicating and giving himself in self-revelation. “Dabar” to the Israelites is something extremely personal. The communication of the “word” is actually the communication of the speaker himself. In the case of the “Word of God” what is communicated is the divine reality itself – the very person of God himself. It is God revealing himself as Creator, Liberator and Savior. The German theologian, Karl Rahner, remarks: “When we say it is Christmas we mean that in Christ God has spoken his definitive, final and beautiful word … a word that cannot be revoked. And the word means I love you.”

 

In the fullness of time, God spoke his most beautiful word in Jesus Christ. In today’s Second Reading we read (Heb 1:1-6): “In many and various ways, God spoke of old to our fathers by the prophets, but in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son.” The meaning of God’s person as “LOVE” is definitely revealed when God spoke to us through his Son Jesus Christ. In the Word-made-flesh is God’s decisive Word, the Good News, the saving Word. Jesus, the Divine Word, recapitulates all previous words of salvation, bringing them to perfect fulfillment. Jesus, the Son of God, brings the good news of salvation to all and in him “all the ends of the earth will behold the saving power of God (cf. Is 52:10). Indeed, through the mystery of the incarnation, Jesus enables us to come to the heart of God. Born “in the flesh” of Mary, the Son of God is destined to die on the cross, be gloriously resurrected and to communicate to us the fullness of his life, light and love.

 

In the Christmas mystery of “the Word made flesh” is the concreteness of salvation. We too are called to be the embodiment of the incarnate Word. The following personal account gives insight into this (cf. Patty Kirk in Daily Guideposts 2014, p. 393).

 

Recently, a student in my Writing from Faith course voiced a revelation. “Until now”, she said, “I’ve always thought ‘Be concrete’ meant ‘Use more adjectives’. Now I see I need to make people see what I saw, hear what I heard, smell what I smelled. Using your senses helps people believe and care about what you’re saying.”

 

She was responding to a fellow student’s psalm about not being able to afford to go home for Christmas – to Costa Rica, where her family are missionaries. In the poem, the student-psalmist is alone in her room, staring at the computer while, just beyond the thin walls, her dorm-mates gather excitedly about their holiday plans. She recounts family traditions she’ll miss: getting ornaments out of dusty boxes, drinking hot cocoa with her siblings while Dad reads Christmas stories, sharing a festive dinner of arroz con pollo. Then like a good psalmist, she affirms her faith.

 

We all teared up. Afterward her classmates raised money for her flight and launched a ministry to do the same for every missionary kid on campus.

 

It was a big moment for me. Not only had a student’s writing spurred others to action, but they’d all finally acknowledged the persuasive power of sensory data, which I’d been trying to convince them of from day one.

 

Christmas is such a sensory celebration. Pine smells. Fruitcake and sugar cookies. Snow. The concreteness of Christmas crystallizes its gospel: that our invisible Creator sent us palpable evidence, in the form of a newborn, so that we might believe and have eternal life.

 

 

II. POINTS FOR THE EXAMINATION OF THE HEART: A Pastoral Tool for the MEDITATIO

 

What is our personal response to the “Word became flesh”? How does the reality of “God speaking to us” through his Son shapes our lives? Do we make an effort to let “the ends of the earth behold the salvation of our God”?

 

 

III. PRAYING WITH THE WORD: A Pastoral Tool for the ORATIO

(Cf. Alternative Opening Prayer, Christmas Day Mass)

 

God of love, Father of all,

the darkness that covered the earth

has given way to the bright dawn of your Word made flesh.

Make us a people of this light.

Make us faithful to your Word,

that we may bring your life to the waiting world.

Grant this through Christ our Lord.

Amen.

 

 

IV. INTERIORIZATION OF THE WORD: A Pastoral Tool for the CONTEMPLATIO

 

The following is the bread of the living Word that will nourish us throughout the day. Please memorize it.

 

“And the Word became flesh.” (Jn 1:14)

 

 

V. TOWARDS LIFE TRANSFORMATION: A Pastoral Tool for the ACTIO

 

Savor the sights, sounds, tastes, textures and forms of the Christmas celebration. Above all, by your works of charity, let the needy in today’s society experience the mercy and compassion of the Word-made-flesh. 

 

 

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December 26, 2017: TUESDAY – SAINT STEPHEN, THE FIRST MARTYR

“JESUS SAVIOR: The Martyrs Give Witness to Him”

 

 

BIBLE READINGS

Acts 6:8-10; 7:54-59 // Mt 10:17-22

 

 

I. BIBLICO-LITURGICAL REFLECTIONS: A Pastoral Tool for the LECTIO

 

At the birth of Jesus, the angel of the Lord appeared to the shepherds keeping the night watch over their flocks and the glory of the Lord shone around them. At the martyrdom of Stephen, the first Christian martyr and one of the first deacons appointed by the apostles, he saw the heavens opened and the Son of Man standing at the right hand of God. On the second day of the Christmas Octave, when we rejoice at the birth of the Christ Child, we also celebrate the “dies natalis” – the birthday into eternal life of Stephen, who gave a faithful witness to Jesus as the Messiah. His declaration that Jesus is the “Messiah” provoked the murderous onslaught upon him. Stephen’s martyrdom is his road to glory.

 

According to Saint Fulgentius (+533), the martyrdom of Saint Stephen is intimately connected with the Christmas mystery. He remarks: “Yesterday, my dear brethren, we celebrated the birth in time of our timeless king, today we celebrate the victorious sufferings of a soldier … Yesterday the angels sang joyfully: Glory to God in the highest. Today, Blessed Stephen is clothed by Christ with the garment of immortality. Yesterday the narrow crib contained the Infant Christ. Today the boundless heavens receive the triumphant Stephen.”

 

Today’s secularized world that is increasingly hostile to religious realities calls for the “Saint Stephen type” of courageous witnessing. The following remarks of Andy Rooney, circulated on the Internet, give us an idea on how we can be more proactive disciples in today’s world.

 

Andy Rooney and Prayer:

 

Andy Rooney says: I don't believe in Santa Claus, but I'm not going to sue somebody for singing a Ho-Ho-Ho song in December. I don't agree with Darwin, but I didn't go out and hire a lawyer when my high school teacher taught his theory of evolution.

Life, liberty or your pursuit of happiness will not be endangered in any way because someone says a 30-second prayer before a football game. So what's the big deal? It's not like somebody is up there reading the entire Book of Acts. They're just talking to a God they believe in and asking him to grant safety to the players on the field and the fans going home from the game. But it's a Christian prayer, some will argue. Yes, and this is the United States of America and Canada, countries founded on Christian principles.

According to our very own phone book, Christian churches outnumber all others better than 200-to-1. So what would you expect – Somebody chanting Hare Krishna? If I went to a football game in Jerusalem, I would expect to hear a Jewish prayer. If I went to a soccer game in Baghdad, I would expect to hear a Muslim prayer. If I went to a ping pong match in China, I would expect to hear someone pray to Buddha. And I wouldn't be offended. It wouldn't bother me one bit. When in Rome …

 

“But what about the atheists?” is another argument. What about them? Nobody is asking them to be baptized. We're not going to pass the collection plate. Just humor us for 30 seconds. If that's asking too much, bring a Walkman or a pair of earplugs. Go to the bathroom. Visit the concession stand. Call your lawyer! Or, just exercise their right to leave this country! Unfortunately, one or two will call their lawyer. One or two will tell thousands what they can and cannot do.

I don't think a short prayer at a football game is going to shake the world's foundations. Christians are just sick and tired of turning the other cheek while our courts strip us of all our rights. Our parents and grandparents taught us to pray before eating, to pray before we go to sleep. Our Bible tells us to pray without ceasing. Now a handful of people and their lawyers are telling us to cease praying.

 

God, help us. And if that last sentence offends you, well, just sue me. The silent majority has been silent too long. It's time we tell that one or two who scream loud enough to be heard that the vast majority doesn't care what they want! It is time that the majority rules! It's time we tell them, "You don't have to pray; you don't have to say the Pledge of Allegiance; you don't have to believe in God or attend services that honor Him. That is your right, and we will honor your right. But by golly, you are no longer going to take our rights away. We are fighting back, and we WILL WIN!"

 

God bless us one and all … especially those who denounce Him. God bless America and Canada, despite all our faults, we are still the greatest nations of all. God bless our servicemen who are fighting to protect our right to pray and worship God. Let's make 2012 and 2013 the years the silent majority is heard and we put God back as the foundation of our families and institutions. And our military forces come home from all the wars. 

 

 

II. POINTS FOR THE EXAMINATION OF THE HEART: A Pastoral Tool for the MEDITATIO

 

Are we ready to show the mettle that Saint Stephen manifested in his Christian witnessing? Are we ready to embrace the gift and the challenge of the Christmas-paschal mystery?

 

 

III. PRAYING WITH THE WORD: A Pastoral Tool for the ORATIO 

(Cf. Opening Prayer for December 26, Feast of Saint Stephen)

 

Lord,

today we celebrate the entrance of St. Stephen

into eternal glory.

He died praying for those who killed him.

Help us to imitate his goodness

and to love our enemies.

We ask this through Christ our Lord.

            Amen.      

      

 

IV. INTERIORIZATION OF THE WORD: A Pastoral Tool for the CONTEMPLATIO

 

The following is the bread of the living Word that will nourish us throughout the day. Please memorize it.

 

“Behold, I see the heavens opened and the Son of Man standing at the right hand of God.” (Acts 7:56)

 

 

V. TOWARDS LIFE TRANSFORMATION: A Pastoral Tool for the ACTIO

 

Put “Christ” back into Christmas: choose Christmas cards with a religious motif; do not be shy to say “Merry Christmas”, “Happy Holy Day – Christ is born”, etc. Above all, bring the love of Christ to the poor and suffering.

 

 

*** *** ***

 

December 27, 2017: WEDNESDAY – SAINT JOHN

THE APOSTLE

 “JESUS SAVIOR: He Is the Word of Life the John Heard and Proclaimed”

 

 

BIBLE READINGS

1 Jn 1:1-4 // Jn 20:1a, 2-8

 

 

I. BIBLICO-LITURGICAL REFLECTIONS: A Pastoral Tool for the LECTIO

 

Saint Stephen gave witness to Jesus, the Messiah, by his martyrdom. The evangelist John, the only apostle among the twelve who was not martyred, gave witness to the Christ by his ministry of the Word. In today’s Gospel, John gives an Easter account of how he and Peter went to the tomb and found it empty. When the beloved disciple John saw the “empty tomb”, he believed. He believed that Jesus rose from the dead. John did not enter the cave of Bethlehem but an empty tomb. He did not see the swaddling clothes but the empty burial cloths. But on Easter day he came to believe in the meaning of the Crib and the Cross – in the power of Christmas and the passion of Christ.

 

Today’s First Reading is John’s beautiful testimony about the Word of Life that they have heard, that they have seen with their eyes, that they have looked upon and touched. John emphasizes the historical reality of the Word of Life, made incarnate in Jesus Christ. The Word of life became visible that we may be brought into intimate communion with God the Father and his Son, Jesus Christ. The very act of giving witness to the Word of life by writing is for Saint John a cause for joy.

 

The Word of Life that Saint John heard and proclaimed continues to be experienced and shared by the Christian disciples in the here and now (cf. Francis Xavier Nguyen Van Thuan, Testimony of Hope, Boston: Pauline Books and Media, 2000, p. 64-65).

 

It is not enough to accept and to live the Word. It must also be shared. (…) Such a sharing of the Word allows us also to glimpse what is the typical Christian announcement: to communicate a life (the Life), and, therefore, to witness to an experience. This was well understood by the Johannine community: “What was from the beginning, what we have heard, what we have seen with our eyes, what we have looked at and touched with our hands … we also proclaim to you so you too may have fellowship with us” (I Jn 1:1-3).

 

Only in this way does the Reign of God advance, and true communion expands to the point of accepting all humanity in the unity of the Father, of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.

 

The Catholics in the prison of Phu Khanh had secretly brought in a copy of the New Testament. They divided the book into small pieces and distributed these pieces among the Catholics who began to learn the passages by heart. Since the cells had floors of sand, when they heard a guard’s footsteps, they would hide the Word of God by burying it in the floor.

 

In the darkness of the night, the prisoners would recite in turn the part of the New Testament each had already memorized. It was an impressive and moving experience to hear the Word of God proclaimed in the silence and darkness of the prison … to be in the presence of Jesus the “living Gospel” spoken by the prisoners with all the strength of soul; to hear the priestly prayer and the passion of Christ …

 

The non-Christians also listened with respect and admiration to what they called the “Sacred Word”. Many said they felt the Word of God to be “spirit and life”.

 

 

II. POINTS FOR THE EXAMINATION OF THE HEART: A Pastoral Tool for the MEDITATIO

 

Do we endeavor to share the Word of life that we have heard, seen and touched with the people in the here and now? Do we allow it to shape our life and to make our hearts rejoice?

 

 

III. PRAYING WITH THE WORD: A Pastoral Tool for the ORATIO

(Cf. Opening Prayer for December 27, Feast of Saint John)

 

God our Father,

you have revealed the mysteries of your Word

through Saint John the apostle.

By prayer and reflection,

may we come to understand the wisdom he taught.

Grant this through Christ our Lord.

Amen.   

 

 

IV. INTERIORIZATION OF THE WORD: A Pastoral Tool for the CONTEMPLATIO

 

The following is the bread of the living Word that will nourish us throughout the day. Please memorize it.

 

“We have seen it and testify to it and proclaim to you the eternal life.” (I Jn 1:3) 

 

 

V. TOWARDS LIFE TRANSFORMATION: A Pastoral Tool for the ACTIO

 

Make an effort to study and reflect on the Gospel of John and the Letters of Saint John. Let the Word of life comfort, nourish, and form you that you may in turn share it with others. 

 

 

*** *** ***

 

December 28, 2017: THURSDAY – THE HOLY INNOCENTS, MARTYRS

“JESUS SAVIOR: The Holy Innocents Shared in His Paschal Destiny”

 

 

BIBLE READINGS

I Jn 1{5-2:2 // Mt 2:13-18

 

 

I. BIBLICO-LITURGICAL REFLECTIONS: A Pastoral Tool for the LECTIO

 

A. Gospel Reading (Mt 2:13-18): “He ordered the massacre of all boys in Bethlehem.”

 

Three days after Christmas, we celebrate the martyrdom of the Holy Innocents, the infant boys ordered killed by King Herod who reigned in Palestine and Judah from 37 B.C. to 4 B.C. In the final years of his reign, he was extremely ruthless and brutal in defending his throne. The bishop, Saint Quodvultdesus, in a sermon remarked: “A tiny child is born, who is a great king. Wise men are led to him from afar. They come to adore one who lies in a manger and yet reigns in heaven and on earth. When they tell of one who is born a king, Herod is disturbed. To save his kingdom he resolves to kill him, though if he would have faith in the child, he himself would reign in peace in this life and forever in the life to come. Why are you afraid, Herod, when you hear of the birth of a king? He does not come to drive you out, but to conquer the devil. But because you do not understand this you are disturbed and in a rage, and to destroy one child you seek, you show your cruelty in the death of so many children.”

 

The Holy Innocents were witnesses for Christ though they were not aware of it. Their martyrdom evoked the passion and death of the Son of God, the Savior of the world. Indeed, our world, marred by sin and death, desperately needs the saving Christ. The feast of the Holy Innocents reminds us that human life is sacred. Every human being has a right to life. Let us pray for the protection of all human life, including the unborn.

 

The following story, circulated through the Internet, challenges us to assert the right to life of millions of children who are annually killed under the cover of laws permitting abortion, an abominable crime.

 

A worried woman went to her gynecologist and said: “Doctor, I have a serious problem and desperately need your help! My baby is not even one year old and I’m pregnant again. I don’t want kids so close together.”

 

So the doctor said: “OK and what do you want me to do?” She said: “I want you to end my pregnancy, and I’m counting on your help with this.” The doctor thought for a little, and after some silence he said to the lady: “I think I have a better solution for your problem. It’s less dangerous for you, too.” She smiled, thinking that the doctor was going to accept her request. Then he continued: “You see, in order for you not to take care of two babies at the same time, let’s kill the one in your arms. This way, you could get some rest before the other one is born. If we are going to kill one of them, it doesn’t matter which one it is. There would be no risk for your body if you choose the one in your arms.”

 

The lady was horrified and said: “No, Doctor! How terrible! It’s a crime to kill a child!” “I agree”, the doctor replied. “But you seemed to be OK with it, so I thought maybe that was the best solution”. The doctor smiled, realizing that he had made his point. He convinced the mom that there is no difference in killing a child that’s already been born and one that’s still in the womb. The crime is the same!

 

 

B. First Reading (I Jn 1:5-2:2): “The Blood of his Son Jesus Christ cleanses us from all sin.”

 

We continue to remember with grief the massacre of the innocents in Newton, Connecticut in 2012. The pain of the tragedy is raw. The sorrow of the bereaved evokes the grief of those whose children were slain by the jealous Herod the Great. Today’s Entrance Antiphon of the Mass tries to make sense of the killing: “These innocent children were slain for Christ. They follow the spotless Lamb, and proclaim for ever: Glory to you, Lord”. The massacre of the innocent children in Bethlehem anticipates the martyrdom of the wholly “Innocent One” Jesus Christ, who was offered for our sins and for those of the whole world.

 

The reading (I Jn 1:5-2:2) declares that the blood of the divine Son Jesus cleanses us from all sin. The pouring out of his innocent blood is a means of expiation and redemption. To have fellowship with God and one another, we must allow ourselves to be cleansed by the blood of the truly Innocent One. Indeed, though the blood of Christ is meant to cleanse us from sin, this is contingent on our response to the divine initiative of salvation. The loving and merciful Father calls us today to acknowledge our sin and ask forgiveness from the “Holy Innocent” par excellence, Jesus Christ.

 

The following story entitled “The Visitor”, circulated on the Internet, gives us an idea of the expiatory character of Christ’s sacrifice.

 

One day, a man went to visit a church. He arrived early, parked his car, and got out. Another car pulled up near him, and the driver told him, “I always park there. You took my place!”

 

The visitor went inside for Sunday school, found an empty seat and sat down. A young lady from the church approached him and stated, “That’s my seat! You took my place!”

 

The visitor was somewhat distressed by this rude welcome, but said nothing. After Sunday school, the visitor went into the church sanctuary and sat down. Another member walked up to him and said, “That’s where I always sit. You took my place!”

 

The visitor was even more troubled by this treatment, but still said nothing. Later, as the congregation was praying for Christ to dwell among them, the visitor stood, and his appearance began to change. Horrible scars became visible on his hands and on his sandaled feet.

 

Someone from the congregation noticed him and called out, “What happened to you?” The visitor replied, “I took your place.”

 

“Christ himself carried our sins in His body to the cross, so that we might die to sin and live for righteousness. It is by His wounds that you have been healed.”

 

 

II. POINTS FOR THE EXAMINATION OF THE HEART: A Pastoral Tool for the MEDITATIO

 

1. Like Herod, are we guilty of violence and brutality against the weak and vulnerable? Are we guilty of irresponsible actions that seek to kill Life itself? How do we overcome our sinfulness and rectify our evil acts?

 

2. What do we do to make reparation and expiation for the sacrifice of the innocents? Do we allow ourselves to be washed clean by the redemptive blood of Christ?

 

 

III. PRAYING WITH THE WORD: A Pastoral Tool for the ORATIO

(Cf. Opening Prayer for December 28, Feast of the Holy Innocents)

 

Father,

the Holy Innocents offered you praise

by the death they suffered for Christ.

May our lives bear witness

to the faith we profess with our lips.

We ask this through Christ our Lord.

Amen.

 

***

Lord Jesus,

you are the Son of God and the source of life.

The Holy Innocents shared in your paschal destiny

and unknowingly gave witness that you are the Christ.

Their martyrdom was a prophetic sign

of your death on the cross for the world’s saving.

Forgive us for our acts of negligence and brutality

against the weak and vulnerable.

Help us to reach out to the victims of today’s Herod.

Give us the strength to promote the dignity of the human person.

Help us to protect the right to life of every human being.

Together with the Holy Innocents who are in the glory of heaven,

we acclaim:

Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to people of good will!

 

 

IV. INTERIORIZATION OF THE WORD: A Pastoral Tool for the CONTEMPLATIO

 

            The following is the bread of the living Word that will nourish us throughout the week. Please memorize it.

 

“She would not be consoled, since they were no more.” (Mt 2:18) // “The blood of his Son Jesus cleanses us from all sin.” (I Jn 1:7)

 

 

V. TOWARDS LIFE TRANSFORMATION: A Pastoral Tool for the ACTIO

 

Pray for the weak and vulnerable, and for all the children of the world, especially the victims of violence and exploitation. By your acts of charity, alleviate the suffering of today’s “Holy Innocents” and enable them to experience the joy of Christmas. 

 

 

*** *** ***

 

December 29, 2017: FRIDAY – FIFTH DAY WITHIN THE OCTAVE OF CHRISTMAS

“JESUS SAVIOR: He Calls Us to Walk in the Light of Love”

 

 

BIBLE READINGS

1 Jn 2:3-11  // Lk 2:22-35

 

 

I. BIBLICO-LITURGICAL REFLECTIONS: A Pastoral Tool for the LECTIO

 

A. Gospel Reading (Lk 2:22-35): “This is the light of revelation to the Gentiles.”

 

As Christmas liturgy unfolds, we continue to delve into the meaning of the birth of Jesus, the Son of God. We have seen that Christmas is marked with a sacrificial character (cf. feast of St. Stephen) and Easter glory (cf. feast of St. John) and that the incarnation of the Word is God’s compassionate response to our dire need of salvation from evil and sin (cf. feast of the Holy Innocents).

 

On the fifth day within the octave of Christmas, we contemplate the presentation of Jesus in the temple and his encounter with Simeon, a good and God-fearing man waiting for the consolation of Israel. Deeply receptive to the promptings of the Holy Spirit, Simeon took the child in his arms and recognized in him the Lord’s promised Messiah. With praise and thanksgiving, Simeon avowed that the Lord God has kept his promise. Simeon felt ready to die and, with the Savior of all peoples in his arms, he exclaimed: “Lord, now let your servant go in peace, your word has been fulfilled.” Indeed, Simeon’s encounter with the child Jesus was a joyful celebration of God’s benevolence and faithfulness.

 

Mr. Ledesma, the father of Sr. Mary Noelle, pddm, and Piesy, who worked closely with me in the World Youth Day ’95 in Manila, was one of the kindest and most generous persons I have ever met in my life. Sr. Mary Noelle’s account of her dad’s passing to eternity makes me think of Simeon’s beautiful encounter with Jesus, the Savior of the world.

 

Thank you, Sr. Margaret. I must have missed communicating to you RE our dad’s passing last October 26. Well, thanks be to God! Daddy had a happy and holy death. We were with him during his suffering and last hours and last breath.

 

Death is such a mystery and a beautiful passage to eternity. I’ve experienced how dad encountered the presence of the Lord and we were all around him. We prayed for him and we also listened and talked to him. How I wish I could tell all dad’s beautiful words and exchange of conversations with Jesus. Some of his last words after he asked and kissed the Crucifix were: “Do I have a place there?” [PAUSE] “Let us now all rest.” Then he looked at mommy and his gaze transcended beyond mom’s face towards the light. He smiled and then expired. Mom closed his lips and eyes.

 

 

B. First Reading (I Jn 2:3-11): “Those who love their brother remain in the light.”

 

Christmas is the festival of light. One beautiful Christmas episode is the old man Simeon’s encounter with Jesus, as the infant was being presented to the Lord by Joseph and Mary at the temple. Simeon took the child in his arms and identified him as the “light of revelation to the Gentiles”. Jesus continues to reveal to us in the here and now the light of divine love. He also calls us to walk in the light of love, which entails abiding by the demands of fraternal charity. Those who love their brother remain in the light, while those who claim to in the light while hate their brother are in darkness. Christian discipleship is not simply an intellectual knowledge for it demands a life consonant with God’s love and his moral imperative. Christ’s command to love is not new because it has been a part of baptismal instruction; but in a sense it is always “new” for Jesus has given us the abiding newness of his example, which we renew in ourselves.

 

The following story by Poverello House Founder Mike Garvin speaks of an “encounter” as well as provides us with some modern examples of walking in the light of love (cf. Poverello News, November 2009, p.1-20).

 

It’s a strange thing to know someone for ten years, but never actually meet him. That describes my friendship with a young man, up until last summer. One Christmas season ten years ago, I received a letter from a six-year old child whose name was Campbell. It was charming. The boy wrote as if he knew me, and told me all about the things in his life that interested him. Accompanying the letter was some money he had earned to help the homeless. I sent a letter to thank him. The next year, he sent another little missive with yet another donation. Again, the tone was familiar and conversational, as if we had been pals for decades. I shared these letters with the Poverello staff, who were as delighted as I was.

 

The letters came every year about the same time, with one exception. One Christmas rolled by a few years ago with no letter from Campbell. I was disappointed, and, to tell the truth, a little depressed. I figured he had grown tired of Poverello House, and had moved on to new things. However, much to my relief, the letter came in January. He apologized, and said his life had been so busy that he was a little late. And busy he was. Each year, he would describe the joys and anxieties of entering a new grade in school. I learned about his martial arts lessons, his school wrestling, and the academic subjects that excited or bored him the most. Each letter was a glimpse into the life of a thoughtful, engaging, and very involved youngster. Every letter also contained a school picture of him, so I could see him grow from a cute little boy into a handsome teenager.

 

In the decade that passed, Campbell talked about visiting Poverello, but never seemed to get the time. Then, one day in August, I got a surprising call: he and his grandfather were going to come down and see the Pov. After all this time, I thought I knew what to expect. I was a little shocked to meet the face in the pictures attached to a body that was as tall as me. At sixteen years old, Campbell was well over six feet tall. He towered over his grandpa. I gave them both a tour, which they seemed to enjoy. When we paused at the POW/MIA table in our dayroom, the grandfather got a little emotional. It turns out that he had spent many years in the military and had fought in World War II.

 

Sometimes, working at Poverello and living down here is a little like being in a bubble. Most of what I see is negative, and I don’t get away enough to see much else. I meet many young people on the streets, most of whom are going nowhere in life, and who are pretty well ruined before they turn twenty. It’s easy to lose hope.

 

Now and then, however, a vibrant, compassionate young person like Campbell crosses my path, and I start to think more positively. If there’s someone like Campbell, who, since the age of six, has thought about the poor and done what he could to help, then maybe, just maybe, there are a lot more like him. What a blessing it was to finally meet him face to face and to see the good work that God started in him. Maybe there’s hope for humanity, after all, if somehow we can help to produce a few more Campbells.  

  

 

II. POINTS FOR THE EXAMINATION OF THE HEART: A Pastoral Tool for the MEDITATIO

 

1. Do we allow ourselves to be guided by the Holy Spirit and so recognize the coming of our Savior Jesus Christ in our life? Do we deeply yearn for the salvation that Jesus brings?

 

2. What is your response to the call to walk in the light of love? Are you receptive to welcome Jesus who continues to reveal the light of love in our daily lives?

 

 

III. PRAYING WITH THE WORD: A Pastoral Tool for the ORATIO

 

Lord Jesus,

you were presented by Joseph and Mary in the temple.

Prompted by the Holy Spirit,

Simeon took you in his arms

and recognized that you are the promised Messiah.

Grant that in our final encounter with you at the hour of death,

we may be able to resound Simeon’s words:

“Lord, now let your servant go in peace;

your word has been fulfilled.”

With the holy servants of God, we acclaim:

Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to people of good will!

 

            *** 

(Cf. Opening Prayer for December 29, Fifth Day in the Christmas Octave)

            All-powerful and unseen God,

the coming of your light into our world

has made the darkness vanish.

Teach us to proclaim the birth of your Son Jesus Christ,

who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit,

one God, forever and ever.

Amen.

 

 

 

 

 

IV. INTERIORIZATION OF THE WORD: A Pastoral Tool for the CONTEMPLATIO

 

The following is the bread of the living Word that will nourish us throughout the day. Please memorize it.

 

“Lord, now let your servant go in peace; your word has been fulfilled.” (cf. Lk 2:29) //“Whoever loves his brother remains in the light.” (I Jn 1:10)

 

 

V. TOWARDS LIFE TRANSFORMATION: A Pastoral Tool for the ACTIO

 

In your ministry to the elderly and the dying, let your acts of charity and sharing of the word of God bring them peace and consolation. // Make an effort to spread the Christmas joy to the people around you and continue to walk in the light of love, especially by your compassionate acts for the poor and the needy.

 

 

*** *** ***

 

December 30, 2017: SATURDAY – SIXTH DAY WITHIN THE OCTAVE OF CHRISTMAS

“JESUS SAVIOR: He Is the Redemption of Israel”

 

 

BIBLE READINGS

1 Jn 2:12-17  // Lk 2:36-40

 

 

I. BIBLICO-LITURGICAL REFLECTIONS: A Pastoral Tool for the LECTIO

 

In today’s First Reading (I Jn 2:12-17), the author, John, speaks to three age groups representing three different stages of Christian life. The “children” represent those who have been initiated into faith through baptism. Through personal experience of the Father, they are freed from sin for the sake of Christ. The “young men” are the spiritually proficient. Their strength is derived from the word of God and they are able to conquer the evil one. The “fathers” are the spiritually mature and their knowledge of the Father is secure and unmovable. They do not love the world and the things of the world. Since they do the will of God, they live forever. The qualities and destiny of the “spiritually mature” are exemplified by the Gospel personages, Simeon and Anna.

 

Today’s Gospel episode (Lk 2:36-40) is within the context of the presentation of the Lord Jesus in the temple and his saving “encounter” with the prophet Simeon and the prophetess Anna. The two prophets speak in glowing terms of Jesus as the salvation of every people and as the redemption of Jerusalem, which represents all the elect. Today’s focus is on the prophetess Anna, a holy widow advanced in years. She spent most of her life in the temple worshipping night and day with fasting and prayer. At the presentation of Jesus, she recognizes the infant as the gift of God. Anna gives thanks to God and testifies about the child to all who wait for the redemption of Jerusalem.

 

Our Christmas celebration invites us to be like Simeon and Anna in their humble stance of waiting for the Lord and of readily perceiving his presence with the light of faith. The following account illustrates how a person is able to experience the joy of faith and the Christmas spirit (cf. Brigitte Weeks in Daily Guideposts 2010, p. 381).

 

On a gloomy day in early December, safe in the car’s passenger seat, I pressed the satellite radio’s Search button. Christmas music seemed to be on every one of the four hundred channels – not celebrating the birth of Jesus, but mixing merchandise and carols together into electronic jungles. The meaning of the season seemed to slip away, drowned out by the relentless message that Christmas is about gifts and food. Loneliness seemed to be speaking out of all the good cheer.

 

I pushed another button, and suddenly the car was filled with glorious sounds of the last part of Ludwig van Beethoven’s magnificent Ninth Symphony, known as the “Ode to Joy”, which is also the music for Henry Van Dyke’s great hymn “Joyful, Joyful We Adore Thee”:

 

Ever singing march we onward

Victors in the midst of strife,

Joyful music leads us Sunward

In the triumph song of life.

 

Beethoven was only thirty-two and at the height of his career when he realized he was going deaf. He faced depression and loneliness. Yet some of his greatest music, including this passionate expression of joy and praise, was composed after he could no longer hear it performed.

 

As the music surrounded me, the irritations of the ceaseless electronic carols seemed very small. Beethoven believed in himself and in his God, and shared his gifts with countless millions of us who need to be reminded of the joy of faith.

 

 

 

II. POINTS FOR THE EXAMINATION OF THE HEART: A Pastoral Tool for the MEDITATIO

 

Do we imitate Simeon and Anna in our yearning for the Lord and in preparing ourselves for our encounter with the gift of salvation? Are we able to perceive the presence of the Lord in our lives, and are we thankful for the Christmas gift from heaven?

  

 

III. PRAYING WITH THE WORD: A Pastoral Tool for the ORATIO 

 

Lord Jesus,

you are the heavenly gift awaited by Anna and Simeon,

and by all those longing for the redemption of Jerusalem and the nations.

Grant us the grace to perceive your presence

and to be ever thankful for you,

who are God’s Christmas present to us.

Help us to give witness to you as our saving Lord.

You live and reign, forever and ever.

Amen.

 

 

IV. INTERIORIZATION OF THE WORD: A Pastoral Tool for the CONTEMPLATIO

           

            The following is the bread of the living Word that will nourish us throughout the week. Please memorize it.

 

“Anna gave thanks to God and spoke about the child to all those who were awaiting the redemption of Jerusalem.” (Lk 2:38)

 

 

V. TOWARDS LIFE TRANSFORMATION: A Pastoral Tool for the ACTIO

 

Be perceptive and thankful for the various presences of the Lord in your daily life. Like Anna and Simeon give witness to the good news about the Lord Jesus, especially to those who have difficulty experiencing his saving presence.

 

  

 

***

 

 

Prepared by Sr. Mary Margaret Tapang  PDDM

 

 

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SISTER DISCIPLES OF THE DIVINE MASTER

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