A Lectio Divina Approach to the Sunday Liturgy

A Lectio Divina Approach to the Sunday & Weekday Liturgy

BREAKING THE BREAD OF THE WORD (Series 17, n. 4)

Advent Week 4 - Christmas: December 23-29, 2018

(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 from various perspectives. For the Lectio Divina on the liturgy of the past week: December 16-22, 2018, please go to ARCHIVES Series 17 and click on “Advent Week 3”.

Below is a LECTIO DIVINA APPROACH TO THE SUNDAY - WEEKDAY LITURGY: December 23-29, 2018.)

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December 23, 2018: FOURTH SUNDAY OF ADVENT

“JESUS SAVIOR: He Calls Us to Be Christ Bearers”

BIBLE READINGS

Mi 5:1-4a // Heb 10:5-10 // Lk 1:39-45

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

A. Gospel Reading (Lk 1:39-45): “And how does this happen to me, that the mother of my Lord should come to me?”

Composer and performer Bradley James has put Mother Teresa of Calcutta’s teachings and prayers to music in the internationally acclaimed recording, “Gift of Love: Music to the Words and Prayers of Mother Teresa”. Bradley remembers: “Mother said we don’t have to go to Calcutta to help the poor; rather, we must help them right in front of us.” He applied this lesson when he encountered a homeless beggar on the streets of San Francisco (cf. Susan Conroy, Our Sunday Visitor, Oct. 19, 2003, p. 17). Bradley placed some money in his metal cup, then reached out and shook the man’s hand. The recipient gave him a big smile and the two exchanged names and small talk. Bradley recalls: “Then he pulled me a little closer and said, ‘Thanks for the money, but what I really needed was a handshake’.” Indeed, what was remarkable was the human dignity that Bradley brought to the beggar through the handshake. In effect, Bradley has replicated in his life the joyful mystery of the Lord’s visitation.

In Luke’s Gospel account of the visitation of Mary to her kinswoman, Elizabeth (Lk 1:39-45), he brings together the new mothers-to-be, so that both might praise God’s marvelous activity in their lives and that Elizabeth’s child might be presented as the precursor of Mary’s child. Indeed, the meeting of the two expectant mothers has a redemptive significance: God’s inauguration in Jesus of the final stage of salvation. The one who brought the saving Lord to Elizabeth’s home is Mary, the Mother of the Lord. She is the “christofora” or the bearer of the good news. The mother of Christ, God’s most beautiful and precious gift to humankind, brings him to John, in the womb of Elizabeth. The Church, the community of Christian disciples, is called to be the bearer of Christ’s saving love in the here and now. Our ministry today is like that of Mary, the “christofora” or bearer of Christ. But before becoming bearers of Christ, we must let him be formed in us.

B. Old Testament Reading (Mi 5:1-4a): “From you shall come forth the ruler of Israel.”

The archeologist Sal Trento’s article “Tidings of Joy” in GUIDEPOSTS Magazine (December 2006 issue, p. 68-72) narrates of a mysterious visit he received on a Christmas Eve when he lay near death in a hospital bed after a terrible car accident. He was feeling trapped in a broken body and trapped by his regrets about the past, when a mysterious elderly lady with intense blue eyes entered his room in the ICU to hold his hand and pray for him. Sal writes:

Instinctively I wanted to pull my hand away. But I couldn’t . I was too weak. Then, from somewhere deep inside I felt a tingle, like an electric charge coursing through my body. The feeling moved up along my spine and into my chest, then it exploded in my mind, infusing me with light and energy and a power that was at once alien and innate. I would not have been surprised to see myself aglow like the lights on the monitors. And I knew it meant the same thing: that I was alive and would survive. That never again would I feel alone. What I felt now was something very certain and very real: joy. “Thank you, Lord,” I hear myself say. The words reverberated through me like a kind of healing. I looked at the old woman. She was talking softly, soothingly. I couldn’t understand her words. But I knew she was praying. I must have finally fallen back asleep. When I awoke, it was already Christmas morning. And the elderly woman was gone.

The medical staff was aghast at Sal Trento’s miraculous recovery. The mysterious kindly lady who radiated great calm and kindness brought to him the gift of healing and Sal would forever remember that Christmas Eve when he experienced that he would never again feel alone … when all is joy. Sal Trento’s experience gives us an insight into the ineffable mystery of the visitation of Mary, the Christ bearer, into the house of Elizabeth whose child in her womb leapt for joy when she heard Mary’s greeting.

This Sunday’s Old Testament reading (Mic 5:1-4a) helps define the character of the child that is in Mary’s womb – the gift of joy of which she is the bearer. Micah foretells of an ideal messianic king who will inaugurate a new era after Israel’s period of exile. The mission of this highly idealized ruler is characterized as a good shepherd who protects his flock and keeps them from being scattered. This new king will be great and he himself will be peace. Prophesying in the late eighth century at about the same time as Isaiah, Micah uttered an oracle that seemed to identify Bethlehem as the city of a yet unborn ruler’s birth. This fascinating oracle contributed to a profound vision of Jesus’ destiny as a ruler. Indeed, Micah’s oracle reinforces the hope that God would make a fresh start by appointing again Bethlehem – the city of King David - as the birthplace of a future king that surpasses all in greatness. From Bethlehem, that is, from the Davidic dynasty would be born the one who is to rule over us all: Jesus the son of David. He is the peace and the joy of all believers.

C. Second Reading (Heb 10:5-10): “Behold I come to do your will.”

This Sunday’s Second Reading (Heb 10:5-10) gives us a profound insight into the “why” of the Lord’s incarnation. The Son of God became man so that through his “body” he could offer a sacrifice of perfect obedience to the Father’s saving will. The effect of Christ’s perfect sacrifice is our salvation and redemption. Through the offering of the body of Christ for all, we have been sanctified and consecrated to the loving, merciful God the Father.

When I was reading the following story by Poverello House Founder Mike McGarvin, I felt something vaguely familiar in it (cf. Poverello News, November 2009, p.1-2). Now I know! The meeting of Campbell and “Papa Mike” is like the visit of Mary to her cousin Elizabeth. What a beautiful story for the Advent-Christmas season when we are deeply challenged to live our calling: to allow the word of God to dwell in our hearts … to let Christ grow within us … to be Christ bearers to others! In imitation of Mary’s discipleship and charity, we too need to live out our vocation to be like Christ who said to the heavenly Father at his incarnation: “Behold, I come to do your will, O God” (Heb 10:7).

It’s 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 art 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

Do we believe that we are being sent to carry out the Lord’s visitation and saving mission? Do we perceive the meaning of the tremendous gift that we, as Christian disciples, are called to share to the world? That we may be effective “christoforas” or Christ bearers, do we allow Christ to be formed in us?

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

(Adapted from the Advent Preface “The Visitation of the Blessed Virgin Mary” and Mary’s Canticle of Praise)

Father, all-powerful and ever living God,

we do well always and everywhere to give you thanks

through Jesus Christ our Lord.

By your Holy Spirit

you inspired Elizabeth

to reveal the surpassing honor

you have given to the Blessed Virgin Mary.

Mary is rightly hailed as blessed

because she believed in your promise of salvation;

in her act of loving service

she is greeted as mother of the Lord

by the mother of Christ’s herald.

We make our own the canticle of joy

on the lips of God’s Virgin Mother,

and in our lowliness we too proclaim your greatness:

“My soul proclaims the greatness of the Lord

and my spirit exults in God my savior.”

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 how does this happen to me that the mother of my Lord should come to me?” (Lk 1:43)

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

Be an instrument of the Lord’s visitation to those who need his salvation by visiting the sick, the lonely, and/or the prisoners.

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December 24, 2018: MONDAY – ADVENT WEEKDAY (4)

“JESUS SAVIOR: He Is Born of the House of David”

BIBLE READINGS

2 Sm 7:1-5, 8b-12 // Lk 1:67-79

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

Today’s Old Testament reading (II Sm 7:1-5, 8b-12, 14a, 16) presents King David at his best. In peace with all the nations about, he has the leisure to turn to internal matters, including the public worship of God. Appalled that he is living in a house of cedar, while the ark of God dwells in a tent, King David plans to build a house for the Lord to dwell in. Nathan’s dream reveals God’s greater plan for David. God looks kindly on David’s thoughtfulness, but at the same time, puts his good intention in proper perspective. It is not David who will build a house for the Lord Almighty. It is God who will build a “house” – a dynasty for his servant David. In the context of our Advent-Christmas preparation, we perceive that God’s promise - I will raise up your heir after you, sprung from your loins, and I will make his Kingdom firm – is fulfilled not by King Solomon, but by Jesus Christ.

Today’s Gospel reading (Lk 1:67-79) contains the beautiful canticle of Zechariah, the “Benedictus”. His hymn is a “prophecy” under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit and delineates the meaning of the birth of his son, John. Zechariah sees, in the event of John’s birth, God’s fulfillment of the covenant promises to David. The priest Zechariah blesses God for “he has raised up for us a mighty Savior, born of the house of his servant David”. The “mighty Savior” of David’s lineage is Jesus. In him is God’s definitive salvation for all the people. Zechariah’s John will be called “the prophet of the Most High”. As the precursor of Jesus Christ, John the Baptist “will go before the Lord to prepare his way”

The following personal account illustrates a way of allowing Zechariah’s prophetic words to take effect in our daily life: “In the tender compassion of our God, the dawn from on high shall break upon us” (cf. Ellen Siler, “Tidings of Comfort” in Country, December-January 2014, p. 53).

As Christmas 1983 drew near, I was a 19-year old new bride living hundreds of miles from my family and growing increasingly homesick. Buying our first meager decorations and trimming the tree Doug found us didn’t cheer me up the way I’d hoped.

Then one day, the mail brought a Christmas card – our very first. It was from an older couple, Mr. and Mrs. Cannon, dear friends who attended my church back home. The handwritten note inside read simply, “God bless you both on your first Christmas together. We love you. Eddie and Clarice Cannon.” Tears filled my eyes.

Now it’s 30 years later, and Mr. and Mrs. Cannon are in heaven. Yet every time I write my Christmas cards, I still feel the love that traveled so many miles when I was feeling homesick.

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

Do we thank the Lord for the gift of the royal dynasty of David that brought forth Jesus Christ? Like Zechariah, do we hail the “dawn from on high” that breaks upon us – Jesus our Savior? What do we do to make the celebration of Christmas, the birth of our Savior, more meaningful and life-transforming?

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

Lord Jesus,

you are the mighty Savior,

born of the house of David.

We hail you as “Dayspring”.

We welcome you as the Sun of justice

and rejoice in the splendor of divine light.

Help us to live our life in holiness and service,

animated by the strength of the Holy Spirit.

Guide our feet into the way of peace.

Together with Zechariah,

whose son John is your precursor,

we bless the Lord, the God of Israel,

for in you we are set free.

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 day. Please memorize it.

“The dawn from on high shall break upon us.” (Lk 1:78b) // “Your house and your Kingdom shall endure forever.” (II Sm 7:16)

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

Pray that your family, relatives, and friends may have a grace-filled Christmas. By your acts of charity, let the Christmas joy flow to all, especially those who are distressed and burdened with many trials.

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December 25, 2018: TUESDAY – THE NATIVITY OF THE LORD (CHRISTMAS): MASS DURING THE NIGHT

“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, 2018: TUESDAY – THE NATIVITY OF THE LORD (CHRISTMAS): MASS AT DAWN

“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

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, 2018: TUESDAY – THE NATIVITY OF THE LORD (CHRISTMAS): MASS DURING THE DAY

“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.

*** *** ***

December 26, 2018: WEDNESDAY – 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, 2018: THURSDAY – SAINT JOHN, APOSTLE, EVANGELIST

“JESUS SAVIOR: He Is the Word of Life that 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, 2018: FRIDAY – 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, 2018: SATURDAY – FIFTH DAY WITHIN THE OCTAVE OF THE NATIVITY OF THE LORD; SAINT THOMAS BECKET, Bishop, Martyr

“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.

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.

***

Prepared by Sr. Mary Margaret Tapang PDDM

PIAE DISCIPULAE DIVINI MAGISTRI

SISTER DISCIPLES OF THE DIVINE MASTER

60 Sunset Ave., Staten Island, NY 10314

Tel. (718) 494-8597 // (718) 761-2323

Website: WWW.PDDM.US

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