Archive for December 2020

Had Mary and Elizabeth ever met before the visitation recorded in today’s lectionary reading from Luke? Did they know of each other through stories from their parents? Whatever their previous knowledge or acquaintance, this particular visit lasting three months cemented their friendship. Hardly had Mary finished her greeting, when Elizabeth “filled with the Holy Spirit,…

Mary, the Mother of God, teaches us what to do when the odds are not in our favor: Trust that all is possible with God. The Annunciation story in the original Greek sounds stronger than that in English. It suggests Mary’s plan is shattered by the message of the Angel Gabriel. The pieces no longer…

We are called to be icons of Christ. This means more than imitating Jesus. We are to actually incarnate Christ in our lives. This means that we should be willing to give up things—even give up our very selves–as Christ gave up the full intensity of his divinity. The incarnation means that Jesus became not…

God’s reign of justice, peace, and goodness began with the birth of a baby boy. How simple and adorable! No upheaval, no force—just God becoming a child so we could become children of God. Yet the incarnation was indeed revolutionary and powerful! Because of the Incarnation we can let our humanity become like God while…

Advent has two parts, and its second half begins today. During these last eight days the Church’s Evening Prayer has a nightly O Antiphon. The O antiphons are chronological with the oldest Messianic title of Wisdom, representing the Holy Spirit at the creation of the world. We climb through history: Leader, Root of Jesse, Key…

Although we await the Second Coming, salvation is here in Christ, and sacred history continues in us. John the Baptist claims that salvation is “personalized” in Christ. Jesus the Christ is salvation. Are we ready for Christ at the end of our lives? The Baptist tells us to put the axe to the root, share…

“In my own flesh I fill up what is lacking in the sufferings of Christ for the sake of his body, the church” (Col. 1:24). The purpose of the Church Year is to fill up what is lacking in us until we pattern our lives fully on Christ. No Advent should be like the one…

How many Hallmark movies have you watched this season? Have you noticed that a single star often marks the climax or denouement? Ever since a star guided the Magi, the star plays a central role in the Christmas story. The Bethlehem star heralded the Light of the World. The Magi found the Light and returned…

John the Baptist does all he can to make sure the people of his time recognize the Messiah when he comes. For us people of the 21st century, we know that the Messiah has come, but he is still coming. Even when Christmas Day dawns, the Christ will still be coming. It is always Advent,…

The feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe falls on a Saturday this year, making it easier to celebrate with music, color, dance, and festive foods. The story of Juan Diego and Mary’s appearance to him is very dear to many in the Americas. Just leave it to Our Lady to appear to the poorest of…