Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI, 1927-2022

Pope Benedict: Eight years as pope capped long ministry as teacher of faith

Retired Pope Benedict XVI passed away Dec. 31 at 9:34 a.m. in his residence at the Mater Ecclesiae Monastery in the Vatican Gardens. Pope Francis is scheduled to preside over the funeral Mass Jan. 5 in St. Peter's Square.

. . .

VATICAN CITY (CNS) -- Retired Pope Benedict XVI, who had an impressive record as a teacher and defender of the basics of Catholic faith, is likely to go down in history books as the first pope in almost 600 years to resign.

He died Dec. 31 at the age of 95, nearly 10 years after leaving the papacy to retire to what he said would be a life of prayer and study.

Pope Francis was scheduled to celebrate his predecessor's funeral Mass Jan. 5 in St. Peter's Square. Matteo Bruni, director of the Vatican press office, said the funeral rites would be simple in keeping with the wishes of the late pope.

As the retired pope neared death, he was given the anointing of the sick Dec. 28 in his residence, Bruni said.

His body was to lie in St. Peter's Basilica beginning Jan. 2 so that people could pay their respects and offer their prayers, he said.

A close collaborator of St. John Paul II and the theological expert behind many of his major teachings and gestures, Pope Benedict came to the papacy after 24 years heading the doctrinal congregation's work of safeguarding Catholic teaching on faith and morals, correcting the work of some Catholic theologians and ensuring the theological solidity of the documents issued by other Vatican offices.

As pope, he continued writing as a theologian, but also made historically important gestures to Catholics who had difficulty accepting all of the teachings of the Second Vatican Council, particularly about the liturgy. In 2007, he widened permission to use the "extraordinary" or pre-Vatican II form of the Mass and, a short time later, extended a hand to the traditionalist Society of St. Pius X. Besides lifting the excommunications of four of the society's bishops who were ordained illicitly in 1988, he launched a long and intense dialogue with the group. In the end, though, the talks broke down.

His papacy, which began when he was 78, was extremely busy for a man who already had a pacemaker and who had wanted to retire to study, write and pray when he turned 75. He used virtually every medium at his disposal -- books and Twitter, sermons and encyclicals -- to catechize the faithful on the foundational beliefs and practices of Christianity, ranging from the sermons of St. Augustine to the sign of the cross.

Pope Benedict was the first pope to meet with victims of clerical sexual abuse. He clarified church laws to expedite cases and mandated that bishops' conferences put in place stringent norms against abuse.

Although he did not expect to travel much, he ended up making 24 trips to six continents and three times presided over World Youth Day mega-gatherings: in Germany in 2005, Australia in 2008, and Spain in 2011.

On a historic visit to the United States in 2008, the pope brought his own identity into clearer focus for Americans. He set forth a moral challenge on issues ranging from economic justice to abortion. He also took church recognition of the priestly sex-abuse scandal to a new level, expressing his personal shame at what happened and personally praying with victims.

While still in his 30s, he served as an influential adviser during the Second Vatican Council, 1962-65, and as pope, he made it a priority to correct what he saw as overly expansive interpretations of Vatican II in favor of readings that stressed the council's continuity with the church's millennial traditions.

Under his oversight, the Vatican continued to highlight the church's moral boundaries on issues such as end-of-life medical care, marriage and homosexuality. But the pope's message to society at large focused less on single issues and more on the risk of losing the basic relationship between the human being and the Creator.

Surprising those who had expected a by-the-book pontificate from a man who had spent so many years as the Vatican's chief doctrinal official, Pope Benedict emphasized that Christianity was a religion of love and not a religion of rules.

The German-born pontiff did not try to match the popularity of St. John Paul, but the millions of people who came to see him in Rome and abroad came to appreciate his smile, his frequent ad-libs and his ability to speak from the heart.

Some of Pope Benedict's most memorable statements came when he applied simple Gospel values to social issues such as the protection of human life, the environment and economics. When the global financial crisis worsened in 2008, for example, the pope insisted that financial institutions must put people before profits. He also reminded people that money and worldly success are passing realities, saying: "Whoever builds his life on these things -- on material things, on success, on appearances -- is building on sand."

He consistently warned the West that unless its secularized society rediscovered religious values, it could not hope to engage in real dialogue with Muslims and members of other religious traditions.

In his encyclicals and in his books on "Jesus of Nazareth," the pope honed that message, asking readers to discover the essential connections between sacrificial love, works of charity, a dedication to the truth and the Gospel of Christ.

The retired pope looked in-depth at his papacy and resignation, his relationships with St. John Paul and Pope Francis and a host of other issues in "Last Testament," a book-length interview with journalist Peter Seewald published in 2016.

In the book, Pope Benedict insisted once again that he was not pressured by anyone or any event to resign and he did not feel he was running away from any problem. However, he acknowledged "practical governance was not my forte, and this certainly was a weakness."

Insisting "my hour had passed, and I had given all I could," Pope Benedict said he never regretted resigning, but he did regret hurting friends and faithful who were "really distressed and felt forsaken" by his stepping down.

Less than a month after resigning, he already looked frailer and walked with noticeably more difficulty than he did when he left office. The video images released by the Vatican March 23, 2013, when his successor, Pope Francis, visited him at Castel Gandolfo underscored the "diminishing energy" Pope Benedict had said led to his resignation.

Pope Benedict moved to the papal summer villa at Castel Gandolfo Feb. 28, 2013, the day his resignation took effect. He remained at the villa south of Rome for two months -- a period that included the conclave that elected Pope Francis as his successor and the first month of the new pope's pontificate. The retired pope moved back to the Vatican May 2, 2013, living in a monastery remodeled as a residence for him, his secretary and the consecrated women who cared for his household before and after his resignation.

On his only post-retirement trip outside of Italy, he flew to Germany in June 2020 for a five-day visit with his ailing 96-year-old brother.

Answering questions from reporters on a flight back from Brazil in July 2013, Pope Francis spoke with admiration of the retired pope's humility, intelligence and prayerfulness. The unusual situation of having a pope and a retired pope both living at the Vatican was working out very well, Pope Francis said. Having the retired pope nearby to consult with, or ask questions of, Pope Francis said, was "like having a grandfather at home -- a very wise grandfather."

By the time Pope Benedict had been retired for a year, his daily routine was set. Archbishop Georg Ganswein, his personal secretary, said his days began with Mass, morning prayer and breakfast. Although mostly hidden from public view, he was not cloistered, but continued welcoming old friends and colleagues, engaging in dialogue or offering spiritual counsel. He spent hours reading and dealing with correspondence before a 4 p.m. stroll in the garden and recitation of the rosary.

In the early days of his retirement, to the delight and surprise of pilgrims and cardinals, Pope Benedict appeared at major events with Pope Francis, including the opening of the Holy Door of St. Peter's Basilica Dec. 8, 2015.

At a June 2016 celebration in the Apostolic Palace, where Pope Benedict once lived and worked, Pope Francis, top officials of the Roman Curia and a few friends gathered with him to mark the 65th anniversary of the retired pontiff's priestly ordination.

Pope Francis told Pope Benedict that with him in residence, the monastery in the Vatican Gardens "emanates tranquility, peace, strength, faithfulness, maturity, faith, dedication and loyalty, which does so much good for me and gives strength to me and to the whole church."

Pope Benedict replied to Pope Francis, "More than the beauty found in the Vatican Gardens, your goodness is the place where I live; I feel protected."

He prayed that Pope Francis would continue to "lead us all on this path of divine mercy that shows the path of Jesus, to Jesus and to God."

Mercy was a prominent topic in an interview Pope Benedict gave in 2015. The Catholic focus on mercy really began with St. John Paul, the retired pope told Belgian Jesuit Father Jacques Servais in the written interview, which was not released until March 2016.

From his experience as a youth during World War II and his ministry under communism in Poland, St. John Paul "affirmed that mercy is the only true and ultimately effective reaction against the power of evil. Only where there is mercy does cruelty end, only there do evil and violence stop," said Pope Benedict, who worked closely with the Polish pope for decades.

"Pope Francis," he said, "is in complete agreement with this line. His pastoral practice is expressed precisely in the fact that he speaks continuously of God's mercy."

Pope Benedict had said he planned to live a "hidden life" in retirement -- and to a large extent he did. But when he did make contributions to public discussions, they became headline news. In April 2019, for instance, what he described as "notes" on the clerical sexual abuse crisis were published; and, in January 2020, an essay he wrote on priestly celibacy was published in a book by Cardinal Robert Sarah, prefect of the Congregation for Divine Worship and the Sacraments.

In the text on abuse, which the retired pope said was motivated by the February 2019 Vatican summit on the crisis, Pope Benedict traced the abuse crisis to a loss of certainty about faith and morals, especially beginning in the late 1960s. To address the crisis, he wrote, "what is required first and foremost is the renewal of the faith in the reality of Jesus Christ given to us in the Blessed Sacrament."

The 2020 text on celibacy became the center of a media storm, not only because of its content, but also because Catholics were awaiting Pope Francis' official response to the Synod of Bishops for the Amazon and suggestions made there that in remote areas the church could consider ordaining some married men to take the sacraments to Catholics who usually go months without.

Since marriage and priesthood both demand the total devotion and self-giving of a man to his vocation, "it does not seem possible to realize both vocations simultaneously," Pope Benedict wrote in his essay.

The retired pope's contribution to the discussion became even more controversial when Archbishop Ganswein informed media and the original publisher that while Pope Benedict contributed an essay to Cardinal Sarah's book, he did not want to be listed as co-author of the volume.

As inevitable as his election seemed after St. John Paul died in 2005, Pope Benedict's path to the papacy was long and indirect.

Joseph Ratzinger was born April 16, 1927, in the Bavarian town of Marktl am Inn, the third and youngest child of a police officer, Joseph Sr., and his wife, Maria. Young Joseph joined his brother, Georg, at a minor seminary in 1939.

Like other young students in Germany at the time, he was automatically enrolled in the Hitler Youth program, but soon stopped going to meetings. During World War II, he was conscripted into the army, and in the spring of 1945, he deserted his unit and returned home, spending a few months in an Allied prisoner-of-war camp. He returned to the seminary late in 1945 and was ordained six years later, along with his brother.

In a meeting with young people in 2006, the pope said witnessing the brutality of the Nazi regime helped persuade him to become a priest. But he also had to overcome some doubts, he said. For one thing, he asked himself whether he "could faithfully live celibacy" his entire life. He also recognized that his real leanings were toward theology and wondered whether he had the qualities of a good pastor and the ability "to be simple with the simple people."

After a short stint as a parish priest, the future pope began a teaching career and built a reputation as one of the church's foremost theologians. At Vatican II, he made important contributions as a theological expert and embraced the council's early work. But he began to have misgivings about an emerging anti-Roman bias, the idea of a "church from below" run on a parliamentary model, and the direction of theological research in the church -- criticism that would become even sharper in later years.

In a 2005 speech that served as a kind of manifesto for his young papacy, Pope Benedict rejected what he called a "hermeneutic of discontinuity and rupture" in interpreting Vatican II as a radical break with the past. The pope called instead for reading the council through a "hermeneutic of reform" in continuity with Catholic tradition.

In 1977, St. Paul VI named him archbishop of Munich and Freising and, four years later, Pope John Paul called him to head the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith, where he wielded great influence on issues such as liberation theology, dissent from church teachings and pressure for women's ordination. Serving in this role for nearly a quarter century, then-Cardinal Ratzinger earned a reputation in some quarters as a sort of grand inquisitor, seeking to stamp out independent thinking, an image belied by his passion for debate with thinkers inside and outside the church.

As the newly elected pope in 2005, he explained that he took the name Benedict to evoke the memory of Pope Benedict XV, a "courageous prophet of peace" during World War I, and said he wanted to place his ministry at the service of reconciliation and harmony among peoples.

Like his namesake and his predecessors, he was untiring in his appeals for an end to violence in world trouble spots and for dialogue as the only true and lasting solution to conflict. Another key to building a better world, he said repeatedly, is to respect the right of each person to seek and to worship God.

A direct appeal to China's communist government to respect the religious freedom of its people was a central part of Pope Benedict's 2007 Letter to Chinese Catholics. The letter also pleaded with the faithful on the mainland to work toward reconciliation between communities that had accepted some government control in order to minister openly and those that continued to practice their faith more clandestinely.

In the aftermath of the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks in the United States and amid reports of rising religious-inspired violence in various parts of the world, Pope Benedict also repeatedly and clearly condemned all violence committed in the name of God.

One of the biggest tests of his papacy came after a lecture at Germany's University of Regensburg, in 2006, when he quoted a Christian medieval emperor who said the prophet Muhammad had brought "things only evil and inhuman, such as his command to spread by the sword the faith he preached."

Protests in the Muslim world followed, and Pope Benedict apologized that his words had offended Muslims, distancing himself from the text he had quoted. Soon after, he accepted the invitation of an international group of Muslim scholars and leaders to launch a new dialogue initiative, "The Common Word," looking at teachings that Christians and Muslims share.

Source: https://www.usccb.org/news/2022/pope-benedict-eight-years-pope-capped-long-ministry-teacher-faith

The holy families

Sisters and brothers in Christ, today is the Feast of the Holy Family of Jesus, Mary, and Joseph.

God chose to send his Son to be with a family to shows us all the importance of family relationship between husband and wife, father and children, mother and children, and among the children. God blesses families in their daily struggles in life. Fathers and mothers working multiple jobs to keep a roof over their heads, clothes on their backs, and put food on the table. Parents working together to balance work with school and activities for their children while keeping their relationship and marriage loving, supportive, and strong. Even husband and wife without children face their own challenges. Through it all, faith in God and love for each other hold them together and keep the "domestic church" filled with hope, even in times of struggles.

As an immigrant to America, I do not have to imagine what the Holy Family of Jesus, Mary, and Joseph must have felt when they had to flee their own home and go to a foreign land to live. Like many other Vietnamese families, my parents, toting two boys, made the perilous journey from Vietnam to America back in the early 80s. My dad worked as a gas station attendant, a line cook in a restaurant, an assemble line worker, and mechanic to provide for his family. My mom stayed at home until she too had to go to work at a fast food restaurant, as an assembly line work, and a custodial staff at a nursing home to help my dad support three growing boys. There was laughter, tears, joys, and sorrows but, through it all, we stuck together, because of the strength of my parents and help from relatives and friends along the way.

So many families struggle daily, especially in war-torn countries. Fathers feeling helpless. Mothers carrying worries in her heart. And children having to grow up too fast. If we choose to do so, we can see the Holy Family in the families that we encounter every day, with their own struggles but there is also joy. How can we be Christ to them, like Jesus was with Mary and Joseph?

. . .

Gospel of the Day

When the magi had departed, behold,

the angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph in a dream and said,

“Rise, take the child and his mother, flee to Egypt,

and stay there until I tell you.

Herod is going to search for the child to destroy him.”

Joseph rose and took the child and his mother by night

and departed for Egypt.

He stayed there until the death of Herod,

that what the Lord had said through the prophet might be fulfilled,

Out of Egypt I called my son.

When Herod had died, behold,

the angel of the Lord appeared in a dream

to Joseph in Egypt and said,

“Rise, take the child and his mother and go to the land of Israel,

for those who sought the child’s life are dead.”

He rose, took the child and his mother,

and went to the land of Israel.

But when he heard that Archelaus was ruling over Judea

in place of his father Herod,

he was afraid to go back there.

And because he had been warned in a dream,

he departed for the region of Galilee.

He went and dwelt in a town called Nazareth,

so that what had been spoken through the prophets

might be fulfilled,

He shall be called a Nazorean.

Pray about it, wrestle with it

Sisters and brothers in Christ, Saint John speaks plainly when he tells us, in today's first reading, that "way we may be sure that we know Jesus is to keep his commandments. . . whoever claims to abide in him ought to walk just as he walked." Even Mary and Joseph are obedient to what "is written in the law of the Lord" when they present their Son, Jesus, to the Lord in the temple "accordance with the dictate in the law of the Lord."

I often have people come to me and share that they have difficulties with Church teachings. In response, I encourage them to take it to prayer, wrestle with it, and ask the Holy Spirit to bring them clarity. Most of all, I encourage them to remain faithful to our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ and to the Catholic Church, just as Mary remained faithful to God and trusted in Him completely even when she new that she herself "a sword will pierce". The Blessed Mother kept all these things in her heart but her response to God was always "Here I am ".

As we wind down 2022 and look forward to 2023, I would invite everyone to delve into Church teachings. I am excited that Fr. Mike Schmitz, who did "The Bible in a Year" podcast, will be leading another podcast - "The Catechism in a Year". It is a wonderful way for us to learn more about Church teachings and wrestle with those that challenge us.

. . .

Gospel of the Day

When the days were completed for their purification

according to the law of Moses,

the parents of Jesus took him up to Jerusalem

to present him to the Lord,

just as it is written in the law of the Lord,

Every male that opens the womb shall be consecrated to the Lord,

and to offer the sacrifice of

a pair of turtledoves or two young pigeons,

in accordance with the dictate in the law of the Lord.

Now there was a man in Jerusalem whose name was Simeon. 

This man was righteous and devout,

awaiting the consolation of Israel,

and the Holy Spirit was upon him. 

It had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit

that he should not see death

before he had seen the Christ of the Lord. 

He came in the Spirit into the temple;

and when the parents brought in the child Jesus

to perform the custom of the law in regard to him,

he took him into his arms and blessed God, saying:

“Lord, now let your servant go in peace;

your word has been fulfilled:

my own eyes have seen the salvation

which you prepared in the sight of every people,

a light to reveal you to the nations

and the glory of your people Israel.”

The child’s father and mother were amazed at what was said about him;

and Simeon blessed them and said to Mary his mother,

“Behold, this child is destined

for the fall and rise of many in Israel,

and to be a sign that will be contradicted

(and you yourself a sword will pierce)

so that the thoughts of many hearts may be revealed.”

No darkness in God

Sisters and brothers in Christ, today is the Feast of the Holy Innocents, martyrs. Fear causes us to do things that we might not normally do. For instance, a child's fear of losing the love of his parents might cause him to tell a lie but only to realize that he made matters worst by lying to his parents. Fear can also be used to control others. For instance, a school bully uses fear to make other kids do that he wants them to do.

There is great wisdom in what Yoda observes of Anakin Skywalker's journey to the dark side: “Fear leads to anger, anger leads to hate, hate leads to suffering.” In today's Gospel, Herod feared using power, title, and prestige to the newborn King of the Jews. From that area of fear came anger and, in his wrath, he used his power over the people to order to massacre all the boys in Bethlehem and its vicinity two years old and under. We see this happening in our society, in our schools, and, sadly, even in our families. The strong who prey on the weak using fear sin against God because they have no love for their fellow sojourners. They "walk in darkness" because "God is light, and in him there is no darkness at all." 

God does not desire this type of fear for us but calls us to trust in Him with faith and courage. Righteous "fear of the Lord" is one of the seven gifts of the Holy Spirit (Isaiah 11:2) and it "is our obedience to God and our willingness to serve him. It is not just obedience through a sense of duty but rather obedience out of love and devotion." This is the fear that moved Saint Joseph to listen to the angel Gabriel to take Mary into his home and, in today's Gospel, to flee to Egypt with Mary and baby Jesus. Saint Joseph obeyed God out of love for Him and love for Mary and baby Jesus, and gives us an example of the fear (of the Lord) that should have and act upon.

. . .

When the magi had departed, behold,

the angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph in a dream and said,

“Rise, take the child and his mother, flee to Egypt,

and stay there until I tell you.

Herod is going to search for the child to destroy him.”

Joseph rose and took the child and his mother by night

and departed for Egypt.

He stayed there until the death of Herod,

that what the Lord had said through the prophet might be fulfilled,

    Out of Egypt I called my son.

When Herod realized that he had been deceived by the magi,

he became furious.

He ordered the massacre of all the boys in Bethlehem and its vicinity

two years old and under,

in accordance with the time he had ascertained from the magi.

Then was fulfilled what had been said through Jeremiah the prophet:

    A voice was heard in Ramah,

        sobbing and loud lamentation;

    Rachel weeping for her children,

        and she would not be consoled,

        since they were no more.

Mary's Magnifcat

Sisters and brothers in Christ, Luke 1:46-47 is the Scripture verse that I have on my prayer card when I was ordained a permanent deacon in the Catholic Church. It reminds me that, like Mary, I should always proclaim God's greatness and rejoice in our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ because, in my weakness and lowliness, He calls me to serve Him and his faithful people in a special way. I am honor and grateful for this tremendous privilege.

It is also a reminder for me to be humble and obedient not only to my Bishop but more importantly to the Catholic Church and all that she professes and teaches to be the Truth. This was the promise that I made at my Ordination and, by the grace of God, I intend to keep that promise. And, to be honest, I struggle when I read about priests/deacons not being obedient to their bishops or bishops not being obedient to the Holy Father. I am not talking about blind obedience but obedient out of faith and reverence for our Lord Jesus Christ and his one, holy, catholic, and apostolic Church. Mary should always be our model for obedience.

Finally, our Father in heaven keeps His promises, as we hear Mary proclaim in her Magnificat, saying: "He has come to the help of his servant Israel for he remembered his promise of mercy, the promise he made to our fathers, to Abraham and his children for ever." Our hope is in the promise of the Lord, and what does He promise us?

6 Promises Of God Every Christian Should Know

1. God will never leave you.  Deuteronomy 31:6 

2. God will always protect you. 2 Thessalonians 3:3

3. God will give you strength for every battle. Isaiah 40:31

4. God will give you the graces necessary to endure all suffering.  2 Corinthians 12:9

5. God will forgive you even when you have sinned against Him.  1 John 1:9

6. God will never stop loving you. Ephesians 3:17-19

[Source: CatholicLink]

. . .

Gospel of the Day

Mary said:

    “My soul proclaims the greatness of the Lord;

        my spirit rejoices in God my savior.

        for he has looked upon his lowly servant.

    From this day all generations will call me blessed:

        the Almighty has done great things for me,

        and holy is his Name.

        He has mercy on those who fear him

        in every generation.

    He has shown the strength of his arm,

        and has scattered the proud in their conceit.

    He has cast down the mighty from their thrones

        and has lifted up the lowly.

    He has filled the hungry with good things,

        and the rich he has sent away empty.

    He has come to the help of his servant Israel

        for he remembered his promise of mercy,

        the promise he made to our fathers,

        to Abraham and his children for ever.”

Mary remained with Elizabeth about three months

and then returned to her home.

Lesson from "Home Alone"

I love the church scene in "Home Alone." Kevin goes to church in search of community after being alone for so long. There, he seeks forgiveness for how he has treated his family. He also learns that mercy is not passing judgment on someone he does not know - Old Man Marley.

At the same time, Kevin helps Old Man Marley realize that he must forgive himself and reconnect with his own family. It is at church that Kevin finds the strength for "battle" against Marv and Harry. Finally, he finds his "savior" - in Old Man Marley - at church. #Advent

It Feels Like Christmas

Sisters and brothers in Christ, as Christians, as followers of Christ, we are called to be Jesus to others in our daily encounter with each other, starting with our families. When others see us, hears us, and are in our presence, do they sense the presence of our Lord and Savior who dwells in our hearts, especially during this season of Advent and the Christmas season that is almost upon us.

We see this in the Blessed Virgin Mary when she visited her cousin, Elizabeth, who proclaimed with joy: "For at the moment the sound of your greeting reached my ears, the infant in my womb leaped for joy." Mary radiated the light of Christ so much in her being that Elizabeth and her child sensed the Jesus' presence in their midst. We are called to be like Mary, to allow the light of Christ to burn brightly in us, and shine forth from us to give others hope of knowing that God loves them.

In a recent blog post, I ranked "The Muppet Christmas Carol" as #2 on my list, and it had a lot to do with the song that is sung by the Ghost of Christmas Present, titled "It Feels Like Christmas", particularly these verses:

"It's true, wherever you find love it feels like Christmas. . . 

It's true, wherever you find love it feels like Christmas. . .

It is the season of the heart

A special time of caring

The ways of love made clear

It is the season of the sprit

The message if we hear it

Is make it last all year"

Let us carry the light of Christ all year long so that all may come to know in their hearts the love that God has for them through us.

. . .

Gospel of the Day

Mary set out in those days

and traveled to the hill country in haste

to a town of Judah,

where she entered the house of Zechariah

and greeted Elizabeth. 

When Elizabeth heard Mary’s greeting,

the infant leaped in her womb,

and Elizabeth, filled with the Holy Spirit,

cried out in a loud voice and said,

“Most blessed are you among women,

and blessed is the fruit of your womb. 

And how does this happen to me,

that the mother of my Lord should come to me? 

For at the moment the sound of your greeting reached my ears,

the infant in my womb leaped for joy. 

Blessed are you who believed

that what was spoken to you by the Lord

would be fulfilled.”

"A Charlie Brown Christmas"

THE HIDDEN MESSAGE IN THE CHARLIE BROWN CHRISTMAS SPECIAL

“In 1965, Charles Schulz, a devout Christian and creator of the Peanuts comic strip, was asked to create a Christmas special for CBS featuring the Peanuts Characters. He agreed with one requirement, that they allow him to include the story of the birth of Jesus. Although the stations executives were hesitant and tried to convince him otherwise, Schulz was insistent. As a result, for the past 50 plus years, millions of people have watched and “A Charlie Brown Christmas” and heard the story of Jesus and “what Christmas is all about.”

It wasn’t until a few years back that I realized a “hidden message” in the film. Linus, a child who seems to have some insecurities as he carries a security blanket with him at all times. In fact, Linus NEVER drops his blanket, except once. . .

While sharing the message of “what Christmas is all about,” Linus drops his blanket at the exact moment he says the words, “fear not!”

In this seemingly innocent moment, Linus delivers a powerful reminder of the true meaning of Christmas. We are to “fear not”, for Jesus is born. We needn’t rely on material things for security, we have God with us, “Immanuel”, (Matthew 1:23) Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior - the true meaning of Christmas.

Awhile back, someone informed me, indignantly so, that Linus picks up his blanket at the end of the speech so my interpretation must be wrong. Well, he was right, Linus does pick up his blanket at the end of his speech. However, he “drops” it again later. . .

Amid big, bright, colorful, shiny artificial trees, Charlie Brown chose the least of these, a little, wooden tree with just a few branches. Shortly thereafter, Linus uses his blanket to wrap about the base of the tree and says, “Maybe it just needs a little love”. In that moment, the tree “awakens”, stands tall and firm. A reminder that no matter who we are, how many mistakes we’ve made, a “little love” can make all the difference.

Let’s strive to “fear not” (Luke 2:10) and “love one another” (John 13:34), not just at Christmastime, but the whole year through.”

Borrowed from Charlene M. Speer & ‘Christian Life Ministry’ on Facebook. . .

Recall that silent, holy night

Sisters and brothers in Christ, God comes to us in a very personal and intimate way as He came to the Blessed Virgin Mary at the Annunciation. The angel of God appeared to Mary in her home. They engaged in a conversation as friends because Mary had a deep relationship with God. Mary then gives her "yes" to God and ready to do His will without any hesitation on her part because, from her deep relationship with God, she trusted Him completely.

This is the encounter and relationship that we have been preparing ourselves for during this Advent season. While we waited, we were not idle but intentional in our prayers, in receiving the Sacraments, in our interactions with others, and in living out the virtues of hope, peace, joy, love, and faith in our lives. This period of waiting and preparation comes to its climax on Christmas day when we celebrate the Incarnation - the Word of God made flesh for our salvation - just as the Nativity of the climax of Mary and Saint Joseph's period of waiting and preparation for the birth of their Son, our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

While the world is busying itself with last minute gift ideas, wrapping, and planning Christmas parties and gatherings, let us take a deep, cleansing breath and recall that silent, holy night so many years ago when our Lord and our God was born. Allow that to fill our hearts and our homes this Christmas with hope, peace, joy, and love.

. . .

Gospel of the Day

In the sixth month,

the angel Gabriel was sent from God

to a town of Galilee called Nazareth,

to a virgin betrothed to a man named Joseph,

of the house of David,

and the virgin’s name was Mary.

And coming to her, he said,

“Hail, full of grace! The Lord is with you.”

But she was greatly troubled at what was said

and pondered what sort of greeting this might be.

Then the angel said to her,

“Do not be afraid, Mary,

for you have found favor with God.

Behold, you will conceive in your womb and bear a son,

and you shall name him Jesus.

He will be great and will be called Son of the Most High,

and the Lord God will give him the throne of David his father,

and he will rule over the house of Jacob forever,

and of his Kingdom there will be no end.”

But Mary said to the angel,

“How can this be,

since I have no relations with a man?”

And the angel said to her in reply,

“The Holy Spirit will come upon you,

and the power of the Most High will overshadow you.

Therefore the child to be born

will be called holy, the Son of God.

And behold, Elizabeth, your relative,

has also conceived a son in her old age,

and this is the sixth month for her who was called barren;

for nothing will be impossible for God.”

Mary said, “Behold, I am the handmaid of the Lord.

May it be done to me according to your word.”

Then the angel departed from her.

Let the way to our heart be through God

Sisters and brothers in Christ, many years ago, when Theresa and I went through the UNITAS marriage class, one of the sponsor couples said something that is still with me today. He said that one's love for God should be so deep in God's love that when your spouse seeks for your heart, they find God first and falls in love with Him and you. I experienced this with my wife in such a profound way that I felt God's calling me to conversion before our wedding and then Diaconal Formation six years into our marriage.

I had always found it interesting that we always had the Christ Renews His Parish (CRHP) women's retreat weekend before the men's retreat weekend because the reasoning was, the women will convince their men to attend the men's retreat weekend after they had gone on theirs. A woman's faith strengthens the faith of the man in her life, especially a wife her husband, and he, in turn, strengthens the faith of their family. We see this in the wives of Manoah and Zechariah in today's readings; they receive the message of God and not only do they believe but they prepare themselves in response to His messages to them.

When God speaks to our hearts and reveals His will to us, it can be a fearful moment, especially if we have difficulty trusting God because of our wounded past or fear having to make changes in our lives to follow His will. As we wind down this season of Advent, if we experience such moments in our life, talk with our loved ones, like Monoah's wife talked with him about her encounter with the angel of the Lord. and support each other with prayers. Help each other to further discern God's will and then work together to respond to follow God's loving plan. We see this in Mary and Saint Joseph's relationship so let us imitate them because, when we open ourselves to God's will, He will fill us with hope, peace, joy, and love.

. . .

Gospel of the Day

In the days of Herod, King of Judea,

there was a priest named Zechariah

of the priestly division of Abijah;

his wife was from the daughters of Aaron,

and her name was Elizabeth. 

Both were righteous in the eyes of God,

observing all the commandments

and ordinances of the Lord blamelessly. 

But they had no child, because Elizabeth was barren

and both were advanced in years. 

Once when he was serving as priest

in his division’s turn before God,

according to the practice of the priestly service,

he was chosen by lot

to enter the sanctuary of the Lord to burn incense. 

Then, when the whole assembly of the people was praying outside

at the hour of the incense offering,

the angel of the Lord appeared to him,

standing at the right of the altar of incense. 

Zechariah was troubled by what he saw, and fear came upon him. 

But the angel said to him, “Do not be afraid, Zechariah,

because your prayer has been heard. 

Your wife Elizabeth will bear you a son,

and you shall name him John. 

And you will have joy and gladness,

and many will rejoice at his birth,

for he will be great in the sight of the Lord. 

He will drink neither wine nor strong drink. 

He will be filled with the Holy Spirit even from his mother’s womb,

and he will turn many of the children of Israel

to the Lord their God. 

He will go before him in the spirit and power of Elijah

to turn the hearts of fathers toward children

and the disobedient to the understanding of the righteous,

to prepare a people fit for the Lord.” 

Then Zechariah said to the angel,

“How shall I know this? 

For I am an old man, and my wife is advanced in years.” 

And the angel said to him in reply,

“I am Gabriel, who stand before God.

I was sent to speak to you and to announce to you this good news. 

But now you will be speechless and unable to talk

until the day these things take place,

because you did not believe my words,

which will be fulfilled at their proper time.”

Meanwhile the people were waiting for Zechariah

and were amazed that he stayed so long in the sanctuary. 

But when he came out, he was unable to speak to them,

and they realized that he had seen a vision in the sanctuary. 

He was gesturing to them but remained mute.

Then, when his days of ministry were completed, he went home. 

After this time his wife Elizabeth conceived,

and she went into seclusion for five months, saying,

“So has the Lord done for me at a time when he has seen fit

to take away my disgrace before others.”

Saint Joseph sleeping

Sisters and brothers in Christ, I recently had to discern something very important. As I prayed the Holy Rosary before the lights of our Advent candles, with the image of the Nativity in the back, I asked the Blessed Mother Mary for her intercession, that I may have clarity and decision. Our Lord led me on a course of action that I did not expect but that brought me great peace, and I never it was of God and from the Holy Spirit, and not anything that I desire.

In today's Gospel, for the Fourth Sunday of Advent, Saint Joseph desired to divorce Mary quietly; however, the Holy Spirit, through an angel, guided him on a different path, a holy path, a path that gave Saint Joseph peace in his life. Saint Joseph, of his own freewill still had to come to the decision to follow God's will for him and, fortunately for all of us, Saint Joseph obeyed God.

This Advent season, as you prayed fervently and with a humble and contrite heart, God might have revealed a path for you to follow. I pray that you have the courage to follow whatever path that God revealed to you because it will be a path that will bring hope, a path that will lead you to peace, a path that will fill you with joy, and a path that will reveal to you God's love for you. And, should you have the courage to follow His path for you, you will bring hope, peace, joy, and love to those you encounter in your life, and be the light of Christ in the world.

. . .

Gospel of the Day

This is how the birth of Jesus Christ came about.

When his mother Mary was betrothed to Joseph,

but before they lived together,

she was found with child through the Holy Spirit.

Joseph her husband, since he was a righteous man,

yet unwilling to expose her to shame,

decided to divorce her quietly.

Such was his intention when, behold,

the angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said,

"Joseph, son of David,

do not be afraid to take Mary your wife into your home.

For it is through the Holy Spirit

that this child has been conceived in her.

She will bear a son and you are to name him Jesus,

because he will save his people from their sins."

All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had said through the prophet:

Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son,

and they shall name him Emmanuel,

which means "God is with us."

When Joseph awoke,

he did as the angel of the Lord had commanded him

and took his wife into his home.

Final preparations while we wait

Sisters and brothers in Christ, through our Baptism, we are called to be the light of Christ in the world and, at the same time, bring the light of Christ into the world. We become the light of Christ in the world when we invite God to dwell in our heart, transform our life, and be docile to the movement of the Holy Spirit so that God's will is reflected in our will.

We bring the light of Christ into the world through our words but, more importantly, through our actions, in the corporal and spiritual works of mercy that we perform in our daily living. Our Lord tells us through the Prophet Isaiah, in today's first reading:

"Observe what is right, do what is just;

for my salvation is about to come,

my justice, about to be revealed.

Blessed is the man who does this,

the son of man who holds to it;

Who keeps the sabbath free from profanation,

and his hand from any evildoing."

Like the saints before us, our light much always direct others to our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ and never to us. Like John the Baptist, we must decrease so that Christ can increase in us because Jesus is the way, the truth, and the life. I have started a tradition of praying the Surrender Novena leading up to the celebration of Christmas to help me with final preparations in the last week of Advent.

. . .

Gospel of the Day

Jesus said to the Jews:

“You sent emissaries to John, and he testified to the truth.

I do not accept testimony from a human being,

but I say this so that you may be saved.

John was a burning and shining lamp,

and for a while you were content to rejoice in his light.

But I have testimony greater than John’s.

The works that the Father gave me to accomplish,

these works that I perform testify on my behalf

that the Father has sent me.”

What did you go out to see?

Sisters and brothers in Christ, today's Gospel is a continuation of yesterday's, and we hear our Lord Jesus Christ affirm the identity of John the Baptist as the messenger who was to prepare the way for him. In so many ways, our Father in heaven affirms who we are each and every day of our life - his beloved sons and daughters. We have a tendency to forget this and so, in times of joy, we do not give God praise and thanks and, in times of distress, we not only to do turn to Him with faith and hope but we sometimes even blame Him for our woes.

During Diaconal Formation, we were ask to go through the day with an awareness of God's presence in our life - in good times and in bad times, in sickness and in health. When we do this, we will realize that we can experience the joy and peace of God no matter what we are going through because He is present with us always. Yet, many reject God and His love and would rather depend on themselves or, worst, look to Satan to make a deal with the Evil One.

Jesus acknowledges the deep longing that exist in our heart and the extend to which we are willing to go to fill that void. As he asked the crowd, in today's Gospel, he asks us today - "What did you go out to see. . .?" We just need to know if our heart that our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ is the only person who can satisfy the deep yearning of our heart. In the Incarnation, he became one of us so that we can come to him. He is Emmanuel - God with us.

. . .

Gospel of the Day

When the messengers of John the Baptist had left,

Jesus began to speak to the crowds about John. 

“What did you go out to the desert to see  a reed swayed by the wind? 

Then what did you go out to see? 

Someone dressed in fine garments? 

Those who dress luxuriously and live sumptuously

are found in royal palaces. 

Then what did you go out to see? 

A prophet? Yes, I tell you, and more than a prophet. 

This is the one about whom Scripture says:

    Behold, I am sending my messenger ahead of you,

    he will prepare your way before you.

I tell you,

among those born of women, no one is greater than John;

yet the least in the Kingdom of God is greater than he.”

(All the people who listened, including the tax collectors,

who were baptized with the baptism of John,

acknowledged the righteousness of God;

but the Pharisees and scholars of the law,

who were not baptized by him,

rejected the plan of God for themselves.)

Ranking a "A Christmas Carol" (Dcn. Phúc Edition)

Like many families, one of our Christmas traditions is to watch "A Christmas Carol". At first, it was just the 1984 made for T.V. movie with George C. Scott as Ebenezer Scrooge. Since the, I have included other versions in my collection.

Here is my ranking of the "A Christmas Carol" movies that I have watched. Let me know your favorite version of "A Christmas Carol".

5. "A Flinstones Christmas Carol" (1994) - Fred's attitude annoyed more than anything but that has been his character for as I as I have watched "The Flinstones". Overall the movie was enjoyable.

 

4. "Mickey's Christmas Carol" (1983) - A classic short film with Scrooge McDuck and Mickey that is fun for the entire family.

3. Disney's "A Christmas Carol" (2009) with Jim Carrey - Visually spectacular and a rollercoaster thrill ride. The encounter between Bob Cratchit & Ebenezer Scrooge (Ghost of Christmas Yet to Come) was a tear-jerker. Also, the soundtrack is amazing. I downside for me was how Scrooge treated Belle - very cold, colder than any of the other versions that I have seen. The Jim Carrey version was actually my second favorite for many years until I watched the The Muppet version that is the current #2.

2. "The Muppet Christmas Carol" (1992) with Michael Caine and the Muppets - I was never a big fan of The Muppets growing up so this probably was a factor in my not watching this version until this year. The movie is fun, the Muppet characters are great (I particularly like the Ghost of Christmas Present), and Michael Caine does a wonderful job as Ebenezer Scrooge. However, that I enjoyed the most about the movie is the music and the songs, so many catchy tunes that I find myself humming after I watched the movie.

1. "A Christmas Carol" (1984) with George C. Scott - This is by far my favorite version, so much so that I put the DVD on my Christmas wish list. Now I have a copy of the movie on DVD that I can enjoy every Christmas. George C. Scott is magnificent as Ebenezer Scrooge, from cruel and indifferent to remorseful and repentant, Mr. Scott's Ebenezer Scrooge commands every scene is he in. This version of "A Christmas Carol" is truly about Ebenezer Scrooge and his transformation after his encounters with the Ghosts. I highly recommend this for all families.

Love is the name of that boat

Sisters and brothers in Christ, after Mass on Gaudete Sunday, a parishioner came up and asked me John's summon of his two disciples to ask Jesus "Are you the one who is to come, or should we look for another?" was because he did not know or was it for the benefit of his disciples. I shared with her that I believe it was for the benefit of his disciples. It was a way for John the Baptist to ensure that his disciples see and hear from Jesus for themselves all the things he has done so that they may believe. At the same time, perhaps, because of his current predicament - in prison - even John the Baptist needed reassurance himself that Jesus was the one to come.

We all need reassurances and affirmations at some point in our life. We need to know that we are doing the right thing. We need to know that we are loved even when we can be unlovable at times. We need to know that our loved ones will stand by us, especially during trials and tribulations of life. We seek these reassurances and affirmations from loved ones and friends in our life but, most of all, I think we seek them from our Father in heaven. In our human weakness and frailty, we need to know in our mind what our heart already knows - that God had never, has not, and will never abandon us. This is where we can help each other by sharing the Good News of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ with others so that they, too, have hope. It is also a good way to remind ourselves that God is love and He loves us and sent His only Begotten Son to die on the Cross for us.

Today is also the Memorial of Saint John of the Cross, Priest and Doctor of the Church. A dear friend of mine shared this quote from Saint John of the Cross with me many years ago and it has given me strength over the years, knowing that we are in the boat together and our Lord Jesus Christ is there with us.

. . .

Gospel of the Day

At that time,

John summoned two of his disciples and sent them to the Lord to ask,

“Are you the one who is to come, or should we look for another?” 

When the men came to the Lord, they said,

“John the Baptist has sent us to you to ask,

‘Are you the one who is to come, or should we look for another?’”

At that time Jesus cured many of their diseases, sufferings, and evil spirits;

he also granted sight to many who were blind. 

And Jesus said to them in reply,

“Go and tell John what you have seen and heard:

the blind regain their sight,

the lame walk,

lepers are cleansed,

the deaf hear, the dead are raised,

the poor have the good news proclaimed to them. 

And blessed is the one who takes no offense at me.”

The penitent son

Sisters and brothers in Christ, when we say "yes" to one thing, we also say "no" to something else. When I was in high school, I was a big NBA basketball fan. My favorite team was the Chicago Bulls (with Michael Jordan) and I watched a lot of basketball games on the weekends, especially during the playoffs. I remember one time, my mom and two younger brothers were going to my dad's workplace to visit him. I told me home that I would stay home because I was watching a playoff game on T.V. As they were getting into the car, I had a change of heart and quickly changed and jumped in the car with them. We had a fun time visiting my dad that afternoon, and we did it together as a family.

Today's Gospel not only reminds us that when we say "yes" to something else in our life, we also say "no" to God's will for our life. Fortunately for us, like the penitent son, we have a lifetime to change our mind and follow our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. However, we do not know when our life will be demanded of us (Luke 12:20); therefore, why wait for tomorrow what we can do today? The season of Advent is a penitential season, a time for us to reconcile with loved ones but, most of all, to reconcile with God as we prepare for the anniversary of his birth and wait for his Second Coming.

Jesus tells us that "there will be more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous people who have no need of repentance" (Luke 15:7). God delights in us, His children, and nothing brings Him more joy than for us to turn away from sin and temptation and return to Him. The Father desires us to strive for holiness and be imitators of our Lord Jesus Christ and the saints and be with him in Paradise. The alternative is to deny Him and follow the Fallen One - Satan - and face damnation for all eternity. Let us be like our Blessed Mother Mary and say "yes" to God.

. . .

Gospel of the Day

Jesus said to the chief priests and the elders of the people:

“What is your opinion? 

A man had two sons. 

He came to the first and said,

‘Son, go out and work in the vineyard today.’ 

The son said in reply, ‘I will not,’

but afterwards he changed his mind and went. 

The man came to the other son and gave the same order. 

He said in reply, ‘Yes, sir,’ but did not go. 

Which of the two did his father’s will?” 

They answered, “The first.” 

Jesus said to them, “Amen, I say to you,

tax collectors and prostitutes

are entering the Kingdom of God before you. 

When John came to you in the way of righteousness,

you did not believe him;

but tax collectors and prostitutes did. 

Yet even when you saw that,

you did not later change your minds and believe him.”

Hello, friend, God loves you

Sisters and brothers in Christ, this is such a beautiful verse from today's first reading from the Book of Sirach: "Blessed is he who shall have seen you and who falls asleep in your friendship." It reminds me that we have a lifetime to encounter our Lord and Savior Jesus, to foster a lifelong relationship with Him who loves us unconditionally, and then to died in His friendship and enter Paradise in His loving embrace. 

Yet, it is unfortunate that so many reject this gift of friendship from our Lord and our God, even when God puts people in their lives to point Jesus out to them and invite them into a relationship with Christ. Jesus talks about this in today's Gospel, because John the Baptist was sent to prepare the way of the Lord, yet he was beheaded. Then Jesus Christ, the Son of God and the Son of Man, suffered in the most excruciating way - scourged and death on the Cross.

As we continue our preparation for the anniversary of the birth of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ and his Second Coming, let us reflect on the ways we have rejected Christ in our lives, how we turned away from him, and denies his love for us. Then, let us repent and ask God's forgiveness (there are Advent Penance Services throughout the Diocese of Austin) and ask the Spirit of God to humble us so that we can truly receive Baby Jesus in our hearts this Christmas and renew our relationship with our Lord and our God.

. . .

Gospel of the Day

As they were coming down from the mountain,

the disciples asked Jesus,

“Why do the scribes say that Elijah must come first?”

He said in reply, “Elijah will indeed come and restore all things;

but I tell you that Elijah has already come,

and they did not recognize him but did to him whatever they pleased. 

So also will the Son of Man suffer at their hands.”

Then the disciples understood

that he was speaking to them of John the Baptist.

Our faithful response

Sisters and brothers in Christ, the Lord our God teaches us "what is good for us, and lead [us] on the way [we] should go." The question is, are we willing to humble ourselves and learn from God? Are we willing to follow Him where He leads us, even if it is not what we would want to do? Moreover, the Lord our God tells us that if we "would hearken to [His] commandments", then we would prosper in life, not in the worldly material ways, but in the ways that are most important for our salvation. Once again, the question is, are we willing to humble ourselves and listen to and follow God's commandments, or do we do what we want to do?

I recently read an article on discernment of vocations - where God is calling us in life - and it said that when our will aligns with God's will for us, then there is this overwhelming sense of peace that envelops us. I experienced this peace throughout my discernment of the diaconate and especially important now as I discern God's will in my diaconal ministry.

God reveals Himself to us in many ways. We can either respond to God with humility and obedience and be at peace. Or we can be like the crowds in the marketplaces, in today's Gospel, who are indifferent to God and do not respond to Him one way or the other, in essence ignoring God in our lives. We do not give God praise and thanksgiving for all the blessings in our lives. We do not turn to God in times of need and times of challenges and difficulties but blame God for our situations.

God is love. Regardless of our response, His love and wisdom endure forever. He continues to love us and sustains us until the day He recalls us from this world. May we respond to His love with love in return, as faithful and humble servants of our Father in heaven.

. . .

Gospel of the Day

Jesus said to the crowds:

“To what shall I compare this generation? 

It is like children who sit in marketplaces and call to one another,

‘We played the flute for you, but you did not dance,

we sang a dirge but you did not mourn.’ 

For John came neither eating nor drinking, and they said,

‘He is possessed by a demon.’ 

The Son of Man came eating and drinking and they said,

‘Look, he is a glutton and a drunkard,

a friend of tax collectors and sinners.’ 

But wisdom is vindicated by her works.”

Erin gave God her "yes"

Today is the SOLEMNITY OF THE IMMACULATE CONCEPTION OF THE BLESSED VIGIN MARY, a holy day of obligation or, as I like to call it, a holy day of opportunity to encounter our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ through the person who loved him the most, his Mother.

Sisters and brothers in Christ, today, we celebrate the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary, God preserving Mary from the stain of original sin to become the bearer of the Incarnate Word of God, our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. And while Mary received this great gift from God, she still had freewill and, with her freewill, she gave her Father in heaven her "yes" (fiat), saying: “Behold, I am the handmaid of the Lord. May it be done to me according to your word.”

With her "yes' came a lot of hardships throughout her life - traveling to Bethlehem for the census while she was pregnant with Christ and not having a place to rest her head, giving birth to Jesus in a manger, fleeing to Egypt to escape the wrath of Herod, and, of course, witnessing her Son's Passion and Death on the Cross. Yes, she endured it all without losing hope, filled with grace and trust in God who called her to Himself. For that reason, and so many more, our Blessed Mother Mary is our model of holiness, to live out the virtues of faith, hope, and love in our lives with our eyes firmly on her Son, our Lord Jesus Christ.

This morning, after serving at the 6:30 Mass with Fr. Daniel Liu, we greeted parishioners as they were leaving the Cathedral. One young woman came up to me. Her name is Erin and she shared with me that she returned to Mass for the first time in a long while on the Second Sunday of Advent. Erin gave her "yes" to God and returned home to the Catholic Church of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. I rejoiced with her and invited her to join us for Mass every morning at the Cathedral. I hope and pray she does. In Erin, God showed me that it is never too late to us to give God our "yes" and that God is always ready to receive His beloved in His loving embrace.

Let us pray. . .

Remember, O most gracious Virgin Mary, that never was it known that anyone who fled to thy protection, implored thy help, or sought thine intercession was left unaided.

Inspired by this confidence, I fly unto thee, O Virgin of virgins, my mother; to thee do I come, before thee I stand, sinful and sorrowful. O Mother of the Word Incarnate, despise not my petitions, but in thy mercy hear and answer me. Amen.

. . .

Gospel of the Day

The angel Gabriel was sent from God

to a town of Galilee called Nazareth,

to a virgin betrothed to a man named Joseph,

of the house of David,

and the virgin’s name was Mary.

And coming to her, he said,

“Hail, full of grace! The Lord is with you.”

But she was greatly troubled at what was said

and pondered what sort of greeting this might be.

Then the angel said to her,

“Do not be afraid, Mary,

for you have found favor with God.

Behold, you will conceive in your womb and bear a son,

and you shall name him Jesus.

He will be great and will be called Son of the Most High,

and the Lord God will give him the throne of David his father,

and he will rule over the house of Jacob forever,

and of his Kingdom there will be no end.”

But Mary said to the angel,

“How can this be,

since I have no relations with a man?”

And the angel said to her in reply,

“The Holy Spirit will come upon you,

and the power of the Most High will overshadow you.

Therefore the child to be born

will be called holy, the Son of God.

And behold, Elizabeth, your relative,

has also conceived a son in her old age,

and this is the sixth month for her who was called barren;

for nothing will be impossible for God.”

Mary said, “Behold, I am the handmaid of the Lord.

May it be done to me according to your word.”

Then the angel departed from her.

Unburden yourself and rest in Christ

Sisters and brothers in Christ, when I look at my calendar and see that I am on schedule to serve at Mass in the evening, like tonight's Vigil of the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary, certain thoughts run through my mind, such as will I make it to Mass in time or I am too tired to serve at Mass after a long day at work. However, it never fails that when I arrive at the church and put on my vestment and prepare to serve, I feel rejuvenated, renewed, and refreshed because the "yoke" of Jesus is easy.

I am convinced that this is what Jesus means when he says, "Come to me, all you you labor and are burdened, and I will give you rest." Like John the Evangelist, who rested his head on Jesus' heart at the Last Supper, we, too, can rest our head on Jesus's Sacred Heart. Therefore, I would encourage all my sisters and brothers in Christ to take the challenge of going to Mass before or after work. Not only will you not feel tired but you will reinvigorated because, when we "yoke" ourselves to our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, we will find that he lightens our burden because He does the heavy lifting for us.

Moreover, no matter how tired we are at night, especially after a particularly long day's work, when we spend a few minutes with Jesus in prayer, we will discover that we will have a restful sleep. How? Because when we spend time in prayer, we unburden ourselves of the day's labor, offering our daily challenges and problems up to God, and He gives us rest.

. . .

Gospel of the Day

Jesus said to the crowds:

“Come to me, all you who labor and are burdened,

and I will give you rest.

Take my yoke upon you and learn from me,

for I am meek and humble of heart;

and you will find rest for yourselves.

For my yoke is easy, and my burden light.”

God comes searching for us

Sisters and brothers in Christ, in the Rite of Baptism, the Church gives the child (through his/her parents) a white garment and says, "With your family and friends to help you by word and example, bring it unstained into eternal life." Then, the Church gives the father lights the child's Baptismal candle as the minister says, "your child, enlightened by Christ, may walk always as a child of the light and, persevering in the faith, may run to meet the Lord when he comes with all the Saints in the heavenly court."

This is the desire of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, which is also the desire of the Catholic Church, as we hear in today's Gospel parable: "it is not the will of your heavenly Father that one of these little ones be lost." Unfortunately, somewhere along the way, parents (and child) lose sight of this and others things in life take priority of their child's relationship with God, and the child strays from the faith. In those times, we should be grateful that our Good Shepherd goes searching for us.

However, something Jesus says in the parable struck me - "if he finds them. . ." This struck me because sometimes, even when someone has gone astray and is lost, they do not want to be found. In other words, of their own freewill, they are unwilling to repent. The miracle of Christmas is the we are never beyond redemption. Our Lord and our God, the King of the universe, comes searching for us, and he comes as a child, born of a Virgin, to save us. As a baby, He invites us to be vulnerable, childlike, and dependent on Him. This is our reason to hope, not only this Advent season as we wait, but all year long.

. . .

Gospel of the Day

Jesus said to his disciples:

"What is your opinion?

If a man has a hundred sheep and one of them goes astray,

will he not leave the ninety-nine in the hills

and go in search of the stray?

And if he finds it, amen, I say to you, he rejoices more over it

than over the ninety-nine that did not stray.

In just the same way, it is not the will of your heavenly Father

that one of these little ones be lost."

How committed are we to God?

Sisters and brothers in Christ, after the Texas Longhorns football team won the 2005 National Championship, Theresa and I waited in line for 3 hours to meet the team and take pictures with Coach Mack Brown. (Of course, Vince Young was not longer with the team because he had declared eligible for the NFL Draft.) To this day, we share that story as an example of commitment in a relationship and how one person sometimes go the extra-mile for their loved ones. In this case, Theresa was willing to spend 3 hours in the Texas heat for me to meet the team. Now, it is also an example of the extent to go through when we are committed to someone or something. Another example is, I recently saw a meme of football fans sitting in the cold and now to watch their teams play.

The question is, can we show God this same level of commitment when it comes going to Mass on Sundays to worship Him and give Him praise and glory. We read in today's Gospel the lengths that the men went through to get a man who was paralyzed and on a stretcher so that he can be in the presence of Jesus. They were determined for him to see Jesus and the crowd did not deter them. Their efforts bear fruit because, not only does Jesus tell all of them that their sins are forgiven because of their faith, Christ healed the paralyzed man and he was able to walk. When we are committed to the practice of our Catholic faith, it can move mountains and bear fruits. Unfortunately, we oftentimes to not put in the commitment that we ought even though we certainly do not lack the ability to be committed.

Advent is the perfect season to recommit to our faith but, most of all, to recommit to our relationship with our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Advent is a time to go that extra mile to love God (and love our neighbors). I recently met with a young engaged couple. They are both Catholic but have not been going to Mass on Sundays. I encouraged them to start now during the Advent season, to renew their commitment to God, go to Mass together, and pray for each other and pray with each other. I encourage to all to do the same. We take risks with various commitments in our lives. Our commitment to a relationship with God will yield much fruit, guaranteed.

. . .

Gospel of the Day

One day as Jesus was teaching,

Pharisees and teachers of the law,

who had come from every village of Galilee and Judea and Jerusalem,

were sitting there,

and the power of the Lord was with him for healing. 

And some men brought on a stretcher a man who was paralyzed;

they were trying to bring him in and set him in his presence. 

But not finding a way to bring him in because of the crowd,

they went up on the roof

and lowered him on the stretcher through the tiles

into the middle in front of Jesus. 

When Jesus saw their faith, he said,

“As for you, your sins are forgiven.” 

Then the scribes and Pharisees began to ask themselves,

“Who is this who speaks blasphemies? 

Who but God alone can forgive sins?” 

Jesus knew their thoughts and said to them in reply,

“What are you thinking in your hearts? 

Which is easier, to say, ‘Your sins are forgiven,’

or to say, ‘Rise and walk’? 

But that you may know

that the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins”–

he said to the one who was paralyzed,

“I say to you, rise, pick up your stretcher, and go home.” 

He stood up immediately before them,

picked up what he had been lying on,

and went home, glorifying God. 

Then astonishment seized them all and they glorified God,

and, struck with awe, they said,

“We have seen incredible things today.”

Calling all followers of Christ

Sisters and brothers in Christ, a few years ago, the radio station - The Spirit 105.9 - encouraged people to pay it forward with their "drive-thru" challenge. Essentially, you pay for the meal of the people behind you in the drive-thru line. I was on the receiving end of such generosity one time in the drive-thru of a McDonald's but also in a restaurant a few times. I have also paid it forward on several occasions, too.

I believe that Jesus is telling us to pay it forward when it comes to our faith when he says: "Without cost you have received; without cost you are to give." We receive the gift of faith and healing and, like Jesus mentioned in the parable of talents, we are called to share our gifts of time, talents, and treasures to build up the kingdom of God here on here. We are the laborers for the harvest, called to go forth and "make this proclamation: ‘The Kingdom of heaven is at hand.’" - and lead others to our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

The interesting thing is, Jesus says for us to "[go] to the lost sheep of the house of Israel." In other words, Jesus is telling us to first look at our families, friends, and parish, and invite those who are no longer attending Mass or practicing their Catholic faith to return to Mass but, most of all, to dare to risk encountering Jesus in their lives once again. In this way, perhaps we can help them - through the outpouring of grace from the Holy Spirit - to heal those places in their lives - mental, emotional, physical, and spiritual - that have separated them from our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. This is what Jesus has give us the power and authority to do as his disciples. Let's have courage, be bold, be Catholic.

. . .

Gospel of the Day

Jesus went around to all the towns and villages,

teaching in their synagogues,

proclaiming the Gospel of the Kingdom,

and curing every disease and illness. 

At the sight of the crowds, his heart was moved with pity for them

because they were troubled and abandoned,

like sheep without a shepherd.

Then he said to his disciples,

“The harvest is abundant but the laborers are few;

so ask the master of the harvest

to send out laborers for his harvest.” 

Then he summoned his Twelve disciples

and gave them authority over unclean spirits to drive them out

and to cure every disease and every illness. 

Jesus sent out these Twelve after instructing them thus,

“Go to the lost sheep of the house of Israel. 

As you go, make this proclamation: ‘The Kingdom of heaven is at hand.’ 

Cure the sick, raise the dead,

cleanse lepers, drive out demons.

Without cost you have received; without cost you are to give.”

Courage, my heart

Sisters and brothers in Christ, Christ stands at the door of our hearts knocking. With faith, we respond to Christ and open the door and invite him into our hearts and dwell therein. With faith, we trust in God's plan and will for us, even when we do not see the "big picture", we have faith that God desires only good for us. With faith, in times of trials and tribulations, we are at peace and filled with supernatural joy because we have faith that God will take our sufferings and pain and transforms them into good and miraculous. With faith also comes the tremendous responsibility to share the Good News of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ with others, that He is our light and our salvation because "out of gloom and darkness, the eyes of the blind shall see."

We read this in today's Gospel when Jesus healed the blind men. First, Christ asks them, “Do you believe that I can do this?” So, too, our Lord Jesus Christ asks us these questions. Do you believe in me? Do you believe that I only desire your good, for you to be the person that I lovingly created you to be? Do you believe and trust in my plan for you? Do you love me as I love you? The blind men respond, "Yes." What is our response to Jesus? Then Jesus adds, “Let it be done for you according to your faith.” We often tell each other, "Have faith in yourself." What if we change that and say to each other, "Have faith in God who is working in you and through you"?

When tragedy strikes us in life - illness, death of beloved one, etc. - we have a choice to make. We can lose our faith and struggle trying to do things on our own? Or we can lean on our faith and overcome, knowing in our hearts that our Father in heaven has not and will never abandon us, that we are loved by Him. This is how we can put into practice what Saint Paul wrote, "Faith is the realization of what is hoped for and evidence of things not seen" (Hebrews 11:1). Jesus asks us, “Do you believe that I can do this?” May we have courage and be stouthearted and answer him, "My Lord and my God, I believe." 

. . .

Gospel of the Day

As Jesus passed by, two blind men followed him, crying out,

“Son of David, have pity on us!” 

When he entered the house,

the blind men approached him and Jesus said to them,

“Do you believe that I can do this?” 

“Yes, Lord,” they said to him. 

Then he touched their eyes and said,

“Let it be done for you according to your faith.” 

And their eyes were opened. 

Jesus warned them sternly,

“See that no one knows about this.” 

But they went out and spread word of him through all that land.

The eternal rock

Sisters and brothers in Christ, I love this. . . Isaiah wrote: "the LORD is an eternal Rock" . . . Jesus said: "you are Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church." The "gates of the netherworld shall not prevail against" the Church because she rests upon the eternal Rock - her Lord and her God.

A few days ago, I called a brother deacon of mine who recently lost his wife after a long illness. How he responded when he picked up the phone was nothing what I expected. He was so filled with joy! We had such a spirited conversation that ended with my praying over him on the phone. I reflected on our conversation after we hung up and I realized that his "foundation" was so strong because his faith was so deeply rooted in our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ that, while he mourned the loss of a beloved wife, he still experienced joy and peace. He trusted in God completely. He gave our Blessed Mother Mary thanks for being with him and his daughter. Today's Gospel reminded me of this interaction I had with my brother deacon because, he not only professed his faith with his lips, he lived out his faith in his actions. The Spirit of Christ who dwells in his heart shone forth so brightly, even during difficult times.

This is why Jesus told the disciples (and us) of the parable of the house built on a solid rock foundation. Christ wants us to stand on the firm foundation of THE eternal Rock - God - so that when we are faced with trials and tribulations in our lives, we not only can withstand the tempest but come out of it even stronger. I witnessed this in my brother deacon. Therefore, this Advent season, through prayer and reception of the Sacraments, let us ask God to be our firm foundation - THE eternal rock for us to stand on now and forever.

. . .

Gospel of the Day

Jesus said to his disciples:

“Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’

will enter the Kingdom of heaven,

but only the one who does the will of my Father in heaven.

“Everyone who listens to these words of mine and acts on them

will be like a wise man who built his house on rock. 

The rain fell, the floods came,

and the winds blew and buffeted the house. 

But it did not collapse; it had been set solidly on rock. 

And everyone who listens to these words of mine

but does not act on them

will be like a fool who built his house on sand. 

The rain fell, the floods came,

and the winds blew and buffeted the house. 

And it collapsed and was completely ruined.