ADVENT

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Brief Reflections & Provisions

preparing us to meet the Christ Child.

ADVENT Week I

Sunday, December 1 - Jeanne Moore

As another Advent Season begins, I’m remembering the wonder of God’s incarnation in Jesus. I’m feeling God’s profound sadness at the terrible injustices and ecological disasters millions are enduring. I know the God who is yet to come will never give up on us.

I recall the elation I felt in the final weeks of a 12-hour, two semester course on the history of philosophy during my undergrad studies at Loyola. We were introduced to Alfred North Whitehead who postulated that the all-powerful creator of the universe was waiting to co-create the future in tandem with the choices we humans made. His notion of God freed me from the Almighty Ruler whose inexorable will I had to somehow intuit or accept as interpreted by a religious authority. I embraced a God who lures me, in love, to make the best possible decisions for each day.

Standing before the rising sun, coffee mug in hand, I pray Bergan and Schwan’s poetic version of the Principle and Foundation for St. Ignatius’s “Spiritual Exercises”:
As your love is spilling over into creation
You are thinking of me.
I am from Love. Of Love. For Love. . . .
May I never seek nor choose to be other than you intend or wish.

What is your prayer to the One who invites our cooperation in loving our world into the fullest incarnation of God’s very Self?

Jeanne Moore, OP <njmooreop@gmail.com>
Dominican Sister of Peace
St. Catharine, KY

Sunday, December 1 - Elaine Ireland

Provision for the Journey to Bethlehem
A brief reflection preparing us to meet the Christ Child.

Sunday, December 1: “Guide me in your truth and teach me, for you are God my savior, and for you I wait all the day”.
(Ps 25). “Beware that your hearts do not become drowsy from carousing and drunkenness and the anxieties of daily life, and that day catch you by surprise like a trap (Lk 21:25-28, 34-36).

What are you waiting for? It amuses me to imagine someone waiting for God “all the day,” when in reality, it’s the other way around! God waiting for us to rouse from our stupor (caused, perhaps by the carousing and anxieties Jesus talks about in Luke’s Gospel?! Usually, it’s not a whole day that we wait: we set aside a half-hour and expect God to show up and guide and teach us, while God’s been the one waiting around “all the day” for us to show up!

Provision: Look for God’s light in the little things. An acquaintance of mine, whose faith was very simple, related a story to me. She was walking on a city sidewalk in early spring when she spied “a flower”—most likely a weed—growing between the cracks in the pavement. Her response (aloud, mind you): “You go, God!” When anxieties and distractions get the better of me, I stop and look around for the little signs of God’s light. And, when I find one—which BTW, is not hard at all—I too say aloud, “You go, God!” If you are feeling tired, drowsy from the anxieties of life, don’t wait. Go out and look for the little stars of God’s light right in your own neighborhood!

Monday, December 2 - Philip Powell

St. Albert the Great Priory & Novitiate, Irving, TX

The centurion immediately recognizes Jesus' authority over disease and disability. Drawing a comparison between his own authority as a military commander and Jesus' authority as the Son of God, the centurion declares his faith in Jesus' ability to command that his servant be healed. Not only is he acknowledging Jesus' authority to heal, he's also confessing that he believes that Jesus can heal his servant without seeing him or touching him: “. . .but say the word and let my servant be healed.” Jesus' response to the man's faith is telling. He is amazed, and says to the gathered crowd, “I tell you, not even in Israel have I found such faith.” While those who should be flocking to Jesus – the priests, the scribes, all the people of the Covenant – are instead questioning, ridiculing, and arguing with him, this Roman solider – a pagan invader, and occupier among God's own people – sees and hears the truth that Christ is sent to reveal. The centurion sees in Christ the truth of his divine mission, the truth of his purpose, and so he accepts the authority that this truth wields in the man Jesus. There is no way to distinguish or separate Christ's truth from his authority. If we accept the truth that Jesus is the Christ, then we also accept his authority as our Lord.

Would he be amazed at our faith, our obedience in 2024?

Fr. Philip Neri Powell, OP <pnpowellop@gmail.com>

Monday, December 2 - Elaine Ireland

Provision for the Journey to Bethlehem
A brief reflection preparing us to meet the Christ Child.

“I rejoiced because they said, "We will go up to the house of the LORD” (Ps 122).

This psalm is the prayer of a pilgrim. A pilgrimage to the Holy Lands or on the Camino in Spain is on my bucket list, and I’m not getting any younger, so I better start planning soon. Sadly, a trip to the Holy Lands these days is fraught with risk. It was full of risks in ancient times as well. Pilgrims confronted wild animals, harsh weather, and rugged terrain—not quaint hostels or local eateries and vendors that offer rest and refreshment. And, at night, as everyone did at that time, they plotted their next steps based on the stars.

Provision: Pray for enough light to guide your next steps. Many people feel off-balance, unsure of what the future holds. For some, the threat of government job loss or deportation is very real. Others are hesitant to plan too far in advance. As we talked about last week, pray each day for the light you need to do the next loving thing. As pilgrims, we place our trust and hope in God to guide and protect us as we journey through some rough terrain and harsh realities.

Tuesday, December 3 - Carl Paustian

I love how so many of our scripture readings start during the season of Advent — we get phrases like the one we had today, “On that day.” I love it, because it shows us that we’re pointing towards something.

The Prophet Isaiah gives us this beautiful vision, this beautiful prophecy about the coming of the Messiah: about the Root and the Stump of Jesse, how he will judge with justice, how he will be a friend to the poor and the down-trodden. We also get the incredible vision of peace: the wolf and the lamb, the leopard and the goat, the calf, the young lion and the child. Enemies in a sense will become friends. It’s a great vision of what is hoped for.

Advent isn’t simply a time to prepare for Christmas. Certainly, that’s our proximate preparation. But this is a time, a season, meant for so much more. It’s meant to prepare us for the end of time, it’s meant to prepare us for the judgment. Ultimately, it’s meant to prepare us for heaven. The season of Advent, these four weeks, are meant to prepare us for what we long to see and what we desire to hear.

And if we’re preparing for something, that means it takes work. That’s the difference between passive waiting and active preparation. It’s the input that we must do. If we hope to see justice and lasting peace, if we hope to see the Kingdom of Heaven, it means that our work now must be implementing that vision.

Fr. Carl Paustian, O.P. <vocations@opsouth.org>

Tuesday, December 3 -Elaine Ireland

Provision for the Journey to Bethlehem
A brief reflection preparing us to meet the Christ Child.

A shoot shall sprout from the stump of Jesse: from his roots a bud shall blossom (Is 11:1-10).
Growth begins in darkness. “In the beginning, the earth was a wasteland, and darkness covered the abyss” (Gn 1:1-2).

A child is nurtured in the darkness of a womb, a seed digs its roots deep into the dark, rich soil. The mystics tell us to do our best to be still and allow for times of spiritual darkness, remembering that roots grow deeper when its dry. The Jewish people of old, through their trials and tribulations, were promised a shoot from Jesse that will grow and blossom. That promise is fulfilled and alive, blossoming for us this very day.

Provision: Allow for darkness so that you can see the Light. It’s important to remember psychological darkness, depression, or deep spiritual angst requires help. The Lord does not want us to suffer in darkness alone, so seek out wise pastoral companionship—someone to sit in the dark with you—or professional counseling. But if your darkness is not the absence of hope, but confusion or disillusionment, wondering where God is in the mess, don’t be afraid to embrace the dark in prayerful silence. Pour out your heart to God and ask for God to make you aware of the Light that may be hidden today but is always present. “Help us to be the always hopeful gardeners of the Spirit who know that without darkness, nothing comes to birth, as without light, nothing flowers” (May Sarton).

Wednesday, December 4 - Benedict Johnson

Readings: Is 25:6-10a; Ps. 23:l-3a, 3b-4, 5, 6; Mt 15:29-37

Memorial of St. John of Damascus, Doctor of the Church

Why doesn’t everyone see the truth of God’s love for humanity? Why are so many simply unable to know what God has in store for them. The reading of the Isaiah talks about a great feast that God will provide for all humanity. This is our end, this is why we were made: to feast with God in his kingdom. But until we arrive there, we are held back. There is a “veil that veils all peoples, the web that is woven over all the nations.” The sufferings of this life, the daily reminders of sin and death among us, the injustices we experience—all of this keeps us from clinging to the God who simply wants to feast with us. We find it so hard to see past this veil of pain, of sin, of death. If anyone were to tell us, “Don’t worry! It’s all in God’s providence!” we would dismiss him as naive, simplistic, unaware of what we actually go through. So again, we have to ask: why can’t we see and cling to the great love God has for us? And further, if we are an Order of Preachers, how do we communicate this love in a way that people will accept?

The saint we commemorate today, John of Damascus, points us in the right direction. He is best known for defending the Church’s use of icons and images. He taught that, by becoming incarnate in our mortal flesh, Christ makes us see the invisible God through his humanity. And so, now in the Church, we can really, truly know and love God through our material images, be they icons, statues, paintings, etc.. Now this all sounds great, but how does this help us deal with the veil that blinds us to the feast God call us to?

Christ uses us as images of his redeeming love in the world. In our Gospel, Christ’s heart “is moved with pity for the crowd,” the crowd that has followed him, hungry and thirsty and tired as they were. But his pity doesn’t stay inside him. It actually impacts the crowd, and not without the help of his disciples. They are the ones entrusted with distributing the feast. They are the ones supposed to feed the crowd. In so doing, they image and make present the pity of Christ’s heart for the crowd. The disciples extend Christ’s compassion to the crowd. They are images that make real and effective what the love they signify.

Imperfect as we are, we are called to do the same, especially as preachers. Our words, our preaching, and our lives of ministry are supposed to be sacred images of Christ’s pity and mercy in the world. The veil that Isaiah talks about won’t taken away from the world, unless we allow ourselves to become images of that love. As our brother, Thomas Aquinas, often writes, God delights in using secondary causes. God doesn’t remove the veil by some abstract decree from above. He condescends, and he continues to condescend through us. As we contemplate Christ’s coming this Advent, we should remember that he continues to come and visit his people through us. The world needs us to be authentic images of Christ.

Wednesday, December 4 - Elaine Ireland

Provision for the Journey to Bethlehem
A brief reflection preparing us to meet the Christ Child.

“On this mountain God will destroy the veil that veils all peoples, The web that is woven over all nations” (Is 25:6-10).

This image portrayed in Isaiah of a veil and a web that ensnares people disturbs me more than the image of darkness. I guess it’s the idea of being trapped, trying to free myself from the web, surrounded by others trying to do the same, all the while being able to see just enough through the veil to know there is light and restful waters on the other side. I worry: Will my need for control make me despair? Will I put aside my own anxiety to help others escape the web?

Provision: Look for the light through the veil. This image has relevance in our current situation. Whether we are disturbed due to political or world events, beginning to contemplate our own mortality, or worried about the future, it can feel like we are trapped and not in control. For me, the key is to recognize the light does indeed exist beyond that veil but is within our reach. If we allow God to free us, we can live in that light right now, here in the land of the living. We just need to stop railing against reality. One good way is to turn to others in their struggles. Help them to surrender to the knowledge that God’s got this.

Thursday, December 5 - Francis Orozco

We have a lot to look forward to on that day when the Lord will come again!
We’re on the 5th day of Advent, the season where we prepare for the comings of Christ.

We usually spend a lot of time and energy preparing for Christmas Day: buying decorations and gifts, making plans to travel or host others — or both, and tracking down an item or ingredient to make something perfect. How much time do we spend preparing our souls for Christmas Day?

Jesus wants us to build our house solidly on rock, a stable, unshakable foundation. A strong foundation gives the best opportunity for a robust faith (as well as a home).

Our Dominican men, in formation to be priests and brothers, spend years in study, living in community, growing in ministry, and cultivating a solid life of prayer! And in the last few years, an additional year of formation was added. People often wonder why, especially when there is such a need in the Church. The answer is that the people of God need well-formed priests and brothers to be good preachers and leaders in the Church.

We spend a lot of time preparing for important things. Spending time on the foundation gives us the best opportunity for a robust faith!

Fr. Francis Orozco, OP <forozco@opsouth.org>

Thursday, December 5 -Elaine Ireland

Provision for the Journey to Bethlehem
A brief reflection preparing us to meet the Christ Child.

“It is better to take refuge in the LORD than to trust in man. It is better to take refuge in the LORD than to trust in princes” (Ps 118).

Oh, those princes of the world with their glittering gold and neon lights! Their Baroque castles and cathedrals! Their huge mansions and bank accounts! It is easy for us to be blinded by the lights of the world, and unfortunately, that is just what “the princes and princesses” want to happen. It gives them control over us. I would debate the psalmist today: it is not just better to take refuge in the Lord—it is essential!

Provision: Take refuge in the true Light. Maybe you plan to take the kids or grandkids out to see the lights in the neighborhood. I loved doing that when my kids were young, to see the twinkling lights reflected in their wide eyes. After that excursion, see if you can visit a local church that has a simple outdoor crèche display. If the kids are old enough, talk to them to see what they were able to see beyond the bright, flashing lights on the houses and trees, and what they see now in the dimly lit stable. Remind them that the lights of Christmas will be taken down and put away soon, but the true Light of Christmas will remain forever. Encourage them (and yourself) to take refuge in this Light.

Friday, December 6 - Theresa Fox

Reading 1: IS 29:17-24

Thus says the Lord GOD:

But a very little while, and Lebanon shall be changed into an orchard, and the orchard be regarded as a forest!

On that day the deaf shall hear the words of a book; And out of gloom and darkness, the eyes of the blind shall see.

The lowly will ever find joy in the LORD, and the poor rejoice in the Holy One of Israel.

For the tyrant will be no more and the arrogant will have gone; All who are alert to do evil will be cut off, those whose mere word condemns a man, Who ensnare his defender at the gate, and leave the just man with an empty claim.

Therefore, thus says the LORD, the God of the house of Jacob, who redeemed Abraham: Now Jacob shall have nothing to be ashamed of, nor shall his face grow pale.

When his children see the work of my hands in his midst, They shall keep my name holy; they shall reverence the Holy One of Jacob and be in awe of the God of Israel.

Those who err in spirit shall acquire understanding, and those who find fault shall receive instruction.

Gospel: MT 9:27-31

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.

PREACHING - DECEMBER 6, 2024

Today is commonly known as the Feast of St. Nicholas, a bishop in Myrna in the 4th century. Not much is known about his life, but he was known for being generous. A legend says that he saved three girls from prostitution by throwing bags of gold into the house of their family. Somehow stories have come down through the centuries to connect this bishop with our current idea of Santa Claus- the giver of gifts at Christmas.

In today’s Gospel Jesus saved the two blind men from a life of blindness by his healing. This was a precious gift that changed their lives forever. When they left the house where Jesus healed them, they began to tell everyone of this precious gift they had received. After all everyone they met would have noticed the difference. Instead of feeling their way along the road, they now walked straight marveling at all they saw. All because of Jesus and his miraculous gift to them.

In this Advent season we often focus on gift giving. Today let us take time to reflect on the marvelous gifts we have been given. Yes, our sight, our families, our health and so much more. Let us especially appreciate the gift of faith that leads us to God and guides our every action each day.

Theresa Fox <tfoxop@gmail.com>

Friday, December 6 - Elaine Ireland

Provision for the Journey to Bethlehem
A brief reflection preparing us to meet the Christ Child.

“God tells the number of the stars and calls each by name” (Ps 147).

Do you remember the TV ads several years ago for the International Star Registry? It’s a business that enables you to purchase, for $33, the right to name a specific star in honor of someone. I guess they don’t realize God named them all eons ago!

I live on the East Coast of the US, and you’d be hard pressed to find any stretch along the I-95 corridor that allows for good star gazing. But I’ve visited places far enough away from city lights, and I can only imagine the awesome majesty of the night skies in the ancient world. For us in the modern world, we need to be reminded the stars are there, even when we can’t see them.

Today’s Provision: Trust the light is there. A few weeks ago, I shared the Native American saying about those who have gone before us: “Perhaps they are not stars in the sky, but rather openings where our loved ones shine down to let us know they are happy.” These pinpoints of light, be they stars or holy souls, are with us always, guiding our way, even though it is dark. Trust the light is there.
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Saturday, December 7 - Sr. Mary Rose Carlin

Memorial of St. Ambrose

(Is 30:19-21, 23-26; Ps 147:1-2, 3-4, 5-6; Mt 9:35–10:1, 5a, 6-8)

Monastery of the Infant Jesus, Lufkin, TX

Jesus, God made manifest as teacher and healer as prophesied in the Book of Isaiah in today’s first reading, steps off the page in today’s Gospel for he comes “teaching in their synagogues, proclaiming the Gospel of the Kingdom, and curing every disease and illness” (Mt. 9:35). Recently, at a Novitiate Scripture sharing on the widow who put two small coins into the Temple treasury, our aspirant remarked, “How fortunate that woman was to have Jesus looking at her.” Her comment struck me and came to mind when reading the Gospel of today. In this case we could say, “How fortunate that crowd was to have Jesus looking at them.” Moved with pity for the troubled and abandoned crowd, he surprisingly tells his disciples to ask the master of the harvest to send out laborers for his harvest. Here we see the marvelous mystery that God’s mercy will be extended through human beings. When he summons the Twelve he specifically gives them authority to heal. Theologically, we view sickness and disease as the result of sin, although not necessarily the result of personal sin. Yet God uses what is the punishment as also the remedy for it is in our sickness and weakness that he is drawn to us in compassion and we reach out to him in our need. It is also what draws and binds us to each other. As his coworkers, when we share in his teaching and healing ministry we share in the very heart of Jesus, the very heart of God for our hearts like his are moved with compassion at the suffering we see, and we are filled with gratitude at the mercy we receive.

Christ’s injunction to pray the master of the harvest to send workers into the harvest is often interpreted by Catholics as an injunction to pray for priestly and religious vocations. This is fair enough since they are certainly workers. The immediate context of the Gospel makes it seem even more restrictive. Since it is the Twelve Jesus calls after saying this, it could be taken as a command to pray for bishops to be like the good St. Ambrose, whom we celebrate today. Yet Jesus’ order seems even broader than this for we want all of us to be sent out to gather the harvest, all of us to share in Our Lord’s tender and restorative love. Since it is God’s love, only God can give it to us. That is why Our Lord tells us to ask for it for ourselves and for each other. During this Advent may all of us proclaim, “The Kingdom of heaven is at hand,” by our lives. May we cure the sick, raise the dead, cleanse lepers, drive out demons whether this is through sacramental ministry, the ministry of our work, or through our manifest charity. May our own illnesses be healed; what is dead in us, resurrected; what is leprous, cleansed; and our personal demons driven away that we may freely give what has been freely given to us: “the tender compassion of our God” (Lk1:78).

Sister Mary Rose Carlin <srmaryrosecarlin@gmail.com>

Saturday, December 7 - Elaine Ireland

Provision for the Journey to Bethlehem
A brief reflection preparing us to meet the Christ Child.

ADVENT Week II

Sunday, December 8 - Chris Eggleton

Joyful anticipation and hope are in the air! In the Gospel passage, Luke highlights human history, for God will be born in a particular place and time. John vigorously announced that the Salvation promised has now arrived and interior disposition is crucial. The mountains of greed, racism, and hatreds are to be flattened; whatever impedes our ability to receive the Source of merciful love is to be relinquished.

In her novel “The Heart Is a Lonely Hunter” Carson McCullers writes: “There was hope in him, and soon perhaps the outline of his journey would take form.”

The brown-streaked song sparrow, which only begins singing in late winter offers its hope-filled song.

Chris Eggleton <ceggleton@opsouth.org>

Sunday, December 8- Elaine Ireland

Provision for the Journey to Bethlehem
A brief reflection preparing us to meet the Christ Child.

“And this is my prayer: that your love may increase ever more and more in knowledge and every kind of perception, to discern what is of value” (Phil 1:4-6, 8-11).

That last phrase, “to discern what is of value” caught my attention. In this season of rampant commercialism, in the current political climate that appears to devalue things like education and human rights, it’s a good time for all of us to do some real, honest reflection on what we value, and how closely our lives reflect those values. Try as I may, I cannot fathom how Christians, who kneel to worship the poor babe in the manger whose family must flee for their lives from the country of their birth, can turn a blind eye to the poor and oppressed and support the mass deportation of immigrants; how some can be more concerned with their own little worlds than with what ails Mother Earth. I am troubled as I look at my own life and how my habits and behaviors support the status quo. I pray my love and yours may increase ever more so that our eyes may be opened to see beyond ourselves, to live lives that reflect what really matters most.

Provision: What do you value? How does your living reflect what you value? I rarely take time to look at my habits and assess how what I do and what I tacitly support align with what I say I value. Do you? This can become a trap for “analysis paralysis” so we also need to be practical. This can play out in our personal lives as well. We say we value health, but do our habits reflect that? Take time to discern a habit or action that is misaligned with what you truly value. Try to pick one on a personal level and one on a societal level. This week, see if you can adjust the alignment!

Monday, December 9 - Ceal Warner

Gn 3:9-15,20; Ps 98:2-4; Eph1:3-6, 11-12; Lk 1:26-38

St Paul tells us that we are blessed with every spiritual blessing, that we are chosen, that we are adopted, that we are destined according to God’s will. Prior to Paul, an angel told Mary that she was chosen, that she was full of grace, that she was favored by God.

From great love, God has lifted us to be in the company of Mary. This is not a boast on our part, it is the mysterious worthiness in which God see us. Our response is one of humbleness that God should care for us in such a way.

Mary, of course, holds a unique place in the eyes of God and the Church as the Mother of God. She is the beginning of salvation history with her yes to carry the Son of God and birth him into this world. Such a gift she is to this aching world. Her role in salvation history did not end with the birth of Christ. After his death, with a mother’s love, she carried and birthed the word of God to all she met. She continues her ministry to us from her place in eternity.

Ceal Warner, OP <Ceal.Warner@oppeace.org>
Haddonfield, NJ

Monday, December 9 - Elaine Ireland

Provision for the Journey to Bethlehem
A brief reflection preparing us to meet the Christ Child.

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” (Lk 1:26-38).

Several books I use for Advent reflection suggest that, instead of skimming over the all-to-familiar words of the infancy narratives, we take time to imagine what is happening and what the message is for us. In true Ignatian contemplation fashion, we put ourselves in the scene, either as a participant or as an observer. We strip away all the artists’ renditions (except for my favorite, Henry Ossawa Tanner’s Annunciation, which is a more likely depiction). We put aside all the theological justifications and rational refutations to embrace the mystery of God entering into our reality. Even for those who are not Christian, can you see how the Creator desires to be one with their creation?

Provision: Remember—God appears to unlikely people in unlikely ways. This is God’s chosen way with humanity: To make the Divine known to simple people, in simple situations. So never discount the possibility that God has and will come to you. Try to simplify your life…even if it’s just for today. Set aside time for quiet prayer, but don’t necessarily expect God to show up during your “allotted” prayer time! Instead, be aware as you go about the day for moments of quiet peace that seem to appear out of nowhere. They appear from the heart of God.

Tuesday, December 10 - Joseph Kerstiens

— Matthew 18:12-14

What is your opinion?

A small business owner has worked tirelessly for his family and most of his life. He is moderately profitable, he is prudent with his finances, and on top of that he is a great employer and an even better manager. Having put in extra time to grow his enterprise at a healthy rate, he now has several storefronts throughout town that have quickly become a beloved part of the city’s culture. Despite the success of his small chain, he has one location that consistently underperforms. This location is on the edge of a dying part of town, regularly receives complaints about the staff, bounces between being in the red and turning an unjustifiably meager profit and fails to measure up in quality of output to the rest of the chain. One could easily say it is damaging the goodwill of everything that the entrepreneur has worked so hard to build. Knowing this, it makes it understandable when he decides to close the failing location without hesitation. What good business is there in supporting something that hurts the rest of all you’ve worked for? Why keep a seemingly unsalvageable, failing part of the business? Why pour in even more extra work with little promise of return? It is frankly bad business.

So why do we see the shepherd in the Gospel today make a similar reckless and bad decision? If you’re like me, you’d think it is foolish to endanger such a large part of your livelihood for something so trivial. What are we missing? How can God, as the good shepherd be so foolish?

In a sense, God is foolish—at least by human standards. He is ready and willing to put aside and give up absolutely everything for the sake of his beloved, with zero expectation of a return on investment. His love is so sacrificial that he would make the bad business decision to “keep the failing shop” or “go in search of the stray,” not because that “failing shop” and that “stray” are intrinsically worth saving, but because His love for them gives them value. My friends, we are not a good business decision for God; it was a scandalizing decision for him to give Himself up on the cross for us. And yet this love is exactly what we are called to emulate.

In His seeking out those who are lost, God communicates both (1) where our value truly comes from—that is, His desire to salvage us and seek us out, His desire for us; and (2) the nature of love that we are called to—that is, a foolish and reckless love willing to give up of our own livelihood and being for another. This twofold lesson will benefit us as we prepare for Christmas:

(1) How have I defined myself? By my successes? By my accomplishments? By my relationships? How might my life change if I see my sole value in God’s love for me? On Christmas day, God entered into this world to seek us out. What does it mean for Him to seek me out?

(2) Christ became human on Christmas so that we can become like Him. Do I love as God does? Do I love without thought to myself, foolishly and recklessly? What can I abandon for love of Him and love of my neighbor?

Joseph Kerstiens <jb.kerstiens@gmail.com>

Tuesday, December 10- Elaine Ireland

Provision for the Journey to Bethlehem
A brief reflection preparing us to meet the Christ Child.

A voice cries out: “In the desert prepare the way of the LORD! Make straight in the wasteland a highway for our God! Every valley shall be filled in, every mountain and hill shall be made low; The rugged land shall be made a plain, the rough country, a broad valley” (Is 40:1-11).

Have you ever considered how this image from Isaiah squares with the journey Mary and Joseph make from Nazareth to Bethlehem? Imagine making the trip with them: You’d likely travel with a group; others must make the same trek, and it is dangerous to travel alone. It is about 90 miles (upwards of ten days), south along the flatlands of the Jordan and west over the hills into Jerusalem and onto Bethlehem. Our tradition says it is winter, so in that part of the Judean desert, it would be in the 30s (F) during the day and very rainy, freezing at night. You’d be wearing a heavy woolen cloak over your long robes (yes, they would get soaking wet) with tube-like socks and enclosed shoes protecting your feet. You’d also be carrying provisions for at least 2 weeks: Water in big skins made from goat hides, wine, flat bread, oil and herbs, dried fruit and nuts… A straight highway? Level hills and broad valleys? Think again.

Today’s Provision: Bringing Christ into the world is not easy. Look for support. That’s why “traveling the holy way” is always better with companions! Do you have trusted “God friends” who accompany and support you as you strive to bring forth God’s peace into the world? I hope so! They make all the difference. If not, start looking for groups of people who value what you value, and make an early New Year’s resolution to join them on the journey.

Wednesday, December 11 - Carmen Mele

Wednesday of the Second Week of Advent

(Isaiah 40:25-31; Matthew 11:28-30)

Today’s reading from the second part of the Book of the Prophet Isaiah highlights the paramount virtue during Advent – hope. Hope enables humans to tolerate desperate situations by providing a plausible remedy. In the reading Jewish exiles in Babylon are experiencing hardship. They were defeated with heavy losses during the siege of Jerusalem. Now as strangers with a distinguished heritage they face ridicule and contempt. God, speaking through the prophet, assures the people that they will not remain marginalized for long. He, forever young and strong, will see them through the trial to peace and prosperity again.

The well-known passage from the Gospel of Matthew likewise gives a message of hope. Jesus tells those who feel overburdened by the many laws of Judaism not to give up. Rather they are to find hope in a relationship with him. He provides comfort and strength with his love for them. He is the long-expected Messiah who has come to save them from their sins.
Many find the Church today a legalistic overseer with countless rules. Because they have lost the sense that she is the Body of Christ, they leave her. Christ would have us tell them to wait and try developing a spiritual relationship with him. We, Christ’s body, are to share their joys and sorrows, work and recreation in his name.

Carmen Mele <cmeleop@yahoo.com>

Wednesday, December 11 - Elaine Ireland

Provision for the Journey to Bethlehem
A brief reflection preparing us to meet the Christ Child.

“Lift up your eyes on high and see who has created these things: He leads out their army and numbers them, calling them all by name. By his great might …not one of them is missing!” (Is 40:25-41).

The “army” Isaiah refers to are those stars we read about last Saturday. Huge stars that shine brightly like our sun, little twinkling ones that fill us with wonder, provide us with inspiration, and grant us just enough light to see the way forward!

Provision: Give thanks for the “stars” in your life. Call them by name. Let’s spend time today giving thanks for the “stars” in our lives, the great and the small; those who have gone before us who shine in the firmament and those in our communities and neighborhoods who greet us each day. Call them by name, and if feasible, let them know how they brighten your life. If you are out and about, thank the people who serve you. Be a “star” for someone else today.
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Thursday, December 12 - R. B. Williams

OUR LADY OF GUADALUPE

[Zechariah 2:14-17 OR Revelation 11:19a;12:1-6a, 10ab
and Luke 1:26-38 OR Luke 1:39-47]

A great sign appeared in the sky, a woman clothed with the sun, with the moon under her feet, and on her head a crown of twelve stars. She was with child and wailed aloud in pain as she labored to give birth. [Revelation]

Sing and rejoice, O daughter Zion! See, I am coming to dwell among you, says the Lord. Many nations shall join themselves to the Lord on that day, and they shall be his people, and he will dwell among you, and you shall know that the Lord of hosts has sent me to you. [Zechariah]

Marian devotion is one of the most prominent signs of Catholicism, whether East or West. Here in the United States, and south of our southern border, the devotion resulting from an apparition of Mary to a humble peasant on a hill in Mexico in 1531 has a very prominent place. This would be particularly important to Mexican Catholics. Despite some sentiment to the contrary since almost every country south of the border has a particular Marian devotion -a Nicaraguan student once said to me, 'Tm Nicaraguan. She's not OUR Lady!" - Pope John Paul II proclaimed Our Lady of Guadalupe to be the patroness of all the Americas! The image from the cloak ("tilma") of St. Juan Diego on display at the shrine in Mexico City is visited by thousands of pilgrims every year.

The significance of the image is multi-layered. Mary is presented as a young pregnant mestizo woman surrounded by many symbols. She is seen by many as God's favor and presence among the poor and oppressed people of the Americas. I have seen reproductions and stylized versions of the famous image on all kinds of surfaces in Texas and elsewhere in the Southwest of the USA. I have met both women and men with the first name "Guadalupe!" There is no question of the power of the image and the one who is depicted in it!

As with all Marian apparitions, whether Guadalupe, Lourdes, Fatima, Medugorje, etc.., people of faith are invited to consider the message and the person, Mary, who brings it. These should all point to the Son of Mary and strengthen the faith of those who are drawn to the particular devotion. The celebration of this feast is a reminder of the Blessed Mother's maternal care as well as a reminder of what her Son‘s teachings challenge us to do for others, especially the poor and oppressed of the Americas.

AMEN

Thursday, December 12 - Elaine Ireland

Provision for the Journey to Bethlehem
A brief reflection preparing us to meet the Christ Child.

A great sign appeared: a woman clothed with the sun, with the moon under her feet, and on her head a crown of twelve stars. …Then another sign; a huge red dragon, with seven heads and ten horns…Its tail swept away a third of the stars in the sky and hurled them down to the earth (Rv 11:19a; 12:1-6a, 10ab).

Lots going on here. Good and virtue are portrayed by the woman, adorned simply but dramatically with the Light of the Cosmos; and the frightening image of the evil and violence of the “Accuser” represented by the huge dragon. It is the classic battle of good and evil we see played out in Star Wars movies, TV shows, and, if we are lucky, occasionally in real life. But, given our theme, I’m intrigued by the image of “a third of the stars” being swept away and hurled down to earth. What happened to those stars?
.
Provision: Light always overcomes darkness. If you read the next verses, it turns out Satan and its angels were also thrown down to earth (v. 7-9) and continue to prowl around. But the heavenly stars are still here as well and continue to burn as brightly. Maybe they appear to us in dreams or perhaps in our memories, when we look back on times when we felt all was lost, only to find a light to lead us forward. Maybe they are the people we honored yesterday, or someone we encounter today! The light of the stars that endure here on earth will always overcome any darkness we encounter!
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Friday, December 13 - Auggie DeArmond

St. Anthony of Padua
New Orleans, LA
Lectionary: 185;

Reading 1: Is 48:17-19; Ps 1:1-2, 3, 4 and 6;
Gospel: Mt 11:16-19

Memorial of St. Lucy, Virgin and Martyr

Jesus compares the people of his day to two groups of “children who sit in marketplaces,” playing make-believe games, who are rather fickle about what they want from each other. The argument has to do with whether John the Baptist’s ascetic way of life and discipleship were better or worse than Jesus’s “celebratory” spirit of welcoming sinners to repentance. In other words, Jesus’ critics try to create friction between those who followed John and those now following Jesus.

Yet, both John and Jesus focused on the same goal: Calling men and women to reconciliation with God. There was no animosity between Jesus and John. In fact, there was great admiration for each other and, from the perspective of John, great devotion to Jesus as the Messiah. John even directed his own disciples to follow Jesus!

Every person in the Church has an opinion on discipleship and devotion to the faith. There are those people in today’s generation who criticize the members of the Church for being inconsistent in our witness to that faith. Why do you spend so much time in adoration? Is it not more practical and effective to offer outward service to the community? Shouldn’t you be more involved at the local food pantry instead of always fretting about your regular participation in the Sacrament of Reconciliation? All of these are important exercises of Christian discipleship, and we should make such active and contemplative practices a reality in our own lives, regardless of the criticisms of others.

Whether through prayer or works of charity, both of which are integral to the Christian discipleship, we should direct our hearts to the hearts of both John the Baptist and Jesus. They both desired that men and women turn back from sin and be reconciled to God. As we continue the Advent Season, let us offer both our corporal and spiritual works toward the goal of preparing ourselves and our neighbors of the coming of Jesus Christ, who is the ultimate image of God and man reconciled.

Fr. Augustine J. DeArmond, OP, JCL <adearmond@opsouth.org>

Friday, December 13 - Elaine Ireland

Provision for the Journey to Bethlehem
A brief reflection preparing us to meet the Christ Child.

“I, the LORD, your God, teach you what is for your good, and lead you on the way you should go” (Is 48:17-19). “Those who follow you, Lord, will have the light of life” (Ps 1, Jn 8:12)

There are two essential parts of this equation: first, we listen to God’s Word—for Christians, that would be Jesus (so none of the “eye for an eye” stuff!). This is how we learn what is for our good. Second—and this is often the hardest part—we follow in Jesus’s footsteps, to put into living practice what we have learned. These two things add up to having the light of the Lord in our lives.

Provision: How’s your math? One thing about this equation: if we don’t listen well and thoughtfully to God’s Word, we will have an even harder time trying to add in the second part. Too often, we skim over the words of Scripture. We have heard the same old lessons and stories so many times that we fail to grasp the meaning for our individual lives. Take the gospel for today (Mt 11:16-19). What is Jesus saying to you about your faith? Take time with the readings today. See if you can read them like you’ve never heard them before. How do they help you to follow in Jesus’ footsteps?

Saturday, December 14 - Elaine Ireland

Memorial of Saint John of the Cross,
priest and doctor of the Church

St. John of the Cross

Lectionary: 693; 1 Cor 2:1-10a;
Reading 1: 1 Cor 2:1-10a;
Psalm: Ps 37:3-4, 5-6, 30-31;
Gospel: Lk 14:25-33

Provision for the Journey to Bethlehem
A brief reflection preparing us to meet the Christ Child.

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 (Mt 17:9-13).

What does Jesus mean by Elijah coming to “restore all things?” There had not been a prophet recognized in Israel since Malachi, some 400 years ago, so what “things” needed to be restored? Fear of the Lord? Prophetic reminders about the need for repentance and God’s promises of salvation and mercy? Hope for the oppressed? Israel had become a law-bound, uneasy subject of Rome. You get the feeling there was little Spirit to be found, particularly among the poor. Enter John the Baptist, with his fiery prophecies and burning criticism of the hierarchy, “the brood of vipers.” Oh they recognized him, alright. And did to him what they thought was expedient, just like they will do with the Son of Man.

Provision: Look for the light of real prophets. There are false prophets out there today, some who talk about “profits” as being a sign of God’s favor. Who are real prophets, those who preach God’s mercy for all, God’s preferential option for the poor? “By their fruits, you will know them.” “Do not be deceived.”

ADVENT Week III

Sunday, December 15 - Cristóbal Torres Iglesias, OP

The Fulfillment of All Desire

At this time of year, I often think about the Christmas morning of 1980. I’d spent weeks pining after a battery-operated toy electric guitar to bring my rock star fantasies to life. I remember that ecstatic moment under the tree when, having torn through the scotch-taped wrapping paper, my hands finally held the fulfillment of all desire. After inserting the C batteries in the plastic casing and striking my coolest rock-star pose, I ran happily about the house, improvising melodies on the colorful plastic buttons (it was string less!) and showing off the most amazing Christmas gift Santa (my dad) had ever given me. I played my new guitar for hours, sharing my excitement with everyone that Christmas morning… until I sat on it. And that was that.

Christian life is a school that forms us to look perseveringly toward the fulfillment of all desire. Our faith schools us the sometimes-difficult discipline of living in hope. Advent especially fosters this, with readings and liturgical texts that train our hearts and minds to watch and wait in darkness, as we quietly rejoice in the approaching light. The indispensable element, of course, is to continually refocus the heart on the right thing, on that alone which can truly fulfill every desire, plastic electric guitars notwithstanding.

On Gaudete Sunday, or the Sunday of Rejoicing, we are reminded that in some sense, the end of our wait is always near. We never know when a piercing ray of grace will break through the darkness and turn it on its head, any more than we know when the Prince of Peace will call us home. Life in Christ trains us to persevere in quiet joy, in times both dark and bright. As Advent gives way to the fulfillment of all desire, let us perseveringly seek Jesus, knowing that his presence is within us and around us, waiting to be known, loved, and made known. And as God sustains us in hope, may we rejoice, knowing that the Spirit of Life conforms us - even now - to the One for whose coming we so ardently yearn.

Cristóbal Torres <cmti1971@gmail.com>

Sunday, December 15 - Elaine Ireland

Provision for the Journey to Bethlehem
A brief reflection preparing us to meet the Christ Child.

“Whoever has two cloaks, share with the person who has none…whoever has food should do likewise.” He answered [the tax collectors]: "Stop collecting more than what is prescribed." Soldiers also asked him. He told them, "Do not practice extortion, do not falsely accuse anyone, and be satisfied with your wages” (Lk 3:10-18).

I’m tempted at times to stop writing based on the lectionary and instead use the verses that immediately proceed them, in this case: “He said to the crowds who came out to be baptized, “You brood of vipers! Who warned you to flee from the coming wrath? Produce good fruits as evidence of your repentance; and do not begin to say to yourselves, ‘We have Abraham as our father,’ for I tell you, God can raise up children to Abraham from these stones. Even now the ax lies at the root of the trees. Therefore, every tree that does not produce good fruit will be cut down and thrown into the fire” (Lk 3:7-9). You can imagine the people trembling and asking, “What then should we do?” They cower as he lowers the boom: Share what you have. Don’t throw your weight around. Stop stealing, lying, and whining!

Expecting something more dramatic? We may think we must go to great lengths for salvation: extreme acts of contrition, beating ourselves up for our all-too-frequent lapses. But in reality, it’s about two things: what we do in our daily lives and “not only what we do, but where we do it from” (John Shea, Starlight, p. 103).

Provision: Do everything with love. The crowd is concerned with their own salvation. Based on John’s words, that’s not surprising. There’s nothing wrong with that goal but note what John says about the people just relying on their status as children of Abraham. Note what he says about producing good fruit. Remember, the word “repentance”—metanoia in Greek—has to do with changing, not only our actions, but our minds and hearts. If we are doing works of charity and justice based solely on obligation or for our own salvation, we are missing out on the joy of true repentance. God looks into our hearts and sees our motivation. Let’s try this week to do what we do with love from our hearts.
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Monday, December 16 - Francine Schwarzenberger

“I shall ask you one question…”

The time of Jesus’ passion is approaching. Tension is building as Jewish religious leaders attempt to catch Jesus off guard. Jews and Gentiles alike are rejecting God’s invitation to the Messianic banquet. But Jesus, so cleverly, asks one question – precise and concise – in today’s reading. “I shall ask you one question…”

Jesus asks one question often. Some scholars say he does this more than 70 times in the Gospel according to Matthew, but in all the Gospels, he only answers three. Sometimes the questions confer dignity, or initiate a conversation, or lead people to deeper knowledge. Sometimes the question exposes duplicity.

“Who touched me?” “Why do you notice the splinter in your brother ‘s or sister’s eye?” “Why are you afraid, you of little faith?” “What do you want me to do for you?”
It is Advent, a time of welcoming the Incarnate Word in our midst. What question is Jesus asking you today?

Francine Schwarzenberger <francineop@msn.com>

Monday, December 16 - Elaine Ireland

Provision for the Journey to Bethlehem
A brief reflection preparing us to meet the Christ Child.

“I see him, though not now; I behold him, though not near: A star shall advance from Jacob, and a staff shall rise from Israel” (Nm 24: 2-7, 15-17).

This passage is part of the oracle proclaimed by the pagan prophet, Balaam. It’s not referenced in the New Testament but is considered a messianic prophecy and was used in early Christian writings. It speaks of experiencing “him,” seeing and beholding a star from Jacob’s lineage, but in a far-off, incorporeal way. The Incarnation changed all that—God coming in the flesh—but there have been times in my life when I’ve felt God was distant. I imagine this happens for most people. We cognitively acknowledge God’s presence, just not right now and not right here. Find hope in Balaam’s words.

Provision: Look for the star of God’s presence. Maybe the star is a memory of a time when God was with you. (I recall God’s presence being so real for me as I accompanied my father when he died.) Try to recapture that feeling of God’s closeness and savor it. Tell God your desire to feel that closeness again. Perhaps you can find the star in the eyes and the smile of a loved one, or even a stranger. “Rise up in splendor! Your light has come… raise your eyes and look about” (Is 60:1,4). Raise and open your eyes, open your heart. Look for God’s star in the darkness.

Tuesday, December 17 - Carlos Salas

Tuesday of the Third Week of Advent

Genesis 49:2, 8-10 | Matthew 1:1-17

To look forward to what’s ahead, we look at where we’ve been. On this final week before Mary gives birth to the Word Incarnate, we remember today the ancestors and the pillars of our faith. Matthew begins the genealogy of Jesus with Abraham, God’s friend, the one who models faith in God for us. The second section begins with David the king, the father of the wise Solomon, and the final section post-Babylonian exile. Fourteen generations in each section, though not precise. Matthew’s goal was not to set in stone the hard historical information but to convey the relationships. Most importantly that Jesus is the son of Abraham and the son of David by lineage through the adoption of St. Joseph, the husband of Mary.

In this lineage we find ancestors who remind us both of the praiseworthy and grace-filled example doing of God’s will on the one hand, and the reminder that sinfulness has entered humanity on the other. I think that that is what we all need to recognize when doing an examination of conscience before approaching the Confessional. When we only look at our sinfulness we can be led to anguish, but only looking at the moments of grace can tempt us into a state of comfort. Instead, both are necessary. And it is only by that holistic approach that we can more easily notice that the Lord has been walking with us through our life, and not that He is distant (or even altogether gone) in the darker memories of our life. Christ Himself referred to the ancestors by Moses in the passage about the burning bush when he called “Lord” the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob, and he is not God of the dead, but of the living, for to him all are alive. If the Lord is with those who have already died, how much more is He not with us who are preparing to welcome His Son into our life?
In this process of examination of one’s conscience, recognizing that the Lord has been with us through it all, we are then ready to give Him all our sinfulness and accept His grace. We look forward to what’s ahead: the remembrance of His birth and His dwelling among us. To welcome Him into our life even more, it is helpful to take this final week to make a thorough examination of conscience and ask the Lord to help us notice His presence with us through it all.

fr. Carlos Salas, OP <csalas94@hotmail.com>

Tuesday, December 17 - Elaine Ireland

Provision for the Journey to Bethlehem
A brief reflection preparing us to meet the Christ Child.

The genealogy of Jesus Christ...Abraham became the father of Isaac, father of Jacob... Salmon was the father of Boaz, father of Obed, whose mother was Ruth. Obed, the father of Jesse, father of David the king, father of Solomon…After the Babylonian exile, Eliakim, the father of Azor, father of Zadok… Matthan, father of Jacob, father of Joseph, husband of Mary. Of her was born Jesus” (Mt 1:1-17).

Genealogies can be pretty dry. What makes them interesting are the back stories. Take those in Jesus’ family tree: We see the faith of Abraham as well as the deceit of Jacob; the loyalty of Ruth and the cunning of Tamar. The sinfulness and the humility of David; the wisdom and the weakness of Solomon. The unconditional trust of Mary and Joseph. Through nature and nurture, customs and traditions, Jesus became the person he was, just as we become who we are through the love and trials of generations past.

Provision: Accept the past. There’s an Irish proverb: “If there are skeletons in your family’s closet, you might as well learn to dance with them.” Our lives are a tapestry woven with threads from the past, some strong, some frayed. It’s what makes us so wonderfully, so utterly human. The holidays can be a time of family joy, but they can also be difficult. If you can’t celebrate the past, at least try to accept it. If there are wounds from deceit, sinfulness, and weakness, pray Christ’s Christmas gift to you is a forgiving heart. And then learn to dance!

Wednesday, December 18 - Cecilia C. Bryant

Righteousness, justice, salvation; these words are heard throughout today’s readings and are significant as we approach the celebration of the Incarnation. Righteousness is defined as acting in accord with Divine or moral law. True justice can only be obtained through the Just Judge GOD himself who shows no partiality and loves each of us equally as His own and confirmed this by sending His only Son so that everyone who follows Him will obtain Salvation – Eternal Life with GOD. We cannot achieve salvation without GOD. HE is in us and with us. Joseph knew this because as the Gospel states he was a righteous man and did not hesitate when the angel told him he was part of GOD’s plan for the salvation of the world. Are we prepared to follow the path of righteousness and allow GOD to be the Just Judge?

Cecilia Cahill-Bryant <cmcahill63@hotmail.com>
St. Peter Chapter Dominican Laity
Memphis, TN

Wednesday, December 18th - Elaine Ireland

Provision for the Journey to Bethlehem
A brief reflection preparing us to meet the Christ Child.

"Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary into your home!” (Mt 1:18-25).

In the book I’ve been referencing, Starlight, John Shea has an interesting take on this story: “Mary is found to be pregnant before she has lived with Joseph. Joseph, a just man, decides to divorce her quietly. …He is not open to scandal. The angel entreats him not to fear scandal. …What looks like scandal is really the work of the Holy Spirit. This is a truly appropriate conception story for a man who, when he grows up, will scandalize everyone” (pp. 54-55).

Provision: “Do not be afraid.” We talked last week about putting aside the romanticized images of the infancy narratives. While Bible stories are not looked at as factual history (we don’t know the actual story of Jesus’ birth, but we embrace the mystery) still, there are many traditions and legends that have arisen that teach us important lessons. One lesson is to know that doing God’s work, bringing God’s living presence into the world can be very messy, even scandalous at times. We pray for the clarity with which Joseph discerns, but sometimes, we just need to trust the voice we hear in our hearts. If it speaks to us of love and compassion, of being fearless for God, it’s likely an angel of the Lord.

Thursday, December 19 - Carl Paustian

Doubt is a funny thing. Now, I consider myself something of a pragmatist and a practical person. I am someone guided by facts, and logic, and reason. And so, doubt comes easy to me everything needs to make sense, it needs to line up before I trust it. I'm not sure what I would have done if I were Manoah or Zechariah.

Both of our Scripture readings today speak of un-probable events. Barren women giving birth to sons, who change the course of history. Samson won victory over his foes to restore the glory of Israel. John the Baptist foretold the coming of the Messiah, sent by God to bring salvation. All of these things improbable, unexpected, against practicality and reason. And yet, over and over again, God shows us that he will do incredible things- that with him, nothing is impossible. The story of Mary and Joseph, the birth of Jesus show us this too. And yet, all God asks is that we trust him, that we cast away our doubts and trust him.

Soon, we celebrate the feast of the Incarnation, Christmas, the celebration of the coming of Christ- and indeed, Christ will come, one way or another. Practical or not- just as he did in a stable 2,000 years ago. Do we trust and believe his coming? Do we make room for him in our lives, in our hearts- allowing his will, God's will, to take hold?

Advent is about making room him for Christ, about preparing the way as John the Baptist did, for the coming of our savior. About getting ready to receive him anew, and to let him take hold of our lives so that we can follow him. Christmas is coming, ready or not. More important than gifts, decorations and holiday cookies is our hearts. Are they open, ready to celebrate Christ, to greet him when he comes again?

Thursday, December 19 - Elaine Ireland

Provision for the Journey to Bethlehem
A brief reflection preparing us to meet the Christ Child.

Those who’ve lived awhile know from experience: God does not work on our timetable. Or, to put it more bluntly: God is not a vending machine. The fact that God does not heal the sick relative or arrange the prayed-for acceptance at a job or school, or on a global scale, stop the slaughter of innocents can cause people to reject God. If we are aware, we can see God’s living presence everywhere, but the real test comes when what we pray for, long for does not come to pass.

Provision: Reflect on God’s hand in your life. Spend time today looking back on your life. Are there difficult things that happened to you, disappointments and losses that occurred that you are ready to look at from another vantage point? This can be hard but try to look for God’s hand in what has happened. Has past sinfulness or loss led you to a closer relationship with God? Did something you hoped for lead you in a different, more fulfilling direction? “God’s presence is not discerned at the time when it is upon us, but afterwards when we look back” (John Henry Newman).

Friday, December 20, 2024 - Francis Orozco

The Lord loves to give us signs, he loves to send us little messages or, at times, big messages.

Do we like receiving signs?

I often think of an episode of The Simpsons where Homer, the father, prays to God for everything to remain the same:

“Dear Lord…For the first time in my life everything is absolutely perfect the way it is. So here’s the deal: you freeze everything as it is and I won’t ask for anything more. If that is okay, please give me absolutely no sign. [1 second pause] Okay, deal. In gratitude, I present to you this offering of cookies and milk. If you want me to eat them for you, please give me no sign. [1 second pause] Thy will be done.”

Most of us, though, whether we notice them or not, whether we ignore them or not, do receive signs from God. Unless we believe that our life is headed in the wrong direction, we’ll usually pray a variation of Homer Simpson’s prayer. But our Lord has great plans for us; he has a mission for us that we may not even believe we can accomplish. And he tells us about it! What comes after the pause can determine our life. Homer Simpson doesn’t wait. Our Blessed Mother pondered.

Today, ask the Lord for a sign and wait longer than 1 second. Give it a few days or weeks. Use that time to ponder. Our Lord has great plans for us; he has a mission for us that we may not even believe we can accomplish.

Fr. Francis Orozco, OP <forozco@opsouth.org>

Friday, December 20 - Elaine Ireland

Provision for the Journey to Bethlehem
A brief reflection preparing us to meet the Christ Child.

“Nothing will be impossible for God” (Lk 1:26-38, NABRE). “Because nothing, of all the things I have said, is impossible with God” (literal Greek translation).

In the first translation, the angel states the obvious: “Nothing is impossible for God.” We get it. God can do whatever God wants. I may be reading more into the second translation, “Nothing is impossible with God,” but let’s consider it. Mary has free will. So do we. And as the Bible tells us over and over, God, for some reason, seems to prefer to work with us. This is God’s chosen way. “Christ has no body but yours. No hands, no feet on earth but yours. Yours are the eyes with which he looks with compassion on this world. Yours are the feet with which he walks to do good. Yours are the hands, with which he blesses all the world. Yours are the hands, yours are the feet, yours are the eyes, you are his body. Christ has no body now but yours” (Teresa of Avila).

Provision: “May it be done unto me.” Mary has a choice. She agrees to be God’s servant and, in a real sense, sacrifices her body to have something “done” to her. What if we arise (after we’ve listened to the words God speaks to us—see tomorrow’s provision) and say, “I consciously give my “Yes” to God today to be God’s servant, willingly sacrificing my own desires, plans, and needs to be able to bear Christ in the world.

Saturday, December 21 - Moses Owens

Readings: Song of Songs 2:8-14; Psalm 33; Luke 3:39-45

My mom talks about how when she was pregnant with me she could sometimes see me rolling my little fist across her stomach–my knuckles outlined on her belly. I have no memories of those prenatal acrobatics, but she and my dad remember. Their tiny baby is now a grown man, but that little fist saying hello from within left enough of a mark that she can talk about it 30 years later. As our Advent waiting gets closer to ending, we’re swept up in a similar joyful image of waiting–of love not yet fully seen but nonetheless believed. And in that belief the wait moves from task to delight. We are called up into sweetness still to come, into an embrace deepened by delay.

We’re used to thinking about waiting alongside ideas like patience, endurance, and suffering. But what about joy? Can we sit still long enough to let the discipline of waiting lead into the joy of resting in a good thing, in Goodness Himself?

That little fist on my mom’s stomach decades ago spoke a promise to her and my dad. That all the backaches, sleepless nights, and other

pains of pregnancy would be beyond worth it. That a child really was coming. Not just any child–their child, their son. My parents could wait, and bear the less than pleasant parts of that wait, because they believed in the goodness of what was coming once those 9 months were over. We’ve waited these 3 weeks so far and now are invited to rejoice as we take stock of who we’re waiting for. Not just a savior, our savior. Not just a random, poetic ‘lover’ in Song of Songs, but our lover. Our God and King. Our faithful and promised Friend. Our Jesus.

So if these past 3 weeks, months, years or decades have been more labor pains than happy baby-bumps and cute photo shoots announcing life to come, rejoice anyways. Dig deep and ask the Christ Child to leap within you, to call out to something or someone around you and get you out of yourself and into His life and love. Ask Him to let you see a little foot or fist pushing out in joyful defiance of the labor of waiting. And even if He doesn’t show you what you’re looking for, sing all the same. After all, it's to you and me that He says, “Let me see you, let me hear your voice, For your voice is sweet, and you are lovely.”

Moses Owens <tylerowens94.to@gmail.com>

Saturday, December 21 - Elaine Ireland

Provision for the Journey to Bethlehem
A brief reflection preparing us to meet the Christ Child.

“Arise, my beloved, my beautiful one and come! Let me see you, let me hear your voice, for your voice is sweet, and you are lovely” (Sg 2:8-14).

Nobody in the hospital could tell the age of the old woman who was called Susanna. I knew she spoke some English and that she was an immigrant out of a little country trampled by armies. Because she had no visitors, I would stop by to see her, but she was always sleeping. All I could do was to get out her comb and carefully untangle the tangles in her hair. One day I was beside her when she woke up. Opening small dark eyes of a surprising clearness, she looked at me and said, “You want to know the truth?” I answered, “Yes.” She said, “It's something that my mother told me: ‘There's not a single inch of our whole body that the Lord does not love.’ She then went back to sleep. (“Susanna,” by Anne Porter, from Living Things: Collected Poems. © Zoland Books, 2006, pp. 51-52.)

Provision: Know you are beloved. There are four days until Christmas, four probably very busy days and you might just not take enough time for prayer😉. So, do this: imagine each morning hearing God call to you, “Arise, my beloved, my beautiful one.” And then, in ten days, make a resolution to hear God’s call to you every day of 2025!

ADVENT Week IV

Sunday, December 22 - Br. Francis Mary Kratz, O.P.

Mal 3:1-4, 23-24; Ps 25:4-5ab, 8-9, 10 and 14; Lk 1:57-66

God is constantly calling us back to Him and seeking us to renew our commitments to Him. He does not just seek a half-hearted “yes” to His call, but a decisive turn of heart towards Him and our neighbor (Mal 3:24). Sometimes this turn of heart confuses those who are close to us, especially if they expect us to act a certain way. We see the shock people have when Elizabeth and Zechariah decide to name their child John, against the traditional custom, due to the angel Gabriel’s message to them. But also note, as Zechariah takes the decisive step to follow God’s will for his life, “immediately his mouth was opened, his tongue freed, and he spoke blessing God.” (Lk 1:64). And those who were originally opposed to this decision were in awe and took the events to heart (Lk 1:65-66). Following God along His path frees us and gives us joy, even in the midst of life’s difficulties, and this is picked up by those around us.

The Advent season is a wonderful opportunity for turning our hearts back to Christ. Each day of life we are called to turn back to the Lord’s path, but the Church has instituted particular seasons focused on this to help reinvigorate our efforts. In Advent, we anticipate Christ’s Second Coming by examining our life and seeing what needs changed. Just as Zechariah surely had to reflect on his decision to follow God’s will after a previous fall, so we also must examen our lives and bring them into conformity with Christ. In a few days, we will celebrate in joy at Christmas, where we are truly made present to Christ’s birth on earth through the liturgy. We ourselves must internalize this mystery, take it to heart, and allow it to change our life into that of Christ’s.

Sunday, December 22 - Elaine Ireland

Provision for the Journey to Bethlehem
A brief reflection preparing us to meet the Christ Child.

“He shall be peace” (Mi 5:1-4).

To which I respond: “How long, LORD? …How long will you hide your face? How long must I carry sorrow in my soul, grief in my heart day after day? …Look upon me, answer me, LORD, my God! Give light to my eyes…Lest my enemy say, I have prevailed.’…I trust in your mercy. Grant my heart joy in your salvation” (Ps 13). How long until his peace appears?

As I am writing, this thought jumps out at me: Who is this enemy I’m so worried about? Who or what is it that might prevail over me? I imagine some of us can put together a short list of people we’d like God to deal with, but here’s a more practical way: Don’t have any enemies. If I dehumanize or worse, demonize others, events, or issues, I am, in effect, creating enemies for myself. Of course, we all want peace, for ourselves, families, nations, and the world. But “He shall be peace” only when each of us commits to being peace in our own lives.

Provision: Be peace. This reminds me of a few words from my father’s favorite Native American prayer: “I seek strength, not to be superior to my brother, but to fight my greatest enemy - myself” (https://www.worldprayers.org/archive/prayers/
invocations/oh_great_spirit_whose_voice.html). How often I find this to be true! My ego or my need to be right makes me then look at others as being wrong; sometimes, so wrong that I make them enemies. This doesn’t mean we ignore immoral or unmerciful actions or policies. We work to right wrongs, but if we start with an “us/them” mentality, we will get no closer to peace than when we started and likely make things worse. Try this week to give a gift to the Prince of Peace: Be peace.

Monday, December 23 - Br. Bede Raymond Sauser

In the readings today we see how God has sent the fiery John the Baptist to prepare us for the coming of Christ. I was reminded of when I recently made fresh pretzels. They were actually fairly simple to make except for one step, the pretzels needed to be boiled in a solution of lye or baking soda before baking. This step is what gives the pretzels their distinctive brown luster and tangy flavor. It’s a tricky step as well. If you boil the pretzels for too long, they can end up tasting like soap. But the pretzels need to be boiled in order to be cooked properly. In some ways, this is what John the Baptist has come to do. “For he is like the refiner’s fire, or like the fuller’s lye.” He is sent by God to prepare us, to give us the bitter medicine, the boiling in the base, that we need in order to cook properly. For us today, John the Baptist can represent the asceticism of Advent, of the deep cleaning we need, or rather the deep cleaning we desire in order to receive Christ into our hearts in a special way this Christmas.

Monday, December 23 - Elaine Ireland

Provision for the Journey to Bethlehem
A brief reflection preparing us to meet the Christ Child.

“And suddenly there will come to the temple, the LORD whom you seek… But who will endure the day of his coming? And who can stand when he appears? (Mal 3:1-4, 23-24). When they came to circumcise the child, they were going to call him Zechariah…, but his mother said, “No. He will be called John” (Lk 1:57-66).

These passages address one of my favorite subjects: expectations. “Who can stand when he appears?” Who is willing to stand at the entrance of a smelly stable in the middle of a cold winter night? Who the heck thinks “the Lord we seek” will be a vulnerable baby born outside Jerusalem? Oh, and I just love the relatives and neighbors who are ready to give Elizabeth’s baby a name they think is appropriate! “Sorry, say she and Zachariah, “We and the Lord have other plans.”

Provision: What were you…what are you expecting? A good follow-up to yesterday’s reflection. It can be our expectations that cause us disappointment. We expect others…and God…to work according to OUR plans. In Buddhism, this is one aspect of “beginner’s mind:” Don’t assume to know the answers. Be present to the Lord in your midst.

Tuesday, December 24 - Dave Caron

Luke 1:67-79

On this last day of the Advent season, we hear from the father of John the Baptist who prays that the “...the dawn from on high will break upon us...” These words remind us that we have a God who brings order out of chaos. In Genesis we hear that God creates the earth and all that lives on it We learn that the first act of creation is the creation of light and darkness—even before the creation of the sun and the moon. Thus, the dawn, the first light of day is God, from whom Zechariah expects a merciful visit.

While Zechariah is expecting a messiah, whom we know to be Jesus, we might apply Zechariah's prophecy to every day. The dawn continues to be the sign of God’s presence. Who among us hasn’t been caught up in the glimpse of a sunrise over the blue ocean or peaking over a magnificent mountain? Each year Easter Masses and Sunrise Services are held to welcome the Christian sign of Christ's resurrection. Every day the dawn appears and proclaims that God is with us. Like the sun, God lights our way out of hopelessness, despair, tragedy, war, etc. God’s faithfulness and trustworthiness is like that of the sunrise. We can be assured that that it will lead us and guide us to peace, wholeness, and holiness in God’s presence. All this is God’s handiwork.

May the Sun of Justice whose birth we celebrate tonight, Christmas Eve show us mercy and may His kindness lighten our hearts, just as the sun illumines the earth. Amen.

Dave Caron, OP

Tuesday, December 24 - Elaine Ireland

Provision for the Journey to Bethlehem
A brief reflection preparing us to meet the Christ Child.

When King David settled in his palace, and the LORD had given him rest from his enemies he said, “Here I am living in a house of cedar, while the ark of God dwells in a tent!” (2 Sm 7:1-5; 8-12, 14, 16).

David feels ashamed that he is living in a great palace, while God is out back in a tent! (Although read Exodus:25-27 to see how elaborate that tent is!) David talks to Nathan about building God a permanent residence, but Nathan relates God’s words, “I have been with you wherever you went.” Over the centuries, elaborate temples were built to honor God, only to be plundered and destroyed. Tonight, we celebrate God coming to be with us where we are. And where does God arrive? In a dirty stable, amid the animals, in a manger, a feeding trough … food for the world who came to live among us in the realities of human existence, a living temple that cannot be destroyed.

Provision: Look for God where you will find God. “Leave this chanting and singing… Whom do you worship in this lonely dark corner of a temple? … God is where the tiller is tilling the hard ground and where the pathbreaker is breaking stones. God is with them in sun and in shower, and God’s garment is covered with dust. Put off your holy mantle, and like God, come down on the dusty soil! Deliverance! Where is this deliverance to be found? Our Master has taken upon him the bonds of creation, bound with us all forever. Come out of your meditations and leave aside your flowers and incense! What harm is there if your clothes become tattered and stained? Meet and stand by God in toil and in the sweat of your brow.” (“You are There,” by Rabindranath Tagore, adapted from The Heart of God, p. 26-27). (Note: In sharing this poem, I, by no means, dismiss the essential need for times of quiet prayer and devotion. To do our work in the world, we need intimacy with God, just as Jesus had when he sought time alone in the mountains to be with God. But Jesus lived, and lives still “on the dusty soil” we trod. This is Incarnation.)

- Tom Condon

Unlike the Gospels of St. Matthew and St. Luke, St. John’s Gospel does not contain the story of the birth of Jesus. Instead, the first chapter of John’s Gospel, known as the prologue, contains this famous verse: “And the Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us.” John doesn’t mention Mary and Joseph, angels, shepherds, animals, or other familiar figures we associate with the birth of Jesus. Yet this passage is what the church proclaims on Christmas day. John’s Prologue is more poetic than descriptive. The verse is simple and beautiful. and states the theological message of the event of Jesus’ birth. The Word of God, the Second Person of the Trinity, was born a human being and lived among us. That’s what this great Solemnity is all about. God’s Son joined us in our human state and revealed to us the glory of the Father for all to see.

Our Christmas traditions include opening presents, visiting family and friends, and eating a festive meal. It’s a wonderful day for everyone. In all our celebrations, we must not forget why we celebrate. Pure and simple: “And the Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us.” Christ remains with us now and will remain with us until the end of time, when he will come again to gather all his holy ones to share in God’s glory for all eternity.

Joy to the world, the Lord has come!

Fr. Thomas M. Condon <tcondon@opsouth.org>

St. Dominic Priory
St. Louis, Missouri

Wednesday, December 25 - Elaine Ireland

Provision for the Journey to Bethlehem
A brief reflection preparing us to meet the Christ Child.

"A light will shine on us this day: the Lord is born for us” (Ps 97).
Given our theme of “Embracing Starlight,” I’d like to share an excerpt of my Christmas reflection from 2010:

Provision: “There is one provision that led us here we might have taken for granted, something we didn’t need to work for or even pray about. An “undeserved light” available to each of us every day…the guiding light of the Christmas Star.

So, eat, drink, and be merry. But when all the carols have been sung and the decorations are being put away, keep one little star ornament out this year. Hang it where it can be noticed. Let it be a reminder that our Advent journey is indeed our life’s journey, so we need to stay awake and aware. But if the road gets rough and our provisions dwindle, remember—the Star is always there to light your way and guide you home. Christmas blessings to you all!”

Advent Week Four Continues...

Thursday, December 26 - Elaine Ireland

Provision for the Journey to Bethlehem
A brief reflection preparing us to meet the Christ Child.

They cried out in a loud voice, covered their ears, and rushed upon him together. They threw him out of the city and began to stone him (Acts 6:8-10, 7:54-59).

Forgive my irreverence, but the following came to mind: I imagine I am back in Catholic grade school, taking our bows after the Nativity Pageant, when Sister “whisper-yells” to us, “All of you—Mary, Joseph, angels, sheep—exit the stage! We’ve got to set up for Stephen’s stoning!” (Sorry, but God must have a sense of humor—how else can we explain God’s patience with us!) I thought maybe there was something more pleasant to use from the Common Lectionary, but alas, we all get to experience “the day after!” But if we truly believe the Incarnation is not a season, but a lived reality, we also believe God’s presence on earth is not all stars and carols but is deep in the messiness and darkness of life.

Provision: “Finding God in all things.” This is a basic tenet of Ignatian Spirituality. The late Jesuit, David Fleming describes it this way: “Most people say, ‘I’ll believe it when I see it.” Ignatius says, ‘When I believe it, I will see it.’”

This is very hard at times. How do we look at the evils in Syria, the Israeli/Arab conflict, the sick, the poor, the dying all over the world, the scapegoating of immigrants and still see God? Perhaps, we see God in how we and others are moved to make a difference. Remember, the Incarnation is now. What will you do to bring the light of God into the darkness?

Friday, December 27th - Elaine Ireland

Provision for the Journey to Bethlehem
A brief reflection preparing us to meet the Christ Child.

“They have taken the Lord from the tomb” (Jn 20:1-8).

Who are the “they” Mary of Magdala is referring to? The Romans? Jewish elders? Nicodemus and Joseph of Arimathea? Tomb robbers? The gardener? If we go back to our reflection on Sunday, we remember the “we/they,” “us/them” is a recipe for conflict. I’m not questioning Mary’s panicked concerns and assumptions. “They” had to be somebody! The idea that “they” could be divine Love, a Love that defeats death never crossed her mind.

Provision: In the realm of divine Love, there is no “us and them.” It is hard to put away our tribal instincts. Those instincts are part of our animal nature and the need to defend ourselves. And yet, we know we are also divine in our nature, and our task on this earth is to have our “God-spark” overcome the need for self-preservation, to allow Love to defeat fear and death. Reflect today on who or what you consider “them.” Really give it some thought and be honest. We all do this, so don’t beat yourself up. See if you can make a conscious effort to continue to be aware, so the next time you encounter one of “them,” you’ll be ready with a smile and a kind word!

Saturday, December 28 - Elaine Ireland

Provision for the Journey to Bethlehem
A brief reflection preparing us to meet the Christ Child.

“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” (Jer 31:15, as cited in Mt 2:13-18).

“Al-Ram identified with Ramah in Benjamin, a town mentioned multiple times in the Bible. Al-Ram (Arabic: الرّام) …is a Palestinian town which lies northeast of Jerusalem, just outside the city's municipal border” (Wikipedia and validated sources). This took my breath away. While we can’t know for sure the actual location of Ramah, it is close to the very place where Jewish and Palestinian mothers weep today, unconsolable for their children who are no more.

(Quoting from my reflection from December 28, 2023): Today is the Feast of the Holy Innocents. It’s a despicable story and we may be tempted to ignore it. Just like the stories in the news now: hundreds of thousands of children dying of starvation; tens of thousands of poor children sold as prostitutes and slaves; the 2,500 children killed (in 2021) by gun violence in the US. …Dietrich Bonhoeffer said, “The test of the morality of a society is what it does for its children.” Conversely then, the indictment of society is found in what it does to its children.

Provision: Save the children. Herod’s slaughter continues. Research local programs [to aid families caught in the web of violence]. Contribute to charities that show a strong commitment to child health and welfare. Don’t be afraid to speak out against violence and guns. …And pray, pray, pray, not just for the unborn, but for children living every day under the specter of death. Let’s start focusing on our collective future instead of on just our own.

Memorial of Saint John of the Cross, priest and doctor of the Church

Memorial of Saint John of the Cross,
priest and doctor of the Church