If one follows the daily gospels throughout Advent, in one sense it takes the four gospels and extracts from them a chronological telling of the birth of the Messiah. This is especially true beginning on December 17th. That linear telling of the Nativity continues through the four different Masses of Christmas. Continue reading
Yesterday’s gospel asked of John the Baptist as a newborn: “What, then, will this child be?” For surely the hand of the Lord was with him.” (Luke 1:66) Today’s gospel answers the question: “Then Zechariah his father, filled with the holy Spirit, prophesied, saying: “Blessed be the Lord, the God of Israel, … The praises to God are captured in Zechariah’s song, traditionally called the Benedictus from its first word in Latin. Continue reading
The New York Times columnist, Ross Douthat is a conservative commentator on life as well as a practicing Catholic. In his recent newsletter he speaks about an Advent experience of someone who enters deeply into the the promise of a Messiah and the hard reality of what is expected of us should we say “yes” to the Savior. Continue reading
The days of Christmas are quickly approaching, your shopping isn’t finished (…. maybe not started!), the end-of-year activities at work are reaching deadlines, the tree is not up, the kids have a school Christmas play tomorrow night (… “Mom, is my costume ready?”…what costume?), the toy drive at the church is ready to wrap and deliver packages (I think we signed up to help as a family? …. maybe?), and…and… oh my gosh, the in-laws are coming to stay with us this Christmas. Even amidst the momentary panic of “how will all this get done,” there is an ever-present awareness that we want to be hospitable, warm, and welcoming – not only to the in-laws but to all who come to our door during the holidays. Continue reading
In today’s gospel we encounter the arrival of the son of Zechariah and Elizabeth into the world – the one who we know as John the Baptist. The account of John’s birth follows the pattern: birth + response + circumcision + naming + response. Represented in the structure and content of this sketch are the fulfillment of Gabriel’s words and Zechariah’s obedience to the angel. But it is the last verse that is the center of the story: “What then will this child become?” All the other verses lead up to and raise this question. Tomorrow’s gospel begins the process of answering it, locating John in the story of God’s redemption via Zechariah’s canticle, the Benedictus. Continue reading
If your parish is like mine, Christmas Mass can be a bit crowded with most of the Masses standing-room-only and the parking situation about the same. So this Christmas, if you’re frustrated by crowded Masses, or packed parking lots, take a moment and pray for Catholics who long for the Eucharist. Our brothers and sisters for whom public celebration of our Holy Day makes them targets of additional persecution. May our Christmas prayers and wishes be with them.
For one view on the matter, I offer you the insights of Catholic comedian Jeremy McLellan.
There is a story that is unfolding before our eyes as we turn the pages of the daily readings for Mass. On December 17, even as Matthew holds forth the genealogy of Jesus, he reminded us, that it was of Mary that Jesus was born. The liturgies of December 18 and 19 pointed to the parallelism of the Angel’s announcements to Joseph and Zechariah. On December 20 we encounter the core of the Annunciation gospel which is connected with Isaiah’s prophecy about the Virgin’s child. Yesterday, the unfolding story is told in the meeting of the two pregnant holy women: Elizabeth and Mary. We listened to Elizabeth’s characterization of Mary: she, who trusted, is to be called blessed. In today’s gospel we hear Mary’s response, the canticle known to us as the Magnificat. Continue reading
Most places in the United State are facing a rough patch of weather leading up to Christmas. Here in Northern Virginia tomorrow (Thursday 12/22) will bring rain and a plunging of the temperatures from the 40s into the low teens. Christmas Day will be sunny!…with a high of 29 degrees. In case you wondering the Christmas Day forecast for Honolulu is a high of 82 degrees and mostly sunny. Los Angeles will be mostly sunny with a high of 79 degrees. Partly sunny and 74 in San Diego. Phoenix will be sunny and 70 degrees. Orlando/Disney World…. yeah, bring mittens, hat and jacket. Wherever you are or what ever destination is in your plans, have a safe, warm, and Merry Christmas.
Stores, offices, and all kinds of places are filled with the sound of familiar and heartening Christmas carols. Some local radio stations are all Christmas music all the time with classic and modern renditions of the secular and religious carols and songs – sometimes recorded by singing chipmunks. It becomes part of the ambiance of our Advent season; part of what readies us for the celebration of Christmas. Continue reading
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