Category: Member Posts
Dust to Dust ~ Sr. Dollie Wilkinson, OPI
“‘Excuse me, you’ve got some dirt on your head.”
How many times have you heard this, and felt yourself heave a heavy sigh. But this simple question can serve as a catalyst for a very important discussion. So why exactly do we have this smudge on our foreheads?
Ash Wednesday begins Lent, a time when we stop and assess how we’re doing in our walk with God. Lent helps us identify spiritual areas in which we can grow and sinful areas that we need to avoid. To repent, put simply, means to turn away from sin and turn toward God. We use ashes as an outward expression of our need to begin again.
For over twelve hundred years on the dies cinerum (day of ashes) faithful followers have approached the altar and received ashes upon their foreheads. These ashes are made from the burnt palm fronds that were blessed on the Palm Sunday of the previous year. The ashes are sprinkled with holy water, usually fragranced with incense and blessed using four prayers that are thousands of years old. The use of ashes for repentance and penance can be traced even further back and is practiced throughout the world. On Ash Wednesday ashes are applied to believers’ foreheads in the shape of the cross.
So today we begin a 40 day period of wilderness wandering, 40 days because that’s how long Jesus was tempted in the wilderness. Even those in our society who have never really observed Lent know that it’s the time of year when pious people suffer and give things up not so God will be impressed with us, but to press upon ourselves the need for repentance and reform. As stated in this passage from the prophet Joel –
“Yet even now, says the Lord,
return to me with all your heart,
with fasting, with weeping, and with mourning;
rend your hearts and not your clothing.
return to the LORD, your God,
for he is gracious and merciful,
slow to anger, and abounding in steadfast love.
Amen.”
Seems to sum things up pretty well…..Fasting, Weeping, Mourning. For those of us who act like Lent is a competitive sport, this text from Joel is a pretty awesome starting place. But Lent isn’t a contest, and other than the outward sign of a cross of ashes on our forehead, is meant to be very private. As we are cautioned to do in Matthew 6:1-6, 16-18:
“Beware of practicing your piety before others in order to be seen by them; for then you have no reward from your Father in heaven. “So whenever you give alms, do not sound a trumpet before you, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets, so that they may be praised by others. Truly I tell you, they have received their reward. But when you give alms, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, so that your alms may be done in secret; and your Father who sees in secret will reward you. “And whenever you pray, do not be like the hypocrites; for they love to stand and pray in the synagogues and at the street corners, so that they may be seen by others. Truly I tell you, they have received their reward. But whenever you pray, go into your room and shut the door and pray to your Father who is in secret; and your Father who sees in secret will reward you. “And whenever you fast, do not look dismal, like the hypocrites, for they disfigure their faces so as to show others that they are fasting. Truly I tell you, they have received their reward. But when you fast, put oil on your head and wash your face,so that your fasting may be seen not by others but by your Father who is in secret; and your Father who sees in secret will reward you.”
But, why does God say to return to God with all of our heart rather than return to God when we get our crap together? I mean in Lent we tend to really focus on our behavior, and there’s nothing wrong with that, but if God says return to me with all your heart, I think that maybe the implication is that we give our hearts to a whole lot of things that are not God. So if we think Lent is about giving things up so we can impress God maybe we should ask ourselves: which is harder – the fasting part or the returning to God with all our heart part?
I don’t think that my problem is that I eat too much sugar or spend too much time on Facebook. My problem…and maybe yours too, is that I sort of give my heart out to things, and even people, that cannot love me back. I mean, by the time I even get to the table of God’s grace, I’ve tried to love so many things and people, and hopes and doubts – I’ve given myself to them so completely that there’s very little left. So little to be fed by God’s grace since my starving little heart is doled out in so many pieces trying to get it’s own needs met. And so, thank God, once a year we gather to speak the truth of how we piece out our hearts, how we sin and fall short, how we rely on every single other thing to love us – everything but God. How we love each other and are loved by each other so poorly with the small leftover bits of our hearts after we’ve given most of them and time to career advancement, saving the world, saving for our future, buying fake cows on Facebook and the dull pain of chemical dependency, sugar binges or the next spiritual practice or restricted diet that promises to make us whole. It’s not our time that’s so wasted with all of it…I think it’s something so much more valuable… I think it’s our hearts.
So we gather again this Ash Wednesday with the faithful all across the world, to gather all the pieces of our broken selves…all the pieces of our starving little hearts and we come again here to be told, of all things, that we are dust and to dust we shall return. The very thing we are trying to pretend is not true. I think we give our hearts away because we’re afraid of the limits of our earthly bodies. In other words, we sin. And all of it…and I hate to be so cliché, but basically, when it comes down to it, all of it is about the fact that we’re afraid to die. But even though we may be afraid to die, then you’d think hearing you are dust and to dust you shall return would be pretty bad news, but not so. Because here’s the thing: in the creation story in Genesis 2 it says that the Lord God formed man from the dust of the ground, and breathed into his nostrils, the breath of life; and the man became a living being. So, yes, children of God…you are dust and to dust you shall return. But remember this: it is from dust and the very breath of God that you were created out of divine love. A divine love which mends the pieces of your heart back together whenever you return to it. Always, always always! And to do this, to gather the given away pieces of our hearts so that in returning to God, God can make them whole, well, there’s a term for that …it’s repentance.
I used to think that repentance meant to feel so bad about being bad that you promise to not be bad anymore. But now I see repentance as just returning again to God. Just as in the story of a certain Carmelite nun, who found contemplative prayer to be very hard because her thoughts would wander a thousand times during a 20 minute prayer session. She was sure her teacher Thomas Merton would rebuke her for such a failure, so she was surprised when instead Merton said that her wandering thoughts were just 1,000 opportunities to return to God.
That’s what Ash Wednesday and Lent are…a thousand opportunities to return to God with all your heart. Returning again to the only thing in which we are once again whole…and that is the eternal and divine love of God. The eternal and divine love of God who created you from dust and breath. The eternal and divine love of God to which you will return after your last breath when again you are dust.
Finding God in Our Suffering ~ Br. Igor Kalinski, Novice
” Does not man have hard service on earth? Are not his days like those of hired man? Like a slave longing for the evening shadows, or a hired man waiting eagerly for his wages so I have been allotted months of futility, and nights of misery have been assigned to me. When i lie down I think ” How long before I get up?`The night drags on, and I toss till dawn.
In the first reading in the Book of Job, these verses are telling us how fast our days are passing. Living here on this earth, we have our own difficulties, our struggles, and sometimes, our God appoints difficult times to discipline us, to prepare us, to become stronger, to teach us through the pain, sorrow, and to remind us how we are nothing without His presence in our lives. Without Him we can not face the problems of our days. Through our suffering we become humble; we become one with the character of Christ in our suffering. We become similar to Him, so much so that we want to follow Him everyday. He was carried His cross to Calvary. We must carry ours daily, that is our daily passion. We all of us have problems, hard moments, sad and bad things with which we must deal. How merciful it is that we have Him to take our sorrows and pains! Through His wounds, we become more compassionate to our neighbors, knowing that they also need help.
Now think of your own situations and acknowledge that we seldom know what God is orchestrating behind the scenes. At any point we might become characters on the stage of suffering. When we face the same kinds of decisions that were thrust upon Job, will we bless the Lord or curse Him? We will acknowledge that God both gives and takes away, He gives us days, years, decades with difficulties and through that we build our character to be more strong, He teach us how to behave when life is not sweet, He is not leaving us, we do not going to forget that this is the valley of tears, and in the verse 8:17 from the Gospel of Matthew, we learn that he took our infirmities and carried our diseases, so in difficult times we always have our Lord Jesus who will take our problems with Him. He takes our illness, our struggles. The proof of His actions are so so many, for with God anything is possible!
Danger? No. I do not expect danger. God will deliver us, in the Gospel of MARK verses 1:29-39 ” So He went to her (Peter`s mother in law) took her hand and helped her up and the fever was gone, and so many sick people, demon-possessed, all town came to the gate of that house that evening, and all receive healing, powerful God`s healing, restoration, renewal bodily and spiritually making their faith to grow.”
This also our mission, as Christian and Dominican as well. We are to help alleviate the suffering, to bring healing to the spirits of the least, the lost, and the forgotten. Won’t you accept that mission?
Amen
Follow Me ~ Sr. Dollie Willkinson, OPI
As I watched my old house being torn down a couple weeks ago many memories came rushing in. The joy of bringing my first little girl home from the hospital, on a heart monitor because she had Gastro-esophageal reflux, which caused her to turn blue from losing her breath quite often; or bringing her younger sister home a few short years later, and watching this very precocious girl try to not only keep up with her older sister, but her older cousins, all of whom seemed to think our home was the fun place to be. Then, so many years later, bringing home my granddaughter, and watching her take her first steps, being so afraid she would slip and fall on our hardwood floors. There are so many memories in this one house, that some would wonder why we (my family and I), would readily abandon it and seek somewhere else to live, to create new memories. But in Mark 1:14-20, this is exactly what Jesus is asking four young men to do, leave what they know, where they are comfortable, and have known all their lives, to follow Him and become something more.
“Now after John was arrested, Jesus came to Galilee, proclaiming the good news of God, and saying, “The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God has come near; repent, and believe in the good news.” As Jesus passed along the Sea of Galilee, he saw Simon and his brother Andrew casting a net into the sea–for they were fishermen. And Jesus said to them, “Follow me and I will make you fish for people.” And immediately they left their nets and followed him. As He went a little farther, He saw James son of Zebedee and his brother John, who were in their boat mending the nets. Immediately He called them; and they left their father Zebedee in the boat with the hired men, and followed him.”
As Jesus walked by the Sea of Galilee, He saw Simon, Andrew, James, and John. And called to them. There were no questions, no good byes. They just simply dropped their nets, and left to follow Jesus. Now if it were me, and I suspect most of you, I would be filled with questions. Like, “Where are we going? What will we do? How long will we be gone? What do I need to take? Where will we stay?” But this conversation doesn’t take place in today’s gospel. Jesus does not offer a map, an itinerary, or a destination, only an invitation. This is not the type of journey you can prepare for. It’s not about planning and organizing, making lists, or packing supplies. It’s just not that easy. If anything this journey is about leaving things behind……to leave behind our nets, our boats, and all that seems familiar.
So Simon and Andrew were casting a net into the sea for they were fishermen. Day after day it was the same thing; the same sea, the same net, the same boat. Day after day it was wind, water, fish, sore muscles, and tired bodies. They probably grew up watching their dad and granddad fishing, watching their future life, and how they too would spend their time. Cast the net, and pull it in. If you are not casting the net, then you probably sat in the boat mending the net. That’s what James and John were doing. Casting and mending, always……casting and mending. You know about those days, right? How many of us go through our days on autopilot, feeling as if we are stuck in some time loop?
We may not fish for a living but we know about casting and mending nets. Days that all seem the same. One looks like another and nothing changes. We don’t expect much to happen, so this seems like our life. We cast the nets. We mend the nets. Casting and mending to make a living, to feed our family, to pay the bills, to gain security and get to retirement, to hold our family together, make our marriage work, and to grow up our children. Casting and mending to gain the things we want; a house, a car, books, clothes, a vacation. Casting and mending to earn a reputation, gain approval, establish status. And to make our way through another day of loneliness, sadness, or illness. Casting and mending are realities of life. They are also the circumstances in which Jesus comes to us, the way in which we hear the call to new life, and the place where we are changed and the ordinary becomes the extraordinary.
Those future disciples of Jesus, Simon and Andrew, James and John, were not looking for Him. They are too busy with the nets. It is another day of casting and mending. They may not have even noticed Jesus but He not only sees them; He speaks to them. Jesus has a way of showing up in the ordinary places of life and interrupting our daily routines of casting and mending nets. That’s exactly what He did in the lives of these four gentleman. And that’s what He can do for your life and mine. “Follow me” is Jesus’ invitation to a new life. If these four fishermen accept the invitation, their lives will forever be different. They will be different. They will no longer catch just fish. They will “fish for people”. When Jesus says this, He is describing the transformation of their lives, not simply a job catching new members or followers. Whatever your life is, however you spend your time, there is in that life Jesus’ call to “Follow me.”
That’s the hard part for most of us. We’re pretty good at accumulating and clinging but not so good at letting go. More often than not our spiritual growth involves some kind of letting go. We never get anywhere new as long as we’re unwilling to leave where we are. We accept Jesus’ invitation to follow, not by packing up, but by letting go. “Follow me” is both the invitation to and the promise of new life. So what are the nets that entangle us? What are the little boats (or old houses) that contain our life? Who are the people from whom we seek identity, value, and approval? What do we need to let go of and leave behind, so that we might follow Him? Please don’t think this is simply about changing careers, disowning our family, or moving to a new town. It is about the freedom to be fully ourselves, and in so being discover God’s plan for us. We need to let go so that our life may be changed, so that we can now travel in a new direction, so that we may be open to receive the beauty of God’s promises. When we let go, everything is transformed.. That’s why Jesus could tell these four gentlemen they would still be fishermen. But now they would fish for people. They wouldn’t become something they weren’t already, but they would be changed. They would more authentically be who they already are – Fishers of men! Won’t you? Won’t you let go and let God?
A Tale of Two Callings….. (Um….Hello???) ~ Br. Michael Marshall, Novice
Not so very long ago, and on a college campus pretty far away, there lived two young men who were doing the things that young men in college do. These guys, we’ll call them Steve and Manny, were devout Christians and became active in the Catholic campus ministry while there in college. Now, neither of them was Catholic, and why they were active in the Catholic ministry is a completely different tale, but it is what they did, and, for our purposes, this was was a very good thing. So, anyway, while they studied what they were studying and enjoying campus ministry, they began to feel more ‘at home’ in the Catholic Church, and both guys felt called to convert to Catholicism. They studied the faith, and as they got deeper into it, both young men felt a pull, a tug, that still small voice inside of them…..was God calling them to the priesthood? Could it be?
Steve and Manny both went to the priest on campus and told him what they were feeling. After a few major chat sessions, the priest, Fr. Michael was his name, by the way, suggested that they attend the diocesan vocation discernment retreat that was scheduled soon. They both, with Fr. Michael’s help, prepared for the retreat and both were excited about it…and a bit nervous. Finally, the day came and Fr. Michael, with the boys in tow, went to the retreat and, wouldn’t you know it, just like Samuel heard the first call while asleep, Manny decided there and then he wanted to be a priest. He wanted to serve. He wanted to lead. He wanted a collar. He was VERY sure he was called to the diocesan priesthood and asked for the application. Which he was refused. “Too soon!” the Vocations Director said. “Pray about it more!” the Vocations Director said. So, Manny, who was confused more than he’d ever been, began to pray more earnestly for God’s guidance. Like Samuel the first time he heard God’s voice, he was confused.
Now, Steve, on the other hand, wasn’t quite so sure what God wanted of him. Was he being called? If so, exactly to WHAT was he being called? Steve, too, spent much time in prayer and in discernment. Soon, he, too approached the Vocations Director for an application. He was certain of his calling. In no uncertain terms, he was to be a priest. He applied. The vocations committee gave the recommendation that he should be accepted, and accepted he was!
And Manny? Manny, poor confused Manny, spent more time discerning as to where he was called, and in what way he was called. To the priesthood? To something else? Manny KNEW that he was being called by God to serve. But how? Where?
Soon, actually, shortly after Steve entered the seminary as a diocesan seminarian, our friend Manny entered a religious order. Both men felt that they had found their calling and they were happy……… at first. But then, Steve eventually felt that something was not right. While home for summer break, the doubts grew stronger. And stronger. And stronger. The Priesthood? Really? ME? He returned to his seminary studies only to leave seminary a month later.
And Manny??? He remained in formation, exploring God, learning God, loving God. This continued for three years….and finally he realized that this formation, this path that he had chosen, was not the right fit. So this was just like Samuel hearing called by Eli for the second time. Like Samuel, the second time he heard God’s voice, he was confused.
Shortly after leaving seminary, Steve fell in love with a gal named Deb and found that he was called to another form of ministry: that of husband and father. Steve and Deb did, indeed marry the next year. They are very happy, and have three children.
And Manny? Manny sought out several formation programs. WAS God calling him? Was he hearing things that weren’t there? So, Manny decided that since he wasn’t sure on his own, like Samuel, he would seek direction. And this he did. Like Samuel, Manny asked his own personal “Eli.” And this “Eli” said….”Stop. Stop thinking about it. Stop trying to figure it out. Listen. Listen to God. Not you to. Not to what you think you want. LISTEN TO GOD. If he is calling you, you will KNOW.” And Manny stopped. And Manny listened. And this time, just as with Samuel’s third time, Manny heard God, and realized that it WAS God calling him. God was calling him into a new and exciting and rewarding life of ministry and service that he’d not even imagined. Manny let go of what HE wanted, and let God guide him. And, Manny is happy!
The point is, when we hear that voice that tells us we are called to something, we have to stop and think, from where is that calling coming? From whom? Is it really a calling, or something we believe to be a calling only to fulfill our own desires? If it is to fulfill our own desires, what of God’s desires for us? Will we be willing to walk away from ourselves to listen to God? Will we answer to our true calling?
What is God calling you to do? To whose voice are you listening? We are told in Jeremiah 29:11 that God says to us, “I know the plans I have for you.” Will you listen to God’s plan? Will you hear his voice? Ask Him. He’ll answer. Guaranteed!
Amen.
Rise up and Shine the Light
“Arise, shine, for your light has come, and the glory of the Lord rises upon you! Isaiah 60:1
We have just had the special time of Christmas, Gifts are very likely to have been given to those we love and to our friends to bring them some joy. Perhaps you received the gift of socks, a jumper, tools for DIY, Or maybe a box of your favourite chocolates. If you were given socks for a christmas gift, you would wear them to keep your feet warm. A jumper would be used to keep our main body warm, DIY tools would be used to decorate or make home improvements and of course chocolate would be eaten and enjoyed. I am certain whatever gift you may have received, that you would’ve said a grateful thank you to the person who thought enough of you to give you such a gift.
Today we celebrate the Important Feast of Epiphany, the actual unwrapping of the Christmas gift the Lord has given us. This is no ordinary gift!!! We are all given the ultimate gift, the gift of Chirst Himself!!! The Lord gives us his heart, his love, his mercy, and his ever unflinching determination to see all get the salvation that only Our Lord can give! But what are we to do with the extra special gift the Lord has given each of us? We are to use them in our daily lives, to become ever closer in our relationship with our Lord and to bring others out of darkness and into the saving light of the Lord.
The wise men were led to the Holy Babe and King by following a bright star that led them to the place where He was lying. They heard the words: “Rise! Shine! Your light has come!” The Lord shines his light for us through his holy word in the scriptures, and we are to rise up and shine the light of His love, mercy, and salvation for all to see, like the brightest torch shining the way in the darkest of nights!! The Lord was born, suffered and died out of his love for each and every single one of us so that in Him all that truly believe will never die but will live with Him forever in his eternal love. We are called to be His church in the world until his return we must let all people’s throughout the world see the light of the Lord through our lives, our teachings, our thoughts and our deeds so that all may see the Glory of the Lord.
So let us now anew thank the Lord for his wonderful gift to us by rising up and letting his light shine through us!!
Feast of the Holy Family ~ The Rev. Lady Sherwood, OPI
The Holy Family of Jesus, Mary and Joseph
Reading 1:SIR 3:2-6, 12-14
Responsorial Psalm:PS 128:1-2, 3, 4-5
Reading 2:COL 3:12-21
Gospel:LK 2:22-40
Today, we come together as churches and as children of the Lord to celebrate the Feast of the Holy Family. The Holy family of the Blessed Mary, of Joseph her spouse, and of course of our Lord Jesus Christ together as a full family. Now, we all come from families and we know as about both the joys and issues and difficulties family life can bring. Families are made of individuals, and individuals often have crosses to bear. Even as part of a family, even in the church family, we all have our crosses in life to carry. The Holy family, though indeed very blessed and Holy, were also still human and had their crosses of life to carry.
The crosses that were borne by the Holy family come to mind when reading the scriptures. Now just imagine what it must’ve been like when Mary and Joseph had to tell others how Mary had been conceived by the Holy Spirit alone? I sincerely doubt many people at first sincerely believed and accepted the truth of the situation. Yes, there was probably talking behind their backs, mocking, and those who would’ve just seen it as merely untruthful. How misunderstood both Mary and Joseph indeed must have been! Can you can you imagine how they would feel? We have all been misunderstood or not believed at times and it isn’t a good feeling at all! Even Mary, at the beginning of her pregnancy, was misunderstood by Joseph who was considering putting her away quietly, before an Angel intervened in a dream and reassured Joseph of the truth of the situation. At that time Mary’s pregnancy would have been seen as acceptable by others, and Joseph was concerned how it would be seen and how it would be taken. Can you imagine how this must have felt to both Mary, and indeed to Joseph?
When Mary and Joseph arrived in Bethlehem for Jesus’s birth, there was no room and all they could find was an animal’s shelter because Bethlehem at that time was so crowded. Can you imagine not finding anywhere to give birth? Not nice at all! After the birth of Jesus, Both Mary and Joseph had to flee because Jesus’s life was in danger from King Herod, who was killing all newborn babies and those very young in an attempt to kill Jesus as Herod saw him as a very severe threat. How this must’ve felt to both Mary and to Joseph! The fear for their son’s safety, the sadness, the confusion…the suffering!!
Mary and Joseph suffered the awful experience of losing Jesus for three days when he was twelve years old and the only satisfaction they got from him was that he had to be about his Father’s business.
We do not hear of Joseph any more so we presume that before Jesus began his public ministry in Galilee Joseph had died – The Holy Family suffering the greatest pain of all families, the pain of bereavement and separation through death.
Jesus’ public ministry must have taken its toll on Mary. Simeon had predicted in the Temple that a sword of sorrow would pierce Mary’s soul. We can imagine one such occasion as we read in Mark 3:21 that when Jesus returned to Nazareth. One day his relatives came to take him by force, convinced that he was out of his mind. Not a very pleasant experience for any family, no matter how holy.
There were so many other crosses this Holy family had to endure, but the saddest and the one which must’ve felt like Mary’s heart was being torn from her chest, was when Mary had to watch her only son die by crucifixion upon the cross for our salvation…oh what pain and sorrow!!!
All this suffering, pain and sadness this family has had to endure yet they stayed together and extremely strong throughout, and even kept their sanity…but how?
It was their sheer strength in their never-ending love both for God our Heavenly Father, and for each other, and for their endless faith and trust in God that enabled them to come through absolutely. So what holds us and our own families together in times of trauma, or suffering? We usually stay together because of our love and forgiveness of each other. We may at times have disagreements or words, but in the end true love keeps us in good stead. We should take notice always in the way we live our lives in the message that we get from the lives of the Holy Family, and that message is that no matter how hard we may feel our lives become, we must give all our love, faith, and trust to the Lord who will never ever fail us!! Let us pray to ask that we and all our families may live with the love, faith and true trust of the Lord in our lives!!
He Is Born!!!!!!!!!
Luke 2
The Birth of Jesus
2 In those days a decree went out from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be enrolled. 2 This was the first enrollment, when Quirin′i-us was governor of Syria. 3 And all went to be enrolled, each to his own city. 4 And Joseph also went up from Galilee, from the city of Nazareth, to Judea, to the city of David, which is called Bethlehem, because he was of the house and lineage of David, 5 to be enrolled with Mary, his betrothed, who was with child. 6 And while they were there, the time came for her to be delivered. 7 And she gave birth to her first-born son and wrapped him in swaddling cloths, and laid him in a manger, because there was no place for them in the inn.
The Shepherds and the Angels
8 And in that region there were shepherds out in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. 9 And an angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were filled with fear. 10 And the angel said to them, “Be not afraid; for behold, I bring you good news of a great joy which will come to all the people; 11 for to you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. 12 And this will be a sign for you: you will find a babe wrapped in swaddling cloths and lying in a manger.” 13 And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying,
14 “Glory to God in the highest,
and on earth peace among men with whom he is pleased!”
15 When the angels went away from them into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, “Let us go over to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has made known to us.” 16 And they went with haste, and found Mary and Joseph, and the babe lying in a manger. 17 And when they saw it they made known the saying which had been told them concerning this child; 18 and all who heard it wondered at what the shepherds told them. 19 But Mary kept all these things, pondering them in her heart. 20 And the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all they had heard and seen, as it had been told them.
Our Lady of Guadalupe ~ Br. Michael Marshall
Our Lady of Guadalupe is known as the Patroness of the Americas. In December of 1531, the Blessed Virgin appeared to an Aztec Indian Man by the name of Juan Diego on Tepeyac Hill, outside of what is now known as Mexico City. This was a very significant event in the history of religion in Latin America because the Aztec culture and religion was centered on the gods, while the Conquistadors brought Catholicism; there was a clash between the two for a number of years, and eventually the Indian religions disappeared. Many Indian folks converted to Catholicism due to missionary presence in Latin America.
Our Lady of Guadalupe appeared to Juan Diego, as an indigenous woman, asking that a church be built at that location. She told Juan Diego to go to his bishop to tell of this request. His story was only believed after the fourth apparition. Castilian roses appeared on the hill where Our Lady appeared; roses which do not grow in that region, or in December for that matter. To prove that the Virgin had appeared again, he cut the roses and put them in his cloak to show the bishop. When Juan Diego addressed the bishop, the image of Our Lady of Guadalupe appeared in the cloak after the roses fell on the ground. The fifth and last apparition was to Juan Diego’s uncle who was ill. Juan Diego was worried about his uncle and the Virgin told him that his ill uncle who was on his deathbed would return to good health.
Images of Our Lady of Guadalupe show her wearing a dress with jasmine flowers and a mantle which has stars. These have reference to the Aztec culture and the Winter Solstice, as she appeared to Juan Diego as an indigenous woman. The impact of her apparition was a huge event because this was a turning point in which the indigenous people connected with Catholicism, instead of through the influence from the Europeans.
First Reading: Revelation 11:19a; 12:1-6a, 10ab
God’s temple in heaven was opened,
and the ark of his covenant could be seen in the temple.
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.
Then another sign appeared in the sky;
it was a huge red dragon, with seven heads and ten horns,
and on its heads were seven diadems.
Its tail swept away a third of the stars in the sky
and hurled them down to the earth.
Then the dragon stood before the woman about to give birth,
to devour her child when she gave birth.
She gave birth to a son, a male child,
destined to rule all the nations with an iron rod.
Her child was caught up to God and his throne.
The woman herself fled into the desert
where she had a place prepared by God.
Then I heard a loud voice in heaven say:
“Now have salvation and power come,
and the Kingdom of our God
and the authority of his Anointed.”
Responsorial Psalm: Judith 13:18bcde, 19
- (15:9d) You are the highest honor of our race.
Blessed are you, daughter, by the Most High God,
above all the women on earth;
and blessed be the LORD God,
the creator of heaven and earth.
R. You are the highest honor of our race.
Your deed of hope will never be forgotten
by those who tell of the might of God.
R. You are the highest honor of our race.
Gospel: Luke 1:26-38
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.
Waking up at 3 o’clock in the morning to go to Church… Who in the world does that? It seems so strange, doesn’t it? I understood why when I lived in Chicago and ministered to the Mexican immigrant population. One of the parishes at which I spent time ministering was named Our Lady of Guadalupe, and every December 12th the community would go to church early in the morning to serenade the Blessed Virgin. This serenade was known to the Mexican people as Mañanaitas; mañana being morning in Spanish. This event is an expression of love for Mary, as her apparition had a significant impact on religion in Mexico.
In the Gospel we find Mary confused as to why she would be chosen to be the mother of the Son of God, but she recognized it was her calling from the Lord. Juan Diego was also confused as to why Mary would ask him to approach the bishop to have a church built, but he did as she asked; and the miracle proved why he was chosen.
People called to ministry sometimes feel unworthy to take on something which is asked of them because it is outside of the box of everyday ministry. Here is an example… A priest knows they are good at preaching because someone affirmed this ministerial gift, but then the archbishop sees potential in leadership of a diocese; so they are chosen to become a bishop. The priest may not feel worthy but understands that they have been chosen for a purpose. It is important for anyone to listen to what is being asked of us in ministry. There is a reason why, and something great will result if willing to accept it.
Patience is a Virtue, Advent II ~ Rev. Archdeacon Sr. Dollie Wilkinson, OPI
Patience-the capacity to accept or tolerate delay, trouble, or suffering without getting angry or upset.
After a recent conversation with my granddaughter, where she declared, “I get Christmas first!”, because of course being only three, she could not imagine being patient in waiting for Christmas. To the very young, the actual word “patience”, has very little meaning. But in 2 Peter 3:8-15a, we are cautioned to do just that.
“But do not ignore this one fact, beloved, that with the Lord one day is like a thousand years, and a thousand years are like one day. The Lord is not slow about His promise, as some think of slowness, but is patient with you, not wanting any to perish, but all to come to repentance. But the day of the Lord will come like a thief, and then the heavens will pass away with a loud noise, and the elements will be dissolved with fire, and the earth and everything that is done on it will be disclosed. Since all these things are to be dissolved in this way, what sort of persons ought you to be in leading lives of holiness and godliness, waiting for and hastening the coming of the day of God, because of which the heavens will be set ablaze and dissolved, and the elements will melt with fire? But, in accordance with His promise, we wait for new heavens and a new earth, where righteousness is at home. Therefore, beloved, while you are waiting for these things, strive to be found by Him at peace, without spot or blemish; and regard the patience of our Lord as salvation. So also our beloved brother Paul wrote to you according to the wisdom given him.”
Here we are cautioned to be patient, in waiting on the Lord’s mercy and favor. Just as the Lord is patient with us, so too should we be patient in waiting on His promises. How often have we prayed, expecting a quick answer to what seems to us an imminent dilemma? But as Peter states, “ with the Lord one day is like a thousand years, and a thousand years are like one day”. Meaning, what to us may seem like a dire concern, to the Lord, it is crucial only if it aides in bringing His children to salvation.
So many times I have heard the trite saying, “Patience is a virtue”. But what does this mean, and where does this saying come from?
“The first known publishing of the quote “Patiences is a virtue” comes from the poem “Piers Plowman” written between the years 1360 and 1387. Typical of texts from the 14th century, authorship can be debated though literary historians normally attribute most of the text to William Langland. However, there are multiple versions of this poem written at different times with sections believed to be authored by different, unknown people. “Piers Plowman” is a poem about a man, the poet and first narrator, in search of Catholicism and faith according to medieval standards. He does this by having dream visions after falling asleep. The poem is allegorical, meaning the characters are symbolic and also satirical. However, the allegory isn’t vague or abstract. The various characters include Truth (God), Wrong (Devil), Holy Church, Thought, Wit, Study, Conscience, Liar, Reason, Dowel (do well), Dobet (do better) and Dobest (do best) and others, including the seven deadly sins. Later, the characters are lead on a quest by Piers Plowman who also becomes the narrator. The Plowman is chosen as the guide due to his seemingly innocent and truthful nature.”
So in the allegorical poem by William Langland, we learn patience is a critical virtue,
highly prized by our Lord, “ regard the patience of our Lord as salvation.” And thus the key to our salvation. But in our fast paced, hurry up world, how can we practice patience? Are we just like the child, eager for Christmas day, the frenzied opening of presents? Or can we do as our Father commands us, practicing patience, knowing the ultimate gift isn’t found under an evergreen tree. But in the patient, loving presence of our heavenly Father. And is this not the bestest gift of all?!!!
He Sees You When You’re Sleeping… 1 Advent ~ Br. Michael Marshall, Novice
Every year before Midnight Mass on Christmas Eve, I sit in the pew waiting for the excitement of the birth of the Christ Child. The anticipation builds until the fanfare of trumpets announces the great “Joy to the World, our Savior’s come!” the great climax of the Advent Season. But, what IS Advent? What does it mean?
The Season of Advent, the 4 week period before Christmas, is a season of preparation, and the beginning of the church year. Each of the four Sundays mark a step closer to the Christmas celebration. Many people think of Advent as the four weeks of countdown, during which a candle is lit on the Advent wreath each Sunday, a purple candle representing each Sunday until the Third Sunday, which is known as Gaudate Sunday. But Advent is SO much more than that!
The Advent season is a time of examining how we have been living as a follower of Jesus. As well, it is a time of reflection. I have learned that Advent is a time of charity and love. I do not mean we just throw a couple quarters in the Salvation Army kettles as we pass by when Christmas shopping because we feel guilty if we do not, but it is a season of giving of ourselves. Christ has told us that we are called to love our neighbor unconditionally. Don’t you think the beginning of the church year is a good place to start doing so?
In The Gospel reading for today, Jesus is sharing with his disciples that they will not know when the Lord will return. “…you do not know when the Lord of the house is coming, whether in the evening, or at midnight, or at cockcrow, or in the morning.” (Mark 13:35) One might wonder why the Gospel for this Sunday was chosen, since it refers to the Second Coming instead of the birth of the Savior. The message of Advent is not just about being ready for that one time and final event, but is also about always being ready when called upon in time of need.
As children, this message was shown to us in a different way. Throughout the “commercialized” Christmas season, which has, in many ways, seemingly replaced Advent, there are many carols and other songs about Christmas. When we read the Gospel for today, we find something very familiar to one of the most classic children’s Christmas songs, “Santa’s Coming to Town.”
“He sees you when you’re sleeping
He knows when you’re awake
He knows if you’ve been good or bad
So be good for goodness sake!
Ohh! You better watch out!”
Yes, the song is about a jolly, chubby old man in a red suit, but the message of Jesus is definitely in the song. Not everyone has children, but all of us once were, and we can be children at heart. We KNOW this song! We can think of this catchy song to remind us of what Jesus is saying what we should be doing during the Advent season. Let us remember that that we do “not know when the Lord of the house is coming,” and that we should always and in every way, be prepared for the coming of the king, far before we sing “Joy to the World” on Christmas morning.
The Order of Preachers, Independent 
You must be logged in to post a comment.