Category: Sermon
Holding Fast to the Faith ~ The Feast of St. Thomas Aquinas ~ Br. Brent Whetstone, Novice
The Church is faced with a dilemma. We are losing people to modernism in droves and the church has a decision to make: change who you are to conform to society or hold fast to the teachings of the Faith. Unfortunately may mainline denominations are doing the latter, they are changing to conform to the pressures that society is putting on them to change. They have stopped talking about the crucifixion, the resurrection, and the redemptive power of Christ. They deny the miracles we are told of in sacred scripture and have compromised the very foundations of Christianity. Bishops and Archbishops are on television preaching universalism and offering alternatives to salvation, through everything from Wicca to Islam to nothing at all. So the church has a choice. Change who you are or hold fast to the Faith. As a Dominican the answer is crystal clear to me. We hold on to the Faith and teach the Faith like our lives depended on it, because not only do our lives depend on it, but our souls do as well, and what better an appropriate time to talk about faith, and reason, than on the feast day of our Holy Brother and Teacher Saint Thomas Aquinas.
At the young age of five, Thomas was sent to live at the Benedictine monastery at Monte Cassino, as was the custom of the time. His parents’ hope was that he would chose the Benedictine life and eventually become abbot. In 1239 he was sent to Naples where he was to complete his studies and it was then that he was introduced to Aristotle’s philosophy. By 1243, however Thomas abandoned his family’s plans for him and it is then that he joined the Dominicans.
Once with the Dominicans Thomas traveled to Paris where he would finish his studies under Albert the Great, and he would live at the court of Pope Urban IV. He would direct the Dominican school in Rome, but his greatest contribution to the Church was the fact that he showed us that we could reconcile faith and reason. Because even then people were struggling with how this was possible and Saint Thomas was able to give us timeless teachings that we as Christians can use today.
Thomas believed that the existence of God could be proven in five ways. First by observing movement in the world as proof of God, the “Immovable Mover.” Second by observing cause and effect and identifying God as the cause of everything. Third by concluding that the impermanent nature of beings proves the existence of a necessary being, God, who originates only from within himself. Fourth by noticing varying levels of human perfection and determining that a supreme, perfect being must therefore exist, and fifth by knowing that natural beings could not have intelligence without it being granted to them it by God..
Thomas used faith and reason to establish his arguments, something that we must do as well. As Christians we are called to evangelize, a task that is met with much criticism and one that many people shy away from simply because they are not prepared to counter some of the very same arguments that Saint Thomas has already provided us with a foundation to argue.
As a Dominican I am committed to sharing the Word of God, I am committed to sharing it boldly and I am committed to sharing it from a place of faith and reason, being able to meet people where they are on their journey. But the greatest gift that we have because of Aquinas is that when we wrestle with doubt and when we wrestle with uncertainty, we have the example that he has set for us. We know that we can approach faith with reason to find our answers, we know that they complement each other not cancel each other out. Because of that we can grow stronger in our faith and be bold to proclaim the saving message of Christ.
We do not need to change who we are as a Church, we do not need to deny basic tenets of the Faith to be popular with the skeptics, instead we need to meet our skeptics with knowledge not only of faith but faith combined with reason so that their eyes may be opened to the truth of God. Let us pray:
O God, who made Saint Thomas Aquinas outstanding in his zeal for holiness
and his study of sacred doctrine, grant us, we pray, that we may understand what he taught
and imitate what he accomplished. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son,
who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.
*Another great hymn from the great St. Thomas Aquinas. This version of the hymn does not include the 3rd or 4th verses. The art is “The temptation of St. Thomas Aquinas” by Diego Velazquez; “Triumph of St. Thomas Aquinas over the heretics” by Filippino Lippi; “The Apotheosis of Thomas Aquinas” by Francisco de Zurbaran. License Standard YouTube License Music “Adoro Te Devote” by Richard Proulx
Moments With Mother ~ The Very Rev. Lady Sherwood, OPI
Click the link above to be taken to today’s installment of Moments With Mother!
Christ, Our Identity; Who Are You? ~ Br. Mark Dickson-Patrick, Novice
Reading 1 – Isaiah 8:23—9:3
First the Lord degraded the land of Zebulun and the land of Naphtali; but in the end he has glorified the seaward road, the land west of the Jordan, the District of the Gentiles. Anguish has taken wing, dispelled is darkness: for there is no gloom where but now there was distress. The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light; upon those who dwelt in the land of gloom a light has shone. You have brought them abundant joy and great rejoicing, as they rejoice before you as at the harvest, as people make merry when dividing spoils. For the yoke that burdened them,
the pole on their shoulder, and the rod of their taskmaster you have smashed, as on the day of Midian.
Responsorial Psalm – Psalm 27:1, 4, 13-14
(1a) The Lord is my light and my salvation.
The LORD is my light and my salvation; whom should I fear? The LORD is my life’s refuge; of whom should I be afraid?
R. The Lord is my light and my salvation.
One thing I ask of the LORD; this I seek: To dwell in the house of the LORD all the days of my life, That I may gaze on the loveliness of the LORD and contemplate his temple.
R. The Lord is my light and my salvation.
I believe that I shall see the bounty of the LORD in the land of the living. Wait for the LORD with courage; be stouthearted, and wait for the LORD.
R. The Lord is my light and my salvation.
Reading 2 – 1 Corinthians 1:10-13, 17
I urge you, brothers and sisters, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that all of you agree in what you say, and that there be no divisions among you, but that you be united in the same mind and in the same purpose. For it has been reported to me about you, my brothers and sisters, by Chloe’s people, that there are rivalries among you. I mean that each of you is saying, “I belong to Paul,” or “I belong to Apollos,” or “I belong to Cephas,” or “I belong to Christ.” Is Christ divided? Was Paul crucified for you? Or were you baptized in the name of Paul? For Christ did not send me to baptize but to preach the gospel, and not with the wisdom of human eloquence, so that the cross of Christ might not be emptied of its meaning.
Gospel – Matthew 4:12-23
When Jesus heard that John had been arrested, he withdrew to Galilee. He left Nazareth and went to live in Capernaum by the sea, in the region of Zebulun and Naphtali, that what had been said through Isaiah the prophet might be fulfilled: Land of Zebulun and land of Naphtali, the way to the sea, beyond the Jordan, Galilee of the Gentiles, the people who sit in darkness have seen a great light, on those dwelling in a land overshadowed by death a light has arisen. From that time on, Jesus began to preach and say, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.” As he was walking by the Sea of Galilee, he saw two brothers, Simon who is called Peter, and his brother Andrew, casting a net into the sea; they were fishermen. He said to them, “Come after me, and I will make you fishers of men.” At once they left their nets and followed him. He walked along from there and saw two other brothers, James, the son of Zebedee, and his brother John. They were in a boat, with their father Zebedee, mending their nets. He called them, and immediately they left their boat and their father and followed him. He went around all of Galilee, teaching in their synagogues, proclaiming the gospel of the kingdom, and curing every disease and illness among the people.
Have you ever had an identity crisis? Like a full-on, genuine, “Who am I?” and “What is it about me that makes me, me?” I believe that many of us have had this at least once in our lives when we genuinely question who it is that we are and who it is that God has created us to be and what it is that makes us truly unique.
In our second reading today from the first letter to the Corinthians, St. Paul is dealing with this very issue with the Church at Corinth. Paul had heard reports from others that the Church at Corinth had been divided, claiming that “I belong to Paul” or “I belong to Cephas” or “I belong to Apollos” according to who came and brought the message of the Gospel to them. This so divided the Church at Corinth that they had an identity crisis, forgetting who it is that we worship and who we celebrate and who we follow in being Christians. They were creating division among themselves based upon trivial differences which made no difference at all to the status of their salvation. They touted the source of their learning of the Gospel, and not the Word Himself, in whom there is all unity and truth.
But it’s a good thing that this doesn’t happen to us in the modern Church, right? WRONG! How often do we hear quarrels and squabbles amongst the Christian people saying “I belong to Pope Francis,” “I belong to Franklin Graham,” or “I belong to (Archbishop of Canterbury) Justin Welby.” We focus on the silly and paltry divisions and do not look at what it is that makes us all one: we are brothers and sisters in Christ, just as Paul tells the Church at Corinth. We are all Christians, in whom we find our identity. For we do not find our identity as Christians in Francis, Franklin, Justin, or even Michael. We find our identity as Christians in Jesus Christ, the perfect Lamb of God who came to take away the sins of the world and to bring us to the Father.
If you notice, in the Gospel passage, Jesus says to Simon and Andrew, “Come after ME, and I will make you fishers of men.” He does not say “Follow after Pope Francis, and he will make you fishers of men.” He does not say “Follow after Franklin Graham, and he will make you fishers of men.” He does not say “Follow after Justin Welby, and he will make you fishers of men.” NO! He says, simply and clearly, “Come after ME, and I will make you fishers of men.”
In our world, I would recommend that we all take a look at our own identity crisis, for it is in Christ that we find our identity. In our world that turns more uncertain and precarious by the day, let us look to Christ as our identity, as the one who claims us as His own, in whom we live, move, and have our being. It is only then that we will be sure of who we are, and it is only then that we will be able to work together as the Body of Christ to make effective work for the Kingdom of God.
A Servant of Many ~ Br. Michael Marshall, Novice
First Reading – Isaiah 49:3, 5-6
The LORD said to me: You are my servant, Israel, through whom I show my glory. Now the LORD has spoken who formed me as his servant from the womb, that Jacob may be brought back to him and Israel gathered to him; and I am made glorious in the sight of the LORD, and my God is now my strength! It is too little, the LORD says, for you to be my servant, to raise up the tribes of Jacob, and restore the survivors of Israel; I will make you a light to the nations, that my salvation may reach to the ends of the earth.
Responsorial Psalm – Psalm 40:2, 4, 7-8, 8-9, 10
(R.) Here am I, Lord; I come to do your will.I have waited, waited for the LORD,
and he stooped toward me and heard my cry. And he put a new song into my mouth, a hymn to our God.
(R.) Here am I, Lord; I come to do your will.
Sacrifice or offering you wished not, but ears open to obedience you gave me. Holocausts or sin-offerings you sought not; then said I, “Behold I come.”
(R.) Here I am, Lord; I come to do your will.
“In the written scroll it is prescribed for me, to do your will, O my God, is my delight, and your law is within my heart!”
(R.) Here am I, Lord; I come to do your will.
I announced your justice in the vast assembly; I did not restrain my lips, as you, O LORD, know.
(R.) Here am I, Lord; I come to do your will.
Second Reading – 1 Corinthians 1:1-3
Paul, called to be an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God, and Sosthenes our brother, to the church of God that is in Corinth, to you who have been sanctified in Christ Jesus, called to be holy,
with all those everywhere who call upon the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, their Lord and ours. Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.
Gospel – John 1:29-34
John the Baptist saw Jesus coming toward him and said,”Behold, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world. He is the one of whom I said, ‘A man is coming after me who ranks ahead of me because he existed before me.’ I did not know him, but the reason why I came baptizing with water was that he might be made known to Israel.” John testified further, saying, “I saw the Spirit come down like a dove from the sky and remain upon him. I did not know him, but the one who sent me to baptize with water told me, ‘On whomever you see the Spirit come down and remain, he is the one who will baptize with the Holy Spirit.’ Now I have seen and testified that he is the Son of God.”
The term servant often has a negative “definition”, especially here in the United States because of our unfortunate history. People often think of a servant being a slave to a master. But that is not the only “definition” for a servant. In fact, a servant does not have to be subject to a master, but a servant can be of assistance with positive results. We find this theme being a servant in the Readings for today.
Despite all of the unfortunate circumstances that the Israelites faced, especially their exile and slavery, Isaiah comes to the people as a servant of the Lord to explain that God does have favor with the people even though they faced so much adversity. In the response for the Psalm, we read, “Here am I, Lord; I come to do your will.” David recognizes his purpose. In the First Letter to the Corinthians, Paul is addressing the people of Corinth, setting up the message which he has to share; as he states his mission is to spread the message of Jesus, called upon by Jesus to do so. In the Gospel, John the Baptist had been going around speaking of the “coming of the Lord” in his ministry. And so, along comes Jesus who John the Baptist acknowledges as the one who takes away the sins of the world. John’s purpose was to prepare the way of the Lord.
This is where things get interesting though; because God takes on human flesh as Jesus, only to end up being crucified. How does the death of Jesus present positive results, as I mentioned being a servant can be of assistance with positive results? The answer is this. Jesus knew his mission was to serve the Father, to spread God’s message; through parables and other methods of teaching. The night before his death on the cross, he sat in the garden knowing that in order to be a “servant to save humanity from sin” he had to do God’s will. So ultimately, John the Baptist was sharing with the people present at the baptism of Jesus who this servant was.
How do we apply all of this to our lives? Each of us has been called by God to do something. We are a servant with a mission and purpose. It may take longer for some of us to know what that mission and purpose is than it takes others, but we have to accept the call once we understand what we have been called to do. W all have various gifts and talents given to us, BUT we have to use them! If we do not accept the call, then we are not going to reach those who need to hear the message of the Gospel. We are servants of the Lord!
Father, may we come to recognize our gifts and talents in order to fulfill our mission and purpose you have asked of us, just as people before us have fulfilled their mission. This we ask through Christ, Our Lord. Amen.
The Baptism of Our Lord By Fr. Matt Pepple
On this day, the church commemorates the Solemnity of the Baptism of Our Lord, Jesus. This concludes the Christmas season. This was the day in which Jesus descended into the River Jordan and was baptized with water by John.
Water was extremely important to the Hebrews. There are places all throughout Jerusalem, some still being excavated to this day that are the Hebrew ritual baths, called Mikvahs. It was believed these were in use by John the Baptizer’s followers. By the use of water, John was paving the way for what was yet to come. Jesus. Just imagine the glory and power of that day Jesus was baptized by John in the Jordan. And what followed after with the appearance of the Trinity. This was the only occurrence in the New Testament that all three persons of the Trinity were thus manifested: The voice of God the Father, the Holy Spirit as a Dove, and Jesus the Son. For anyone who might have been blessed to experience this, probably left everyone in awe of what was transpiring. It also served as a commencement of Jesus’ earthly ministry, which was taking shape.
It is interesting to note here, that this is the first instance of Jesus’ relationship with water. Water was, indeed, a pivotal element of Jesus ministry. St. John 4:13-14 he writes, “Jesus answered and said unto her, whosoever drinketh of this water shall thirst again. But whosoever drinketh of the water that I shall give him shall never thirst; but the water that I shall give him shall be in him a well of water springing up into everlasting life.” It was also said that blood and water came out of Jesus’ side when he was pierced while hanging from the cross.
During the Feast of the Baptism of the Lord, we encounter the truth of Jesus’ incarnation and His manifestation as the anointed One, Christ. There is much strength and power expressed when St. John proclaimed, “Behold the Lamb of God, behold Him Who takes away the sin of the world.”
In our scripture readings today, in Genesis 1: 1-5, we are reading the Creation story, the story of the very beginning. “In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth, and the earth was without form, a void which darkness covered the face of the deep, while the wind (breath of God) swept over the face of the waters. God, in his magnificence proclaimed, “Let there be light;” and there was light. And God saw that the light was good; and God separated the light from the darkness. God called the light Day, and the darkness he called the Night, and thus was evening and then morning, the very first day.”
Then follows Psalm 29, “Ascribe to the LORD, O heavenly beings, ascribe to the LORD glory and strength. Ascribe to the LORD the glory of his name; worship the LORD in holy splendor. The voice of the LORD is over the waters; the God of glory thunders, the LORD, over mighty waters. The voice of the LORD is powerful; the voice of the LORD is full of majesty. The voice of the LORD breaks the cedars; the LORD breaks the cedars of Lebanon. He makes Lebanon skip like a calf, and Sirion like a young wild ox. The voice of the LORD flashes forth flames of fire. The voice of the LORD shakes the wilderness; the LORD shakes the wilderness of Kadesh. The voice of the LORD causes the oaks to whirl, and strips the forest bare; and in his temple all say, “Glory!” The LORD sits enthroned over the flood; the LORD sits enthroned as king forever. May the LORD give strength to his people! May the LORD bless his people with peace!” There is so very much that the Lord can do, power and majesty are his forevermore.
In Acts 19: 1-7, we learn that Apollos was in the Corinth; and that St. Paul had passed through the inner areas to Ephesus, where he located some disciples. Paul asks the disciples, “Did you receive the Holy Spirit when you became believers?” They answered, “No, we have not even heard that there is a Holy Spirit.” Paul asks, “Into what then were you baptized?” They answered, “Into John’s baptism.” Paul says, “John baptized with the baptism of repentance, telling the people to believe in the one who was to come after him, that is, in Jesus.” After hearing this, they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus. The Holy Spirit came upon them after Paul had laid his hands on them, and they spoke in tongues and prophesied, altogether there were about twelve of them.”
And in Mark 1: 4-11 John the baptizer was in the wilderness, announcing a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins. Citizens from the whole Judean countryside and the residents of Jerusalem went out to him and were baptized by him in the river Jordan, and confessing their sins. John wore camel’s hair and a leather belt around his waist and ate locusts and honey. He declared, “The one who is more powerful than I is coming after me; I am not worthy to stoop down and untie the thong of his sandals. I have baptized you with water; but he will baptize you with the Holy Spirit.” Jesus came from Nazareth of Galilee and was baptized by John in the Jordan. As Jesus was coming up out of the water, he perceived the heavens were torn apart and the Spirit descending as a dove on him. And then a great voice came from heaven, “You are my Son, the Beloved; with you I am well pleased.”
The water is purity at its core meaning. And thus, when we are baptized; we are purifying ourselves to belong to God. We are, in a symbolic sense, becoming more Christ-like. What happened at our baptism is figurative of what happened at Jesus’ baptism. When Jesus was baptized, the Holy Spirit came down upon him; and at our baptism the Trinity took up residence in our soul. At Jesus’ baptism, the Father spoke, and proclaimed, “This is my son, of who I am well pleased,” and at our baptism we become the adopted sons and daughters of God. The heavens were opened at Jesus’ baptism, at ours, Heaven became available to us.
What do you think of when you think of baptism? Perhaps some of you may even remember your baptism. Some of us were sprinkled as babies, or if we came to the Lord later in life, were baptized as adults. There are several methods of baptism, some people are baptized by a vessel that pours out water over their heads in a baptismal font, and others may be immersed or “dunked” bodily. It’s more than just a sprinkling of water. Regardless of the method, something very profound happens. Heaven becomes available to you. If you were baptized as an infant, you may go through confirmation at a later time to help the cement the foundation that was laid for you, if you were baptized later in life, perhaps your life has found a new meaning, as you declare Jesus as your Lord and you His follower.
Perhaps some of you reading this have never been baptized. Or maybe you are considering baptizing your children. Please take into thoughtful meditation the significance of the Lord’s baptism during your own or your children’s. As much as it involves getting wet, the inner self must be prepared for the transformation as well. May the peace of our Lord and Savior be with you all of your days. Amen.
Risky Business and Magicians: Epiphany ~ The Rt. Rev. Michael R. Beckett, OPI
In the time of King Herod, after Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea, wise men from the East came to Jerusalem, asking, “Where is the child who has been born king of the Jews? For we observed his star at its rising, and have come to pay him homage.”
When King Herod heard this, he was frightened, and all Jerusalem with him; and calling together all the chief priests and scribes of the people, he inquired of them where the Messiah was to be born.
They told him, “In Bethlehem of Judea; for so it has been written by the prophet: ‘And you, Bethlehem, in the land of Judah, are by no means least among the rulers of Judah; for from you shall come a ruler who is to shepherd my people Israel.'”
Then Herod secretly called for the wise men and learned from them the exact time when the star had appeared. Then he sent them to Bethlehem, saying, “Go and search diligently for the child; and when you have found him, bring me word so that I may also go and pay him homage.”
When they had heard the king, they set out; and there, ahead of them, went the star that they had seen at its rising, until it stopped over the place where the child was. When they saw that the star had stopped, they were overwhelmed with joy. On entering the house, they saw the child with Mary his mother; and they knelt down and paid him homage. Then, opening their treasure chests, they offered him gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh.
And having been warned in a dream not to return to Herod, they left for their own country by another road. Matthew 2:1-12 (NIV)
Today we mark the end of the Christmas season – the Day of Epiphany. We celebrate this day to reflect on the visit of the Magi – the wise men – to Jesus and the giving of their gifts. We reflect on the meaning of this visit of those wise ones to see Jesus.
Epiphany is about Jesus and his message being available and relevant to people of every age and race. Jesus isn’t just a Jewish prophet with an exciting message, but God made present amongst us and available to all of us to worship and follow. God’s love reaches beyond the everyday barriers of race and class; something the Magi didn’t quite get at first.
So Who Were the Magi?
We don’t know much about the Magi from Scripture. All Saint Matthew tells us is that they were “Magi from the East”. Some translations have “Wise men from the East”. The word in Greek refers to priests of the Zoroastrian religion. They came from Persia, the countries now known as Iran and Iraq, and they saw meaning in the movement of the stars. Their visit fits an Eastern pattern of great births being accompanied by momentous events in the sky. Certainly we know of a comet in 11BCE in Gemini with its head towards Leo, seen by many as a symbol of Judah. We also know of planetary conjunctions in both 7 BCE and 6 BCE which would have added to a sense that momentous happenings were on the way. The Magi would have noticed these things and taken them seriously. But who were they?
One commentator, Brian Stoffregen puts it like this;
“Originally in Persia, Magi were dream- interpreters. By Jesus’ time, the term referred to astronomers, fortune-tellers, or star-gazers. They were horoscope fanatics – a practice condemned by Jewish standards. We might compare them to people in fortune – telling booths, or people on the “psychic hotline” or other “occupations” that foretell the future by stars, tea leaves, Tarot cards etc. They were magicians, astronomers, star-gazers, pseudo-scientists, fortune tellers…”
Another writer, Nathan Nettleton, puts it like this;
“They were the speakers of the sacred words at the pagan sacrifices. At worst, the term referred to a magician or sorcerer, or even a deceiver. Magi were people whose activities were repeatedly condemned and prohibited throughout the scriptures and were completely anathema to the people of Israel.”
Whilst in English we get the words “magic” and “magician” from Magi, the Zoroastrian religion forbade sorcery. They clearly were looking for a new king and had found meaning in the movement of the planets and stars which led them to come to Israel to greet the new-born king. They journeyed from their homes in Persia to Bethlehem in search of this baby. Instead of angels and visions, we have the image of the Magi following a sign in the skies – in nature – and for a long period of time. The magi see the intentions of God in the skies. This is not new: Psalm 19 tells us that the heavens themselves declare who God is, and that his handiwork is seen in created nature. “We observed his star at its rising”. The magi know that there is something significant happening.
When did they come?
The Gospel of Saint Luke doesn’t mention the Magi and holds that the Holy Family returned to Nazareth after the presentation of Jesus at the Temple where he was circumcised. It’s probable that Saint Luke didn’t know of this episode in Jesus’ early life. Saint Matthew seems to place the visit of the Magi some time after Jesus’ birth. The Holy Family are in a “house” not in the stable of the inn. Herod kills all the newborn boys under the age of two years. So it’s likely that the Holy Family had stayed for some time in Bethlehem and the Magi came some time after Jesus’ birth, perhaps as long as two years after.
WHY did they come?
Clearly, the Magi were searching. The Magi recognized much of the truth of Jesus, who he was and what he would become. The Magi had a general idea of this God and this King of the Jews, but they didn’t really know who or what they were looking for. Bono and U2 were criticized some years ago by some supposedly orthodox Christians when they produced a song entitled, “I Still Haven’t Found What I’m Looking For,” which is about searching for fulfillment. You see, the example of the Magi was that they were searchers, not really knowing what or who they were looking for. They didn’t claim to have it all but they saw their lives as a journey of discovery. And they were willing to take risks. They were willing to leave all that they had, all that they new, and risk it all for the sake of seeking out this child, this new king. And in that they are an example to us. We don’t know it all. But if we, like them, are prepared to be diligent seekers, then, like them, we may be graced by God’s light, by our own Epiphany. If we are willing to take the risk, the risk maybe of being shunned at work, the risk of condemnation by our friends and family, the risk of paying the price for following Christ….well…..When the wise men finally found Jesus, we are told that their first response was joy – “they were overwhelmed with joy”. That is what happens when we find Jesus. This is what awaits us at the end of the journey if we take that risk. Next, they paid him homage – they worshiped him and acknowledged Him as King. After the joy comes the worship. That means acknowledging Jesus as King. Jesus as the center. Jesus as Lord. And then, after joy and after worship, comes offering of their gifts. In response to who Jesus is and the joy He gives, we offer ourselves and our gifts to Him.
So my message for today is to dare, like them, to take the risk of seeking, and God may well bless us with our own Epiphanies which transform us, as doubtless the Magi were transformed by what must have been a surprising experience for them as they knelt before the infant Jesus.
So how do you find Jesus? Maybe you can start out like the Magi – with a general idea of God, and a general idea that He is guiding you. Like the Magi, we need to turn to the scriptures. If you don’t read them, you will never really get the specific directions that God is trying to give you. Approach them with the right spirit, the right purpose. Ask for help along the way – the church, we, God’s people, are meant to help you along that way. The wise men knew when they needed to ask someone else for help. And pray. Ask God. When you find Jesus, rejoice. After all, He is God. Put Him in the center of your life. Ask yourself whether what you are doing honors him a King. Offer to him what you have, who you are.
Where can this Jesus be found? He is with you now. Won’t you seek Him? Won’t you recognize Him? Won’t you let Him fill YOUR life with joy? Amen.
What’s In a Name? – Memorial of the Most Holy Name of Jesus ~ Br. Michael Marshall, Novice
If you consider that God is righteous, you also know that everyone who acts in righteousness is begotten by him. See what love the Father has bestowed on us that we may be called the children of God. Yet so we are. The reason the world does not know us is that it did not know him. Beloved, we are God’s children now; what we shall be has not yet been revealed. We do know that when it is revealed we shall be like him, for we shall see him as he is. Everyone who has this hope based on him makes himself pure, as he is pure. Everyone who commits sin commits lawlessness, for sin is lawlessness. You know that he was revealed to take away sins, and in him there is no sin. No one who remains in him sins; no one who sins has seen him or known him. 1 John 2:29-3:6
John the Baptist saw Jesus coming toward him and said, “Behold, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world. He is the one of whom I said, ‘A man is coming after me who ranks ahead of me because he existed before me.’ I did not know him, but the reason why I came baptizing with water was that he might be made known to Israel.” John testified further, saying, “I saw the Spirit come down like a dove from the sky and remain upon him. I did not know him, but the one who sent me to baptize with water told me, ‘On whomever you see the Spirit come down and remain, he is the one who will baptize with the Holy Spirit.’ Now I have seen and testified that he is the Son of God.” John 1:29-34
In William Shakespeare’s story Romeo and Juliet we find the quote “What’s in a name? That which we call a rose by any other name would smell as sweet.” We also can look up any name to find its meaning; such as Michael meaning “one who is like God, or Elizabeth meaning “my God is abundance”. So essentially each name, whether it is an object or a person has significance in this world. We especially can find this to be true in the readings for today.
As much as the historical tradition in Judaism is that one cannot speak the name of God, who they refer to as YHWH, because it is considered to use His name in vain or shows disrespect toward the Almighty Powerful One; we see in the first reading that John the Evangelist is explaining to the community at large who God is, even using the name “God”. He mentions that there is a purpose for a lifestyle in order to have a relationship with God, and encourages the people to keep in mind why this relationship is important.
Throughout the Gospels, we can find many references to Jesus being called the Son of God. We can find it in other Gospels as early as the angel Gabriel visiting Mary telling her that she will bear a son – the Son of the Most High. We also find reference to Jesus being called the Prince of Peace, but one of the most significant names of all is Emmanuel which means “God with us.”
We read in the Gospel that John the Baptist identifies Jesus as two very important names; identifying Him as the Lamb of God, and the Son of God. These names are important because they directly point to the purpose of why Jesus existed on Earth, as well as why He still exists today after the Resurrection. What does the Lamb of God point toward? In Jewish tradition, the sacrifice of a lamb is part of Passover Feast; an event remembering and thanking God for sparing the firstborn. We as Christians refer to Jesus’ last Passover as the Last Supper, at which Jesus explains to His disciples that He would suffer and die as a sacrifice for humanity in order for us to have a right relationship with God.
In the Gospel lesson for today the important thing for our discussion here is to take note here is how John the Baptist witnessed a dove descending down upon Jesus, which was a fulfillment of a prophecy from Isaiah 11 explaining that a dove would descend down upon the Son. So, we know the purpose of Jesus was to be the Savior of the World to free us from sin; regardless of being called the Lamb of God or Son of God. In the end, just as God in heaven is Holy, SO IS Jesus – hence we celebrate this Memorial of the Most Holy Name of Jesus.
What are we to take from the readings and this educational lesson to apply to our own lives? John the Evangelist cannot be any clearer… Our unholy actions and behaviors distance us from God.
We need to always remember that, regardless of God desiring to have a right relationship with us through the sacrifice of His son, and that He will never give up on us, AND we need to do our part in that relationship. AND WHAT IS OUR PART??? Calling upon the Holy Name of Jesus… For example, when we feel discouraged about life, we should ask Jesus to help us instead of turning to unhealthy habits to deal with the issues. When we feel tempted by Satan, we need to call out to Jesus to help us fight off Satan.
Heavenly Father, help us keep in mind our actions and behaviors, and may we recognize when we have put distance between ourselves and you. We ask this through Christ, your Holy Son, our Lord. Amen.
The Solemnity of Mary, the Mother of God ~ Br. Brent Whetstone, OPI
In the name of the Father, and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
Today is a very special feast day for me, as a Dominican Friar, and someone who is reading for Holy Orders. Today is the day we celebrate our special patroness, the patroness of the Dominican Order, and my personal patroness: someone I have devoted my ministry to. Our Lady has found favor with the Order of Preachers because at her core she exemplifies everything that we as Dominicans hold dear. We wear her scapular, we pray her rosary and we daily seek her intervention on our behalf every night when we close evening prayer with the Salve Regina!
Salve Regina, Mater Misericordiae,
vita, dulcedo, et spes nostra, salve!
Ad te clamamus, exsules filii Hevae,
ad te suspiramus, gementes et flentes,
In hac lacrimarum valle.
Eja ergo, Advocata nostra,
Illos tuos misericordes oculos ad nos converte
Et Jesum, benedictum fructum ventris tui,
Nobis, post hoc exilium, ostende,
O clemens, O pia, O dulcis Virgo Maria.
Hail Holy Queen, Mother of mercy our life, our sweetness and our hope! To thee do we cry, poor banished chidren of Eve, To thee do we send up our sighs, Mourning and weeping in this valley of tears. Turn, then, o most gracious advocate, Thine eyes of mercy toward us and after this our exile Show unto us the blessed fruit of thy womb, Jesus. O clement, o loving, o sweet Virgin Mary.
I was reading a book the other day by one of my favorite Catholic Theologians, Dr. Scott Hahn, called Hail Holy Queen: the Mother of God in the Word of God, and in it Dr Hahn talks about the many Marian types in the Old Testament. He says that:
“Marian types abound in the Old Testament. We find Mary prefigured in Eve, the mother of all living; In Sarah, the wife of Abraham, who conceived her child miraculously; in the queen mother of Israel’s monarchy, who interceded with the king on behalf of the people of the land; and in many other places, in many other ways (for example, Hannah and Ester). The type addressed most explicitly in the New Testament, the ark of the covenant….as the ancient ark was made to bear the old covenant, so the Virgin Mary was created to bear the new covenant.”
It is because of this that we celebrate Our Lady today. The Blessed Virgin Mary is the God Bearer, the Theotokos, and what a responsibility it was for her to take on the role of the ark of the new covenant. Imagine with me, if you will, your life as a 13 or 14 year old: not much responsibility, school, maybe a part time job working for you family, but mostly a care free life. Then one day it all changes. Not many teenagers would be up for the challenge, and not many would willingly say “yes” to such an awesome task being placed upon their shoulders. But Mary did. She did so in faith, and she did so willingly trusting her God. She knew the stigma that would be placed on her. She knew the possibility that her fiancé would leave her, and she would be left to raise a child on her own. But she also knew that God was there by her side.
It was because of this one act of obedience that Salvation was brought to the world. It was because a young girl was willing to put aside her own will and walk in the will of God. That is what we celebrate today. We celebrate an act of obedience that changed the world. We celebrate her today: Mary, the Mother of God, the Queen of Heaven, and our greatest advocate before her Son.
Each year on this day, I recommit myself to my Dominican vocation, as I recount her willingness to freely give herself to God. I too, willingly give myself to God through my vocation, so that I may be able to praise, to bless and to preach God’s message of salvation to the world.
Let us pray:
O God, you willed that the Order of Preachers be founded for the salvation of souls under the special patronage of the Blessed Virgin Mary, and that the Order be filled with her unfailing gifts. Grant to us who call upon you, protected by the aid of her whose feast we celebrate, that we may be brought to the glory of heaven. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever.
—Collect for the Patronage of the Blessed Virgin Mary over the whole Order of Preachers
Tis the Season….For the Family! ~ Br. Matt Pepple, Novice
The “Holy Family” is the designation given to the family unit of Jesus Christ. It is comprised of Jesus Christ – The Divine Son of God, The Virgin Mary – the Mother of Christ, and Jesus’ Earthly “Adoptive” father, Joseph. The canonical Gospels do not speak much of the Holy Family, just primarily the birth of Jesus, the flight into Egypt, and when Mary and Joseph find Jesus in the Temple. While the precise facts of the day-to-day life of the Holy Family might be shrouded in mystery, we can still absorb a lot from the stories we do have. Devotion to the Holy Family is a more current development. The love of Jesus and his Family is something that grows naturally.
The Feast of the Holy Family became really popular in the 17th century, where several religious organizations were founded under this label. It was also depicted in art works during this time. On October 26th, 1921 the Congregation of Rites led by Pope Benedict the 15th, introduced the Feast of the Holy Family into the Latin Rite common calendar. Before that time it was observed provincially. Popes before Benedict the 15th such as Leo the 13th sponsored the feast as a way to counter the dissolution of the family unit. The church today observes the Feast on the Sunday between Christmas and New Year’s Day. Before 1969, the Feast was held on the first Sunday following the Epiphany.
In our Reading today from Hebrews 2:10-18, the writer of Hebrews is stating that in bringing children to glory will make their development of redemption perfect through suffering; that the one who consecrates and those who are sanctified all have one unifying Father and because of this, Jesus is not ashamed to call us all brothers and sisters. He states, “I will declare your name to my brothers and sisters, in the center of the churchgoers I will praise you.” And also, “I will put my trust in him.” And “Here am I and the offspring whom God has given me.” Since, then, the children share flesh and blood, he himself similarly shared the same things, so that through death he might end the one who has the control of death, that is, the devil, and permit those who all their lives were seized in bondage by the fear of death. For it is clear that he did not come to aid angels, but the children of Abraham. So he had to become like his brothers and sisters in every aspect, so that he might be a compassionate and faithful high priest in the service of God, to make a sacrifice of compensation for the sins of the people. As he himself was tried by what he suffered, he is able to aid those who are being tried and tested.
And in Matthew 2:13-23, the adoptive father of Jesus, Joseph is given a remarkable vision in a dream by the angel of the Lord and is telling Joseph to take the baby Jesus and his mother Mary into Egypt, because King Herod is seeking the boy to kill him. They all travel by night into Egypt. There they remained until Herod died and was so fulfilled by the prophet, “Out of Egypt I have called my son.” Herod was tricked by the wise men and in his anger; killed all the children in the proximity of Bethlehem who were two years old or under, thus fulfilling what the prophet Jeremiah spoke: “A voice was heard in Ramah, wailing and loud lamentation, Rachel weeping for her children; she refused to be consoled, because they are no more.” After the death of Herod, the angel again visited Joseph in a dream and told him to take Jesus and his mother Mary back to the land of Israel, for those who were seeking to kill the boy are now dead. After Joseph learned that Archelaus was now ruler of Judea in Herod’s place, he felt great fear, and after being advised in a dream, he went to a district of Galilee. He made their home in Nazareth, so that the words of the prophets would be fulfilled, “He will be called a Nazarene.”
Sometimes family can be a really daunting thing. We may not all get along well with our family; brothers and sisters have disagreements, perhaps you may have grown up in a family of all brothers or all sisters. We may not all work like a well-oiled machine. Sometimes Mothers and Fathers go through seasons where they do not mesh effectively. Maybe you grew up in a unit that was not like a “typical” family. Each person may be going through something that could make connections a bit difficult. Parents could be struggling at work, with work, children dealing with their own struggles in school with friends or teachers or homework. One thing to remember during this holiday season is that our differences really aren’t that different. It’s not that difficult to relate to something a parent faces as much as it is observing a child in their day to day life.
When we think about the hardships of the Holy Family, how Mary and Joseph struggled in their travels from Nazareth to Bethlehem, or going into Egypt by night, it’s not really much different than what most families go through either once or many times. If a parent gets a new job and the entire family has to relocate, that means new schools for the children. One thing that weighed heavily on the Holy Family was that the entire journeys were done on foot, even atop a donkey is not much easier. Joseph had a great responsibility to protect this child, the baby Jesus, and his wife, Mary. Just imagine what it must have been to have known that there were people out there seeking this child’s life! And for Mary, a woman of whom had just given birth, keeping on the move for miles and miles.
During this time of the year, when you are spending time with your family, think of your family, think of the sacrifices your parents or guardians made to help get you where you are in life. As a parent or guardian, take time to reflect on the children that you have raised, to the great kids that they are or fantastic adults that they have become. Give thanks for each other during this time of year and be open with one another. If your family is not one to spend a lot of time together, give them a call, send them an e-mail, break open the fog of silence and start communicating. Family is an integral part to the community aspect of being a Dominican. So, work past your differences, and forgive often! Spend time with friends, rejoice with them through all the good times, and be with them during the hard times. Spend quality family time during this time of meals and merriment. It really is a season of growing together as a family. Amen.
Feast of the Holy Innocents ~ Br. Brent Whetstone, OPI
In the name of The Father, and of The Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
Lully, lullay, thou little tiny child,
Bye bye, lully, lullay.
Lully, lullay, thou little tiny child,
Bye bye, lully, lullay.
O sisters too, how may we do
For to preserve this day
This poor youngling for whom we sing,
“Bye bye, lully, lullay”?
Herod the king, in his raging,
Chargèd he hath this day
His men of might in his own sight
All young children to slay.
That woe is me, poor child, for thee
And ever mourn and may
For thy parting neither say nor sing,
“Bye bye, lully, lullay.” * (Link below)
These haunting words come from a song called the Coventry Carol. The “Coventry Carol” is an English Christmas carol dating from the 16th century. The carol was traditionally performed in Coventry in England as part of a mystery play called The Pageant of the Shearmen and Tailors. The play depicts the Christmas story from chapter two in the Gospel of Matthew: the carol itself refers to the Massacre of the Innocents, in which Herod ordered all male infants under the age of two in Bethlehem to be killed, and takes the form of a lullaby sung by mothers of the doomed children.
Now here we are on the fourth day of Christmas. In the midst of a time of happiness and joy and celebration and family and friends. A time where we forget about all the negativity in the world and celebrate the things that we have, and yet on our liturgical calendar we have a reminder of a great tragedy that occurred around the time of the birth of our Lord.
This tragedy sets the stage for what will become a common theme in Christianity, and that is the persecution of the Church. Today we set aside our celebrations to pause and pray and to remember those who have come before us and who have faced persecution for their belief in Christ and for those who are currently part of the persecuted Church.
According to a recent CNN report, 2015 was the most violent year for Christian persecution in modern history. More than 7,100 Christians were killed for their faith; that is up 3,000 from the previous year, and this year alone, according to Open Door, a watchdog organization that follows Christians persecution worldwide, in 2016 there were 322 Christians killed each month. In addition to the loss of life, each month there were 214 churches and Christian-owned properties destroyed; there were 722 acts of violence committed on Christians, ranging from abductions to rape. That is each month.
It is hard for us to imagine in the United States what it is like for our brothers and sisters who are in predominately Muslim countries where a majority of this persecution occurs. We have the opportunity to attend church on Sunday, usually without fear of anything happening to us or our loved ones, we can safely walk the streets and not worry about being harassed because of our faith. But our brothers and sisters are not so fortunate.
I believe that today we are called to remember those who are part of the persecuted church. I think that it is important to leave you with a few ideas on what you can do to help our brothers and sisters who are facing this persecution.
First we must understand that we are called to support our brothers and sisters. In Saint Paul’s First letter to the church at Corinth he says that, “we are one body. If one part suffers, every part suffers with it; if one part is honored, every part rejoices with it.” We must support organizations that help our brothers and sisters in these areas of persecution.
Second, we must bring awareness to the fact that the persecuted church does, in fact, exist. Talk to your friends and family and church leaders and see what you can collectively do together to support our brothers and sisters, especially in the Middle East.
Finally and most importantly, we must pray. Make prayer for the persecuted church part of your daily devotion. There is power in prayer and by praying and putting your faith into action. With prayer we can see miracles take place as we saw in November, when the Church of the Immaculate Conception in Qaraqosh celebrated its first mass in two years.
This is what we are called to do as Christians, to take action and to pray. To always remember the persecuted who have come before us and the persecuted who part of the Church today.
Let us pray:
O God, whom the Holy Innocents confessed and proclaimed on this day, not by speaking but by dying, grant, we pray, that the faith in your which we confess with our lips may also speak through our manner of life. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.
* https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QIvH5GdY4JE
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