It is with GREAT joy and excitement that The Order of Preachers Old Catholic, the Dominican Order of the International Old Catholic Churches, That we announce to you that Carl P Pappalardo has entered into our Dominican family as a Postulant. Please support him with your prayers and thanksgivings, as he begins this new and challenging chapter in his life. Thanks be to God!!!!
Born in 1187 at Vizella, in the diocese of Braga, Portugal, Gonsalvo de Amarante was a true son of the Middle Ages. In his boyhood Gonsalvo Pereira gave indications of his holiness. While still small, he was consecrated to study for the Church, and received his training in the household of the archbishop of Braga. After his ordination he was given charge of a wealthy parish.
There was no complaint with Gonsalvo’s governance of the parish of Saint Pelagius. He was penitential himself, but indulgent with everyone else. Revenues that he might have used for himself were used for the poor and the sick. The parish, in fact, was doing very well when he turned it over to his nephew, whom he had carefully trained as a priest, before making a pilgrimage to the Holy Land.
Gonsalvo would have remained his entire life in the Holy Land, but after 14 years his archbishop commanded him to return to Portugal. Upon his arrival, he was horrified to see that his nephew had not been the good shepherd that he had promised to be, the money left for the poor had gone to purchase a fine stable of thoroughbred horses and a pack of fine hounds. The nephew had told everyone that his old uncle was dead, and he had been appointed pastor in his place by an unsuspecting archbishop. When the uncle appeared on the scene, ragged and old, but very much alive, the nephew was not happy to see him. Gonsalvo seems to have been surprised as well as pained.
The ungrateful nephew settled the matter by turning the dogs on his inconvenient uncle. They would have torn him to pieces, but the servants called them off and allowed the ragged pilgrim to escape. Gonsalvo decided then that he had withstood enough parish life, and went out into the hills to a place called Amarante. Here he found a cave and other necessities for an eremitical life and lived in peace for several years, spending his time building a little chapel to the Blessed Virgin. He preached to those who came to him, and soon there was a steady stream of pilgrims seeking out his retreat.
Happy as he was, Golsalvo felt that this was not his sole mission in life, and he prayed for help to discern his real vocation. It is said that the Virgin Mary appeared to him one night as he prayed and told him to enter the order that had the custom of beginning the office with “Ave Maria gratia plena.” She told him that this order was very dear to her and under her special protection. Gonsalvo set out to learn what order she meant, and eventually came to the convent of the Dominicans. Here was the end of the quest, and he asked for the habit.
Blessed Peter Gonzales was the prior, and he gave the habit to the new aspirant. After Gonsalvo had gone through his novitiate, he was sent back to Amarante, with a companion, to begin a regular house of the order. The people of the neighborhood quickly spread the news that the hermit was back. They flocked to hear him preach, and begged him to heal their sick.
One of the miracles of Blessed Gonsalvo concerns the building of a bridge across a swift river that barred many people from reaching the hermitage in wintertime. It was not a good place to build a bridge, but Gonsalvo set about it and followed the heavenly directions he had received. Once, during the building of the bridge, he went out collecting, and a man who wanted to brush him off painlessly sent him away with a note for his wife.
Gonsalvo took the note to the man’s wife, and she laughed when she read it. “Give him as much gold as will balance with the note I send you,” said the message. Gonsalvo told her he thought she ought to obey her husband, so she got out the scales and put the paper in one balance. Then she put a tiny coin in the other balance, and another, and another–the paper still outweighed her gold–and she kept adding. There was a sizeable pile of coins before the balance with the paper in it swung upwards.
Gonsalvo died 10 January 1259, after prophesying the day of his death and promising his friends that he would still be able to help them after death. Pilgrimages began soon, and a series of miracles indicated that something should be done about his beatification. Forty years after his death he appeared to several people who were apprehensively watching a flood on the river. The water had arisen to a dangerous level, just below the bridge, when they saw a tree floating towards the bridge, and Gonsalvo was balancing capably on its rolling balk. The friar carefully guided the tree under the bridge, preserving the bridge from damage, and then disappeared. He was beatified by Pius IV in 1560.
The 17th century was a period of great missionary activity. Many martyrs shed their blood on distant shores. Dominicans and Jesuits contributed a great share to the blood of martyrs. Among this glorious company, the Dominican Francis de Capillas has become the type and exemplar of them.
Francis was born in 1608 in Old Castile, Spain. Nothing is known of his childhood. He entered the Dominicans at Valladolid at age 17. The Spain of his youth was still ringing with the missionary zeal of Saints Louis Bertrand, Philip de las Casas, and Francis Xavier; the report of the martyrdom of Alphonsus Navarette (June 1), in Japan, was news at the time. Perhaps the bravery of these men helped to fire the young Francis with apostolic longing, for he volunteered for the Philippine mission while he was a deacon. In 1631 at the age of 23, he left Spain and was ordained in Manila. Here, at the gateway to the Orient, the Dominicans had founded a university in 1611, and the city teemed with missionaries traveling throughout the Orient.
The young priest labored for 10 years in the province of Cagayan, the Philippines, where heat, insects, disease, and paganism made life very hard. But it was not hard enough for Francis. He begged for a mission field that was really difficult; perhaps, like many of the eager young apostles of that time, he was hoping for an assignment in Japan, where the great persecution was raging. He was sent to Fukien, China, where he worked uneventfully for some years. Then a Tartar invasion put his life in jeopardy. He was captured by a band of Tartars and imprisoned as a spy.
Francis was subjected to a mock trial. Civil, military, and religious officials questioned him, and they accused him of everything from political intrigue to witchcraft. He was charged with disregarding ancestor worship, and, finally, since they could “find no cause in him,” he was turned over to the torturers.
He endured the cruel treatment of these men with great courage. Seeing his calmness, the magistrates became curious about his doctrines. They offered him wealth, power, and freedom, if he would renounce his faith, but he amazed and annoyed them by choosing to suffer instead. They varied the tortures with imprisonment, and he profitably used the time to convert his jailor and fellow prisoners. Even the mandarin visited him in prison, asking Francis if he would renounce his faith or would he prefer to suffer more. Being told that he was glad to suffer for Christ, the mandarin furiously ordered that he be scourged again “so he would have even more to be glad about.”
Francis was finally condemned, and was beheaded on 15 January 1640. He was beatified on 2 May 1919 by Pope Pius X.
Therefore if there is any encouragement in Christ, if there is any consolation of love, if there is any fellowship of the Spirit, if any affection and compassion, make my joy complete by being of the same mind, maintaining the same love, united in spirit, intent on one purpose. Do nothing from selfishness or empty conceit, but with humility of mind regard one another as more important than yourselves; do not merely look out for your own personal interests, but also for the interests of others. Philippians 2:1-4 NASB
Have you ever been dumpster diving? Junk hunting? Been to a thrift store? Picked up something off the street or in an alley that had been discarded? A few years ago, there was a show on HGTV titled, “Trash to Treasures.” The premise of the show was that one could take cast-off items; things found in alleys, junk stores, and dumpsters, and turn them into beautiful and useful items.
Well…………
Once upon a time, a few days more than a year ago, there was a little group of wandering clergy who had been kicked out of their home church by The Dark Side of the Force. They had worked and worked and worked for the benefit of their Lord, and had fought to keep all that is Holy, just that, Holy. They had endeavored to do what was right, and beautiful, and good. And for this, they had been turned out into the cold, dark world, with no where to turn. They were dismayed, upset, and confused.
Where would they go? What would they do? How would their ministries survive? Should they huddle together against the Evil Forces who had besieged them and set out on their own? Should they seek refuge elsewhere? Was their ministry to be ended? Had all their efforts been for naught? Would the devil win?
In cases of true and sincere faith, the devil seldom wins, and certainly, most definitely, not in this case. That little group of wandering Dominicans was rescued by Christ and His Church. And so……
It is with great joy and happiness that on this, the first anniversary of The Order of Preachers, Old Catholic becoming part of The International Old Catholic Churches, that we reflect on the following:
In the past 12 months, we have gone from 3 wandering Dominicans, to a strong Priory of nine, located on 2 different continents, in three countries, with a few aspirants waiting in the wings. We are blessed to have 3 Deacons, and 3 Vicars General numbered in our group, one of whom is a Bishop-elect. One of our members is the Chair of the Commission on Ordained Ministries. Our order is responsible for several of the classes offered by The Old Catholic Institute, and most of our members have begun seminary classes. We have been blessed to contribute financially to the well being of the National Church and its members. Our members are regular contributors to the ISM Magazine, “Convergent Streams.” Our website has published over 300 posts and received innumerable prayer requests. Our members have planted chapels, and are active in numerous ministries and chaplaincies.
The above sounds as if we are bragging about the events of the past year. Truly, we are not. Until I had to sit down and write this, I’d not realized what we, as an Order, have done this year. I am truly, honestly, and sincerely amazed at what Christ has done, and is doing in our lives. Like over-used clay vessels, we were broken, called useless, cast aside, and thrown away. We were trash. And then, something amazing happened. We were taken out of the dumpster and recycled. Christ was able to pick us up, put us back together, mend the broken parts, and repurpose, re-use, and recycle us. And we are stronger and more useful servants of Christ for it.
And, just as precious metals are refined, and old, broken jewelry can be melted down and made into something even more beautiful, Christ has done so with us. As Isaiah says: Behold, I have refined you, but not as silver; I have tried you in the furnace of affliction. Isaiah 48:10 esv
And from Zechariah:
And I will put this third into the fire, and refine them as one refines silver, and test them as gold is tested. They will call upon my name, and I will answer them. I will say, ‘They are my people’; and they will say, ‘The Lord is my God.’” Zechariah 13:9 esv
We, The Order of Preachers, Old Catholic, The Dominican Order of The International Old Catholic Churches, are living proof of the miracles of God’s love.
Are you broken? Do you need a purpose? Have you felt lost and wondered from whence you can find comfort and help? Won’t you give it all to Christ? Let him help mend you, and show you how wonderful life with Him can be. Come, join us in our journey, to love and to serve Our Lord, with gladness and singleness of heart.
Amen.
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)
Tomorrow 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 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. 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. 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.
Liturgically, we are still in the Christmas season. The Epiphany is approaching. Traditionally, these twelve days between Christmas and Epiphany known as The Twelve Days of Christmas. Yep, that’s where the song comes from! Christ was born on blessed Christmas Eve and the radiant star was born above Bethlehem. It was once believed that it took twelve days from the appearance of the star, for the Magi to make their way to Bethlehem. Hence, the “twelve days of Christmas” and the celebration of the Epiphany.
I propose herewith, an interesting observation. We have not even celebrated the New Year and already I see many who have discarded their Christmas trees outside. I have seen neighbors take down Christmas lights from their homes and remove decorative wreaths from their front doors. I am bewildered. Is Christmas over? Then again, is Christmas only a tree?
I know every year I do hear those who complain that Christmas seems to begin earlier. My husband employed in retail, serves evidence of this as the Christmas music in his store begins right after Halloween. Indeed, the store decorations and stock of holiday items march in at the same time. But one cannot deny, there begins a hint of anticipation in the air. As Christmas draws closer, it builds- like an overture.
People being to decorate. Christmas trees pop up. Santa rides into town on his sleigh at the Macy’s Thanksgiving parade. The world becomes joyful. Those who are first, and perhaps foremost, in the decorating frenzy- echo the same sentiment, I needed a little Christmas! Just like the lyrics of that popular song from Mame- “I need a little Christmas, right this very minute…”
It is indeed theraputic. Christmas. Christ. Does any other season offer the possibility of hope and peace, as Christmas? We cannot deny that images and thoughts of Christ heal us. More at this time of year then any other, except perhaps Easter. But Christmas builds like the aforementioned overture. Musically all around us- in both audible and visual stimulation. Like a giant celebration played out to cheer the heart and kindle the spirit within. Why then, do we let is go so quickly?
We have ridden the wave of anticipation and excitement for many weeks. Christmas is coming! Its promise and its joy. How can we be content to let it slip from us for another year? Hide it in a box? Watch it wilt at the curbside?
In 1955 Bing Crosby recorded a lesser known Christmas carol, Is Christmas only a tree? Perhaps this is the answer. “Is Christmas only a tree? Just falling snow and candle glow and mistletoe? Frosted air, angel hair and Christmas carols everywhere? Is Christmas only a tree? I seem to see beyond the tree, to where the angels sing. Hosanna ring to heaven’s king and my heart is answering. Is Christmas only a tree? The answer is from long ago, for whever there is a Christmas tree, my heart will know.”
But those visual affirmations can help. They serve to keep the spirit of Christmas- the promise of Christmas- of Christ, alive and present. So let us not be to quick to take down the Christmas tree. There are those of us who find our personal spirit dampened at the departure of the season. How can we keep the joy of Christmas in our hearts year ’round?
Just by remembering the JOY of the Christmas season, with this easy formula- JOY. J is for Jesus, O is for Others and Y is for Yourself. If you keep Jesus and Others before Yourself… you will have JOY. And holding onto that Christmas tree a little longer may help too. Either way though, pray never to loose the Christmas spirit!
“We three kings of the Orient are, bearing gifts as we travel so far…”
Glorious Christmas Greetings! We are now indeed within the wonder of the Church’s Christmas season. Commonly referred as “the twelve days of Christmas”, the time from Christmas Day until the Epiphany. It is thought that this was the period of time it took the Magi- the three kings (sometimes also called the three wise men), once observing the star proclaiming Jesus’ birth to travel to Bethlehem.
The story of the Magi, told in the Gospel of Matthew Chapter 2- tells how these three traveled from the east toward Jerusalem following the star. When King Herod had learned that these noble men were nearby, seeking “the one who has been born King of the Jews” ( Matthew 2:2 ), he summoned them under the full pretense of wanting to worship Jesus too. ( He sent them to Bethlehem and said, ‘Go and search carefully for the child. As soon as you find him, report to me so that I may go and worship him too.'” ( Matthew 2:8 ) Ultimately we know is was Herod’s murderous intent to kill Jesus and thus secure his throne. When the Magi did not return to him (… having been warned in a dream not to return to Herod… ( Matthew 2:12 )) Herod furious, ordered the slaughter of all infant boys in Bethlehem under the age of two ( Matthew 2:16). ( We remember this sad day and recall the untimely loss of all children of the Day of the Holy Innocent’s December 28th.)
But what else do we know about the Magi, and what their knowledge has to to do with the meaning of Christmas?
We know they were kings from the east. East of Judea. A father of the Church, Origen of Alexandria records much significance of them in his work ‘Contra Celsum’ written in 248AD. He identifies them as Gaspar, King of India and Melchior, King of Persia and Balthazar, King of Arabia. Perhaps this is what frightened Herod, that three wise men of such position and influence would have the knowledge of birth of a new king and- more alarming to Herod, that these three kings felt an obligation to worship this new king!
The gifts presented by the three kings as they knelt before the Christ child, is even more foretelling and…. foreboding.
Gold is presented. It is befitting because the baby Jesus was born a king. King of the Jews. In the time of Jesus’ birth, only kings and the very rich and powerful- could afford to posses gold. Let alone to give it as a gift. But in doing so, the kings observe this small infant wrapped simply in swaddling blankets- as a king. Equal to their own station.
“Born a king on Bethlehem’s plain, Gold we bring to crown him again. King forever, ceasing never. Over us all to reign.” ( We Three Kings. by Rev. John Hopkins Jr. (c) 1863 )
Then, to elevate and proclaim Jesus’ majesty and deity- they offer to the Christ child the gift of Frankincense. An aromatic resin tapped from the sap of Boswellia tree, or more accurately- shrubs. It had two purposes. First as a rare find and flowering plant, its sap was used in perfume of the rich and well to do. Significant of its expense and rarity, Frankincense was also burned in temples to uplift prayers to God. To present this rare fragrant spice to the baby Jesus, signified- “we know of your divinity.”
“Frankincense to offer have I. Incense owns a Deity high. Prayers and praising, all men raising- worship Him, God on high.” ( We Three Kings. )
Lastly and perhaps most profoundly and subtlely, Jesus was presented Myrrh. Another aromatic resin, this is taken from the Commoiphora tree- a small thorny and prickly plant. Its sap was known to harden quickly and be glossy, so it was often used for the embalming of the wealthy deceased in those times. What a strange gift to give to a newborn child- Myrrh. What influence or insight had the Magi known? They knew to travel far from the east to seek the child born a king under the star. They foretold of his divinity. What did they know of the future plans and sacrifice of this child?
“Myrrh is mine, its bitter perfume. Breathes a life of gathering gloom. Sorrow, sighing, bleeding, dying. Sealed in the stone cold tomb.” ( We Three Kings. )
All we can know now, as we ourselves march toward the Epiphany- when the glory of knowledge of the Christ child is proclaimed- is what the Magi knew then. We seek to find Christ. There is born a Messiah. A savior who is our hope and our salvation. It is in him- and through him, that we will find all that is good and necessary. Christ teaches us how to live and how to love. His lessons and words are as valuable today as they were when He first spoke them. Perhaps that is why it is said- wise men still seek him.
“Glorious now behold him arise- King and God and Sacrifice. Alleluia. Alleluia. Sing His praise to the skies! ” ( We Three Kings. )
“Star of wonder, star of night. Star with a royal beauty bright. Westward leading, still proceeding. Guide us to Thy perfect Light.” ( We Three Kings. )
May you and yours enjoy a blessed New Year. Let us go forth in the love and peace of Christ, to seek Christ. As wise men still do.
“I heard the bells on Christmas day. Their old familiar carols play, and wild and sweet the words repeat- of peace on earth, good will to men!”
We awoke this morning and the world was different. Magical. Joyous. Something special in the air. The sounds of church bells. The sounds of children’s laughter, family chatter and holiday greetings from just about everyone! It is Christmas Day!
There is no other day like Christmas Day. As far back as our childhood memories can take us, Christmas Day is special. A gathering of family and friends. Toys and gifts scattered about hidden beneath mountains of wrapping paper. Smells of pine from the tree mix with tempting smells from the oven. And Christmas carols, everywhere- on the radio and television and overflowing from Church. They sing from my lips, dance in my ears and rejoice in my heart! Wonderful familiar tunes, bringing back more memories of youth and loved ones departed.
“I thought as how, this day had come, the belfries of all Christendom- had rolled along the unbroken song- of peace on earth, good will to men.”
Christmas Day! The birth of Jesus Christ, our Lord! Not just in my home or town, but everywhere. Everywhere! Across the globe, in whatever time zone- Christians- “all of Christendom” are like me, celebrating Christmas. The magic and wonder is everywhere. That childish joy and anticipation of the day is everywhere. And everywhere Christians are recalling how the birth of Christ has changed the world. How Christ offers us hope and renewal. How Christ came to live among us, be with us and love us. How Christ came to teach us lessons for life and give us His promise for everlasting life. All of this possible- all of this promise, from that wondrous birth in the manger at Bethlehem more than two thousand years ago!
“And in despair I bowed my head, there is no peace on earth I said. For hate is strong and mocks the song, of peace on earth, good will to men.”
Wait, the joy of Christmas? Wars continue. The Middle East, as it has been for decades, is a mess. North Korea and Iran keep popping up into the news threatening the nightmare of nuclear weapons. I also cannot escape the television news coverage of senseless shootings- in our schools, communities and college campuses. I was a police officer for thirty years- I do not understand this violence.
Violence, that word alone is all that is needed to shatter my Christmas joy. Wandering gangs of youth now play a mindless game of hitting strangers to see if they can knock them out with one punch. I do not understand. A homeless man in Hoboken NJ was recently killed this way.
Homeless, there too another word- another issue to intrude its reality into the joy of my Christmas. There is no media coverage here. Thousands spend this Christmas without homes, hot meals or the simplest comfort. How can I go around singing about joy, peace and good will? It is almost as if I can hear Satan himself laughing in ridicule- “for hate is strong and mocks the song…” “Celebrate the birth of your Messiah” Satan rebukes me, “you have learned nothing from him.” In despair I bow my head. Where is my compassion? Where is my love? Who is my neighbor? How can I help him?
“Then pealed the bless more loud and deep: God is not dead, nor does he sleep. The wrong shall fail, the right prevail- with peace on earth, good will to men!”
Wait, get thee behind me Satan- God is not dead! God lives! God is here with me- with us now! We are the instruments of His work. It is we who must accomplish Christ’s acts of mercy. It is we who must clothe the naked, feed the hungry and give drink to those who are thirsty- both literally and spiritually. It is we who must pray for and call for, peace. It is we who must demand equality and accountability. God demands these things. God requires us intercede.
So this is the joy of Christmas. I can see Jesus smiling down upon me. He tasks me not to forget the broken of spirit. He invites me to reach out to them- the lost, the lonely, the addicted, the distraught. Share with them the Good News! That is what His Gospel means, good news! Be not weary or poor of spirit- the angel brings “good news which shall be for all people. That today is born in the town of David, a Savior- he is the Messiah, Christ the Lord.” (Luke 2:10-11)
So I wish to you, my brothers and sisters in Christ- the most joyous and blessed Christmas Day! God is not dead, nor does He sleep. He lives with us and through us. Let us go forth from today and into the New Year- with His greatest Christmas gift to us- the Good News which shall be for all people– Christ is born! Christ lives! Christ loves!
…. and on earth, peace and good will to men. Amen.
2 And it came to pass in those days, that there went out a decree from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be taxed. 2 (And this taxing was first made when Cyrenius was governor of Syria.) 3 And all went to be taxed, every one into his own city. 4 And Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judaea, unto the city of David, which is called Bethlehem; (because he was of the house and lineage of David) 5 To be taxed with Mary his espoused wife, being great with child.
6 And so it was, that, while they were there, the days were accomplished that she should be delivered. 7 And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn. 8 And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. 9 And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid.
10 And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. 11 For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord. 12 And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, 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, good will toward men.
15 And it came to pass, as the angels were gone away from them into heaven, the shepherds said one to another, Let us now go even unto Bethlehem, and see this thing which is come to pass, which the Lord hath made known unto us. 16 And they came with haste, and found Mary, and Joseph, and the babe lying in a manger. 17 And when they had seen it, they made known abroad the saying which was told them concerning this child. 18 And all they that heard it wondered at those things which were told them by the shepherds. 19 But Mary kept all these things, and pondered them in her heart. 20 And the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things that they had heard and seen, as it was told unto them.
The Order of Preachers Old Catholic wishes a very blessed Christmas. Amen.
Margaret of Savoy, daughter of Duke Amadeo II, is one of three royal princesses who wore the Dominican habit and were beatified. In the 15th century, she was the glory of a family that has given several beati to the Church.
Born into the royal house of Savoy, Margaret grew up in a household in which piety and wealth were ordinary. Her own parents died when she was small, and she was educated by an uncle, who arranged an early marriage for her to the Marquis of Montferrat, Theodore Paleologus.
As queen of her fairly large domain, Margaret was the model of Christian rulers. She felt that it was her duty to exceed in charity and humility in the proportion that she was wealthier than those around her, and she devoted all of her time to God and to her neighbors. Her husband was a widower with two children, to whom she gave the greatest care. The hundreds of dependents on the large estates came to her for charity and instruction.
Disaster stuck Savoy several times in the years when she was wife and mother. Famine and plague came, making great demands on her time and her courage. Unhesitatingly, she went out to nurse the plague-stricken with her own hands, and she sent out food and clothing from her husband’s stores until it was doubtful if anything would be left. After this crisis passed, war hovered over the kingdom, and she prayed earnestly that they would be delivered from the horrors of invasion.
In 1418, the marquis died. His young widow was one of the most eligible women in Europe. Margaret sorrowed for her husband, but she made it clear to her relatives that they need not plan another marriage for her, as she was going to enter a convent. In order to live a life of complete renunciation, she decided to found a convent of her own at Alba in Liguria that would follow the ancient rule of Saint Dominic. Accordingly, she took over a cloister which had fallen into ruin, having only a few poor inhabitants, and rebuilt it for Dominican use. She dedicated the house to St. Mary Magdalen.
There is one very delightful story told of her sojourn in the convent. When she had been there many years, she one day had a young visitor; he was the son of one of her step-children. Hunting nearby, he had killed a doe, and he brought her the motherless fawn to tend. It was a pretty little animal, and it soon grew to be a pet. One legend was that the fawn was able to go and find any sister she would name, and, for several years, the animal had free rein of the halls and cells of the sisters. Perhaps it was true, though, since the house confessor told her that the deer must go. She took it to the gate and told it to go. It fled into the forest, and returned only when Margaret was about to die.
Margaret attained a high degree of contemplative prayer. One time Our Lord appeared to her and asked her whether she would rather suffer calumny, sickness, or persecution. Margaret generously accepted all three. Her offer was taken, and for the remaining years of her life she suffered intensely from all three sorrows (Dorcy). It should be noted that Saint Vincent Ferrer influenced Margaret to join the Dominican tertiaries (Benedictines).
The Order of Preachers, Independent 
You must be logged in to post a comment.