Blessed Virgin Mary, Mother of God

Let us celebrate the motherhood of the Virgin Mary; let us worship her Son, Christ the Lord ... on this the Octave Day of Christmas.

This solemn feast deserves more than a blogger's words. May the 16th century hymn the follows be for your reflection an easy opener to a conversation with Mary, the Mother of God ... and our heavenly mother.

Virgin born, we bow before you;

Blessed was the womb that bore you;

Mary, Mother meek and mild,

Blessed was she in her Child.

Blessed was the maid that fed you;

Blessed was the parent's eye

That watched your slumbering infancy.

Blessed she by all creation,

Who brought forth the world's salvation;

And bless they forever blest

Who love you most and serve you best.

Virgin born, we bow before you:

Blessed was the womb that bore you;

Mary, Mother meek and mild,

Blessed was she in her Child. Amen.

My prayer for you is simple: may the Lord fill you with an abundance of his graces in the new year, 2008.

Holy Familty Reflections: December 30, 2007

Perhaps more quickly than we imagined or hoped for, New Year's beginnings are only several hours away. Perhaps, too, as a benefit, the celebration of the HOLY FAMILY -- always the Sunday between Christmas and New Year's days -- is upon us.

For most of us, even for the only child among us, our families and all they bring with them is a journey that begins the moment a mother and father hold a newborn son or daughter for the first time. Not until that child become and adult breathes a final breath does his or her family journey come to an end. Throughout the days and years of this particular family journey we come to realize that while families can bring many marvelous and comforting moments, there are also consequences that exist, that challenge how we individually think and live our family lives.

And where is that perfect family? Even the experiences of Mary and Joseph encountered because of Jesus was who he was provided disruptions that began with their Bethlehem experiences of inconvenience.

Today's gospel selection brings us to consider that even the Holy Family was disrupted because of the Child Jesus, one part of a family. Herod and his successor-son, Archilaeus, presented situations that made the early "family years" for Mary and Joseph moments of challenge. Those dreams Joseph remembered!!! Can a family be described as "holy" in our culture and times? What makes a family "holy"? I suggest that there are many families that are "holy families." "How so?", you might ask.

Jesuit Father Larry Gillick provides an answer most family members will appreciate: "Perhaps what is "holy" about our family experiences is how we accept in our human way the iconveniences, the interruptions, and the poverty of our inefficiencies, the fears and worries, the "dangers of our Bethlehems." He refers to all those family "moments" that are joy-filled or painful as our Bethlehems, mindful again of the inconveniences that Mary and Joseph had to endure on that first Christmas eve night and Christmas morning.

How we deal with our parents, siblings, children and relatives reveals much about who we are as we walk our journey of self-discovery. How challenging the journey must be for parents who have brought children into the family! Every day "their Bethlehems" must be so mixed with joys, worries and occasionally great pains. For children as well -- whatever their age is or becomes -- there are "their Bethlehems" each day as well.

Today's feast, today's celebration should be one that , despite any dysfunctions (did you feel I would eventually use that almost worn out word?) in a family history, invites us to realize being a human being , being a part of a human family, means we will have to accept imperfections, limitations and inconveniences.

Yet, putting these, "our Bethlehems" aside, we can experience true joy, genuine holiness as we call to mind the goodness, love and caring of our parents, children, siblings or relatives -- even if these remain buried in potentiality!

Let this feat day be for you an opportunity to share with God the joy of your own family and its "holiness." I know for me this feast in particular has special significance because my family poured out their love and care for me in extraordinary ways. I know I am blessed by the sister and brothers, aunts and cousins that I call my "holy family." I hope that you have the same opportunity and privilege.

Monday Posting

Dear Readers,

    As we close out the year 2007, let me thank you for you many, many expressions of concern and care during my recent "illness."  Likewise, let me thank you for the countless expressions of care during the year especially as we struggled in the springtime to get parish finances in order.  Also your celebrating with me my 35th anniversary of ordination to the priesthood was a special moment.

    As we move into 2008, I pray for you and me that the days, weeks and months ahead of us will be experiences of God's love and care for us.  My heart surgery has taught me that we never know where God will lead us.  Life is truly an ongoing journey that is an experience in self-discovery.  As I have spent more than a few moments each day seeking to know what God is teaching me through the sudden and hardly-expected need for a by-pass surgery, I have come to realize that the more I trust in the Lord's care for me, the happier I will be.  I pray that you come to know how much peace giving oneself to the Lord will bring to your heart.  In our day and times this is not an easy challenge.  We must, nonetheless, endeavor to achieve it.

 

There will not a reflection on New Year's Eve as I will be away for the weekend.  So, let this posting be my wish for a New Year of much happiness, good health and, of course, much success in all your endeavors ... and let us not forget our parish in these prayers.

 

Fr. Milt Jordan

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Holy Innocents Reflection: December 28, 2007

So, what beyond an historical event does this feast bring to us some 2000 years later? Indeed this feast may seem at first lance little more than a hold over from days long past.

This feast ... celebrated on many church calendars ... is one that might be particularly relevant for our times. We are surrounded by the many ways suffering presents itself in our times. Most of us have been introduced to suffering in one of its many forms. Just consider some of these experiences of suffering ( ... as if you had to be informed! ): illness, disease, handicaps, physical pain, emotional trauma, slander, abuse, poverty and injustice. Add to these the painful and tragic destruction inflicted on so many young bodies as a result of abortions or as a consequence of wars, uprising and genocides that have marked so many calendars in modern times.

The deaths of those under two years of age because of Herod's maniacal massacre has always seemed senseless and unjust. Because of one man's pride, the young boys were sought out and their lives ended.

The irrational actions of a leader in Christ's early days brings us to consider the irrational reality of war ... at least in this blogger's mind and heart. Just consider how many millions have died in and since World War II fighting international battles, tribal conflicts, religious disputes and assassinations. How many of these are victims are not but contemporary models of the Holy Innocents? Very few, no doubt.

In the words of Matthew's gospel, Jesus tells us that those who weep, the many who are persecuted for righteousness are blessed. The Greek word used for "blessed" in the gospels is makarios. The literal translation is "happiness" or "beatitude."

Those who suffer because of these various kinds of sufferings are gifted with an untouchable and serene kind of joy. This kind of happiness or peace comes because one's life is charged by faith, hope and trust in God and what he has promised us.

In John's gospel Jesus told his disciples "no one will take your joy from you (16:22)." There is for those who believe and follow Jesus a supernatural joy that provides the strength to endure suffering and pain.

Do you experience the joy of life fully surrendered to God with faith and trust? A walk through the rehabilitation rooms for the Wounded Warriors at Walter Reed Hospital or other such care centers can be an eye opener to anyone seeking to understand suffering in a truly spiritual sense.

Let me close with these words from Psalm 124: 2-3 and 8:

If it had not been for the Lord

who was on our side

when men rose up against us

then they would have swallowed us up alive

when their anger was enkindled against us ...

our help is in the name of the Lord.

Christmas Day in Baghdad

A wonderful friend, an Army psychiatrist and internist, has been keeping in touch with me since her deployment to the green zone several months ago. I suspect we imagine that the troops are out there in the sands etc every minute of the day. My friend, Jessica, has written a wonderful description of that the day was like for herself and the troops she is working with. When you finish reading her letter, don't forget to say a prayer for her and our troops there.

From Jessica.............................

It is interesting what happens to people when they are away from the ones they love for the holidays. Some people fall apart and shut down, some people make the best of it. The 31st Combat Support Hospital has definitely made the best of it. Last night, we had a lovely Christmas eve party (largely orgainzed by my roommate, by the way). The room was decorated in the true holiday spirit. In the early afternoon, we had movies playing the the Physical therapy room (the biggest room in the hospital). We put out sausages and crackers and cut up oranges and had hot chocolate. No one paid much attention to the movies, but it was a nice time to see folks and chat.Throughout the afternoon, each service (radiology, command, surgery, lab, etc) brought in their gingerbread houses for judging. Let me tell you that you would be amazed by what people created. There were ponds with people ice skating, trains made from chocolate bars, fences made from pretzels - I'll send some pictures soon, but they were really unbelievable! After that, they got pizza for everybody. There are only one or two places to get decent pizza in Baghdad, so this was awesome. Then our First Sergeant got dressed up as Santa and gave a stocking filled with little treats to everyone. It was great. We then had a game of Officers vs Enlisted Christmas trivia. We lost, but Chuck and I were on the team, so I thought we should get extra points for having 2 Jews in a Christmas trivia game, but no such luck. After that, there were cookies and more movies. Then Chuck broke out his guitar. We sang Christmas carols and other stuff too. We threw in some Billy Joel, Eagles, Indigo Girls and other random stuff. It was very interesting to me to see who stuck around for that - there were some folks I would not have expected - some gruff, generally unhappy folks who were having a really nice time. Of course, I was pleased because all of my good friends were there. As I looked around the room, you could see some sad eyes as people thought about what they would be doing at home with loved ones, but the sad eyes eventually gave way to smiling faces. It was so nice to see. Eventually, we all headed back to the barracks, but I think we all felt quite satisfied with the day. I also got some lovely cards and gifts from friends that evening - near and far - which made for lovely bed time reading. This morning, I woke up to a wrapped gift on my night table from my roommate - how awesome was that! The first thing I saw was this brightly wrapped green and red box - of course a smile immediately broke out across my face. She was already gone to work, but I opened it. It could have been empty for all I cared - just the sight of it had made me feel so good, but it was speakers for my iPod - a totally thoughtful gift. So this morning, I headed to the shower and was greeted by many cheerful, "Merry Christmas" greetings (that's redundant, huh?). Anyway, I was pleasantly surprised at how cheerful people managed to be as they were heading to work, in Iraq, early in the morning, on Christmas day.And, it's not over yet. Tonight, there will be Christmas dinner at the DFAC. It's no homecooked dinner with family, but we'll take what we can get. I'll let you know how it goes...I suspect, there will be smiles and laughter among the group I usually dine with as there always are. In between the laughs, we will have the underlying thoughts and hopes that there will be little to no violence today - that all of our soldiers, all of our friends will be safe. We will of course also be thinking of loved ones and planning what we will do with them next Christmas. I love and miss you all and wish you the Merriest of Christmases and the healthiest and happiest New Years! As cliché as it may sound, I will also be wishing for world peace - please join me. All the best,

Pope's Christmas Messages

If you have the time, because the texts are somewhat long, you might find the homily of the Holy Father at the "Midnight Mass" that actually begins at midnight Rome time and his reflection on Christmas morning as he gave his blessing and words to the city (Rome) and the world.

You can easily get to the presentations on the Whispers in the Loggia link to the right. Happy reading.

Thursday Reflection: December 27, 2007 St. John the Evangelist

Reading the selections from Scripture for today's liturgy I recalled a moment when a nephew was looking at several pictures put up for a family celebration. One was of yours truly atop the famous palomino horse that was dragged door to door for pictures with youngsters. The picture was taken in 1946. After his looking at the picture, the small house, the lawn that did not exist, I asked him "Do you think that was a future Lone Ranger atop the horse?" He stared a little longer and then replied, "Were you guys poor when you were little?" After attempting to tell him what life was like in Mt. Rainier, MD immediately after WWII, I was completely floored by his next question: "Who was the Lone Ranger?"

The readings today teach us much about Jesus, much we would never have learned had John not share with us his own faith experiences and the things he saw of Jesus in his later years. Surely John was not at Bethlehem ... nor were any of the other Evangelists.

Tradition, tradition, tradition has handed much of what happened that first Christmas morning. The early Christian communities, Mary and other OT writers provided insights for all who take the time to understand God speaking to us through the OT and NT authors.

If you stop and consider how the information was handed down to us, it is a remarkable faith that we have. Surely St. John would want us to see with the eyes of faith, helped by his writings. Knowing that what actually happened may have had a few different presentations over the years, we have Isaiah among several OT authors who foretold what would happen.

It is for us to use the writings of authors like St. John to strengthen our faith in the OT and NT writings.

Monday Reflection: St Stephen, Marty, December 26th

Why a martyr's feast the day after the celebration of the Christ Child's birth? The answer is as profound as it is simple. During the last few days of Advent this blogger was address to issue of journey's and what they might cost anyone.

Stephen was a man who followed the "new religion" proposed by Jesus and the Apostles in their preaching. Just as a journey requires a definite commitment on the part of a traveler, so too the follower of Jesus is expected to make a definite commitment to Jesus.

Stephen is an excellent example of someone who was willing to make the ultimate sacrifice for his commitment. He accepted the call of the Lord Jesus in his life as is described in the Acts of the Apostles, chapters 6 and 7. It is worth the read.

A Jewish man by birth, Stephen became a convert. His death occurred in 35 AD. He was stoned to death, as an artist's rendition shows. It was an irony of the early Church that Stephen was appointed the patron saint of all stonemasons!!! Surely someone had a wry sense of humor.

Christmas Reflection

From the pen of St. Leo the Great about the birth of Jesus Christ

Beloved,

let us give thanks

to God the Father,

through his Son,

in the Holy Spirit,

because in his great love of us

he took pity on us,

and when we were dead in our sins

he brought us to life

with Christ,

so that in him we might be a new creation.

Le us throw off our old nature and all its ways and,

as we have come to birth in Christ,

let us renounce the works of the flesh.

Merry Christmas to each of you!

You are in my prayers in a special way this Christmas

and my intention is to ask the Lord God

to make the new year

2008

a period of twelve months

when you find peace to any problems that arise in your hearts

good health through all the sicknesses that might beset your body

and happiness in all that you do.

Reflection for Christmas Eve morning, 2007

Are you ready? Seems that just yesterday or maybe the day before we were initiating another Advent season. Suddenly we are ready to open the door on the Christmas season. What has become so important is the giving and receiving. If you received a gift from a friend, not necessarily a very close friend, but one who did not receive a gift from you, do you run out to the nearest mall or take that extra unused gift or even a regift to prepare a gift for this friend? I suspect many people today would be at the mall!

In the first reading from 2 Samuel we have a similar situation. David has been gifted by Yahweh in many ways. After he has built his own home, he has feelings that he should build something for the "ark of God." God speaks to David through Nathan reminding him that he has always been there for David. Yahweh does not need David to try and equal or match the divine assistance. What is clear is this: Yahweh wants of David a personal relationship. He wants David to open his heart so that God can continue the work he has begun in him. Advancement with God is not something that can be bought.

As we make final preparations for another celebration of Christmas, let us not worry about what I give back to God for his goodness to me in my life. Rather, let me make the effort to open my heart in a deeper way when you have some time with the Christ Child on Christmas day. That is the gift that God wants from all of us.

Let us open our hearts and give birth to a renewed love for and following of Jesus ... trying to see, as best as we can, where God is calling us for the year 2008.

Merry Christmas. God bless you.

Many have asked "When? When is "he" coming back to OLV? Is he coming back to OLV?"

Well, here are the answers. On Christmas Eve Fr. Jordan will be the principal celebrant at the 9:00 PM Christmas Eve Mass.

The Pastor will return early in the first week in January, relieving Msgr. Duffy from the duties of the Pastor's office.

Of course I am most thankful to Monsignor for immediately taking the reigns when I made the sudden move to Suburban Hospital and what I have come to know as its excellent Heart Clinic.

What I have noticed is how happy the good Monsignor has been returning to the leadership role. I think he misses being a Pastor. But, we have been blessed by his presence with us.

Once back in the Pastor's office, my work will be monitored, I know, by many, perhaps hundreds, making sure that I don't over work, don't pick up boxes that are too heavy, don't get enough rest, don't, get enough proper exercise, don't get , don't do, don't, etc. I do know that I will have to report to Suburban Hospital each Monday, Wednesday and Friday afternoons for the next 12 weeks to participate in the cardiac rehab program.

I want to thank all who have sent me cards, flowers, notes, made calls, and visited (when you were able to get passed the "guards" at the reception desk here at St. Jane's).

Yes, I am getting somewhat itchy continuing this life of R&R that my doctor insisted upon. I look forward to the 3rd of January when I move back. As well I do look forward to Christmas Eve Mass with you. If you see me, please, refrain from the hugs!!! The chest is still healing! And, no, I will not be showing my chest to reveal the scars!

Enough for now. This has been quite a morning of postings. Should I not see you on Christmas Eve, please accept my greetings and best wishes for a Merry Christmas and all the best hopes for a good and HEALTHY new year.

Fr. Jordan

Interior Life of Prime Importance

On Friday, December 21st, Pope Benedict met with the Roman Curia to extend to each of the members his Christmas greetings. However, the Holy Father surprised them with the gift that he gave to them: You are to be missionaries in our times!!!!

Part of the surprise was his reference to his presence and meetings in Brazil earlier. "In Brazil the bishops of Latin America were meeting to discuss their role as missionaries and disciples of Christ. Turning to his main theme, he noted that some people felt that theme was "perhaps excessively concentrated on interior life at a time in which the great challenges of history" require a more active response.
But in fact, the Pope argued, the proper responses to historical crises require a commitment that can only come from interior life in Christ. This was "borrowed" from the Catholic World News publication of Friday, December 21st.

Surprise, You Romans! You Have Ascendeth!!!

A very interesting article today on Rocco Palmo's blog, Whispers in the Loggia. See the link to his blog to the right of this column.

The Roman Catholic Church membership has exceeded the Church of England to become the largest faith community in England.

The sun has set on the British Empire for a number of years. Now, it seems, the Catholic population has become the majority in England. What must her Royal Highness and the Lord Archbishop be saying over tea these days ... especially with the most recent Prime Minister shedding the Church of England vestige for the Roman Catholic faith ... even some talk in Church circles that the Honorable Mr. Blair has been considering the office of Permanent Deacon!!!

Read Whispering Rocco's article. You can learn much about what has and is happening in England. I know my cousins in Northhampton must be chatting about this with the neighbors there. My mother's parents and my dad's father are families that came out of England. Of course I will me emailing Northhampton sometime this week!

Weekend Reflection: December 22 and 23, 2007

We are but three or two days away from the celebration of Christmas. I would like to offer only one reflection for this weekend ... there will be enough material for more than two days of reflection and prayer. As the sunrise picture above takes your attention, the theme of this meditation is "making a journey."

Already millions of Americans have been unpacking in a different city, state or country. Many more will travel to new places to celebrate Christmas today and tomorrow. Wherever we might be for Christmas, what is involved for all of us ... travelers or stay-at-homes ... is the making of a journey.

Like most journeys, the days leading up to Christmas and the Christmas season itself, offer each of us the opportunity to answer a call. When we get ready for a journey to visit a far-away land or relatives living a distance from our home, we are usually responding to an inner yearning either to learn more, to experience a new culture or to answer the inner feelings that drive us to want to be with loved ones.

If you were asked the question "What is the call you have been asked to answer in the Advent and Christmas seasons?" how readily would you be able to answer the question? In a way this may be a trick question so consider carefully. Where does that inner voice calling you find its fulfillment?

Some might respond simply "To prepare for Christmas." Others might say, "Well, I really have not felt at particular 'call' in my heart from the Advent or Christmas seasons. As with any journey, seeds were planted in our hearts. It's time to visit the cousins. We should visit Grandma and Grandpop before they grow much older. That movie we saw made Italy so attractive. The Travel Channel presentation about the Grand Canyon has stirred my interest in seeing that part of our country. The first trip to Hawaii surely has set me up for future visits.

But, again, what about Advent? The upcoming Christmas season? Do you even think of those times as journeys? I propose to you that they are indeed seasons that invite you and me to set out on a journey. "But," you might ask, "where to?" Certainly not the malls! Advent and the Christmas season are journeys that do not necessarily give you, as the Latin scholars would write, a terminus ad quem, a point to which we might set out. The journeys of these two liturgical seasons offer us journeys without a known destination. As Joseph Dispenza quoting Chinese philosopher Lao-Tzu, "A good traveler has no fixed plans and is not intent on arriving."

The seasons mentioned are inviting us on a journey of self-discovery. This is for sure a journey without fixed plans or ends. A journey of self-discovery is a genuine experience in process. This is a journey traveled in search of God's calling to us each day of our lives. Each day, reading and praying the words of the readings for the liturgy, you discover more about yourself, the self that may not be so evident to others or yourself.

We are initially invited on a journey we make each year. However, each year we are, all of us, a little older and, hopefully, a little wiser. So we bring a somewhat different self to the readings. We have come to know some things about ourselves we did not know last year.

This year, for example, the joy of Isaiah's prophetic promises to the Jewish people about a Messiah who would become their savior, their redeemer, became real for me. Though I have read through the Isaiah readings for more years that I care to admit, it was not until this year that the prophet's joy became a part of my own prayer during this Advent season. In his words the prophet was attempting to bring the people of Israel to a new level of understanding the wonders of their Yahweh. Many moons later the prophets words and sentiments really hit home. Be joyful because this child that will be born, this child to be called Emmanuel, has come among us to be our redeemer. Rejoice. That is why we sing an Alleluia chorus.

Friday Reflection: December 21, 2007

Today's readings are about the true joy of the season of preparation. The words from the Song of Songs, a poetic expression of excitement and joy speak the spirit Advent offers to anyone seriously preparing for the birth of the Child Jesus. Mary's visit to Elizabeth likewise invites us to experience the joy and excitement a cousin experiences with Mary's visit as well as the obvious happiness experienced by the child she (Elizabeth) is carrying in her pregnancy.

For us today Advent has become a period of time when Santa Claus, vacations, buying and wrapping have become the excitement of the season. Naturally the commercialism of our times fosters excitement but in all the natural, purchasing moments only. We are programmed to prepare for Santa's arrival with his bags of goodies and then the visit of families and friends. To a certain level all of this brings a sense of joy and excitement that helps all of us.

Take a "normal" day following Thanksgiving ... more particularly one of the days between December 14 and 24. Examine it carefully as to the use of your time. Most likely a time of much Christmas preparation ... writing cards (to many people we will share moments on Christmas Day or the day or two afterwards) buying and wrapping gifts etc. How much time is given to the spiritual preparation really needed to bring Christmas to its fullest in our hearts? How much true excitement is there for the beginning of the greatest gift God has given us ... the gift that is given everyday of your life? The gift of redemption!

A quote I recently discovered in seeking to know how to "interpret" my recent medical situation seems to speak to me about the potential treasures and gifts available to me and to you , dear reader, if I/we make time during the Advent days to spend some serious time praying about the upcoming celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ. Here it is.
"Leaving home in a sense involves a kind of second birth in which we give birth to ourselves." Robert Neely Bellah, Habits of the Heart, as cited in The Way of the Traveler, Joseph Dispenza.

Leaving the "home" of contemporary pre-Christmas rush and pressures for some time of reflection offered bu Isaiah, for example, can help us discover a new birth in Jesus' birth ... the discovery and birth of our true selves.

Interesting Reading

My Philadelphia friend has surely been producing some very interesting reading. I hope you have been taking the time to visit Whispers in the Loggia. Soon he will be announcing the annual "Churchman of the Year." He is inviting you, as one of his more than 100,000 readers to nominate a person for the award (no Oscar statue, however). The picture to the left is from the Whispers in the Loggia blog front piece. Show a man who had just be elevated to the "red hat" that he is carrying in his left hand ... several consistories ago! Look around there are a few genuinely good candidates.

Thursday Reflection: December 20, 2007

The two readings for Thursday are genuine message-bearers for all of us in our times. In the seventh chapter of Isaiah we come upon an effort by God to turn the heart of one of the Old Testament's more sinful characters, Ahaz. In the gospel we are presented the words of the Annunciation according to Evangelist Luke.

Perhaps Godly Intervention might be considered the theme of these readings. It is clear that everyday life is challenged. We are meeting a disruptive God, even in the angel Gabriel's visit to the young virgin girl, Mary.

Godly interruptions usually are frightful moments for most people ... they have not been planned for nor scheduled. And are you so free that you can accept God moving into your life at a moment's notice? Most, I believe, would find it hard to honestly reply in the affirmative.

Of course we can say that Ahaz and Mary are confronted with a challenge to their "faith." And what is that "faith"? In OT times the understanding of faith had not become as technical as it is today. The prophets' call to faith is an invitation to share in an attitude of confidence based upon God's choice of Israel. This same God has the power to save his people. "Faith" meant an unconditional trust in God. Later on Isaiah writes (28:16) "The believer shall not stumble." The believer places all his/her reliance upon Yahweh.

How many times have you celebrated Christmas? Now a serious question: Has any single reflections on the writings of Isaiah and the Evangelists presented to us during the many Advents you may have been "preparing" to recount the birth of Jesus Christ impacted your life so much that you can remember that moment? I ask that question because in the verse just before the selected verses of the first reading there are these words: "If you do not stand firm in faith, you shall not stand at all." This is what happened to Ahaz. He challenged Ahaz. He failed. His life was such a disgrace even though God had tried to save him. His reputation was so bad that he was not buried with the royalty of the House of David. He was buried in what we might call the Potters' Field. Mary, on the other hand, experienced a challenge to her faith when the angel told her that God wanted her to be the mother of his son. Despite her fears that must have filled her heart, she uttered her "fiat" ... let it be done.

We might ask or reply: I have never felt God moving me to anything special at this time of the year. There is hardly any time to think about God. Who can hear him with all the excitement of Christmas shopping, parties, family visits and so on? Nonetheless, God is calling you and me each day to listen to him. We must like most of the prophets develop a keen sense of listening. To do that we must take time to listen. Thomas Carlyle wrote these words that might give us pause: "Under all speech that is good for anything there lies a silence that is better. Silence is deep as Eternity; speech is shallow as Time."

Let us pray each day ... just start with five minutes ... alone ... perhaps with a line or two from the Bible, from Isaiah ... from the daily reading. There you will find God. There, with practice, you will find the voice of God speaking to you and inviting you to greater understandings about himself and you. It is a dare that many find difficult. But no great people came forth from living an easy life.

Wednesday Reflection: December 19, 2007

The two readings of today's liturgy may well be summed up in the word to your left. For Manoah and his (unnamed) wife and for Zechariah and Elizabeth, the visit by a heavenly person bearing news of the imminent birth of a son could only be expressed by the words SURPRISE.

These stories bring back to my mind a letter I received from my parents when I had not loo long before celebrated my 22nd birthday. The surprise was the my mother was pregnant. Not that the new child would be the 2nd child. This new child would be the sixth in the family. But Mom and Dad were in their early 40s! Surprise.

I am sure that my parents had the feeling that the birthing of any additional children was beyond them. At this time in their lives, I am sure that both of them felt that they were finally in charge of their lives. But, God, as they learned, has much more control in our lives than any of us might think.

At this time in our spiritual journey, as we prepare to recelebrate the birth of Jesus, there is the opportunity for us to reflect on God's presence in our lives. We may be making many decisions at this moment: how many gifts to buy, what price level, how many Christmas card, who will be on invitation lists for parties and dinners. on and on. We are in charge. No doubt Manoah and Zechariah must have felt they were in charge of their lives.

God puts surprises in our lives so many times ... especially when we are not expecting any particular action in our lives. On October 19th I returned from five days away. During that time I accumulated some 40 miles walking each day without any pains or breathing problems. On Sunday the 21st I went for a walk and was forced to stop not even a quarter of a mile beyond the priests' residence. I could not breathe properly. Indigestion had me, I thought. Rolaids to the rescue. The next morning, walking to the barbershop just two blocks and the same sensation. Immediately to my internist. One week later I was lying on a table in an operating room for a procedure ... that made clear a full blown heart operation was needed asap ... the next morning. SURPRISE. SURPRISE. What was going on?

God puts signs along our spiritual route. Sometimes they are whispered. Other times they are sledge hammers that hit us from nowhere. God calls us through these surprises to examine ourselves.

Now some six weeks since the day of surgery, I realize that God gave me this SURPRISE to remind me who is really in charge of my life. As many have said, this was a wake up call. When these SURPRISES come to us, it is time to delve, delve , delve deeply into our lives to find the message from God.

Each of us can enumerate SURPRISES in our lives. Each of us, if the SURPRISE is to have significance in our lives, must take time to listen to the message God is giving in the SURPRISE.

I know my parents were surprised with the news that a sixth child was on the way. Personally, I know I was surprised with the surgeon told me open heart surgery asap. Now, like my parents, like Menoah and Zechariah, it is my turn to listen to the call of the Lord.

And you? What have the SURPRISE messages meant to you in your life? Have you taken the time to sift out a meaning?

Tuesday Reflectioin: December 18, 2007

Sorry to be a little late in posting this reflection. I let myself get busy about other things ... a sign of the days.

Joseph is the star in today's gospel. He is the one who had to set aside some time to respond to the will of God that came in the silence of his dreaming. This calls to mind a silence quote from Kahil Gibran: "Your hearts know in silence the secrets of the days and the nights."

As a priest friend has remarked, "If Joseph had his mind set on what he wanted today, imagine the mess of the first Christmas."

We are especially distracted during the final days before Christmas. How much time do we give to responding t0 the spiritual shopping that we might find helpful to our celebration of the feast day? Surely we give enough to the material shopping. The pressures of the season weigh heavily at this time especially if there are youngsters in the house ... maybe even oldsters!!! Perhaps we might ask ourselves just how much time we set aside for our spiritual preparation for Christmas? Honest answers to that question might be painful ... the truth usually is. Down deep, we might search: How important are spiritual realities in our lives for this spiritual feast? Only you can answer that question, you and your God!

Let Joseph be something of a model for us. With some personal discipline we can find the time not only for ourselves but for those with whom we live and celebrate these holidays.

Monday Reflection: December 17, 2007

Today we draw ever closer to a recelebration of the birth of Jesus Christ. Today perhaps the readings will help you realize that God is always working behind the scenes. The Genesis reading has these words: "Until he come to whom it belongs, to whom the people shall render obedience" (also translated as hope). These words speak of the very beginning, the creation of the world. The earliest suggestions that there would be one to come, a Messiah. God working behind the scenes. Look at the length of time, the history that preceded the birth of Jesus. This is a reminder that trust in God is a challenge to us in our contemporary culture. We have become accustomed to immediate solutions, immediate answers. What Advent and a review of biblical history should teach you and me is that our lives will never be that way.

To say that I truly believe my life, my destiny is in the hands of God requires at least trust and great patience. I have to remind myself each day that God is watching over me, that my life is in his hands.

From the very moment each of us becomes a reality in the mind of God, he has been planning my destiny. But how often I have tied his hands by trying to run my life as thought I didn't place any trust, even recognition, that my life, my destiny, my being was and continues to be in his hands.

During these final (usually hectic) days before Christmas, take a few moments each morning to renew ... or perhaps to reawaken ... that specific trust in God: "God, all that I am, all that I can become, is in your hands. Grace fill me wit this trust in what you are doing with me. Amen."

Gaudete Sunday Reflection: December 16, 2007

Today first reading is an Isaian poem about the return from the pains and other trials of the time the Jewish faithful were in exile. Read it slowly, read it carefully: it offers hope. For the wandering Jews, Isaiah offered the hope of reversal, bringing them out of Exile insult and humiliation. His words said that God was coming to help them. Soon they will see, the will experience "the glory of Yahweh, the splendor of our God."

After so many years away from Jerusalem, it would be easy to reject the words God was speaking to the Jews. Yet, he does not back down. "Courage. Do not be afraid." Isaiah had to say these words to them for Yahweh. He had to renew their hope. As we modern technologists, still waiting for the instant computer, realize waiting can be tedious, can be trying. Yet, if we look within, the ever-present become usual. It looses it speciality. We realize in our times that God is truly present in long, consuming waiting just as he is present in the change and its unexpected results. "Look, your God is coming ... to save you." "The eyes of the blind shall be opened and the ears of the deaf shall be unsealed."

We can look back over centuries and hear words that are spoken to our own generation. As we find ourselves drawing ever closer to the birth of Jesus ... the true reason for our celebrating Christmas ... the words of Matthew may well have significance of you and me.

Contemporary men and women are overwhelmed by work, by personal problems, by family challenges ... perhaps even by disagreements with one's Church as well as financial burdens, by sickness etc. etc. etc. I might ask you: Do you really believe the words of Isaiah ... the same words Jesus used: "Courage! Do not be afraid." Do you accept these words as having meaning for yourself?

Do you truly believe that the birth of Jesus is the assertion that "your God is coming ... he is coming to save you?"

Are we strong enough to entrust everything in our lives to the hands of God? Are we sometimes fearful because we do believe that Jesus comes and speaks the truth? Are we afraid of surprises because genuine surprises require of most people some time to grow accustomed to? Perhaps genuine surprises are more challenging, require more time to feel comfortable than our accepting the message of Advent: Jesus is soon to be born.

Gaudete Sunday! Rejoice! Rejoice that we have been given this opportunity to partake of the Lord's blessings to us. Rejoice the we can learn from the early Jewish community and Isaiah's promise to them: God is coming in the person of Jesus Christ.

Saturday Reflection: December 15, 2007

The readings today are a reminder that one part of the preparation for the annual celebration of the birth of Jesus is repentance and healing. The Book of Sirach (also titled Ecclesiasticus) reading focuses upon Elijah. In this part of the book, the author directs our attention to the "illustrious men, our ancestors in their successive generations (44:1) .... Their bodies have been buried in pace ... the people will proclaim their wisdom, the assembly will celebrate their praises (44:13-15)."

Elijah called the people to repentance and healing. Especially the royalty of the time. Likewise he was known for the punishments he levied on some. He did all of this to "allay God's wrath before the fury breaks ... and to restore the tribes of Jacob 44: 9-10)."

So, what does this reading have for us today? Perhaps the usual question we hear at this time of the year: "How prepared am I to celebrate again the gift of God the Father to me in the birth of Jesus, the beginning of my redemption?"

Again, as said in several recent postings of this blog, we should rejoice and be happy because our God has gifted us with the forgiveness of our sins. For us who are Catholics, we have this gift made real and available in the Sacrament of Reconciliation. It is there for us to bring into our lives during these last two weeks before Christmas.

Friday Reflection: December 14, 2007

Today's Isaiah reading brought me to thinking about GPS devices and our contemporary "felt need" for the device.

In today's words, once again the great prophet offers encouragement to his readers and hearers, sharing God's message: "I teach you for your own good ... (It is I) who leads you where you should go."

Commercials for the GPS devices fill pages of every weekend's newspapers. The ads are address to drivers of every age ... even encouraging parents of college-bound students to purchase the wonder map! I don't own one (yet) but have been in cars equipped with the modern day compass. More fascinating than the technology is trying to understand why modern-day men and women, auto drivers, truckers, bikers, even walkers have to have the GPS. Our contemporary need to be at our destination asap speaks much about our own insecurities. These devices and the need we have reflect the current searching that is a major part of many lives ... whether recognized as such or not. How many times to we hear of new books or talk show guests who are asking the same question: "Where am I going?" Some even have been heard to say, "What has God lined up for me in the future?"

Throughout the Book of Isaiah, the prophet reminds us that we have a moral compass deep within our very being. We don't have to purchase it. It came with as as a part of the birth package that arrived on this earth one day perhaps some years ago. We were born with a God-given GPS ... our own internal G(0d)PS! Over and again, God, through the prophets, Jesus, the Commandments, and the teachings of our Church, have given us directions to achieve the goal we seek ... reaching the kingdom God has prepared for us. Ours is to listen to the voice that speaks within our hearts. It is the voice of the Lord: "It is I who leads you where you should go." What more do we need?

Thursday Reflection: December 13, 2007

Let's look at Isaiah's words today. These words offer us concrete imagery as well as a message the repeats that God can make changes for the best. He is, through the prophet, making sure we know he will be there for us in whatever changes we make to grow closer to him and to live our lives in accord with his commandments.

In verse 13, right up front: "I, the Lord your God, hold your right hand; .... Do not fear, I will help you." Later on (verses 15 and 16) he tells us how he will use us to make changes. Those expressions about the water speak of a new Exodus more wonderful and awesome than the first Exodus where God gave the wondering Jews water for their desert journeys. Isaiah, in preparing us for the new Messiah, makes the wilderness like the new Eden. He writes so beautifully about change to something new.

The wonder of this for us is a simple question: "do I really believe this can happen in my own life? Am I faith-filled enough to trust that God can create something new in and through me?

Surely these verses of Isaiah are an example for me to recall how God has blessed me. These words God has given Isaiah are presented to me to assure me that I am truly called by name.

"In the wilderness, I will put cedar trees (pictured above) ...." What may have been emptiness or loneliness changes. Trees, signs of God's presence, will abound. In the deserts of our lives, the dryness, the heat, God will put trees and water ... good things in our lives.

Please remember in your prayers, Shirley Zahner, who died Wednesday, early in the morning. A life-long nurse, Shirley dedicated her life to her patients and her husband. Today, no doubt, she has confronted the biggest change in her life ... she begins a new life filled with all the wonder of this Isaiah reading. Shirley lived with her husband, Fred, in Huntingtown. Also remember Fred and their daughter who will experience a great emptiness in their new change.

Wednesday Reflection: Guadalupe

Most know the story. Who cannot but admire the man, Juan. To me it is a story about the ordinary. Mary, as happened so often in her appearances, comes to the humble.

For us today, we might consider again, the touchy issue of immigration. Mary came with a message of compassion. She spoke of solidarity with the poor, the needy.

Today, as we know, the reaction to the issue of immigration has already created great divisions among God's people. Unfortunately those who are legally in this country are put into a corner because of those have illegally come to this country, seeking a better life, filling employment opportunities that exist, that are in most instances not being filled by our own.

In the gospel for today's Mass, we hear or read the account of Mary's Visitation to her cousin Elizabeth. Mary traveled a distance ... not for a vacation ... rather to bring comfort to another person. Perhaps this gospel can be an encouragement for all of us to look at how we might be a comfort to those caught in the immigration battle. First and foremost, we have to realize that others have problems that we might be able to ease because we believe that we are called by God to be missionaries, to be healers, to be supports.

In your prayer today, listen. Listen to what God is saying to you ... just as Juan Diego listened to the voice to the beautiful lady.

Tuesday Reflection: December 11, 2007

Sorry ... no reflection today. Several appointments with doctors that have taken up most of the day for me.

Will resume tomorrow. Good reports from those doctors I visited today. Another one on Friday. Great improvement.

Monday Reflection: December 10, 2007

Isaiah Reading today is all of Chapter 35 of this prophet's biblical book.

This is a reading that is well worth reading two or three times before you begin to reflect on its contents. The ten verses in this chapter are a spirit-lifter for anyone depressed, worried, concerned or beginning a retreat!

These are marvelous words of strengthening promise that God is present to the one seeking to know him, to one returning to the Lord after some absence.

I found this chapter so filled with connections to where I am in my life. It is an invitation to allow God to tell you how he is present in your life. The examples of changes in nature and in an individual life because of God's gift of salvation ... in the gift of his Son ... surely afford imagery that can easily link anyone trying to pray to the Father.

Anyone taking time with this chapter most likely will want to be on that "highway" that "shall be called the Holy Way (verse 5)." It is the road to God for the ransomed. "Sorrow and sighing shall flee away (verse 10)."

The imagery while of nature and human life is that of change. It is a call for us to change so that we can find ourselves basking in the joy and love of God on the "Holy Way." It is the way to everlasting joy because "the redeemed shall walk there (verse 9)."

There is much in these verses as we prepare for the celebration of the birth of the Child Jesus, our Lord and God. I pray for you that you will truly enjoy reading what Isaiah has written. Be the new life pictured in the old tree.

Second Sunday of Advent Reflecion: December 9, 2007

The lion and the lamb together in peace!

Already the 2nd Sunday of Advent. The celebration of the Christ Child's birth only two weeks and two days!

The first reading -- we are familiar with these Isaian words and the pictures they bring to mind -- has its strength from the way Isaiah presents the power of a new Messiah coming form the kingly lineage of Jesse, Saul and David. This reading also has its strength in the description of what we can can the reconciling of opposites.

What does this picture of a powerhouse Messiah and a new reconciled Eden where all is in order mean for you?

Two considerations: the sprouting from Jesse's lineage presents a Messiah to come whom most people could easily accept. Reading how the Father's spirit will endow him with wisdom, understanding, council and strength, knowledge and fear (might we say respect and awe) of the Father, who would not stand up and proclaim allegiance.

Now, especially in a world where war, division and true hatred of people are true dividers within our human family, who would not hope and pray for Islam, Judaism and Christianity to be the "guest" of each other? Who would not want to see the struggle and division brought about by the immigration factor ended so that "the calf and the young lion shall browse together" especially with a "little child to guide them?"

We are preparing for a day when the gift of the Father is born in a most unusual setting. If Christmas is to be what the Father wanted it to be, are we not called to accept the Jesus Child the Father gave us along his with teachings? Are not his teachings about justice and his call for us to trust in God what we should put before ourselves as we reflect upon the meaning of Christmas? Albeit some two thousand and seven years ago that this Messiah was born and then some 30 years later inaugurated his preaching , are we not called to effect Isaiah's vision of peace among all humankind?

So, we should ask: What have I done to strengthen my relationship with Jesus? What have I done to rebuild the "orderly life of Eden" in my family, my community, yes, even in my world?

There is no end to the sharing of love, and, therefore, the potential happiness of such love is without limit. Infinite sharing is the law of God's inner life. He has made the sharing of ourselves the law of our own being, so that it is in loving others that we best love ourselves.
.....................................................................Thomas Merton, No Man Is An Island

Immaculate Conception Reflection: December 8th

Conceived in the normal human manner and born as any human being, Mary, however, did not come to us with any deprivation of sanctifying grace. No original sin in her. This is what the angel Gabriel meant with the words, "Hail, full of grace." Thus throughout her life she did not experience in innate tendency toward evil, toward sin.

Sinning does not make us human; quite the opposite is true. When we are without sin, we are most fully what God intended us to be. We see this is Jesus, in Mary, Adam and Eve (before the supreme test, and the angels. The closest experience to this is young children before they reach the age of reason. Yet, it was God's desire when he created human beings, Adam and Eve, that they and their progeny should live an existence without any sin. But because of their sin, all of us except Jesus and Mary have come into this world with a natural inclination toward sin. Yet, we cannot forget the awesome response to that first sin in Eden's garden and all subsequent sins: the Father's gift to humanity, his Son, Jesus and his redemptive action.

This feast of the Immaculate Conception, while a Marian feast, is also an opportunity for each of us to focus upon the gift of the redemption in our lives. It is a gift from the Father, not allowing Mary to be burdened of that innate tendency or openness to sin. This feast and the reality it honors are reminders that God wants us to live out the destiny He has envisioned for each of us.

So, this feast day is an occasion to give thanks to God. It is also a day when, in our prayers we might center our attention on our own destiny: what is it that God wants of me? What are the grace-filled expectations we can fulfill along our spiritual journey.

God is speaking to you in a unique way today. Once He spoke to Mary through the angel, Gabriel. What is God saying to you today? Rest with these questions in your prayer today.

Father, fill our hearts with your grace:

at one time, through the message of an angel

You revealed to us the incarnation of your Son;

now, through His suffering and death

leads us to the glory of His resurrection. Amen

Friday Reflection: December 7, 2007

Reading through some homilies available on a number of websites or blogs, my attention has been drawn to a negative reality in many of these reflections on the Word of God. So often the focus is a protracted examination of one's past sinfulness. Why can we not move forward to look at the experience that is ours when, first, we thank God for the forgiveness won for us by his Son, and, second, look at how God might want us charging forward, filled with enthusiasm and excitement about and in Christianity and in particular our Catholic faith?

In the gospel today, Jesus questions two blind men who have come to him. Obviously they are seeking a cure for their blindness. Jesus addresses the issue as soon as he sees them coming to him: "Do you believe that I can do this [heal their blindness]?" Jesus' question might well be read as a little divine advice to the two blind men as well as to each of us. If these men believe that Jesus can heal their blindness, why should they worry about his healing them?

All Jesus asks of us is that we admit our sinfulness once ... not time and time again. Once a confession is made, when words admit sinfulness, a true believer will immediately begin to do the good that God has called him/her to do.

Your forgiveness will be real if you truly believe Jesus died for your sins. Accept this gift and move on to do good and to enrich others.

Thursday Reflection: December 6, 2007

Recently I began reading an account of a woman and her days of crisis. During one of this nights of sobbing, she made a decision. She would no longer remain in her negative thinking state of mind. She made a most unusual decision for herself. She started praying to God. For her a totally new experience, this praying to God. How different this encounter with the Unknown. She shared her story with her friends. Naturally one asked, "What is the God like?" Her answer you should always remember: "I believe in a magnificent God."We can easily drift into negative thinking for so many reasons ... usually dissatisfaction with something about ourselves, our lives, our work, our relationships. Many program themselves into negative thinking so often that it becomes a part of their lives. "A magnificent God" hardly becomes or continues to be a part of their lives. Each day, as you begin the morning, you have two choices: either you remind yourself of your God-given status of greatness, his anointed one, his gifted one, or you can recall and focus on the past and the times and moments that have taken the positive out of your life. Starting each day reminding yourself that your God is a magnificent God, you will soon feel the peace described by Isaiah in today's first reading. If you keep your mind focused on the good that God has given you or entrusted to you, prayer and a positive life will be yours. If you turn from set notions of thinking how unworthy you might be before God, realizing you are a forgiven person, your prayer will be so much stronger and so much more enjoyable and rewarding.

Summer Attack on Cardinal Mahony (L.A) Made Public

Just yesterday public announcement was made about an assault upon Cardinal Mahony just outside his Los Angeles Cathedral and his adjacent residence.

The following story was sent to me by a classmate. It source is unknown to me at this time.

Cardinal Roger Mahony was attacked last summer by one or more people apparently angered by the Roman Catholic Church's sexual-abuse scandal,according to priests who say they have heard him discuss the assault.Mahony, 71, told the priests about the attack during a conference inOctober, said the Rev. Joseph Shea, pastor of Holy Family Catholic Churchin Glendale. The cardinal said it occurred in late July or early August ashe was dropping off letters at a mailbox near Our Lady of the AngelsCathedral in downtown Los Angeles, Shea said."The comments people made as they kicked him were connected to the sexualabuse lawsuits," he told The Associated Press.Shea said Mahony was so badly beaten that the cardinal was hospitalized,and that it took him weeks to recover.Los Angeles Archdiocese spokeswoman Carolina Guevara declined to comment. "Whatever conversation might have taken place between the priests and their bishop was a private conversation and not meant to be public," Guevara said. Shea said Mahony did not report the attack to police "because he felt hecould offer it up in reparation for the sins of others. "Police Department Lt. Roger Mora said he had no knowledge of the apparent assault, which was first reported by the Los Angeles Daily News on Tuesday. The Rev. Sal Pilato, principal at Junipero Serra Catholic High School in Gardena, who was also at the conference, told the Daily News that Mahony's account was "shocking because it was an act of violence and it was someone we know and respect. "The church's $660 million settlement with 508 alleged victims was approved July 16. Mahony came under fire from victims and attorneys who said he moved sexually abusive priests to different parishes. Church officials have said Mahony tried to reach out to victims, meeting with many of them and their families.

Wednesday Reflection: December 5, 2007

Let it snow, let it snow!
The first reading, Isaiah 25: 6-10a, is a reminder of God's goodness and his concern that we be a "charged" people, that we be exciting women and men. Imagine the comfort and peace these prophetic words brought to the people. There is in these thoughts from Isaiah the promise of God's ever-loving care to prepare the people to understand how our God wants these people to live beyond their thoughts of the need for forgiveness. It is a reminder to us today to shed our feelings of guilt. We are reminded once again: "God has saved us; God has forgiven whatever failures or sins that may cloud our thinking, our living."

You know, there is a phrase in the Isaiah reading which I suggest each of us recall every morning, even before we put our feet to the floor for the first time of the new day. It is a reminder that we are truly a blessed, each of us. It is a reminder that God is more concerned about the destiny he has given us --- even before we were born into this world. Isaiah writes: "... let us rejoice and be glad that he has saved us (verse 9)"

How often it happens that so many believers find it a struggle to pray, to dedicate themselves to a good and rewarding life. Why? Because they get tangled up with past sins and failures. They think of how wrong they were rather than how many almost unbelievable gifts God has given them just for living that day. I suggest that these good people allow a spiritual life of low esteem direct their thinking and all they do. Imagine what our world would be like if all of us spent several minutes each day reciting a new mantra: rejoice and be glad, I am forgiven and blessed with so much goodness by a loving God. He has called me by name. He has anointed me not to be a prophet of doom and gloom but, rather, to be a living witness of the greatness he has given me in my life. Rejoice and be glad!!!

Reflection: Tuesday, December 4, 2007

Today, please remember in your prayers Fr. Walter Lawrence, a priest of our Archdiocese, who was buried this morning. As well, please remember his Mom, Betty Jean and his sister Jeannine and her family. Also you might pray for the people of St. Mary's Church, Barnesville, MD, where Fr. Lawrence served as Pastor. You may recall an earlier posting where prayers were asked for him as he struggled with acute leukemia.
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Today, our first reading gives us a sense of the Advent theme of preparation. We read Isaiah's words about the root of Jesse which really is an encouragement for us to be rooted in Christ Jesus. That rootedness is actually a call for you and me to be a witness in a unique way. Be open to what it might be that God can accomplish through us.

If we recall throughout the day, at different times, that God made us. That he made us for a purpose, for a goal which came with us. Ours is the challenge to know that purpose as best as we can and to let that purpose be the impetus that drives us forward to carry out the will of God in our lives. Rooted in Christ Jesus we should never forget that it means we have been called by name. We have been anointed as his followers. Mindful of these aspects of our lives, we should find our lives to be a positive experience that enables us to be great people. Do you think about this each day? Perhaps, like so many, we focus upon what we may have done wrong, how we may have failed at a particular assignment and so on. In doing that are we really recognizing that we are rooted in Christ Jesus.

Reflection: December 3, 2007

St. Francis Xavier, SJ

Imagine walking down Wisconsin Avenue, NW, Washington, DC, today. A fellow, bearded, approaches you and says to you, "What profit would there be for one to gain the whole world and forfeit his life?” (Matthew 16:26) What would be your reaction?

This is precisely what happened to Francis Xavier. Ignatius Loyola saw the young man, went up to him and put the question to him. Xavier could easily have walked away, thinking Ignatius was a crazed street preacher. However, that is not what happened. That one question changed one man's life as well as thousands of others who came to know the man after his ordination to the priesthood and ultimately his departing to mission lands.

No doubt all of us have moments when events seem so out of place. Many times we write them off as insignificant, repulsive, annoying etc. We don't pay too much attention to the event. Imagine what would have happened had Xavier walked away from Ignatius?

In fact it was not simply and encounter with Ignatius that Xavier had. It was an encounter with Jesus Christ. That is why we have to be opened and sensitive to statements that others might make to us. So many times God is speaking to us, calling us to follow him in a particular way ... through the questions or observations of others ... through unusual events that occur in one's life.

Quite frankly, these days of rest and recuperation have something of this encounter with Jesus Christ for me. I could easily pass off the sudden need for my by-pass surgery as simply a physical debilitation that happened to my heart. Indeed, it was an operation that was needed. However, it has become for me a calling, an encounter with Jesus Christ which I was not prepared to have. To be told that I should have been dead because of the condition with three blood vessels that were 99% blocked. God, in this event, surely has given me an opportunity to delve more deeply into the question mentioned in Sunday's reflection: Who am I? Who is God?

Events, hopefully not as serious as what I went through, may come into your lives. Like Francis Xavier, will you take the occasion to be open to God's voice, to God's calling, to his message? I can, you can walk away from his need to have us see him in a new way. If we do fail to see, to listen to what he is saying to you, to me, we are the ones who are the losers. We give up the opportunity to encounter God as never before.

We don't need scripture to assist our prayer today. Simply reflect on the life of Xavier and how a single sentence met an opened heart. Consider all that the Church has gained because one man said, I will follow you.