To Forgive or Not to Forgive?

CHRISTMAS 2013

DECEMBER 24 & 25

"For a child is born to us, a son is given us; upon his shoulder dominion rests. They name him Wonder-Counselor, God-Hero, Father-Forever, Prince of Peace.”  Is. 9:5

Reflection: The veil is lifted and, like a spy swiftly entering enemy territory, Jesus Christ enters the fallen world. He comes not in the public, regal pomp so many had assumed he would, but in the lowliest of places as an utterly helpless and innocent human child. The God of the Universe is the Lord of Humility.

Prayer: God our Father, You do not keep your greatest treasure for Yourself, but You give him to us forever. May we never be found anywhere but in his arms. Amen.

FOURTH MONDAY OF ADVENT

 DECEMBER 23

“‘Do not be afraid; for behold, I proclaim to you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. For today in the city of David a savior has been born for you who is Messiah and Lord. And this will be a sign for you: you will find an infant wrapped in swaddling clothes and lying in a manger.’ And suddenly there was a multitude of the heavenly host with the angel, praising God and saying: ‘Glory to God in the highest and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.’” Lk. 2:9-14

Reflection: The shepherds live on the fringe of Israelite society, but it doesn’t matter. The heavens explode with splendor as countless angels proclaim the glorious news - He is here! The time has finally come!

Prayer: God our Father, fill us with the awe of the shepherds standing in the blinding light of heaven coming to earth. May we come and adore him at all times. Amen.

FOURTH SUNDAY OF ADVENT

DECEMBER 22

"Behold, magi from the east arrived in Jerusalem, saying, ‘Where is the newborn king of the Jews? We saw his star at its rising and have come to do him homage.’” Matt. 2:1-2

Reflection: The Kings arrive as witnesses to the wonderful truth – the Savior comes into the world not merely for the Children of Israel, but for all men, women and children throughout the world. He is coming to restore all of humanity to God.

Prayer: God our Father, the Wise Men come from the distant corners of the Persian Empire to worship the newborn king. Help us to make the effort of travelling far from our own comfort to present ourselves to the Messiah. Amen.

THIRD SATURDAY OF ADVENT

DECEMBER 21

"So all went to be enrolled, each to his own town. And Joseph too went up from Galilee from the town of Nazareth to Judea, to the city of David that is called Bethlehem, because he was of the house and family of David.” Lk. 2:3-4

Reflection: How fitting indeed – the Son of God, the Son of Man who will one day reveal that he is the “Bread of Life,” the true manna come down from heaven, is destined to be born in Bethlehem, the “House of Bread.”

Prayer: God our Father, the moment has nearly arrived! Fill our hearts until they overflow with joy over the coming of Your Son. Amen.

THIRD FRIDAY OF ADVENT

DECEMBER 20

"All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had said through the prophet: ‘Behold, the virgin shall be with child and bear a son, and they shall name him Emmanuel,’ which means ‘God is with us.’ When Joseph awoke, he did as the angel of the Lord had commanded him and took his wife into his home.” Matt. 1:22-24

Reflection: Joseph knows that the child is not his by the natural order. But when the angel tells him of God’s plan, Joseph brings Mary and her growing child into his house, which by the ancient law made them instantly members of his “house”, the line of David.

Prayer: God our Father, take away every one of our fears. Give us the confidence you gave St. Joseph by the message of the angel, and remove all of our doubt. Amen.

THIRD THURSDAY OF ADVENT

DECEMBER 19

“Elizabeth, filled with the holy Spirit, cried out in a loud voice and said, 'Most blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb. And how does this happen to me, that the mother of my Lord should come to me? For at the moment the sound of your greeting reached my ears, the infant in my womb leaped for joy. Blessed are you who believed that what was spoken to you by the Lord would be fulfilled.'”  Lk. 1:41-45

Reflection: The moment Mary discovers she’s with child, she travels to Judea to be with her relative Elizabeth. The Blessed Mother is always thinking of others, filled with the love of the God who now dwells in her womb – the new Ark of the Covenant.

Prayer: God our Father, may we, like Mary, place others before ourselves always. Amen.