Baptism of the Lord

Today we commemorate the baptism of Jesus in the Jordan. We are invited to fulfill our baptismal promises and live our lives as those who have been transformed by the power of the Holy Spirit.

In today’s gospel, we see how Jesus was baptized by John in the Jordan River. This is a momentous event as Jesus hears the voice, “This is my beloved son; with whom I am well pleased.” What a wonderful sign of God’s abundant love. Everyone who was there must have been flabbergasted. This voice from the heavens must have astonished those present. It was a true sign of God’s abundant love for Jesus.

Baptism is a beautiful event. A special moment. He made the choice to go to John and embrace baptism. Jesus embraced baptism as he began his ministry. Baptism is a miracle that transforms and empowers one to be courageous.

All of us who have been baptized in the name of the Father, and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit must live as people full of the graces of God; although we have weaknesses and flaws, we must always act as we are moved by the Holy Spirit.

To live as people baptized in the Spirit of Jesus is to live sincerely as brothers and sisters of all, loving God and neighbor, being honest and merciful, and sowing peace and hope in this world full of selfishness, greed, disputes, and discord. We are called to reach out in peace to others and to be models of Jesus’ love and mercy. We are God’s beloved, and we are called to live out of that reality. Today let us take time to think about being God’s beloved. What does this mean for me? How am I called to share God’s love with all those I encounter?

 

Feast of the Epiphany

Today we celebrate the Feast of the Epiphany, the day when the Magi from the East visited the child Jesus. They were seeking the newborn King of the Jews. Following the star, they trusted that their journey would result in finding the child they sought. They were searching for the light that would lead them not just that day but always. Their journey brought them to a stable where they found the Christ child. They had encountered Herod and were told to let him know where the child was so he too could go and worship him. The angel tells them to go home a different way.

The word Epiphany means theophany -- a visible, tangible manifestation or revelation of God to humanity, the gift of God’s child is for everyone. Christ is not limited to any one culture, ethnicity, skin color, gender, or hemisphere. As John says in his gospel, Christ is God’s way of showing love to the world. And the Greek word in John 3:16 suggests an even greater scope: “God so loved the world that God gave his child.” Christ is God’s gift for all of creation.

This day is also known as “Three Kings Day” or Dia de los Reyes. It celebrated with cakes and festivities. I have fond memories of the creche set my mother painted for us. As a child I was always fascinated by the kings they were so regal. They had crowns painted with real gold and their camels were so fancy. It really was a tribute to their status in live. They came and showed that Christ came for all. May we always remember that the King we serve is Christ and no other. The Magi were told by an unjust ruler to tell him where they found the child but defied him and returned a different way.

As we celebrate this day let us remember a quote attributed to a 16th century doctor of the church St. Teresa of Ávila:

Let nothing disturb you, let nothing frighten you, all things are passing away: God never changes. Patience obtains all things. Whoever has God lacks nothing; God alone suffices.

Feast of the Holy Family

Today we celebrate the Feast of the Holy Family. As I reflect on this day, I am drawn to recall the creche that my mother painted in ceramics. It was a large display that included Mary, Joseph, Jesus, shepherds, and many animals. This creche has been in my family for some 70 years. Currently, it is in the possession of my brother. Each of the figures was painstakingly painted with love and care. My job as a child was to put the baby Jesus into His bed. It was such an honor to have this job.

Apparently, my mother made several of these for various family members. As time has passed, they have been passed down within the family. My grandfather’s set will be given to his great granddaughter, my oldest niece, to continue the tradition of displaying this precious scene.

The life of the holy family was not an easy one as they faced many obstacles. They faced scandal, a census journey, and rejection. They embraced the journey with courage, trust, and faith.

In many ways their experience mirrors the struggles of many today. Migrants are fleeing their homelands in search of safety. They are experiencing separation, persecution, and difficult situations. These migrants are the holy families today. Their experience is similar to that of Mary, Joseph and Jesus. May we reach out and help them as we can.

We know that God is with them and God is with us. May we always recognize God’s presence in our lives, in the good times and the difficult ones. May we trust in God’s love and plan for us.

Fourth Sunday of Advent

As we prepare for Christmas, Advent invites us to slow down, to give thanks, and to prepare our hearts for the coming of Jesus. It is also a time to hold in prayer those in our world and in our families who may be facing challenges during this season.

During this final week of Advent, we rejoice in the endless love that God has for us, which is made apparent in the birth of his Son. We reflect on the good news of God's love brought to us from the angel Gabriel.

The Gospel for this Sunday speaks of Mary and her husband, Joseph, and their obedience to God. This obedience leads to bringing forth Jesus, the Savior of the World. The conflicts and challenges both Mary and Joseph faced did not deter them from trusting in God’s mission for them. The birth of Jesus signifies a new beginning for all of us within God’s beautiful plan for our lives and salvation. It is a time of renewed hope, peace, love, and new beginnings.

May these days before the celebration of Christmas be filled with peace, hope, joy, and love for all!

Third Sunday of Advent

The Third Sunday of Advent is traditionally called Gaudete Sunday. Gaudete is the Latin word meaning “rejoice.” This Sunday is so named because “Rejoice” is the first word in the entrance antiphon for today's Mass. We light a pink/rose candle instead of a purple candle today as a joyful reminder that our salvation is near. The readings focus on joy, hope, and the signs of God's coming. 

This week's Gospel Reading continues our Advent reflection on the person and message of John the Baptist. Last week we heard John speak about his relationship to the coming Messiah, Jesus. This week, we hear Jesus' message to John the Baptist, now in prison, about the signs of the kingdom found in Jesus' ministry and Jesus' assessment of John's role in the Kingdom of God.

Though the holiday season may tempt us to revel in the fleeting kinds of joy, the season of Advent calls us to work on the kind of joy that is longer lasting and much more meaningful and flows from gratuitous love. Let us live in the hope of this season amidst the darkness that surrounds us.

Second Sunday of Advent

 

Peace! As we enter the second week of Advent, our hearts turn toward the gift of peace. Peace is not only the absence of conflict. It is a way of living with patience, kindness, and a deep trust in God.

This week invites us to think about the environment and culture we create. In a season that can feel hurried, how do we bring a sense of calm to those around us? How do we speak to one another in a way that brings understanding rather than tension? Advent gives us a gentle reminder to slow down and look honestly at how our daily actions shape the spirit of our school.

This week we celebrate the Feast of the Immaculate Conception. Scripture gives us many stories that help us see how God works through moments of reconciliation and hope. When we pray and reflect with them, we help them see that they, too, can bring peace into their own lives and into the world. May the peace of Christ settle within us and shine through all we do. May peace fill our hearts, our homes, and our universe.

First Sunday of Advent

Today we begin my most favorite time of year – Advent. The word "Advent" means "coming" and refers to the anticipation of Jesus Christ's birth on Christmas and his eventual second coming. I love Advent as it is the preparation time for Christmas. It is also a very busy time. As we prepare for Christmas let us take time to prepare our hearts for the coming of Christ at Christmas. Let us develop a little space where God can dwell within us, and we can be in the stillness with our God of love and mercy.

From the Advent candle we begin to light this week until we experience the glory of Christmas in four weeks, a single flame of hope will grow brighter as me move toward our celebration of the incarnation at Christmas. Being “awake” as both our second reading and gospel call us to be, includes being attentive to the goodness, not just the darkness, in our world. Let us be intentional in this time of naming the hope we see in our communities and in our world. In doing so, we prepare not only our hearts but the hearts of others to embrace and believe in the mystery of the incarnation, Christ’s presence that overcomes any of humanity’s actions that attempt to dim the light.

From our JPIC Team:

In the darkness of winter, we approach the holy season of Advent, 
preparing ourselves to be bearers of the light and hope
of God's own Love Incarnate.

If you are looking for some inspiration this Advent, 
here are links to several possibilities:

•  Advent Simplicity Challenge
• Advent Serviceberry Book Group
• Advent Calendar from Boston College
• Dilexi Te Reflection Guide (Network)