CHRISTMASINAFRICA
CHRISTMASINAFRICA
ChristmasbeginsonChristmasEveandendsontheSundaycelebratingtheBaptismoftheLord.Thisusuallygivesusa Christmasseasonofaround20daysorso.Intheoldertradition,beforetheSecondVaticanCouncil,theChristmasseason lastedawhole40days,echoingthe40daysofLent.
DECEMBER2021
24Saturday ChristmasatGreccio
25Sunday BirthofOurLordJesusChrist
26Monday SaintStephen,thefirstmartyr
27Tuesday SaintJohntheApostleandevangelist
28WednesdayHolyInnocents
30Friday TheHolyFamily
JANUARY2022
1 Sunday MaryMotherofGod
2 Monday SaintsbasiltheGreat&GregoryNazianzen
3 Tuesday MostHolyNameofJesus
8 Sunday Epiphany
9 Monday BaptismoftheLord
CHRISTMASINTHEWEST
DECEMBER2021
24Saturday ChristmasatGreccio
25Sunday BirthofOurLordJesusChrist
26Monday THEHOLYFAMILYOFJESUS,MARYANDJOSEPH 27Tuesday SaintJohntheApostleandevangelist
28WednesdayHolyInnocents
JANUARY2022
1 Saturday MaryMotherofGod
2 Sunday Epiphany
9 Sunday BaptismoftheLord
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PRAYERS&BLESSINGS
BLESSINGOFACHRISTMASTREE
TheuseoftheChristmastreeisrelativelymodern.Itsoriginsarefoundinthemedievalmysteryplaysthatdepictedthetreeofparadiseand theChristmaslightorcandlethatsymbolizedChrist,theLightoftheworld.Accordingtocustom,theChristmastreeissetupjustbefore ChristmasandmayremaininplaceuntiltheSolemnityofEpiphany.Thelightsofthetreeareilluminatedaftertheprayerofblessing.
InthehometheChristmastreemaybeblessedbyaparentoranotherfamilymember,inconnectionwiththeeveningmealontheVigilof ChristmasoratanothersuitabletimeonChristmasDay.
Whenallhavegathered,asuitablesongmaybesungTheleadermakesthesignofthecross,andallreply“Amen”
Theleadermaygreetthosepresentinthefollowingwords:LetusglorifyChristourlight,whobringssalvationandpeaceintoourmidst,now andforever
R/Amen
Inthefollowingorsimilarwords,theleaderpreparesthosepresentfortheblessing:Mybrothersandsisters,amidstsignsandwondersChrist JesuswasborninBethlehemofJudea:hisbirthbringsjoytoourheartsandenlightenmenttoourminds.Withthistree,decoratedand adorned,maywewelcomeChristamongus;mayitslightsguideustotheperfectlight
OneofthosepresentortheleaderreadsatextofsacredScripture,forexample,Titus3:4(lines47)orEzekiel17:22(lines2224;Iwillplanta tendershootonthemountainheightsofIsrael)
Reader:TheWordoftheLord R/ThanksbetoGod
TheintercessionsarethensaidTheleadersays:LetusaskGodtosendhisblessinguponusanduponthis signofourfaithintheLord R/Lord,givelighttoourhearts
Thatthistreeoflightsmayremindusofthetreeofgloryon whichChristaccomplishedoursalvation,letuspraytothe LordR/
ThatthejoyofChristmasmayalwaysbeinourhomes,let uspraytotheLordR/
ThatthepeaceofChristmaydwellinourheartsandinthe world,letuspraytotheLordR/
Aftertheintercessionstheleaderinvitesallpresenttosaythe Lord’sPrayer
Theleadersaystheprayerwithhandsjoined: LordourGod, wepraiseyouforthelightofcreation: thesun,themoon,andthestarsofthenight
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WepraiseyouforthelightofIsrael: theLaw,theprophets,andthewisdomoftheScriptures WepraiseyouforJesusChrist,yourSon: heisEmmanuel,Godwithus,thePrinceofPeace, whofillsuswiththewonderofyourlove
LordGod, letyourblessingcomeuponus asweilluminethistree
Maythelightandcheeritgives beasignofthejoythatfillsourhearts Mayallwhodelightinthistree cometotheknowledgeandjoyofsalvation WeaskthisthroughChristourLord R/Amen
Thelightsofthetreearethenilluminated.
Theleaderconcludestheritebysigninghimselforherselfwiththesignofthecrossandsaying:
MaytheGodofgloryfillourheartswithpeaceandjoy,now andforever. R/Amen Theblessingconcludeswithaversefrom“OCome,OCome,Emmanuel”:
Ocome,thoudayspring,comeandcheer ourspiritsbythineadventhere; dispersethegloomycloudsofnight anddeath’sdarkshadowputtoflight Rejoice!Rejoice!Emmanuel shallcometothee,OIsrael
BlessingofaChristmasMangerorNativityScene BlessingoftheHomeandHouseholdonEpiphany
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BLESSINGOFACHRISTMASMANGERORNATIVITYSCENE
InitspresentformthecustomofdisplayingfiguresdepictingthebirthofJesusChristowesitsorigintoSt.FrancisofAssisi,whomadethe ChristmascrècheormangerforChristmasEveof1223.
TheblessingoftheChristmasmangerornativityscenemaytakeplaceontheVigilofChristmasoratanothersuitabletime.Whenthemanger issetupinthehome,itisappropriatethatitbeblessedbyaparentoranotherfamilymember
Allmakethesignofthecrossastheleadersays:OurhelpisinthenameoftheLord
R/Whomadeheavenandearth
OneofthosepresentortheleaderreadsatextofsacredScripture,forexample,Luke2:1(lines18)orIsaiah7:10(lines1015,thebirthof Emmanuel).
Reader:TheGospeloftheLord
R/Praisetoyou,LordJesusChrist
Theleaderprayswithhandsjoined:Godofeverynationandpeople,fromtheverybeginningofcreation
youhavemademanifestyourlove:whenourneedforaSaviourwasgreatyousentyourSontobebornoftheVirginMaryToourliveshe bringsjoyandpeace,justice,mercy,andlove
Lord,blessallwholookuponthismanger;mayitremindusofthehumblebirthofJesus,andraiseourthoughtstohim,whoisGodwithus andSaviourofall,andwholivesandreignsforeverandever
R/Amen
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ThistraditionhasbiblicalrootsgoingbacktothestoryofMosesintheBiblewhentheIsraeliteswereaskedtoputthebloodofalambor goatonthedoorpostandabovethedoorsofthehouses.Attheendofthefourthcentury,awomannamedEtheriamadeapilgrimageto Jerusalem.Herjournal,discoveredin1887,givesanunprecedentedglimpseofliturgicallifethere.Amongthecelebrationsshedescribesis theEpiphanyAtthebeginningoftheeighthcentury,PopeSergiusinauguratedacandlelightprocession;attheendofthesamecenturythe blessinganddistributionofcandleswhichcontinuestothisdaybecamepartofthecelebration,givingthefeastitspopularname: Candlemas
For2022thisiswhatyouwillwriteonyourdoorinchalk: 20+C+M+B+22
Whenallhavegathered,asuitablesongmaybesungTheleadermakesthesignofthecross,andallreply,“Amen”
Theleadergreetsthosepresentinthefollowingwords:LetuspraiseGod,whofillsourheartsandhomeswithpeaceBlessedbeGodforever R/.BlessedbeGodforever.
Inthefollowingorsimilarwords,theleaderpreparesthosepresentfortheblessing:TheWordbecamefleshandmadehisdwellingplace amongusItisChristwhoenlightensourheartsandhomeswithhisloveMayallwhoenterthishomefindChrist’slightandloveOneofthose presentortheleaderreadsatextofsacredScripture,forexample,Luke19:19:
ListentothewordsoftheholyGospelaccordingtoLuke:JesuscametoJerichoandintendedtopassthroughthetownNowamanthere namedZacchaeus,whowasachieftaxcollectorandalsoawealthyman,wasseekingtoseewhoJesuswas;buthecouldnotseehimbecause ofthecrowd,forhewasshortinstatureSoheranaheadandclimbedasycamoretreeinordertoseeJesus,whowasabouttopassthat
way>Whenhereachedtheplace,Jesuslookedupandsaidtohim,“Zacchaeus,comedownquickly,fortodayImuststayatyourhouse”And hecamedownquicklyandreceivedhimwithjoyWhentheyallsawthis,theybegantogrumble,saying,“Hehasgonetostayatthehouseofa sinner”ButZacchaeusstoodthereandsaidtotheLord,“Behold,halfofmypossessions,Lord,Ishallgivetothepoor,andifIhaveextorted anythingfromanyoneIshallrepayitfourtimesover”AndJesussaidtohim,“Todaysalvationhascometothishousebecausethismantoois adescendantofAbraham”
Theintercessionsarethensaid:Leader:TheSonofGodmadehishomeamongusWiththanksandpraiseletuscalluponhimR/Staywithus, Lord.
Leader:LordJesusChrist,withMaryandJosephyouformedtheHolyFamily:remaininourhome,thatwemayknowyouasourguestand honouryouasourHead.Wepray:R/.Staywithus,Lord.
Leader:LordJesusChrist,youhadnoplacetolayyourhead,butinthespiritofpovertyacceptedthehospitalityofyourfriends:grantthat throughourhelpthehomelessmayobtainproperhousingWepray:R/Staywithus,Lord
Leader:LordJesusChrist,thethreekingspresentedtheirgiftstoyouinpraiseandadoration:grantthatthoselivinginthishousemayusetheir talentsandabilitiestoyourgreatergloryWepray:R/Staywithus,Lord
AftertheintercessionstheleaderinvitesallpresenttosaytheLord’sPrayer
Theleadersaystheprayerofblessingwithhandsjoined:LordGodofheavenandearth,yourevealedyouronlybegottenSontoeverynation bytheguidanceofastarBlessthishouseandallwhoinhabititFillthem(us)withthelightofChrist,thattheir(our)concernforothersmay reflectyourloveWeaskthisthroughChristourLordR/Amen
6 BLESSINGOFTHEHOMEANDHOUSEHOLDONEPIPHANY
Theleaderconcludestheritebysigninghimselforherselfwiththesignofthecrossandsaying:MayChristJesusdwellwithus,keepusfromall harm,andmakeusoneinmindandheart,nowandforeverR/AmenItispreferabletoendthecelebrationwithasuitablesong,forexample, “OCome,AllYeFaithful”or“WeThreeKings.”
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THESTORYOFFRANCISANDTHEFIRSTCRIBATGRECCIO
Christmaswas15daysawayFranciswasstayingatahermitageatFonteColumboHehadjustcomefromRomethelasttime,forhewould dieinthreeyearswherethepopehadapprovedhisRule.
HowtocelebrateChristmas?HerememberedhisvisittotheHolyLand,toBethlehemWhynot?AkindofreplicaofthemangerthereThere wasacave,inGreccio
Hehadagoodfriend,Giovanni(John)Vellita,whomhehadmetononeofhispreachingtoursJohnwasamilitaryman,lordofGreccio,just twomilesawayFollowingFrancis,JohnhadrenouncedallworldlyhonoursandwastryingtolivealifeimitatingthatofFrancisaswellashe could.
Francis,withtheassuranceoffriendship,sentword:“IfyouwanttocelebratetheFeastoftheLordatGreccio,hurryandpreparewhatItell youForIwishtorecalltomemorythelittlechildwhowasborninBethlehemIwanttosetbeforeourbodilyeyesthehardshipsofhisinfant needs,howhelayinthemanger,howwithanoxandassstandingnearbyhelayuponthehay”
JohnbeganimmediatelyPeoplepreparedtorchesandcandlestolightupthenightThemangerwaspreparedinthecave,andtheoxandass broughtin.WhenFranciscametothefriars’hermitage,hewasdelighted.
Thegreateveningarrived.Peoplebegantocomeinprocession,carryingtheirtorchesandcandles.Thewoodsrangwiththeirsong.Theywere rediscoveringthejoyofchildhood
Asthevillagersandfriarscrowdedaround,apriestbegantheMassFrancisgavethesermon:“ThesaintofGodstoodbeforethemanger, utteringsighs,overcomewithloveandfilledwithawonderfulhappinessHesangtheGospelinasonorousvoice,aclearandsonorousvoice, invitingalltothehighestrewards.
ThenhepreachedtothepeoplestandingaboutandspokecharmingwordsconcerningthebirthofthepoorKing,andthelittletownof BethlehemWhenhespokethename‘ChildofBethlehem’or‘Jesus,’histonguelickedhislips,relishingandsavouringwithpleasedpalate thesweetnessofthewords”
TheaccountsdonotsaywhetherthechildwasalivingbabyoracarvedfigureItwasprobablythelatter,foritisrecordedthatatleastoneof theobservers“sawtheinfantcomealive.”
FranciswantedtoshowthehardshipsJesussufferedalreadyasaninfantHesawtheemptyingofthegloryoftheSonofGod,bornofagentle motherbutstillthrownuponastonyandresistingworld
FranciswantedtorealizeandhelppeoplerealizeexactlywhatGodhaddoneforhispeople,and“howpoorhechosetobeforoursakes.”
Francishimselfhadchosenthebitterpovertyofbeingonthemarginofsociety,withnoresourcesorsecurityHesawtheSonofGodplacing himself,asitwere,onthemarginofdivinity
HesawatrulyhumanJesus,notadivinebeinghidingbehindadeceptivephysicalfacadeThehumilityoftheIncarnationandoftheCrosswas hisconstantpreoccupationHewantedtothinkofnothingelseBethlehemandCalvary
Hislifecantered,then,aroundpovertyandhumility,sistervirtuesHetoldhisfriarsnottobeashamedtobeg,“sinceGodhimselfbecame poorforoursakes....PovertyistheheritagewhichourLordJesusChristhasacquiredforus.”
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FranciswouldoftenmeditateonthedesolationofChristandhisholymotherwithtears,andhemaintainedthatpovertywas‘thequeen’of thevirtues,asshehadbecomesoradiantlymanifestintheKingandhismother.”
Francis’loveandcompassionforthesufferingandPassionofChristweresodeepthathenolongercaredabouthisownpainIntheyearafter thiscelebration,hewouldbesoidentifiedwiththesufferingChristthatthefivewounds,thewoundsofthestigmataappearedinhisbody
ItwasFranciswhothrilledtheCatholicworldwiththissimpleandferventcelebrationAfterhisdeathin1226,thecustomofhavingthecribat ChristmasspreadwidelythroughEurope
“Bythedawnofthebaroqueera,thecribsettinghadbecomeanintricatesceniclandscape,andnumeroussecularfigureswerenowaddedto thoseoftheHolyFamily,shepherdsandMagi
Franciswouldprobablysmileatournicevarnishedcribsoftoday,thoughhewouldblessanyhomethathasoneProbablyhewouldprefer thosesetupoutdoorswithliveanimalsAndifheweretostandbyoneandpreachtoday,hemightsaysomethinglikethis: “Lookdeeperthanthispleasantscene.SeeyourGodbecomeyourfoodforeternityinafeedingplaceforanimals.Seethesimplebands woundaroundthehelplessbaby,nottheembroidereddressSeeamanandwomanwearingtheclothesofthepoor
SeeandsmelltheanimalsFeelthecoldanddirtofthecave,lightedonlybyalittlefireAndadoreyourGod,whotookahumanheartthat couldknowthegreatestloveandthesharpestpain,armsthatcouldembracethesinners,theoutcasts,thelepers,andhandsthatcouldtouch cheeksrunningwithtears,andbepiercedwithnails.AdoreyourpoorandhumbleGod.”
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Celebratedon26thDecember2021
Luke2:4152 Jesus,Mary,andJoseph,themodelofwhatafamilyshouldbe;yettherecanbeonlyoneHolyFamilyofNazareth,andtobe honest,thisdoesn’tlookanythinglikeourfamiliesMary,the‘virginmother’,holyandconceivedwithoutsin,andherson,Jesus, theSonofGodAndthenthereisthehusbandandtheprovider,Josephwhoappearsinthisstorywithoutdialogue,silentinthe faceofJesusrebuke,“Whydidyouseekme?DidyounotknowthatitisnecessaryformetobeinthehomeofmyFather?”
Ouch!Thisisareminderofourownseraphicfather,StFrancis,whostripshimselfofclothingprovidedbyhisfatherPietro BernardoneandstandingnakedinthatcourtyardofAssisi,declares,“fromnowonIhaveonlyonefather,whoisinheaven” LikeFrancisfather,thisisalsothelastappearanceofJosephinthesaga
Achildbrideandnewmother,withherlabourerhusband,fleeingfromtheviolenceofdespoticleadershiptobecomerefugees inaforeigncountryThisisastorythatisalltoofamiliarinourworldAstorythatforsomanyendsinrape,torture,rejection, exploitation,andevendeathWeremindourselvesthatthissamerefugee,JesustheNazarene,pointstotheserefugeesof today,andsays,“Hereismyfamily,mymother,mybrothersandmysisters.”
Weobject,rationalize,afterall‘bloodisthickerthanwater’,areminderthatfamilybondsareeverythingWhenwesaythat ‘bloodisthickerthanwater’,weareusingtheterm‘blood’inthesamesenseas‘bloodrelations’,thoseinourimmediatefamily Itisoftenusedasameanstoshamefamilymemberswhosidewithtrespassersandoutsiders.HolyScriptureaffirmssomething quitedifferent‘Thebloodofthecovenantisthickerthanthewaterofthewomb’;wehavethewholethingbacktofront
The‘waterofthewomb’,ourfamilyrelationships,aresecondarytothe‘BloodoftheCovenant’Itisonlybyredemption throughthis‘BloodoftheCovenant’,thatreconciliation,purification,sanctification,andunionwithGodbecomereal.Wecan onlycallourselves‘blessed’intermsofthisfoundationalrelationshipwithGodItisonlywhenwestartfromGod’stotally unselfish,vulnerable,andfreeLovethatwealsolearntheWaytoLoveinTruth
Jesusstatesthatnoonecanbeatruediscipleunlessheorshefirst‘hatesfather,mother,wife,husband,children,brothers, sistersandevenhisorherownlife’Familytiescanbecomeidolatrouswhenweallowthesebondstogetinthewayofthe higherdictatesofLoveandrespectwithinourcommondestinywithcreationandasthehumanfamily
Forallitssacrednessandimportance,naturalfamilymustalwaysbesubservienttothehigherfamily,thefamilyofcharity.Jesus, himself,clearlyaffirmsthiswhenhesays,“Whoaremymother,andbrotherandsisters?ThosewhohearthewordofGodand keepit!”ThisisGod’sprojectandtheblueprintforourjourneyintotheHeartofLove
Weallbelongtofamilies.Manykindsofrelationshipsbondustocertainpeopleandseparateusfromothers.Blood,ethnic origins,language,gender,country,religion,politicalaffiliation,ideology,asharedcause,asharedenemy,asharedhistory,or evenasharedwound;thesedivideusfromsomeandformusintoacertainnaturalfamilywithothers
Allthesefamiliesaregood…butonlywhenitispreparedtostepasideateachandeverypointwhereitfindsitselfblocking fundamentalLoveandrespectfortheneedsofthelargercommunity.Allgroupsmustultimatelybesubservienttothefamilyof humanityandthenonnegotiabledemandsofLoveandrespectWhenmembershipinanygroupblocksGod’sproject,it becomes,atthatmoment,idolatrous
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CHRISTMAS:FEASTOFTHEHOLYFAMILYGOD’SPROJECT
ThisistheprocessbywhichweexcludeothersandcreatescapegoatsFamilyissacred,but,unlesstheserelationshipssubmit andaremouldedtothehighercalltoLoveandrespect,itbecomesthegoldencalfItisthenthatwefollowourambitionsaway fromGod’sblueprintforGod’sfamily,creation,andourlives.Thisotherroadleadstomuchsuffering,sadness,andultimate despair
Atthistimewhenverylittleisconsideredsacredorholy,wemustseektounderstandwhatitmeanstobeholy,tobeblessed;to identifytangiblepracticesinourliveswherewe,togetherwithparents,grandparents,fosterparents,familymembers,and childrencometogethertolearnthatsomethingsaresacred,deservingofourreverenceandworship.
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ChristmasDayMassoftheShepherds
Celebratedon25thDecember2022
Luke2:1520
Whentheangelshadleftthemandgoneintoheaven,theshepherdssaidtooneanother,'LetusgonowtoBethlehemandsee thisthingthathastakenplace,whichtheLordhasmadeknowntous'So,theywentwithhasteandfoundMaryandJoseph, andthechildlyinginthemangerWhentheysawthis,theymadeknownwhathadbeentoldthemaboutthischild;andallwho hearditwereamazedatwhattheshepherdstoldthemButMarytreasuredallthesewordsandponderedtheminherheart Theshepherdsreturned,glorifyingandpraisingGodforalltheyhadheardandseen,asithadbeentoldthem.(Luke2:1520)
Whyareyousofavoured,oshepherds?Windsweptandunkemptwiththedanksmellofthesheep,whyareyousoprivileged,o shepherdsofIsrael?FromthetimeofAble,thefirstnamedShepherd,throughthosemanywhofoundyourfavour,Abraham, Lot,Laban,Moses,andyourbelovedDavid.Smellyandunskilled,relegatedtothelowerstrataofsociety,yetthesearetheones whofoundfavourinGod’seyes;raisedaspriests,prophets,andkings
Farfromthecitydelights,farfromtheelaboratetempleworship,farfromthedebatesatthecitygates,thesearetheshepherds whotodayannounceGod’swordsinfulfilmentofapromise,aMessiahisborn.
Thesearetheshepherdswhogazeintothenightsky,freeofdistractionsandallthosemanycompellingdrivesofstatusand achievement,opentohearingGod’srevelationinthebookofcreationTheygazeuponthedancingstarsthatproclaimthemost distantpastofGod’sdictate,“lettherebe…”.
ThisWordthatspeaksthroughalloftimehasnowbecomeonewithusThisisarevelationalmostbeyondbearingasinthe silencewebegintohearthemelodythataccompaniesthedancingwithachingandexpandingheartYouandI,merestmoteof dust,ateaspoonofenergy,andaclotofblood,onewithandpartofGodineternity.
Amysticalinstantoftranscendentinsight,allofus,eachandeveryoneofthosedancingmotesofdust,partofaneternaland ongoingcreation,partofthestoryof‘Iam’,anoteinthemelodythatspeaksofwhoGodis,Inotethatspeaksofwho‘Iam’.On thisChristmasmorningwetooareshepherdsfilledwiththespiritofGod,“speakingtooneanotherinpsalmsandhymnsand spiritualsongs,singingandmakingmelodyinourhearttotheLord”
TheSongoftheShepherdBoyintheValleyofHumiliation byJohnBunyan
Hethatisdownneedfearnofall, Hethatislow,nopride; Hethatishumbleevershall HaveGodtobehisguide.
IamcontentwithwhatIhave, Littlebeitormuch: And,LordcontentmentstillIcrave, BecauseThougavestsuch
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CHRISTMAS:FEASTOFTHEHOLYFAMILYGOD’SPROJECT
Celebratedon26thDecember2021(West)/30thinAfrica Luke2:4152
Jesus,Mary,andJoseph,themodelofwhatafamilyshouldbe;yettherecanbeonlyoneHolyFamilyofNazareth,andtobe honest,thisdoesn’tlookanythinglikeourfamiliesMary,the‘virginmother’,holyandconceivedwithoutsin,andherson,Jesus, theSonofGodAndthenthereisthehusbandandtheprovider,Josephwhoappearsinthisstorywithoutdialogue,silentinthe faceofJesusrebuke,“Whydidyouseekme?DidyounotknowthatitisnecessaryformetobeinthehomeofmyFather?”
Ouch!Thisisareminderofourownseraphicfather,StFrancis,whostripshimselfofclothingprovidedbyhisfatherPietro BernardoneandstandingnakedinthatcourtyardofAssisi,declares,“fromnowonIhaveonlyonefather,whoisinheaven” LikeFrancisfather,thisisalsothelastappearanceofJosephinthesaga
Achildbrideandnewmother,withherlabourerhusband,fleeingfromtheviolenceofdespoticleadershiptobecomerefugees inaforeigncountryThisisastorythatisalltoofamiliarinourworldAstorythatforsomanyendsinrape,torture,rejection, exploitation,andevendeathWeremindourselvesthatthissamerefugee,JesustheNazarene,pointstotheserefugeesof today,andsays,“Hereismyfamily,mymother,mybrothersandmysisters.”
Weobject,rationalize,afterall‘bloodisthickerthanwater’,areminderthatfamilybondsareeverythingWhenwesaythat ‘bloodisthickerthanwater’,weareusingtheterm‘blood’inthesamesenseas‘bloodrelations’,thoseinourimmediatefamily Itisoftenusedasameanstoshamefamilymemberswhosidewithtrespassersandoutsiders.HolyScriptureaffirmssomething quitedifferent‘Thebloodofthecovenantisthickerthanthewaterofthewomb’;wehavethewholethingbacktofront
The‘waterofthewomb’,ourfamilyrelationships,aresecondarytothe‘BloodoftheCovenant’Itisonlybyredemption throughthis‘BloodoftheCovenant’,thatreconciliation,purification,sanctification,andunionwithGodbecomereal.Wecan onlycallourselves‘blessed’intermsofthisfoundationalrelationshipwithGodItisonlywhenwestartfromGod’stotally unselfish,vulnerable,andfreeLovethatwealsolearntheWaytoLoveinTruth
Jesusstatesthatnoonecanbeatruediscipleunlessheorshefirst‘hatesfather,mother,wife,husband,children,brothers, sistersandevenhisorherownlife’Familytiescanbecomeidolatrouswhenweallowthesebondstogetinthewayofthe higherdictatesofLoveandrespectwithinourcommondestinywithcreationandasthehumanfamily
Forallitssacrednessandimportance,naturalfamilymustalwaysbesubservienttothehigherfamily,thefamilyofcharity.Jesus, himself,clearlyaffirmsthiswhenhesays,“Whoaremymother,andbrotherandsisters?ThosewhohearthewordofGodand keepit!”ThisisGod’sprojectandtheblueprintforourjourneyintotheHeartofLove
Weallbelongtofamilies.Manykindsofrelationshipsbondustocertainpeopleandseparateusfromothers.Blood,ethnic origins,language,gender,country,religion,politicalaffiliation,ideology,asharedcause,asharedenemy,asharedhistory,or evenasharedwound;thesedivideusfromsomeandformusintoacertainnaturalfamilywithothers
Allthesefamiliesaregood…butonlywhenitispreparedtostepasideateachandeverypointwhereitfindsitselfblocking fundamentalLoveandrespectfortheneedsofthelargercommunity.Allgroupsmustultimatelybesubservienttothefamilyof humanityandthenonnegotiabledemandsofLoveandrespectWhenmembershipinanygroupblocksGod’sproject,it becomes,atthatmoment,idolatrous
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ThisistheprocessbywhichweexcludeothersandcreatescapegoatsFamilyissacred,but,unlesstheserelationshipssubmit andaremouldedtothehighercalltoLoveandrespect,itbecomesthegoldencalfItisthenthatwefollowourambitionsaway fromGod’sblueprintforGod’sfamily,creation,andourlives.Thisotherroadleadstomuchsuffering,sadness,andultimate despair
Atthistimewhenverylittleisconsideredsacredorholy,wemustseektounderstandwhatitmeanstobeholy,tobeblessed;to identifytangiblepracticesinourliveswherewe,togetherwithparents,grandparents,fosterparents,familymembers,and childrencometogethertolearnthatsomethingsaresacred,deservingofourreverenceandworship.
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Celebrated1stJanuary2023
NEWYEARSDAY;forsomeofus,thisisagoodtimetothinkonthepastyearandfriendsandfamilynolongerwithus;to consideralsothepossibilityofmakingasignificantnewstartinourlives,bothasindividualsandasmembersofourciviland churchcommunitiesWithsomanyfamilydisasters,brokenrelationshipsandthemanytwistsofthepastyear,manywillbe happytoreflectonpossibleNewYear’sresolutions,tobringanewqualityandnewvaluesintotheyearjustbeginningNew YearsaredeeplyfeltbymostpeopleasatimeforaskingGod’sblessingontheyearahead;astillunforeseenfutureholdinga mixtureofbothhopeandfear.
ThefirstreadingoffersustheassurancethattheGodweloveandworshipisOnewhogoeswithusonourjourney,whois graciousandfamiliartousAndtheGospeltellsofthewelcomeGodgivesus,sendingusHisSon,bornfromahumanmother, andbearingthename“Jesus”whichofferstheultimatesolutionforourhumancondition.
TheChurchproposesanotherimportantideatobecelebratedonthissignificantstartdayoftheyearInthefeastofwesay thanksforthewonderfullyhumanwaythatGodcameclosetous,throughtheMotherhoodofMary,theyounggirlfrom Nazareth.WerecalltherealJewishnessofJesus,whoseparentsbroughthimtotheTempletofulfiltheLawofcircumcision.
Bymotheringhim,MarynotonlygaveJesusabody,shealsofundamentallyshapedhispersonalityandmouldedhisearly identityPartofhershapingofJesus’identitywasinthereligiousupbringingshegavehim,teachinghimthebasicsofprayerand lovetowardsGod,andhandingonthecoreofJewishbeliefinthereliablyfaithfulGod,whosefaithfulnesswasshownthrough thestoryofhispeople.
ThespiritualityoftheMagnificatwouldhavebeentaughttoJesusbyhismotherMary’sMagnificat,atapestryandasonganda mostprofoundjourney.Anexultationofmercy,celebratingreversalsthatismostradicallythedisciple’sjusticeseeking pilgrimageThisCanticleisaBiblicaltheologyinmotionItconveysthewholemajesticsweepof"JudeoChristianfaith"from Abraham,SarahandHagar,throughMary’sgracedevents,untiltheendoftime
TheMagnificatisarevolutionarydocumentofpassionateconflictandvindication,callingallbelieverstoajourneyofsolidarity withalloppressedpeoplesMary’sSongisthegreatnewCanticleofLiberation,praisingaGodwhohaspromised"community" withthosewhosufferfrompersonalandsystemicinjustice,andmoreimportantlyhasbeen"faithfull"tothosesustaining promises
Mary’svocationisourvocation.Maryteachesuscourageandsolidarityinallliberatingstrife.Maryliftsupthesmallhorizonof oursightedvisiontotheabundantinsightofhereboundarybreakingSonTheCanticleofMaryisthesongbothoftheMotherof GodandoftheChurch;thesongoftheDaughterofZionandofthenewPeopleofGod;thesongofthanksgivingforthefullness ofgracespouredoutonGod’sfamilyandthesongofthe"poor"whosehopeismetbythefulfilmentofthepromisesmadeto ourancestors,"toAbrahamandtohisposterityforever"(#2619)
FromhishomelifewithMaryandJoseph,JesusfirstcametoknowthemeaningoffaithfulloveinitshumanpracticalityThe secondreadingpointstothecosmicdimensionofMary’srole,thathertotal‘Yes’toGod,theSaviourwas“Bornofawoman, bornunderthelaw;”andsothedivineSontookahumanfaceandreceivedahumanname.
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SOLEMNITYOFMARY,THEHOLYMOTHEROFGOD
ItisadayforjoininginherdeepponderingontheWordofGodIthasbeensuggestedthatourloyaltytoourfaithisfoundedon theChurch’simages,metaphorsandstoriesTheMagnificatThePrayerOfMary
MysoulproclaimsthegreatnessoftheLord,myspiritrejoicesinGodmySaviourforhehaslookedwithfavouronhislowly servantFromthisdayallgenerationswillcallmeblessed:theAlmightyhasdonegreatthingsforme,andholyishisNameHe hasmercyonthosewhofearhimineverygenerationHehasshownthestrengthofhisarm,hehasscatteredtheproudintheir conceit.Hehascastdownthemightyfromtheirthrones,andhasliftedupthelowly.Hehasfilledthehungrywithgoodthings, andtherichhehassentawayempty.HehascometothehelpofhisservantIsraelforherememberedhispromiseofmercy,the promisehemadetoourfathers,toAbrahamandhischildrenforever(Lk1:4655)
AndthemostpowerfulimageofallisMary,theMotherofGod.Itallbeginswhenamotherbringsherlittlechildtoseethe ChristmascribThechildgazesinwonderatthisexoticsceneofangels,animals,shepherds,kings,motherandfather,all gatheredaroundalittlebabyinitscot“Whoisthebaby?”thelittlechildasks“ThatisJesus”“AndwhoisJesus?’“Jesusis God”“Oh”thelittlechildsays“Andwhoisthelady?’“ThatisMary,God’smom”It’sahardstorytobeatItismany children’sfirstintroductiontotheologyandamosteffectiveoneatthat.
NothinginlaterlifeshakestheirattachmentTheymaydisagreeandsometimesviolentlywiththeChurch’spronouncementson certainissuesTheymayfallfoulofitsdisciplineinareasasintimateasmarriageandfamilylifeTheymaybedisillusionedbythe leadershipofpopeandbishops,orbythelifestyleoftheirclergybuttheyremainachildJesuswhoisGODWITHUS
ThemostpowerfulobjectofattachmentisthemetaphorofMary,theMotherofGodResearchonyoungCatholicsshowsthat theMaryimagecontinuestobetheirmostpowerfulreligiousimageForsomeolderpeople,veryoftenmen,whoseattachment toreligionwastenuous,tosaytheleast.Yettheycarriedintheirpocketsarosarybeadsandstoppedoccasionallytopraybefore astatueofOurLady
There’sastoryheardfromnunswhotaughtgradeschoolOnedayGodmadeatourofheaventocheckouttherecentarrivals HewastakenabackatthequalityofmanyofthoseallowedinandhewentouttoconfrontPeteraboutit.“You’veletmedown again”hetoldPeter“What’swrongnow?”Peterasked“Youletalotofpeopleinthatshouldn’tbethere”“Ididn’tletthem in”“Then,whodid?’“Well,Iturnedthemawayatthefrontgate,buttheywentroundthebackandyourmotherletthemin”
ItisthesortofstorythatmaymakeintellectualsandacademicssquirmornonCatholicssneer.Butitstrikesachordinour Catholicsensibility.IttallieswellwithourconceptionofmotherandthegospelimageofMary.SheistheMotherofGod;the motheroftheChurchandourmothertooandlikeanymother,shewillnotberesistedbybureaucraticredtapeorhairsplitting moralists,whenitcomestothehappinessofherchildren
Iwouldsuggestthatthisisalsoagooddaytoreflectonamothers’loveforherson,JesusHerlovewasneitherselfishor demandingJesushadhisownvocationtofulfilandMarymustanddoesstandasidetogivefreedomtothelovebetween MotherandSonThisleadstoJesus’deepreverenceandrespectforpeopleandespeciallythoseontheoutskirtsofsociety,the broken,thepoorandthedespisedthatweseesoclearlyreflectedintheGospelstories.
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17 TheMotherhoodofMaryandhergreatsongoftheMagnificatgivesusablueprintforourownreflectionatthestartofthisNew Year
CHRISTMAS-EPIPHANYOFTHELORD-GIFTSFORTODAY
Celebratedon2ndJanuary2022(West)8thinAfrica (Mt2:112TheVisitoftheMagi)
Thegreatrevelationbeginswithlocalshepherds,unschooledanduninformed,farfromthecentresofinformationandinfluence Swiftlyitmovesontothearrivalofforeigners,Zoroastrians,PersiansandMedes,astrologers,dreaminterpreters,andmystics Hereweseetheforgottengiftsof‘presenceandacknowledgement’addedtotheworldlygiftssignifyingwisdom,holyspeech, andhumility
Theseareforgottengiftsnowlittletreasured.Weliveinaworldfilledwithmysteryandparadox.Life,death,love,suffering,and eventimeitself,movewithinourconsciousnesswithouthavinganyapparentneedforourcooperation,classification,or consentTheattemptsatmanipulationsoftheserealitiesleadtopride,disappointment,dissatisfaction,andcynicism
Thisdesireforcontrolisattherootoffearthatfuelsourparanoia,andthatappetiteforbadnewsWhenparanoiagripsour leaders,itislikeacreepingpandemicthatquicklyconsumeseverystrandofdailylife.SoitwasatthetimeofHerod’paranoia hadspreadtothepopulationofJerusalemApandemicoffearandparanoiaisspreadingaroundtheworldThisistheantithesis ofthejoyofthegospelofJesusChristthathasatitsheartacallto‘metanoia’,theoppositeofthisworld’s‘paranoia’
Thecontemplativepracticeofthemysticbringsusintoadirectawarenessofpresence,acknowledgingthesacrednessand beautyofallcreationandofeverybeingthatsharesinGod’sgreat‘IAm’CreationandbeingarethegiftsofGodandsowe recognisethateachoneofusiscalledtobegiftstoeachother,aswearealsocalledtobegiftstocreationandallbeingsItis notourcleverness,ourlearning,ourachievements,orourstatusinsocietythatgiveusthisintrinsichumandignity
TheMagiandtheirgiftspointuseverdeeperintotherevelationofthehumanfaceofGodandthedivinefaceofhumanity TherevelationofLoveincarnated.Thisisthewonderfuldivineimaginationinwhichwe,allthelittleones,alltheforgotten ones,alltheuntouchables,allthedisplaced,andallthedespised,haveourbeing.
Thecontemplativewayofourmysticcallingreflectsaresponse,enteringintocommunionwithallthese‘others’Itisthecall thatemanatesfromtheinnerdepthsofourbeing,comingtorecogniseourselvesinthefaceoftheotherIncarnatedintothe Jesusevent,wecometorecognisethesacrednatureofallcreationItisfromthisrecognitionthatcompassion,mercy,and forgivenesstaughtbyJesusas‘TheWay’,becomesasurprisingreality.
Thecontemplativepracticeofthemysticbringsusintoadirectawarenessofpresence,acknowledgingthesacrednessand beautyofcreationandofeverybeingthatsharesinGods’great‘IAm’.CreationandbeingarethegiftsofGodandsowe recognisethateachoneofusarecalledtobegiftsalsotoeachotheraswearealsocalledtobegiftstocreationandallbeings.
ThroughtheIncarnation,thereflectionofthisintrinsicdignitybecomesvisibleItisthereforustobeholdwhenwebringour awarenesswithinthispresenceYetitisalwaysasurprisinggiftthatastoundsandamazes
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Celebratedon9thJanuary2023 (Luke3:1516,2122)
Againandagain;howmanytimes,evenasIreceivegraceupongrace,IdothethingsIdonotwishasIleftundonetheworkof Love,tohavemercyandtoshowcompassionThisanguishedcallofGod’sholysaint,Paul,isechoedinthecriesoftheeminent doctorofthechurch,Augustine.Toknowourselves,fromthegreatesttotheleast,thisismycryasitisyourcry,thecryofall humanity,thecryofGod’screatures,andthecryoftheearthThisisourwoundedness,theincoherencebetweenwill,intention, word,andaction
Lookingtoourselves,allisdarknessandloss,angerandpain,butforGod,allthingsareindeedpossible.Todaywearegiventhe imageofourhopeAswegazeonJesusweseetotalcoherence,analignmentbetweenwill,intention,wordandactionThisis whatitmeanstobebeloved,forGodtotakedelight,forGod’sWordandactiontobeinaccordancewiththeblueprintforour lives
TherecanbenodiscordancebetweenWordthatisalsoGod’sblueprint,incarnatedandgiventousagainandagainThisWord isthesourceofallthatis,theSpiritofGodthatisitsactiveagent,thatburninglovethatcleansesandbringsjoyThatiswhyGod speaksintheformofcommandsthatcomeintobeing:lettherebelight;youmustandyoumustnot;God’sownimperatives towardsactionthatbringslifetothefull.
Unfortunately,wedonothavethesamecoherenceasJesus,ourdirectseedoflovethroughparents,grandparents,andcarers cometousthroughwoundedness.Itisbecauseofthisthatourintentionsaremuddiedandunclearandveryoftenformedby selfinterest,selfishness,andmisguidedunderstandingofthewillofGod.Perhapsthegreatestincoherence,usurpingGod’s imperativeformofcommandtoourselves,therightofjudgementandcondemnation
Thisisthenatureofourhumanjourney;thenatureofourstructuresandorganisations;thenatureofreligionitselfToclaim foritselfinvincibilityofrightjudgement,oforthodoxy.ThisisalsothestoryofScriptureandthestoryofourwoundedness; alwaysclaimingforourselvesthatwhichcanonlybereceivedasagiftWebearthewoundednessofourancestorsclaimonthe knowledgeofgoodandevilWebearthewoundednessofourancestors’claimtoeternallifeWebearthewoundednessofour ancestors’prideseekingtomakeanameforthemselvesbyreachingintotheheavens
Jesusholdsupamirrorforustoseethepossibilityofbecomingthatwhichwealreadyarewithin,receivedatourveryoriginsin thewatersoflifeTheverybreathofGod,theRuahaspeakingusintobeing,callingusintobecoming,begettingusalsoas Beloved.
Throughbaptism,eachofusthroughblessingandhealingofwoundednessbecomesabelovedsonandabeloveddaughterof GodRecallingandrenewingourbaptismisanacknowledgementoftheawarenessofthisrealitywhichbecomesthedriving forceinourlives
Throughourbaptism,eachofusiscalledbytheSpiritofFireandPower,calledbyLovetobecometheLightintheworld,giving birthtotheWordwithinusThroughourBaptismwearecalledtogointoalltheworldwithboldnessandconfidence,to proclaimtheGospelingratitudeandpeace,glorifyingtheLordbyourlives.BaptismisforusthecrossroadbetweentheOldand
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CHRISTMAS-BAPTISMOFTHELORD-ACALLTOTHEBELOVED
theNew.AlivedexperienceofGodwhospeaksintoourexperiences,walkingwithusinthejourneyofourlives.ThisisGod,the authorandspeakeroflife;theBirtheroftheCosmos,ourfirstancestorbothaFatherandaMother ThejourneyofthisNewYearcallsonustowalkagainwithLukeaskingthequestionof“whoisthisGodthatJesusmakesknown tous.’
Misdirectionispossible;misdirectionisarealitythehistoriesofourReligionsandourChurches;thehistoriesofourown families;allgiveampleevidenceofmisdirection,Illusion,andguiltThismisdirectionisthebloodiedhistoryofthosewholeadus intotheshadowyworldoftheirowncreation.Throughthismisdirection,wecannolongerseeandknowTruth.Themisdirection leadsusto‘missthemark’,themeaningofsin.
Lord,teachustofirsthumbleourselvesbeforeyouOnlyafterwehavebeenbaptisedwilltheheavensbeopened,theSpirit descendsonusinbodilyshape,likeadove,andyourvoicewillproclaimthatweareyourBelovedandyourfavourrestsonus. Lord,guideustobesilentwhenwewouldjudgeandcondemnthroughourprejudiceLetthisbecomearealityinourlivesaswe prayeverydaythatwemaynotjudgethatweourselvesmaynotbejudgedThen,likeJesus,wewillbereadytocommit ourselvestothenewventureyouhavecalledusto
Lord,forgiveusthatasaChurchwetendtocometootherswithfeelingsofsuperiority.HelpusratherseeyoursonJesusin whateverculture,Ethnicgroup,race,orsocialclassyouinviteustoenter
LetusbecomeGod’sblessingpresentintheworldinourintentions,inourwords,andinouractionsAswewalktowardsthis maturityasyourdisciples,helpustomaintainsilenceuntilourwordscanbringtrueblessingandjoytoourbrothersandsisters andtheworldaboutus
Insteadofspeakingourown‘mustandmustnot’,letusseektogetherthenatureofGod’sblueprintforallofGod’screation, fromtheleasttothegreatestLoveisthebeginningandLoveistheonlyanswer,God’sLovethatmustcontinuallygiveitself away,neverclingingtoanythingforitselfJudgement,condemnation,andenforcementcanneverreplacethiscallandthis beginning;firstcomesLove
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