CHRISTMAS IN AFRICA 2022

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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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