CLEAR WATERS

[1]Something about Scripture today stirred my memory of how my brothers used to chase crayfish in the creek in New York. In the chase and as we moved the rocks, in the shallow water, it would get so clouded with sediments, that we couldn’t see the crayfish scurry away in the muddied waters. That was until we learned to work together, to be patient, and learned to stay still long enough, and plan our steps & movements, to let the natural movement of the water, clear the settlements away allowing us to see clearly what we sought.

Today is the feast of Our Lady of Loreto, decreed by Pope Francis on October 7, 2019.

Tradition holds that a small house in Loreto, Italy originated in Nazareth and is the actual home of the Blessed Virgin Mary. The house is very small, one-room measuring 30 x 13 feet. It is composed simply of stones and mortar typical of Palestine and hand-chiseled in a style consistent of the time of Jesus. This was thought to be the home of Mary’s parents, Saints Anne and Joachim. The Immaculate Conception occurred in this house. It is here the Angel Gabriel appeared to Mary, and with her “Fiat” the Incarnation happened in this house. This was the house believed to be where the Holy Family lived after returning from their time in Egypt. Jesus lived in this house until he was 30 and began his public ministry. Here also is where St. Joseph died.

This feast of Our Lady of Loreto is a bridge of the Advent season to Christmas. Pope Francis in his decree points out:

“That sanctuary recalls the mystery of the Incarnation and prompts all those who visit it to consider the fullness of time, when God sent his Son, born of a woman, and to meditate on both the words of the angel in the Gospel and the words of Virgin who answered the divine call. Overshadowed by the Holy Spirit, the humble servant of the Lord has become the house of divinity, the purest image of the holy Church.”[2]

Worldly temptations often muddy the waters of this life. If we choose to continue to thrash around the muddied waters chasing our desires or justify ourselves (even with the best of intentions) the Truth can be lost in a muddied vision of faith, which may lead to many forms of sin. Holding still, resting in the silence, and allowing God’s grace to wash over us offer fleeting moments of clarity as we continue to walk the bridge between Advent and Christmas. When we allow the waters of our Baptism to flow naturally it clears our hearts and mind to clearly see the mystery and will of our heavenly Father, for his Church, for each one of us, and for all his beloved children.

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[1] Scripture (NABRE), Isaiah 48:17-19; Matthew 11:16-19.

[2] CatholicCulture.org “The New Advent Feast, Our Lady of Loreto” by Jennifer Gregory Miller, December 11, 2019

PREPARED!

[1]Less we forget, December 7, 1941; “a date which will live in infamy.” At about 8 a.m., Japanese planes filled the sky over Pearl Harbor. Bombs and bullets rained onto the vessels moored below. At 8:10, an 1,800-pound bomb smashed through the deck of the battleship USS Arizona and landed in her forward ammunition magazine. The ship exploded and sank with more than 1,000 men trapped inside, asleep. The prize for winning the Big Band competition the night before. Asleep, unaware of what was about to occur. There were other events that led to the success of Japan’s surprise attack. The signs were all there but either were missed or misinterpreted.[2]

The nation of Israel was in exile when Isaiah offers words of comfort and assurance: “Here is your God!” (Is 40:9). He is with you in exile. Exile was not simply a historical tragedy. The people had strayed from the covenant by idolatry, social injustice to the poor, and other transgressions. Exile was God’s chastisement, but the covenant was not lost forever. Jerusalem was destroyed, but the people embody its memory and deepest meaning. “Jerusalem” then and now embodies more than a place.

St. Ambrose, whom we honor today, wrote a reflection on Psalm 118 (our Ps 119) with a focus on the final verse: “I have gone astray like a lost sheep; seek out your servant, for I do not forget your commandments” (Ps 119:176). This longest hymn in the psalter continuously repeats eight terms praising the law of Moses as God’s gift. The term torah is essentially a way of life that God teaches through ordinary human experience.

Today’s Advent readings speak to this theme in the image of sheep. Palestinians and shepherds, in many cultures, create a relationship with their flock: knowing the shepherd’s voice, often meant protection from predators, nourishment with food, and being sought out when lost. The statue of a shepherd boy with a lamb over his shoulder dates to biblical times. The inclusion of sheep in manger scenes is a tradition that speaks to all, young and old alike. The Christ Child came into the world to call and to teach.

Ambrose concludes in his reflection on the psalm: “Lift me up, born not of Sarah but of Mary, as she is a virgin incorrupt, indeed a virgin by grace free from all stain of sin.” He understood, as a Church father our salvation is not law, but God’s great mercy manifested in Christ.[3]

“Prepare the way of the Lord” (Is 40:3) Jesus is our Good Shepherd who nurtures and leads us. Let’s all remember; Jesus proposed and never imposed. He meets people where they are and calls them to reconciliation and community. We are commissioned to continue his work by proposing what is good to others and modeling it in our daily lives.

Let us not be caught sleeping but prepared in mind, body, and spirit for His coming.

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[1] Scripture (NABRE), Isaiah 40:1-11; Matthew 18:12-14.

[2] History.com, “Pearl Harbor” by History.com Editiors. Original post: Oct 29, 2009; Updated: Dec 2, 2021.

[3] Weekday HomilyHelps, Exegesis and Homily Suggestion by Edward Owens, OSST

LENS OF FAITH

[1]“What profit would there be for one to gain the whole world and forfeit his life?” (Mt 16:26a) These words were repeated to a young teacher of philosophy who had a highly promising career in academics, with success and a life of prestige and honor before him.

Francis Xavier, was living and teaching in Paris, seeing life through the lens of his success. It was his good friend, Ignatius of Loyola, whose tireless persuasion finally won Francis to Christ. After making the spiritual exercises, Francis joined the Society of Jesus and vowed poverty, chastity, obedience, and apostolic service to the pope.[2]

We all see life through a certain lens. A lens is an object that allows us to see clearly and to correct defects in our vision. Spiritually, we need a lens of faith to help us have vision. Without faith, our vision blurs, and we will find ourselves just trying to make it in life.[3]

Despite having an amazingly complex brain, taking in so much information, how much do we miss of our day as we go about on autopilot? For example, we don’t notice how often we check our phones and watches. We are programed to our daily routine and tasks, we become so laser focused, we often miss things and other happenings, even miracles, occurring around us.

Isaiah is describing redemption as the reversal of what is and the establishment of a new and glorious future. The symbols for the coming redemption are best seen through the lens of faith and hope. He telling us, “When his children see the work of my hands in his midst, they shall keep my name holy; they shall reverence the Holy One of Jacob and be in awe of the God of Israel.” (Is 29:23) And Jesus responding to the blind men’s request says, “Let it be done for you according to your faith.” (Mt 9:29)

Only by sacrifice, the giving up of all selfish gain, could Francis Xavier gain a wider world-view and be free to bear the Good News to the world. Sacrifice is leaving yourself behind at times to be present for a greater good, the good of prayer, the good of helping someone in need, the good of just listening to another. Our greatest gift is our time. 

To be present, patient, and observant, to look through the lens of faith and hope, we can be more fully present in the world around us. When we can be still, patient, and silent, we can better see the wonders of God’s creation; to see Christ in our family members, our neighbors, even in our enemies. When we fully embrace this season Advent, we can release many of our preoccupations and bask in the hope of the Kingdom to come.

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[1] Scripture (NABRE), Isaiah 29:17-24; Matthew 9:27-31.

[2] franciscan media, Saint of the Day, Saint Francis Xavier.

[3] Bay Area Christian Church (BACC), “How to See Life Through a Lens of Faith” by Martin Oji