Mt 2:1-12 Be A Star

Mt 2:1-12 Be A Star

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Why do we love Christmas so much? I personally think it’s the day in which we realize how very much loved we are. And the truth is precisely this: We are loved by our Lord and by those whom we least expect. Mary and Joseph must have been surprised at the event that was unfolding before them. They had never seen the star that was pointing to the Lord for they were the star. They never expected a visit of wise men from foreign lands. They never imagined that all this would take place or take place so soon. It was all happening so fast. Some were ready, some were not. Some were in adoration, others were concocting a plot!

Evil is never far behind grace. Evil men always lurk behind the wise.

By a special grace the Holy Family was sheltered by what was going on around them; their eyes were gazing upon the galaxy – the Universe – that had become a child. All creation spoke in one way or another of the new born King! “When the child was born the heavens knew that he was God because they immediately sent forth a star; the sea knew him because it allowed him to walk upon it. Even the earth knew him because it trembled when he died; the sun knew him because it hid the rays of light.” (St. Gregory the Great)

What can I do for the Lord? What can I offer him? Our response to God’s offer of salvation should be similar to that of the Magi: To offer gold is to proclaim Christ’s Kingship; to bring incense is to adore him as God; and to offer myrrh is to acknowledge his mortality. “The Magi set out because of a deep desire which prompted them to leave everything and begin a journey. It was as though they had always been waiting for that star.” (Pope Benedict) Wise men continue looking for the star!

I want to give the Lord something special? What does he want from me? What could I possibly give to Him? The Lord wants only one thing this New Year: my heart. Give the Lord your heart. Make the Lord the center and foundation of your life. Allow yourself to trust in Him. Yes, trust the Lord. Love Him like he loves us. He loves us, not because we are particularly good or highly skilled and talented. No. He does not love us because we are virtuous, or of any great merit, or even because we are useful or necessary to him; he loves us not, because we are good, but because He is good.

Last night I went to see the movie “The King’s Speech” – the life of King George VI – the true story of a Royal who stuttered not because of any physical defect but because of a lack of being loved as a child. I was moved by what a lack of love can do to a man. How we are truly in need of being loved for our own well being. Regardless of the gifts or privileges and commodities we have received. Nothing will ever replace the gift we most need: the gift of love. The one gift, the one treasure we desire more than any other is to be loved.

The Lord provides for all our needs by giving us Himself. The Lord invites us to be a star that points to something great!

Wise men still follow Him. Wise men still come to adore Him. Wise men still search for Him.

Luke 2:16-21 To Be Like Mary

Luke 2:16-21 To Be Like Mary

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What better role model could we possibly have in our lives than the Mother of our Lord, the Blessed Virgin Mary, the Mother of God. In Mary, we find the supreme model - the role model - of redeemed man and woman. What does it mean to live a life of grace? Look at Mary and see. What does it mean to be fully human? Look and see Mary, the woman who could sin but refused to sin. What does it mean to be fully in love with God? Once again, we can look upon Mary who forfeited personal love for The Love that surpasses all other loves. If we wish to live in peace, harmony, confidence and understanding, then look inside the heart of Mary, who kept all turmoil, trials and difficulties in her heart. "May the Lord bless us in his mercy" (Ps. 67:2).

I love Mary because the Son of God loved Mary. The Shepherds loved Mary because the angel of the Lord loved Mary. Joseph loved Mary because his dreams were filled with Mary! We can all love Mary because a Christian is a redeemed man and woman who loves unconditionally and lays down their life for others.

So what did Mary actually do? When the difficult times arrived and temptation abounded; when she no longer felt the presence of God close to her, she kept all things in her heart. In other words, she kept moving forward. Mary knew one thing and one thing alone: God's Will be done!

Mary accomplished here mission: protect the child, raise him up and send him off. How difficult a mission is that! And yet, she accomplished it faithfully because she protected her most valued possession: her faith. She believed. And when she did not understand, she believed even more. So when you are under a lot of pressure, and you feel so much pain, and you are tired of being alone and are ready to give up. Then close your eyes, bend your knees and speak these words: "Into your hands Lord, I commend my spirit. Let it be done to me according to your word, your will."

Be assured, the Lord will take care of the rest. Everything, EVERYTHING, will work out for the best. He will make sure of it.

We have just concluded Advent (a time of reflection), the Christmas octave (a time of redemption), and the past year (a time of renewal). Reflection, Redemption and Renewal. New joys, opportunities and challenges await each and every one of us this year. We can never forget that we were sent into this world to live a life apart (different) from others and to accomplish our God given mission - a rescue mission - an apparent impossible mission to give and to forgive; to reach out where no man would ever dare to reach out, and to shed light where darkness has settled in. "May the Lord bless you and keep you! May the Lord let his face shine upon you, and be gracious to you! May the Lord look upon you kindly and give you peace!" (Nm 6:22-27)

John 1:1-18 Let’s Start at the Very Beginning

John 1:1-18 Let’s Start at the Very Beginning

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The beginning is the best place to start. Asking the Lord to bless us this New Year is an excellent way to start the New Year. What is my New Year’s resolution? At the start of this New Year I will personally keep my heart and mind open to the Father’s Will. I will seek, through prayer, the grace of faith and strength; to be where he is, from stable to grave. I know wherever he is, is the safest place to be and the best way to live my life. Where the Lord is, I wish to be – either wrapped in his arms or nailed next to Him. Why? Because I seek the peace and harmony that only He can give, knowing full well that when my will corresponds to His Will there is great peace and harmony, even in the midst of turmoil and tragedy.

What comfort the Lord gives to a soul when all things can be offered up to Him! Even the most mundane, rudimentary things have value when they are given to the Lord for his blessing. John baptized with water alone, but God raised his life, his mission, his work, his words, even his water to glory. All the glory and honor goes to you All-mighty God!

This year I will ask for an increase in faith. I need it! For I know that the Lord is a demanding God. He asks me to give, and to love unconditionally. To give help to the poor, time to the sick and elderly; and hear and heal the sinner. At times they annoy me. I wish to have nothing to do with them. So, my Lord, increase my faith so that my hands will never work in vain or be extended and empty.

The Holy Father, Pope Benedict, states that faith begins when I know the love the Lord demands from me but cannot humanly give what He wants. At this moment God fills my hands with his Son’s grace. My giving will be super-abundant, for it is the Lord that gives through my hands and my life.

Today we are on the eve of a new year. I invite all to do a healthy and rigorous examine of conscience, not to knock yourself down but to build your life up, through Him, with Him and in Him, which is the best Way to start.

Lk 2:22-35 Coming out of the Dark

Lk 2:22-35 Coming out of the Dark

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Last night my father mentioned to me that Psalm 96 was used against Galileo during his trial. If you have not had the chance to read it, it states, “The Lord made the world firm, not to be moved.” Why in the world would some scholars of the Church condemn Galileo on such a reading? The answer goes beyond an understanding of the Bible. It touches upon man’s constant need to be humble. And one cannot be humble unless one is patient.

Today’s readings point this out in a very profound manner: Fathers (parents) need to be patient with their children; children need to be patient with their fathers (parents) (cf. 1Jn 2:12). Teens need to be patient with their hormones; they also need to be patient with time. For time has the amazing ability to prove our mistakes and to change the way we live, and see people and things. There is a beautiful Italian proverb. “When I was five years old, mom and dad knew everything. When I was 10 years old, mom and dad knew a lot of things. When I was 18 years old, mom and dad knew nothing. Now that I am 30 years old, I wish mom and dad were still around.”

When parents make mistakes, they teach their children to be patient. When we go to Confession, the Lord reminds us of how patient he is! Our Savior is constantly teaching us to be patient by being patient with us. This is the only reason why Jesus took three days to rise - to teach his Apostles the meaning of the words patience, love and trust. Patience is necessary because humans are necessary, and humans need to be patient (loving and trusting) when dealing with others.

A lot of things happen overnight. Love is not one of them. To fall in love with someone (even to fall in love with yourself) means to be patient with them (and with yourself). God is the most patient because He is Love! “Love is patient” because God is. If love does not happen overnight, than it is safe to say that people do not change overnight. It takes years, some times many years. Love does not happen overnight and people do not change overnight. A person proves their love by being patient in their love for them.

“When his hour had arrived.” and “In the fullness of time”, the Lord made his move. There is a time for everything. Even the Lord respects each and every soul he creates. He allows us to be like the Prodigal Son; to go away only to come back stronger than ever! The temptation will always be to settle for mediocrity – to settle for the counterfeits!

The prophetess Anna was married for only seven years. Then she lost her husband and lived as a widow for eighty some years. She settled upon serving the Lord day and night. She never left the temple. She grew in holiness because she grew in patience. The Lord took time to be a child. He went to Nazareth to grow and become strong, filled with wisdom. Patience implies trust. I will never grow in patience if I am impatient. I will never grow up until I learn to trust – first in the Lord and then in his Holy Will. Patience does not mean to roll over and play dead. It means being active and pushy, but never allowing ill-feelings, ruthlessness or evil thoughts to enter into the plan. These things only happen because I am impatient and do not trust. If I am in love with someone then I am patient with them. I know what I must do – I must be firm - and I await, in great expectation, the coming of the Holy Spirit to move the soul in front of me, and allow the “hour” to arrive. Just as it happened with me. I trust in the Lord because when I knock, he opens; when I ask, he answers; when I seek; he is there for me.

Let us ask the holy prophets and the Apostles who were patient in their duties before the Lord, to pray for us so that we may be meek and humble of heart; open to God’s timing, and fulfill the plan for ourselves and those entrusted to our care.

Our day will come, like the Lord’s.

Lk 2:22-35 Walking into the Light

Lk 2:22-35 Walking into the Light

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What is it that makes Christians unique? It is the way they love. Love is giving and forgiving; being proactive and reactive like Christ. “Whoever claims to abide in the Lord ought to walk just as he walked” (1Jn 2:4). I have to walk the talk. It’s not easy to say loving things. It’s not any easier to do them. But the Lord demands that we keep his commandments. If not, then we are the biggest hypocrites, the grossest liars; the most obnoxious of worshippers.

Love God above all other things. Christmas ceremonies and traditional rituals are getting hit hard this year. I don’t know about you but I feel as though I am seeing less and less Christmas decorations than in the past. I don’t know if it is something imaginary or if it is real. But I believe it is important that we go through the rituals; that we put up a Christmas tree, the tinsel, the bells, and the manger; that we wrap our gifts and take the time to enjoy the reason for the season. Mary and Joseph went through the rituals. If anyone did not need to be purified or dedicated it was Mary and Jesus. And yet, they did it, according to God’s Law. They went through the ceremonies and fulfilled the Lord’s desires. Little did they realize how their lives connected so intimately with others. Simeon had been waiting all his life for this moment. The Holy Family did not skip it. If they had, Simeon would still be waiting to this day for the promise of the Lord to be fulfilled. Regardless of the noise surrounding the family or the very public danger around them, they were surprised of Simeon’s words. They needed to hear it just as much as Simeon needed to see them and say it. When we place God above all other things, miracles happen; people seem to appear; dots begin to connect; the light begins to break through the darkness (1Jn 2:11).

Love one another. Not too long ago I gave a High School student a penance to love more or to love everyone he met. He got up and said, “That’s all?” I told him, “That’s it.” Afterwards, I thought to myself, maybe I didn’t give him enough of a penance. But then, thinking more, I realized that I had given him the toughest penance you could give to anyone. To love everyone you met; to love more is extremely difficult. It’s not easy at all. When Christ gave this commandment to his disciples, they must have been shaking their heads. Love everyone? Love our enemies? Love our neighbors? Love those who persecute you and hate you and utter all kind of false things against you? Love without condition? Love without receiving? My goodness, is this really possible?

St. John tells us, “Whoever says, ‘I know him,” but does not keep the Lord’s commandments is a liar, and the truth is not in him.”

The two most important feasts in the Church are Christmas and Easter. They are the two feasts of light and love; Giving and Forgiving. Let us ask the Lord for an increase in faith, hope and love. Hatred has no place in the heart of the Christian.

May the Lord bless us as we keep ahead of the darkness by loving more and walking swiftly towards His light.

Mt 2:13-18 The Murder of Innocence

Mt 2:13-18 The Murder of Innocence

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While back home, I had the unfortunate displeasure of watching a few minutes of a talk show called “Live with Regis and Kelly.” It made me sick to my stomach. The co-star Kelly made reference to a recent poll showing that for the first time in US history, there were fewer people getting married. Not only that, but single parents consider themselves a very good thing for society. In other words, single parenting is no longer an unfortunate situation or a heart breaking reality but rather a choice, a blessing! I guess the same goes for same-sex marriage, no-fault divorce, embryonic research and destruction and contraception. These human tragedies may be considered by some to be nothing more than cultural shifts or new family models, but I am here to tell you that they are nothing less than the advancing goose steps of the culture of death and the murder of innocence!

Human life is in danger today just as much as the Holy Family was under attack in years gone by. Children are bullied, abused and sold because they can be murdered, just like years gone by. The novelty today is that parental rights - authority - is questioned by the so-called experts, educators and movie producers with devastating consequences felt by society as a whole.

What is the solution? The same as the Lord’s: we need holy families – moms and dads that tell their love story of marriage, family, struggle and commitment. We need holy families that will proclaim the Good News with great joy! We need saints – moms, dads and children that inspire others through their unconditional love/sacrifices for each other. We need martyrs! That is, those children who are willing to stand up to the culture of death by laying down their lives to advance the Way, the Truth and the Life – the life of Jesus. Our mission is no easier than that of the Holy Innocents. They are the ones that first made evident an entire generation of secular humans gone mad! The massacre of the Holy Innocents; that is, the laying down of their lives gave to the world a silent testimony of unconditional love for God and the screaming consequences of unconditional hatred towards God and others.

We have become very practical. Modern man is very practical and our practicality is turning us into machines rather than humans. Herod had no heart. He had a mission and he executed it with cold blooded efficiency. He took no risks; never doubted for a moment. He was sure in his plan. But the Lord knows the plans of evil men. I love what the Psalmist writes, “Our soul has been rescued like a bird from the fowler’s snare!” (Ps 124:7) Evil destroys itself, we should fear not.

What must we do? What worked for Mary and Joseph will work for us. What worked then will work today: fidelity during hardship and trials; happiness and confidence in times of persecution; commitment to God’s Law will bring about freedom and peace. Forgiveness for our failures will welcome a sinful man back home. In Nathaniel Hawthorne’s Scarlet Letter, the narrator counsels us to “Be true!” He pleads with us to acknowledge the truth tragedy reveals about the human condition: we are imperfect and limited beings, and if we try to deny this fact or hide our flaws from others, we ruin ourselves. Cultural shifts and the so-called “new family models” are not the result of changing times, but rather the result of the ever-present reality of sin. Come what may, Love is given with joy, fidelity and commitment. And when we sin, we fall short of that love. That’s true today, it was true yesterday and will be true forever.

“We have fellowship with him” (1Jn 1:5). Stick with the Lord from the beginning till the end. Do not waver, do not doubt, and do not hesitate. We have fellowship with the Lord means we are committed to Him, and once committed there is no turning back. Let us follow the Holy Family through the raging fires of Hell.

John 20:2-8 He Ran Faster

John 20:2-8 He Ran Faster

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Two days ago we celebrated the birth of Christ. Today, we are at the tomb. Life is short. One moment we are here, the next we are gone. We follow the Lord from birth to death, but do we follow the Lord in accepting his Father’s Will? I always pray to the Lord for the grace to never waste a second in second guessing his love for me.

How do we know God? We know him because we know Jesus. We know what God thinks because we know what Jesus thinks, and we know what God wants because we know what Christ wants from us. “What was from the beginning, what we have heard, what we have seen with our eyes, what we looked upon and touched with our hands concerns the Word of life, for the life was made visible” (1Jn 1:1-2).

We know God intimately because we intimately know Christ .

“They both ran, but the other disciple ran faster than Peter and arrived at the tomb first.” Why is it so important for St. John to tell us that he ran faster than Peter, and that he waited for Peter to enter the tomb first? Why is all of this so important? I believe John is telling us that his faith was stronger than Peter’s. John had no doubts. He ran to the tomb like a child running to his gifts. He ran with a sense of urgency, but confidently expecting the unimaginable. John ran knowing what he would not find. He waited for Peter because he knew the answer. The Lord is not here. He is Risen.

Let us run our lives like St. John: confident, excited and courageous in knowing that the Lord keeps his promises always. He did not come into the world to abandon or betray us. No. He came into the world to meet us. Let us run to the Lord with great faith in knowing what to expect and what to find: his promises fulfilled; His life fulfilled through mine.