A Christmas Reflection

Having lived in Mexico many years ago I found myself reflecting on the posada tradition which is a depiction of Mary and Joseph looking for a shelter in order for Mary to deliver the Christ child. The tradition is steeped in symbolism, the desperation of a family seeking refuge for an impending birth, the humble surroundings of the birth scene, and the celebration when the family finally finds a willing innkeeper who directs them to the stable.  The celebration that takes place when the couple finally find inn in which a stable is provided is quite a feat.  From my recollection there was lots of food and a gigantic bonfire which provided light throughout the dark school grounds where the posada took place. The children who participated in the event took much pride in playing the roles of Mary, Joseph, and various people whose role it was to send the holy family to their next destination. Moreover the family's whose newborn took the role of the Christ child was revered.

Much of what took place on that night 32 years ago I find solace in the fact that the ceremony is a reflection of our life. But, let me speak of my own journey.  Sojourning through a life of self-seeking and distance from my faith I knocked on many doors which were indeed empty.  Somehow through the mercy and grace of our Savior I found refuge in a kindling fire that was reignited with learning about my faith which is steeped centuries of unaltered tradition based on the Truth.
This parallels today's Gospel reading in which John writes that "... and this life was the of the human race; the light that shines in the darkness.  That intense burning fire with flying embers embodied Jesus who arrived in a world full of uncertainty and chaos, but who would later provide the eternal flame for our salvation, who would as each spark shot up into the night sky send through the Holy Spirit disciples in the darkness who would kindle our faith. Christmas is a time of welcoming that eternal presence which is waiting for us.  It is a time of of mercy and grace, looking at we have and looking to those in need. The celebration at the posada can mirror our own celebration of life living in harmony with our Creator and carrying out His will. May God Bless my fellow bloggers and their family and may peace reign on earth.

Of Things Small

Thus says the Lord: You Bethlehem-Ephrathah, too small to be among the clans of Judah, from you shall come forth for me one who is to be ruler in Israel(Mic 5:1-4).  In our society it is quite common for us to gravitate to all things big.  As a sport aficionado I am always drawn to large feats whether it be the Golden State Warriors winning streak, Joe DiMaggio's hiting streak, passing records in the the NFL, and the list goes on.  Skyscrapers captivate a first-time visitor to large metropolises such as New York City and Chicago.  Restaurants draw us in with large portions.  Larger than life personalities have huge followings on Twitter and of course who cannot forget to mention the latest in a long line of Star Wars movies, "The Force Awakens." But what if what we are really looking for cannot be found in the grandiosity of movies, sports, and superstructures?

We can find Jesus in small things just as he was found in an unassuming location without the glimmering lights, the fanfare from the peoples, the royalty surrounding him. This Advent season we have been surrounded by tragedies of immense proportion, the constant chatter of larger than life politicians, and a myriad of other events that seem to dominate headlines.  Perhaps take a moment and look to the small things. I recently took a bike ride to the beach and found the sun setting in a glorious yellow fireball.  Friends of mine have posted equally beautiful pictures of sunsets on Facebook. Yes, God is there. The stillness in the morning after a much needed rainfall and the clear crispness that permeated the air gives a sense of the beauty of God. A greeting to a stranger or a casual conversation with a shopper helps us find Jesus in the humanity around us.

It seems that as I move on in age that I find more rewarding things small. Perhaps it is because I no longer have that sense of being overwhelmed by fulfillment of things large. My belief is that after chasing things large, God has shown me a better way, to seek joy in the seemingly insignificant, to find strength and happiness in our Lord and his endless works of mercy and graciousness in my life. May you look to those things small for the work of our Lord.

How Shall I Know? Prayer and Doubt

Prayer is an act of faith, leaving all into God's hands even our doubts.  Many times as I pray doubt and dread enter into my being. What am I giving up as I pray? Is this really what I am asking for or do I want a clean version of my request, no obstacles or challenges that may cause anxiety or stress. Zechariah, a godly many also faced doubt when conversing with the angel. "How shall I know this?" Of course, I don't expect to be struck speechless although that in itself might better me and those around me at times.

The unconditional surrender to the outcome of the request of prayer is scary. Throughout the Bible we see angels proclaim "Don't be afraid." Our human nature and our self-reliance responds, "Of course I am afraid.  I have to rely on something I don't see or better yet can foresee. I am very afraid." A closer look at the outcome of Zechariah's encounter with the angel reveal that submission to God's will is rewarded.  We see Mary doing the same in her encounter with the Angel Gabriel and the ultimate submissive act is Jesus dying for us on the cross.  Even as we reflect  on Mary's words "May it be done according to your word" in times of difficulty we can rest assured that our faith and the goodness of our loving God will provide an outcome much better than we sometimes ask for. As Paul states in Thessalonians "Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you." May your be blessed with all your prayers this Christmas season.

The Call

Amid all of the violence and demeaning rhetoric that is occurring today it is difficult to distinguish the presence of God.   The events of the past week hit close to home as for me as one of the victims of the San Bernardino attended one of the schools where I taught 16 years ago.  Reflecting on this and the subsequent media fallout and hateful speech that followed had me question our current society. Many say "where is God?" as if God will arrive and put an end to the chaos that confronts us on a daily basis.

Both Baruch and the Gospel of Luke provide a glimpse into this ever present question. During the time which the Book of Baruch was composed the the Hebrews were basically hostages in their own land having endured the sieges of the Chaldeans.  Not much hope existed for the people, but in the last chapter of the prophetic book Baruch a tone of redemption is found.  Take off your robe of morning and misery(5:1), God will show the earth your splendor (5:2) and God has commanded that every lofty mountain be made low ... that Israel may advance secure in the glory of God (5:8).  The arrival of John the Baptist in today's Gospel provides additional hope as well. "The rough ways will be made smooth, and all flesh shall see the salvation of God." (Is 40:4).  Perhaps the call is for us to be the light.  For if God dwells in us we can comfort the lowly, the mourning, the afflicted.  We can be the beacon of hope in a world where it seems desperation and godlessness prevails. We live in a challenging time period much like the early Hebrews under siege from the Chaldeans and the Jews of Jesus's and John's lifetime.  Certainly more violence and vitriol is not the answer.  My Catholic faith is my answer to the upheaval of society. It is up to me take on the words of Baruch and the Gospels and put them into action and I hope and pray that you will also.