Good News, Bad News

Mary and Joseph arrive at the temple as required for the ritual of purification. Met by Simeon who joyfully takes the Christ child in his arms and makes his joyful proclamation, they must have been overcome with emotion with the first words of Simeon. But his last words were the most powerful and most likely disconcerting. What mother would want to be told that their child will be the salvation and then in the same breath told that a sword would pierce their hear. We would call that an emotional roller coaster. As with other references, Mary and I am sure Joseph would hold this in their heart.

Many of us had been given both good news and bad news whether through medical issues, family tragedies, work, and other personal issues. How does a person prevail through this? For those who navigate through the pain and suffering, we see that faith seems to be the common denominator. Others seem to go the opposite way and are overcome with a myriad of mental and physical health issue.

As a person who was recently the recipient of disconcerting medical information concerning a recent MRI on my neck, I have to look no further than Mary. The uncertainty of those words from Simeon would shake any person, but her example through the next 32 years of Jesus life is definitely worth examining. Not knowing what my future holds and what the prognosis from the neurosurgeon will be as far as surgery and limitations on what was a life full of activity, especially endurance cycling which I have become an avid participant creates fear, anger, depression and a slew of other emotions. I am sure many of you can identify with these from your own personal experiences. It is easy to question, why me? Mary did the same, but in her unequaled faithfulness she allowed God to take over not knowing what where the impending birth of Jesus would take her.

The first step in recovery programs which is to recognize life's unmanageability with whatever addiction one has.  Soon the person realizes that it is not just the addiction, but life overall that is unmanageable without God. The founders of AA were definitely on to something. These very facets can be utilized by any person regardless of faith. My plans for the future allow me to relish in success and to live life at its fullest. I don't plan for life changing events nor do I like to think about them. Thus in a manner my life in every moment  becomes is unmanageable if I try to run it.

Taking the example of Mary and submitting to the power and wisdom of God is my best path.  Trying to Google every possible scenario of what the impending next steps are for my medical issues is not (and it seems that Google covers everything). I want to know if I can keep on cycling after what is quite likely surgery. What activities can I continue with? How long will I be out from work? How will this affect my family? The possibilities are endless. Reinhold Niebuhr in his famously composed Serenity Prayer  wrote,

"Living one day at a time, 
Enjoying one moment at a time, 
Accepting hardship as a pathway to peace"

I am sure Mary did the same cherishing every moment with Jesus. Even with the prophetic words of Simeon she endured and for some reason I cannot see her on Google trying to come up with solutions to all of the various messages and signs that were given to her. Imagine her Googling Simeon's proclamation and finding 3.3 million responses. Her response to Simeon and others was of faith.  I will try to do the same. 

Is Christmas Over? Taking Down the Decorations?

Out for a morning walk in the brisk air I came upon the scene of someone taking down their decorations.  This made me ponder on how many people will be doing the same without giving the action a thought.  Stores will be frantically selling their Christmas season inventory as well as the many people looking to redeem unwanted gifts.  Cities will send their work crews to take down Christmas decorations that so adorned the streets soon after Thanksgiving.  What is the rush? Is the season over?

If one were to read today's Mass readings it my be assumed that the season of joy is indeed over. Images of Stephen being stoned while forgiving his enemies and Jesus warning us to not worry about how we are to speak when being brought in front of leaders. But upon examination it is clear that the Holy Spirit is being referenced. For those of us not in a rush to take down the decorations especially the Nativity scenes that may be placed in our references, we are carrying the spirit.

The Christmas season is not over despite what our neighbors may think.  My family traditions holds that the Nativity scene is not taken down until the Epiphany.  The plastic kings in my front yard have not yet arrived at the makeshift stable with the Holy Family yet.  They will remain standing as my neighbors take down their flashing lights, Santas, and snow scenes. The Holy Spirit will endure.

On a personal level I am challenged to carry the message of Christ's arrival. For me this is not an option. I am challenged by what others may think about how I live as a Catholic. The teachings of the Church are under constant attack by media and society in general. The Christmas tree will endure as will the cross despite the challenges. The deeper question is will I? Will I be strengthened by the example of Stephen and the many martyrs that followed? This will only happen when I take the exhortation of  Paul in Philippians who states "I can do all things in Jesus Christ who strengthens me." Let the Christmas spirit live on.

Christmas Message

From the Bethlehem in the darkness of night
Came to us the Child of light
Bringing the message of peace to a world in need
And those shepherds were the first to know the Good News
Those seemingly insignificant spread the glorious message anew
Centuries later the words are still the same,
May joy, peace and the glory of God today reign

© Christian Miraglia 2016

Out of the Dark

Years ago singer Gloria Estefan suffered near  near injuries from an accident that put successful career on hold while she recovered. She spend months learning regaining her ability to walk and perform tasks that most of us take for granted. A few months later she penned the lyrics to the song "Coming out of the Dark."   Mid song the listener hears the following words:

Coming out of the dark, I finally see the light now
It's shining on me
Coming out of the dark I know the love that saved me
You're sharing with me

Although she doesn't necessarily reference faith as the reason to her recovery, after listening to the song one can surely make the connection.  During the next two days it is important for me to reflect on the concept of darkness as well as the idea of light that many theologians and some fellow Catholic bloggers have alluded to as well. 

I find myself longing for Christmas to be over;  not relishing the thought of going near malls, battling the mounting traffic problems, and building resentment of the secularization of Christmas.  This is my personal darkness. I just want all of this to be over so life as normal can carry on. 

The paradox of this darkness is recognizing these feelings. It is here that I truly am united with God, not hiding anything, stripped down of the facade of my humanity.  St John of the Cross stated, "The endurance of darkness is preparation of great light."  Pondering on this I find myself taking inventory of this Advent which was longer than previous ones. There have been times of darkness, whether mulling over buying gifts or dealing with stressful life situations. There have been moments of restrained anger in which I wanted to unleash a barrage on someone who did not conform to my ideals or drove erratically on the freeway. 

Somehow through all of this a light would show inside of me reminding me to be merciful. This spark of life was definitely not of my own. Today looking back, "I finally see the light" as  Estefan sings. It is shining on me and in me. Today being Christmas Eve, " I know the love that saved me." I welcome the light and I will try with the grace of God to truly carry the message of the Good News. 

Blessings to all and may the light of our Savior shine on you and your families. 

Don't You Forget About Me

Years ago the group Simple Minds released a song titled "Don't You Forget About Me" which became a hit by itself and as the theme song for the 80's classic "Breakfast Club." I think the song is appropriate for this time of year as we become overwhelmed with the thought of family visiting, what food to make, the presents we have not had time to purchase, and whole slew of other distractors.

The chorus in the song is quite simple (no pun intended) as it repeats Don't you, forget about me. Don't, don't, don't, don't, Don't you forget about me. So as I was watching television this morning and a commercial came on using the lines, it dawned on me that this indeed was a message that I need not forget about who this Christmas is about.

Another line in the song goes as follows: Will you stand above me? Look my way, never love me. A reminder that in the Christmas bustle there are those who we may not even see. The homeless, the small child, the person at work who we just don't want to talk to.

 "Will you recognize me? Call my name or walk on by, " the chorus continues.  Do I recognize that Jesus is in everyone that I come into contact with or is it easier to just move on as if they don't exist because I am in a hurry to the next store?

As this week proceeds I need to take a few moments to reflect on this. A few moments to spread the true meaning of Christmas and not forget about Jesus will serve others well.  And as I do the song will be playing in my head, "Don't, don't, don't, don't, don't you forget about me.

What if God spoke to you in a dream?

Today's Gospel passage provokes some profound questions. What if Joseph cast Mary out of his life, exposing her to public ridicule and possibly public stoning for the sin of adultery? What do couples married and unmarried do themselves when informed of an unexpected pregnancy? What if God spoke to me in a dream commanding me to take an action that seemed entirely inconsistent with reality?

I really don't want to know about the answer to the first question as it frightens me to ponder a world without our Savior. The second question can only be answered with alarming statistics of abortions, of live births and from evidence from those we know proceeded with pregnancies welcoming the will of God into their life-giving decision. We must continue to pray for all of those who face these decisions that God will send the Holy Spirit into their life so that the gift of life may be preserved as well as for those who have made the decision to end life.

The final question is equally profound. Throughout the Bible we encounter figures of whom God has spoken to and who carry out his will, some initially question these appearances and the message and others who take immediate action. If only discerning the voice of God was as easy, as my own head is full of thousands of voices each vying for my attention.

So what made it so clear for Joseph? From what little is known about him, he was honorable and a man of God. He was reassured not to be afraid in the dream and perhaps with that security it made it easier for him to make a decision. One can assume with a message in a dream that proclaims that his wife was to give birth to one who would save his people from their sins, that taking any other action then what was instructed would bring on severe consequences.

God does not have to speak to us in dreams although for me it might be helpful. I always think of the George Burns classic, "Oh God." The clear voice of God instructing the character to do this or that. For me God is more subtle, speaking through those around me, through Scripture and sometimes with a small but quiet voice reminding me about some action I am going take. I really don't want God to speak to me through dreams because I might be asked to make a life altering decision and I am comfortable with my life as it is. But as we know our plans are not God's plans. Just thinking of my own dreams, many of which were about personal success and glory, and of which remain unrealized helps me understand this. Taking the example of the modest poor couple who brought our Savior into the world I can open my heart to the will of God, through silence, prayer, and love.  Then perhaps I might hear that voice in a dream.

Of Family Trees and God's Plan

Years ago I begin to read the daily Mass readings. I was always perplexed as to why it was important to know about the lineage of Jesus.  I would casually skip through the first chapter of Matthew in a matter of seconds, not finding much to draw my attention. "Why do we have to read this?" I grumbled as I leaved past the page. I found the readings at Mass much the same as the lector would stroll through centuries of people of whom I found no importance. Yes I know that Jesus' father was Joseph and Joseph descended from the house of David and that it all started with Abraham, but why does anyone need to know about the rest?

I am quite sure that many of you have knowledge of your own family tree and may have invested considerable time and sometimes money to genealogical sites such as Ancestry.com or others with similar services. I take particular interest in my own family as well even though the tree seems to be fairly brief coming from a family of immigrants that came to the United States from Germany and Italy due to a lack of information. My wife's family tree originates from Spain, Mexico and Japan which makes my own children quite a mix of ethnic backgrounds. I find this interesting and when there is time I endeavor to pursue the task of building on both families trees.

This brings me back to Jesus's family tree. It wasn't until this very day that it dawned on me (literally as I reflected early this morning), the lineage of our Savior is just as important if not more than my own. Jesus is not just a name on paper and without the God's plan being carried out by the names of people such as Amminadab, Shealiel, Joram, and others whose names I find difficulty pronouncing, I would not be here.

Reflective reading of this passage reveals a lineage that is full of people who had difficulties, some of whom we can classify as deviants and others as saints. Moreover, Matthew is able to detail centuries of a family heritage which is quite extraordinary in itself since many of our own family trees come to a grinding halt after three to four generations. The point being that God does have a plan which in itself is not for us to see in full, but realizing that this one family whose bloodlines have brought our Savior into the world, whose Catholic heritage we owe to, and of words we can humbly reflect on brings a more attentive attitude to the many names mentioned. Just as I take pride in my own family background as well as I revel in the stories of my families past, so should I do so with the One who made this all possible.

Patience of a Desert Flower

Hardship and patience are themes that echo through today's Scripture readings. Both of these virtues are not ones most people demonstrate today. The message we receive through secular culture is to avoid hardship whether it be in the suffering of a debilitating disease, the care of those who are in need, and the trials and tribulations of daily life. Patience is a constant challenge as well as we send a text and want a immediate response not taking in consideration that the recipient just might be driving and not answering (imagine that) or be busy with other business. We seem to be much like the people of Jesus's day as the awaited the coming of a king that would redeem their long suffering in our impatience of desiring a quick fix to our problems.

The prophet Isaiah paints a picture of the desert coming to life in the first reading today. Living in Southern California this brings to mind the Anza Borrego Desert which comes to life from February to March with a dazzling display of blooming wildflowers that draw crowds from all over looking to take in the breath taking scenery. For those who are attracted to the annual event there is patient anticipation of the news of the first sets of blooms and updates that one can follow via the park's website. Today being Gaudete Sunday, we too wait for the glorious coming of our Lord. Much like those waiting for the first news of the desert coming alive with color, we are to consider the Good News of our Lord' nativity with joy.

In the  Epistle of James, we are encouraged to be patient much like a farmer waiting for the rains and his crops to mature. Our reward will come in time. For myself as an amateur gardener this theme resonates profoundly. The region which I live in is currently in the sixth year of a drought. The avocado tree which once provided at times two crops in a year now is in the second year of dormancy and lemon tree which although produces lemons, but of a diminished size. I await the rain as do the trees. The trees themselves seem to be going through their own hardship, visibly sick leaves and branches protruding from aged limbs. Other crops which I grow annually produce only half of what was normal, the plants dying off quickly. They need water as does my soul.

We are told to make our hearts firm, to be ready for the coming of the Lord is near. Do not complain about one another, so that you may not be judged (Jas 5:9). Last Saturday I attended an event given by Matthew Kelly, the founder of the Dynamic Catholic organization.  He issued multiple challenges to the audience, one of which I took upon myself.  The challenge was to use a Mass journal and write down whatever came to mind as you listened to the liturgy. From this would come a transformation if we truly reflected and prayed on it. I scribbled down that I wanted to see the good in others.  This week provided an array of events of which I found myself judging and at times using condemning language.  Ah,  the example of hardship. Could I not judge? What I did find is that I was immediately quite aware of my fault. Patiently and painfully I will carry on this challenge, allowing the Holy Spirit to continue to reveal to me that which I cannot see on my own.

My journey is through the desert of my own soul, listening to those who carry the message of love  in hope of finding the Lord.  Asking for the Holy Spirit to guide me in discerning the voices which battle for my attention, not focused on those as Jesus refers to as wearing fine clothes and living in palaces, but the simplicity of John the Baptist. It is there that the flowers will bloom in their glorious colors and bring joy.

Mary and Me: A reflection on a growing relationship with our Blessed Mother

As I have written in previous posts, I struggle with my relationship with Mary. Perhaps it is the idea that a person is without sin.  Maybe it is that Mary as presented just seems so far reaching, so clean for me. Yet I know about her appearances in Fatima and to Juan Diego in Mexico. I know of people who are very dedicated to the Rosary, reciting it daily. So what is the catch? Today being the Feast of the Immaculate Conception, brings me to further reflect on Mary.

The term "immaculate" is defined in multiple ways, but it is the first definition that stands out, "free from flaws."  Since I am personally so removed from that definition it is hard for me to grasp that anyone can fit that classification.  The very thought of this can bring despair as I reflect on how many times daily evil thoughts and actions that are not reflective of being Christian permeate my being.  However, I don't think God really want me to indulge in self-flagellation.  So where do I go? Where does a child go when they have a problem?

Nothing against fathers, but the child seeks their mothers who seem to have a special relationship with their children. They listen, they console, they nurture, and if possible they relay their concerns to the father. Interesting as we in our Catholic faith are taught that Mary intercedes for us to the Father. What better way to ask for help. A mother who is all understanding and also unblemished by sin can pray for me a struggling sinner. A mother born into poverty, who gave her all in order to raise the Son of God, and who watched the heart wrenching persecution of her only beloved son on the cross can even listen to my requests.

I was taught the Hail Mary at a young age and would recite it for years not thinking much about the words. Eventually I fell away from the prayer.  Later on in adulthood I resumed in praying with my children as they grew up, but like many parents, I stopped praying with my children once they reached their teen years.  With that the Hail Mary's stopped as well. Yet the Rosary on my nightstand would beckon me. Although I have picked it up a few times and actually said the Rosary, I have also used it as devotion to the Sacred Heart. Mary is calling me little by little. Knowing that she is the patroness of our nation brings me to further prayer as I view the chaos and turmoil that permeates our daily life. One step closer to a better relationship with Mary.

Calling all John the Baptists? Are you one?

Reflecting on the readings today, first I want to extend prayers to our brothers and sisters who have been affected by the wildfires in the Southeast. What words come to mind with the first line of today's Gospel, "John the Baptist appeared preaching in the desert of Judea and saying, "Repent for kingdom of heaven is at hand."  Knowing what follows with the vivid description of John, the words radical, simple, fiery, come to mind. John shook people up with his life of simplicity and his oratory. He was that feared fire in the wilderness. The intensity of his message brought many to him as they felt compelled to repent of their sinful way of life for fear of what might come.  Wildfires in themselves burn old growth and from that arises new life. John's message was direct as he scolded the Pharisees and Sadducees with the words, "Produce good fruit as evidence of your repentance."

Advent is a time when we  are directed from the pulpit to go to confession, to review our past, repent, change and prepare for the coming of our Savior. It can also be a time when we reflect on the today's Gospel reading about spreading the message.  Based on what we see in our world today, there is a need for many John the Baptists.  The strife, anger, violence, and total disregard for humanity that permeates the news cycle is alarming.  Where is that voice in the wilderness? Where are the people that are going to Jordan? Or perhaps better stated, where is that river? Is it the mall or preoccupation with the business of the secular Christmas season. One would think that based on world events churches would be full, busting at the seams, but we see otherwise. So the question begs, where is the voice, or better yet who is the voice? Could it be that we are asked to be that John? Scary proposition in thinking that we could be being asked to be that voice. Do I have the courage to proclaim that message, to live that life of simplicity?  Maybe.

Is my life being lived in a simple manner and people identify me as a Catholic in my actions? This in itself is worthy of me reflecting daily. Calling people to repent is not something I am to comfortable with.  Pope Benedict made reference to repentance in his Post-Synodal Apostolic Exhortation (no. 93) that "the idea of not using words necessarily but using a word that disrupts, which calls to conversion and open the way to an encounter with one through whom a new humanity flowers." I know that I can be stronger in standing up to the cultural relativism that permeates the world around me.

John was not afraid to call out what he viewed as wrong and obviously did not fear what might come of him because of his teachings. If I am reminded that my very faith is being attacked how does it matter if I people may not like me if I stand up for what is right, what is the Truth? Knowing how many of saints suffered persecution for their words and actions with their ultimate reward not being how they were viewed in their life, but with reward of eternal life, I can take solace. But not trying to carry out the message through my will, but praying for discernment on how this is to be done and making sure that I have repented for my own transgressions is my first step to this call. Then God willing can I be an example of John and carry the message.