These reflections are a result of more than 40 years of ministry as a Roman Catholic priest. Most of these years I spent in the Diocese of Charlotte which covers Western North Carolina. Now I am retired, and live in Medellín, Colombia where I continue to serve as a priest in the Archdiocese of Medellín.
When Jesus looked up he saw some wealthy people putting their offerings into the treasury and he noticed a poor widow putting in two small coins. He said, "I tell you truly, this poor widow put in more than all the rest; for those others have all made offerings from their surplus wealth, but she, from her poverty, has offered her whole livelihood." (Lk 21:1-4)
https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/112425.cfm
The Lord judges the world by the values of the Kingdom and invites us to do the same. Saint Andrew Dũng-Lạc (1795-1839) and his companion martyrs are the first martyrs of Vietnam. Today’s video is of the ordination of presbyters and the hymn is called God Himself Chose You. https://youtu.be/z-zpeX0D-Gw?si=RSTa5liz013jt5KG
Now one of the criminals hanging there reviled Jesus, saying, "Are you not the Christ? Save yourself and us." The other, however, rebuking him, said in reply, "Have you no fear of God, for you are subject to the same condemnation? And indeed, we have been condemned justly, for the sentence we received corresponds to our crimes, but this man has done nothing criminal." Then he said, "Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom." He replied to him, "Amen, I say to you, today you will be with me in Paradise." (Lk 23:35-43)
https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/112325.cfm
The Cross is a good corrective to so-called Christian Nationalism and attempts to justify using our faith as a weapon against others. The One we follow gives himself away for love of us.
That the dead will rise even Moses made known in the passage about the bush, when he called 'Lord' the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob; and he is not God of the dead, but of the living, for to him all are alive." (Lk 20:27-40)
https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/112225.cfm
I always remember Saint Cecilia’s Day as the day that President John Kennedy was assassinated. I was in 8th grade math class when the principal made the announcement. I remember the reaction of my classmates. They all stood up and cheered. I remained in my desk and prayed. The power of racism and hate is strong in my home state of Alabama, but it is no match for God’s power and love that embraces everyone. https://youtu.be/-pzUSq97ooM?si=Bb-m0MjCVCH7pPQX
And stretching out his hand toward his disciples, he said, "Here are my mother and my brothers. For whoever does the will of my heavenly Father is my brother, and sister, and mother." (Mt 12:46-50)
https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/1121-memorial-presentation-virgin-mary.cfm
As we prepare to enter into the season of Advent, we recall the great events of our salvation. Today we remember the Presentation of the Blessed Virgin Mary, and we celebrate that we belong to the family of Jesus. His mother is our mother too. Today my bishop, Michael Martin, has proclaimed a day of prayer, fasting and outreach to the immigrant community in our diocese and country. https://catholicnewsherald.com/90-news/local/12166-bishop-martin-calls-for-day-of-prayer-and-fasting-in-wake-of-immigration-actions-in-charlotte
Responsorial Psalm (Psalm 50)
R. To the upright I will show the saving power of God.
God the LORD has spoken and summoned the earth, from the rising of the sun to its setting. From Zion, perfect in beauty, God shines forth.
R. To the upright I will show the saving power of God.
https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/112025.cfm
I am grateful to my mom and my grandmother for showing me the faith by their example of caring for others. Yesterday I touched my childhood again, we went to see The Wizard of Oz (1939). It is only the second time I’ve have seen it in a movie theater. The first time I saw it was in the mid 1950’s, over 70 years ago. It is pure magic when Dorothy opens the door of the house after the cyclone and walks into the land of Oz, and suddenly the black and white screen turns into color. In a darkened movie theater the effect is overwhelming—especially when you are five years old. Yesterday, the magic happened again! https://youtu.be/BQqFq-ggiTc?si=4XfmI3FU6RGmwyAX
