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.
How awesome are you, Elijah, in your wondrous deeds! Whose glory is equal to yours? You were taken aloft in a whirlwind of fire, in a chariot with fiery horses. (Sir 4:1-4, 9-11)
https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/121325.cfm
Because of the manner of his leaving, it was always thought Elijah would return and have a role to play in the coming of the Messiah. Saint Lucy (283-304) is one of the young women martyrs of the early church. Due to calendar drift, in the Middle Ages her feast day was the Winter Solstice. This contributed to her popularity in the northern countries. Of course, her name means light. https://youtu.be/i2-Q_ObdE-4?si=5E9C0bpHBU6Y_mzv
And Mary said: “My soul proclaims the greatness of the Lord; my spirit rejoices in God my savior.” (Lk 1:39-47)
https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/121225.cfm
Our Lady of Guadalupe is a sign of hope to us who await the coming of our God. The Brown Virgin of Tepeyac signals a new evangelization, not European, but indigenous. As we approach the 500th anniversary of the apparitions to Saint Juan Diego Cuauhtlatoatzin which occurred in December, 1531, we join with Mary in proclaiming the greatness of the Lord. https://youtu.be/TlhcCW4mnh4?si=_OH7pqcuENDT3SjN
I am the LORD, your God, who grasp your right hand; It is I who say to you, “Fear not, I will help you.” (Is 41:13-20)
https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/121125.cfm
Over and over again in the gospels, Jesus has to tell the disciples, “Don’t be afraid.” And for good reason. The encounter with God is truly awesome. Today’s photo is of a Christogram in Greek that means, “Jesus Christ conquers.” https://youtu.be/IJ0jOjqISPU?si=s-BRU0Sg2M0_PuYn
They that hope in the LORD will renew their strength, they will soar as with eagles' wings; They will run and not grow weary, walk and not grow faint. (Is 40:25-31)
https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/121025.cfm
There are several houses of Mary: the one in Ephesus, the one in Nazareth, and the one in Loretto. Why so many houses of the Virgin Mary? Well it means that the Virgin Mary is our neighbor, and she invites over us for a cup of coffee and a chat. Or rather, in this Advent season, she invites us over to eat natilla and buñuelos (a traditional Colombian Christmas dessert). https://youtu.be/A9Ad67bzgPk?si=gsRVbdjNEIacj0sX
Comfort, give comfort to my people, says your God. (Is 40:1-11)
https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/120925.cfm
The reading today speaks of comfort. This is fitting on the feast of Saint Juan Diego Cuauhtlatoatzin (1474-1548), the indigenous man who received the apparitions of Our Lady of Guadalupe and brought comfort to captive peoples and conquered nations. After he shared the story of his encounter with his Loving Mother, over 11 million indigenous people were baptized and began the journey on the Way of Christ. "Beloved Juan Diego, 'the eagle that speaks!' Teach us the Way that leads to the Brown Virgin of Tepeyac, so that she may receive us in the deepest part of her heart." Saint John Paul II (2002). https://youtu.be/KZJvRU4JJak?si=WkOY-8-X9tR8TMEO
