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.
The desert and the parched land will exult. They will bloom with abundant flowers. A highway will be there, called the holy way; It is for those with a journey to make, and on it the redeemed will walk. (Is 35:1-10)
The reading today speaks of the desert bursting into bloom with abundant flowers and joyful song. It also speaks about the holy way on which the redeemed will walk. These are fitting images for Advent and also for the feast of Saint Juan Diego Cuauhtlatoatzin (1474-1548), the indigenous man who received the apparitions of Our Lady of Guadalupe. 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).
Responsorial Psalm (Psalm 98)
R. Sing to the Lord a new song, for he has done marvelous deeds.
All the ends of the earth have seen the salvation by our God.
Sing joyfully to the LORD, all you lands; break into song; sing praise.
R. Sing to the Lord a new song, for he has done marvelous deeds.
https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/120924.cfm
In the United States today is the 2nd Sunday of Advent, but here in Colombia we have permission to celebrate the Immaculate Conception. Today we remember the Virgin Mary, through whom we received the Author of Life. Tonight is the second and final night of the Velitas in Colombia. In honor of the feast of the Immaculate Conception, Colombians light little candles (velitas) in front of their homes to illuminate the path of the Virgin Mary who brings us the Christ Child. I celebrated Mass at the shrine of the Immaculate Conception for our neighborhood which is named La Inmaculada.
The Lord will give you the bread you need and the water for which you thirst. No longer will your Teacher hide himself, but with your own eyes you shall see your Teacher, While from behind, a voice shall sound in your ears: "This is the way; walk in it.” (Is 30:19-21, 23-26)
https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/120724.cfm
Tonight is the night of the Velitas in Colombia. According to tradition, the little candles are lit in front of the homes to light the way for the Virgin Mary whose feast day is tomorrow. Through his preaching, Saint Ambrose (339-397) was responsible for the conversion of Saint Augustine (354-430) who followed the Way of Christ with great love.
Thus says the Lord GOD: But a very little while, and Lebanon shall be changed into an orchard, and the orchard be regarded as a forest! On that day the deaf shall hear the words of a book; And out of gloom and darkness, the eyes of the blind shall see. (Is 29:17-24)
https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/120624.cfm
Unfortunately today, the promise regarding Lebanon has been turned upside down. Lebanon, just like Gaza, has become a battlefield. But even now out of gloom and darkness, we have hope that “the eyes of the blind shall see.” Today is the feast of Saint Nicholas (270-343), bishop of the early church and patron saint of children throughout the world.
On that day they will sing this song in the land of Judah. (Is 26:1-6)
https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/120524.cfm
Last night we attended a performance of Händel’s Messiah at the Teatro Metropolitano in Medellín. The performance celebrated the 50th anniversary of Messiah in Medellín and honored the original conductor, Maestro Alberto Correa, who began the tradition. It was my mom’s Christmas tradition to attend Messiah every year. It has become our tradition here in Colombia. Now I’m ready for Christmas!
