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 mighty shall be mightily put to the test. For the Lord of all shows no partiality, nor does he fear greatness. (Wis 6:1-11)
https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/111225.cfm
The church should probably avoid getting into politics. The only problem is that no one ever told this to God. Although the powerful never cite these passages, God has a vested interest in caring for the poor, the hungry, the fatherless and the destitute. Perhaps we had all better pay attention. Saint Josaphat (1580-1643) was from the Ukraine and was martyred for working for the reunion of the church East and West. The video today is of a traditional Ukrainian folksong. https://youtu.be/aaOChwNPg5o?si=TUXGYcmWGQrgu7--
Responsorial Psalm (Psalm 34)
R. I will bless the Lord at all times.
When the just cry out, the LORD hears them, and from all their distress he rescues them.
The LORD is close to the brokenhearted; and those who are crushed in spirit he saves.
R. I will bless the Lord at all times.
https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/111125.cfm
Saint Martin (316-397) was a man of war who was converted and became an instrument of peace and reconciliation. He was the first non-martyr to be recognized as a saint. Today is Armistice Day that ended the First World War at the 11th hour, of the 11th day, of the 11th month. Today’s photo is of my great uncle Charlie Goetting who was gassed in the trench warfare of the First World War and died of his injuries. Today’s video is a clip from the chilling anti-war film, All Quiet on the Western Front (1930). https://youtu.be/fHuNQER_8rI?si=k2OwT0hr9ieGiRyb
And if your brother wrongs you seven times in one day and returns to you seven times saying, 'I am sorry,' you should forgive him." And the Apostles said to the Lord, "Increase our faith." (Lk 17:1-6)
https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/111025.cfm
Context is everything, especially when it comes to Scripture references. It is in response to the teaching about forgiveness, that the apostles ask the Lord, “Increase our faith.” The hardest thing we ever have to do is forgive others. Saint Leo the Great (391-461) served with distinction during a troubled period for the city and the church. In his sermon for Christmas Day, Leo said, “Christian, remember your dignity.” I was ordained a priest at Saint Leo Church in Winston-Salem, North Carolina, where I had served as a deacon.
Do you not know that you are the temple of God, and that the Spirit of God dwells in you? For the temple of God, which you are, is holy. (1 Cor 3:9c-11, 16-17)
https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/110925.cfm
Dedications of churches are very special events, and today’s celebration is of the Cathedral of Rome. As Saint Paul reminds us, the physical building represents all of us. WE are God’s temple. It is we who make the physical building holy. https://youtu.be/mVPrnpm_hjY?si=F70g63dTrWrZktgS
Greet one another with a holy kiss. All the churches of Christ greet you. I, Tertius, the writer of this letter, greet you in the Lord. (Rom 16:3-9, 16, 22-27)
https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/110825.cfm
We are grateful to Saint Paul for the letters he left us, but we’re also grateful to Tertius and all the scribes who actually put pen to paper capturing Saint Paul words. The Virgin Mary brought forth into this world the Word Made Flesh and reminds us to treasure the Word in our heart. https://youtu.be/OUey6ytEXqY?si=XKDTwke9NM09vph5
