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.
God is love, and whoever remains in love remains in God and God in him. There is no fear in love, but perfect love drives out fear. (I Jn 4:11-18)
https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/010825.cfm
Jesus keeps telling us over and over again, “Don’t be afraid.” The reason of course is that we are perfectly loved (even though we may not always be perfectly lovable!). A mother’s love knows no bounds. I give thanks to my mom today on this my 75th birthday. The photo today is of my mom’s favorite Wiseman. Perhaps you remember The Fourth Wiseman (1985) with Martin Sheen https://youtu.be/82lEsYdPh64?si=O42_3TdCTDTFwJhp.
Beloved, let us love one another, because love is of God; everyone who loves is begotten by God and knows God. Whoever is without love does not know God, for God is love. In this way the love of God was revealed to us: God sent his only-begotten Son into the world so that we might have life through him. (1 Jn 4:7-10)
https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/010725.cfm
One of the most radical statements of our faith is that God is love. Of course, we have been trying to get around that statement for 2,000 years. For if God is love, then perhaps we may need to treat one another with a lot more compassion. What would the church look like if we really believed that God is love?
And his commandment is this: we should believe in the name of his Son, Jesus Christ, and love one another just as he commanded us.
Those who keep his commandments remain in him, and he in them, and the way we know that he remains in us is from the Spirit whom he gave us. (1 Jn 3:22-4:6)
https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/010625.cfm
“Believe in the Lord and love one another” make pretty good advice. Faith hasn’t gotten easier in 2,000 years. Yet we still rejoice in the Word Made Flesh and seek to fulfill his command.
And behold, the star that they had seen at its rising preceded them, until it came and stopped over the place where the child was. They were overjoyed at seeing the star, and on entering the house they saw the child with Mary his mother. They prostrated themselves and did him homage. Then they opened their treasures and offered him gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh. (Mt 2:1-12)
https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/010525.cfm
What will be the gift we offer? In addition to gold, frankincense and myrrh, maybe we should consider offering reconciliation, justice and peace. Then, perhaps, we could all follow the Star together as sisters and brothers, members of just one family. Today’s Colombian carol Los Reyes Magos (The Three Kings).
John was standing with two of his disciples, and as he watched Jesus walk by, he said, “Behold, the Lamb of God.” The two disciples heard what he said and followed Jesus. (Jn 1:35-42)
https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/010425.cfm
Much like John the Baptist, the church’s job is to point out the “Lamb of God” and invite others to follow him. Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton (1774-1821) is considered the founder of Catholic religious education programs and schools in the United States. Today’s Afro-Colombian carol is Sagrada Santa María (Holy Saint Mary) and praises God for Mary and Joseph.
