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.
Children, it is the last hour. (1 Jn 2:18-21)
In the beginning was the Word. (Jn 1:1-18)
https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/123125.cfm
A little bit of liturgical humor on this last day of the civil year: the lectionary gives us the Last Hour and the Last Gospel, which used to be read as the final blessing at Low Mass. The year 2025 has been filled with chaos in the lives of so many people. May the coming year hasten God’s agenda: justice for the poor, reconciliation, peace. A Happy New Year filled with God’s blessings! https://youtu.be/iyqtTLIg1l0?si=LCngkZ2Vmzfxz0wj
There was a prophetess, Anna, the daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Asher. She was advanced in years, having lived seven years with her husband after her marriage, and then as a widow until she was eighty-four. She never left the temple, but worshiped night and day with fasting and prayer. And coming forward at that very time, she gave thanks to God and spoke about the child to all who were awaiting the redemption of Jerusalem. (Lk 2:36-40)
https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/123025.cfm
I love the story of Anna. She is in the Temple waiting for the Christ Child for years and years and years. How important are our elders. They have wisdom, perseverance, faith, aren’t afraid to speak their minds and know how to give thanks. Anna reminds me of my grandmother, Minnie Goetting Torp (1906-1987), who taught me the stories of Jesus. https://youtu.be/deJj1ovPfrQ?si=otDff6kt5pkr9gHL
Lord, now let your servant go in peace; your word has been fulfilled: my own eyes have seen the salvation which you prepared in the sight of every people, a light to reveal you to the nations and the glory of your people Israel. (Lk 2:22-35)
https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/122925.cfm
The Canticle of Simeon is the gospel reading from the Office of Compline in the Liturgy of the Hours and expresses profound praise for the light that God has revealed in the Christ Child. Although many of us have been sick in this Christmas season, we have seen the Lord’s salvation! Thomas Becket was martyred on this day in his own cathedral and still reminds us that our faith is worth it all. https://youtu.be/PtiCLJvyePw?si=TFXJ1v7rWl91KqmT
When the magi had departed, behold, the angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph in a dream and said, “Rise, take the child and his mother, flee to Egypt, and stay there until I tell you. Herod is going to search for the child to destroy him.” Joseph rose and took the child and his mother by night and departed for Egypt. He stayed there until the death of Herod, that what the Lord had said through the prophet might be fulfilled, Out of Egypt I called my son. (Mt 2:13-15, 17-19)
https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/122825.cfm
The sad story of Bethlehem and of the Holy Family is repeated in our own times and in the lives of refugees and immigrant families everywhere. José, María and Jesús are still knocking at the door. Will we slam the door in their faces, or will we allow God to crack open the door of our hearts? https://youtu.be/664mPFg0-Jg?si=TPLXBVMntckzwRL5
What was from the beginning, what we have heard, what we have seen with our eyes, what we looked upon and touched with our hands concerns the Word of life. (1 Jn 1:1-4)
https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/122725.cfm
The Letters of John, as well as the Gospel of John, are anonymous, they were NOT written by the John we celebrate in today’s feast. Scripture is a bit messy that way, it doesn’t always come neatly wrapped with a Christmas bow on top. In Christmas we celebrate God being born as one of us which means that how we treat one another now has divine consequences. Being a disciple involves hands, hearts, eyes and ears. When we make room in the inn for our brothers and sisters, then there is room for God. https://youtu.be/HHePtUD295Q?si=zCXPuQcbRou0bt4e
