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 utterance of Balaam, son of Beor, the utterance of the man whose eye is true, Of one who sees what the Almighty sees, enraptured, and with eyes unveiled. I see him, though not now; I behold him, though not near: A star shall advance from Jacob, and a staff shall rise from Israel. (Num 24:2-7, 15-17a)
https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/121525.cfm
This is one of the more mysterious passages of the Scriptures. Of course, it finds its completion in the Star of Bethlehem. To be able to see with eyes unveiled means nothing if we can’t see Him in neighbors in need who live in fear. https://youtu.be/qrB3Yj_GtOQ?si=fxj3Fs2NGLGgUTfV
Be patient, brothers and sisters, until the coming of the Lord. Do not complain about one another, that you may not be judged. Behold, the Judge is standing before the gates. (James 5:7-10)
https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/121425.cfm
As kids, we used to say “Slow as Christmas” to describe how slow time passes. As adults time goes by lickety-split. This third Sunday of Advent invites us to be patient, and at the same time tells us the “Judge is at the gates.” That’s a formula for the mother of all stress. Maybe we need to breathe, light that third candle on the Advent Wreath, and try to be nicer to one another.
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
