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.
Responsorial Psalm (Psalm 72)
R. Justice shall flourish in his time, and fullness of peace for ever.
For he shall rescue the poor when he cries out, and the afflicted when he has no one to help him.
He shall have pity for the lowly and the poor; the lives of the poor he shall save.
R. Justice shall flourish in his time, and fullness of peace for ever.
https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/121825.cfm
In a world run by billionaires, justice for the poor has never been very popular. Yet, it is precisely the poor, the lowly and the afflicted who have the heart of the One whose coming we await. Perhaps this Season of Advent offers us the opportunity to open our hearts as well. https://youtu.be/Ley1aOPDHCE?si=C_64jsXNMFbVoB4d
The book of the genealogy of Jesus Christ, the son of David, the son of Abraham. (Mt 1:1-17)
https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/121725.cfm
Today begins the second part of Advent, the time of the O Antiphons. I remember one of the catechists in Mexico whose last name was very liturgical: De la O (of the O Antiphons!). Doing the family genealogy is always fascinating and sometimes shocking because of the little details that are discovered. Even the Lord has grandparents and great grandparents with stories to tell! https://youtu.be/XgSCp_GEe2k?si=pCxA83up_N8zKEqn
Jesus said to them, “Amen, I say to you, tax collectors and prostitutes are entering the Kingdom of God before you.” (Mt 21:28-32)
https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/121625.cfm
Probably not one of our most treasured sayings of Jesus, but boy, it still packs a wallop, especially for us good church folks. Tonight in Colombia we begin the Great Novena for Christmas, Novena de Aguinaldos, https://share.google/aimode/jLHOXZ89N1SP88GwF. Today's photo is from the Alumbrados (Christmas lights) of Medellín last night. Medellín is celebrating 350 years of its founding and 70 years of Christmas lights by the city power company. Come, Lord Jesus, come, do not delay! https://youtu.be/2bp_P0dNKmE?si=_cMnTizn1KwZWFBw
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.
