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.
And Mary kept all these things, reflecting on them in her heart. (Lk 2:16-21)
https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/010125.cfm
As we enter a new civil year, we continue to reflect on the Mystery of the Word Made Flesh. Like Mary, we treasure all these things in our heart. Like Mary, we proclaim the greatness of the Lord not only with our lips, but in our lives by living and loving as He taught. And may the Lord bless you and keep you. May the Lord’s face shine upon you and be gracious to you. May the Lord look upon you with kindness and give you peace. Happy New Year! Today's Colombian carol is Salve Reina y Madre (Hail Queen & Mother).
Children, it is the last hour. (1 Jn 2:18-21)
And the Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us, and we saw his glory, the glory as of the Father’s only-begotten Son, full of grace and truth. (Jn 1:1-18)
https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/123124.cfm
On the last day of the civil year we are treated to a bit of liturgical humor. Today we hear that it’s the last hour, and we also hear the Last Gospel as it was traditionally called since it was read at the conclusion of Low Mass as an extended final blessing. And perhaps we all need an extra blessing as we conclude 2024 and pray for a better 2025. Today's carol is a special favorite, Los Peces en el Río (The Fish in the River).
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/123024.cfm
For those of us who are “advanced in years,” we have a special role to play in the story of salvation. With our wisdom and experience, we simply point out where God is already at work in the world and in the lives of our younger loved ones, and we serve God in prayer. Today's carol is El Niño Pobre (Christmas of the Poor).
Jesus went down with them and came to Nazareth, and was obedient to them; and his mother kept all these things in her heart. And Jesus advanced in wisdom and age and favor before God and man. (Lk 2:41-52)
https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/122924.cfm
The Holy Family of Nazareth invites all of us to belong. Imagine a family where no one is kicked out, the door is always open for strangers to join, there’s always a place at the table for everyone, and no one leaves the table hungry. Today’s photo is of the Holy Family in Cages. The carol today is called The Whiskers of Saint Joseph.
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 2:13-18) https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/122824.cfm
The feast of the Holy Innocents reminds us of the ongoing tragic consequences of war and violence have on children and their parents. Those who believe in massive deportations would condemn the Christ Child to certain death. In Colombia the Feast of the Holy Innocents is a day for good natured jokes and gags among friends. The traditional Colombian holiday dessert is natilla & buñuelos. It’s so important they even made a Christmas carol about the making of natilla.
