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.
Where is the newborn king of the Jews? We saw his star at its rising and have come to do him homage.” (Mt 2:1-12)
https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/010222.cfm
The arrival of the Wise Men (or los Reyes Magos as they are known in Colombia) joyfully proclaims that the Christ Child is born for all peoples of all nations: Lord, every nation on earth will adore you (Responsorial Psalm). Today’s Epiphany Carol is from Colombia, Los Reyes Magos.
The LORD bless you and keep you! The LORD let his face shine upon you, and be gracious to you! The LORD look upon you kindly and give you peace! (Num 6:22-27)
https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/010122.cfm
It is fitting to begin this New Year by invoking the Lord’s name and seeking God’s blessing. As the Octave Day of Christmas, today is one of the oldest feasts of the Virgin Mary, who “kept all these things, reflecting on them in her heart.” Today’s New Year's Day Song is Año Nuevo, Vida Nueva (New Year, New Life).
Children, it is the last hour.
(1 Jn 2:18-21)
In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.
(Jn 1:1-18)
https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/123121.cfm
You can’t say the Liturgy doesn’t have a sense of humor. Most of us don’t remember that the Prologue to the Fourth Gospel was read following the final blessing of low Mass. Here on the last day of the year, we are told it is the “last hour” and then we get the “Last Gospel” to close out 2021 A.D. (anno domini—in the year of our Lord). Pope Sylvester was pope during the construction of the original Basilica of St Peter (today's photo is an artist's rendering of the old basilica). He was also pope during the First Council of Nicea. Today we have a Colombian New Year’s Eve song, Faltan 5 pa’ las 12 (It’s 5 Minutes to 12).
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/123021.cfm
Sometimes the Prophetess Anna (84 years young!) is forgotten in the Christmas Story, but what an important role our elders have to play in our lives. Our elders are able to see God’s promise fulfilled as they bless us with their wisdom and experience and share the story of their lives with us all. Today’s Christmas Carols are from some youngsters having fun making churros for Christmas.
“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/122921.cfm
Today’s gospel canticle the Nunc Dimittis, along with the Benedictus and the Magnificat, form the hinges of the Liturgy of the Hours, the church’s daily prayer. The feast of the martyr, Saint Thomas Becket (d. 29 December 1170), reminds us that before “king and country” we must serve God first. Today’s Christmas Carol is Los Pañales (The Swaddling Clothes).
