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.
Lo, the day is coming, blazing like an oven, when all the proud and all evildoers will be stubble, and the day that is coming will set them on fire, leaving them neither root nor branch,
says the LORD of hosts. But for you who fear my name, there will arise the sun of justice with its healing rays. (Mal 3:19-20a)
https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/111322.cfm
The Bible does speak of the Day of the Lord, but too often people focus on fire “blazing like an oven” rather than on the message of salvation—the “sun of justice with its healing rays.” Maybe for good reason the Lord cautions us: "See that you not be deceived, for many will come in my name, saying, 'I am he,' and 'The time has come.' Do not follow them!”
Beloved, you are faithful in all you do for the brothers and sisters, especially for strangers; they have testified to your love before the Church. Please help them in a way worthy of God to continue their journey. (3 Jn 5-8)
https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/111222.cfm
Saint Josaphat (1580-1623) was a bishop of the Ruthenian (now Ukrainian) Catholic Church who was a martyr to Christian Unity. We pray for the church in Ukraine and for the peace and safety of all the Ukrainian people. Today's photo is of the Ukrainian people in prayer.
Responsorial Psalm (Psalm 119)
R. Blessed are they who follow the law of the Lord!
Blessed are they who observe his decrees,
who seek him with all their heart.
R. Blessed are they who follow the law of the Lord!
https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/111122.cfm
Saint Martin (316-397) was a man of war who was converted and became an instrument of peace and reconciliation. He was the first non-martyr to be recognized as a saint. Today is Armistice Day that ended the First World War at the 11th hour, of the 11th day, of the 11th month. Today’s photo is of my great uncle Charlie Goetting (1888-1918) who was gassed in the trench warfare of the First World War and died of his injuries.
Beloved: I have experienced much joy and encouragement from your love, because the hearts of the holy ones have been refreshed by you, brother. (Phmn 7-20)
https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/111022.cfm
The church rarely uses the word “great” of any saint, but Saint Leo (400-461) was the first pope to receive this honorific. He was pope from 440-461. In his homily for Christmas Day, Pope Leo said: “Christian, remember your dignity, and now that you share in God's own nature, do not return by sin to your former base condition. Bear in mind who is your head and of whose body you are a member. Do not forget that you have been rescued from the power of darkness and brought into the light of God's kingdom. Through the sacrament of baptism you have become a temple of the Holy Spirit.”
Responsorial Psalm (Psalm 46)
R. The waters of the river gladden the city of God, the holy dwelling of the Most High!
There is a stream whose runlets gladden the city of God, the holy dwelling of the Most High. God is in its midst; it shall not be disturbed; God will help it at the break of dawn.
R. The waters of the river gladden the city of God, the holy dwelling of the Most High!
https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/110922.cfm
Water is life. Water brings eternal life in the Sacrament of Baptism. A visit to the Holy Land is not complete without dipping your toes in the Jordan River.
