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.
Beloved, let us love one another, because love is of God; everyone who loves is begotten by God and knows God. Whoever is without love does not know God, for God is love. (1 Jn 4:7-10)
https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/010422.cfm
One of the more remarkable teachings about God and us in all the Scriptures: God is love and everyone who loves is begotten by God and knows God. Perhaps it is just that simple. Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton (1774-1821) was a teacher at heart and is credited with being the founder of the parochial school system in the United States. Today’s carol is Duerme No Llores (Sleep, Don’t Cry).
At the name of Jesus every knee should bend, of those in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father. (Phil 2:1-11)
https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/0103-memorial-most-holy-name-jesus.cfm
We continue celebrating the Word Made Flesh in the feast of the Most Holy Name of Jesus. As the Gospel of Luke records: “When eight days were completed for his circumcision,
the child was named Jesus, the name given him by the angel before he was conceived in the womb.” Today’s Carol is Dulce Jesús Mío (My Sweet Jesus).
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).
