Epiphany

Today, we have three special guests who have came a very long distance. Their names are Gaspar, Melchior and Balthazar, the three wise men. It is believed all three, although from different countries, providentially met on their journey to Bethlehem. They were learned in the science of the stars, but were wise because the sought the Christ Child, and found Him who is the Messiah, King and God.

The wise men were not Jews. They were Gentiles. We might have expected God to reveal the birth of Jesus to his own Jewish people, but no, it was to people of a different religion and race. We admire the faith of the three wise men. They believed the prophecy from the book of Numbers (24:7), “A star shall spring out of Jacob and a man shall rise upon Israel.” They knew the Redeemer would appear in Judea, and His coming would be heralded by a star.

As soon as they perceived the star, they set off on the road to Judea. Full of holy desire to worship the Savior, they did not shrink from the dangers of the long journey. Its believed they traveled over a 1000 miles which would have taken 3 months to a year.

When the star disappeared, they did not give up, but traveled courageously to Jerusalem for further information as to where the Savior was born. They figured the Jews in Jerusalem would know where the Messiah would be born. Here, however, their faith was tried because no body in Jerusalem knew anything about the Redeemer’s birth. It was they who first brought the good tidings to the city, but it did not awaken feelings of joy, but rather trouble in the city because of Herod.

When the chief priests and scribes told them of the prophecy of Micah the Savior was to be born in Bethlehem, the wise men believed and went to Bethlehem. No one from Jerusalem accompanied them. You would think all Jerusalem would have flocked with them to seek the Messiah, but no! The skeptical priests remained behind, to let the Gentile Kings to discover the new born King.

God not only showed them the way to the Child’s abode by the reappearance of the star, but also illuminated them interiorly, so that they understood the mystery of the incarnation, and worshiped the Divine Child with divine worship due to God alone.

They were led to the house where the Child and His poor Mother were lodging. Its believed when the magi came it could have been months after the birth, and so the Holy Family had moved from the cave of His birth-- to a poor dwelling of a home. The Child was perhaps at least a year old or older when they found Him.

When they arrived and beheld the Child, they were inspired by divine grace and threw themselves on their knees and worshiped the Infant as their God and Savior. St. Pope Leo the great said,  “….there must have been some special Divine Revelation whereby they knew that "his star" meant the birth of a king, that this new-born king was the very God, and that they should be led by "his star" to the place of the God-king’s birth.”

Casper from Tarsus, was European, whose gift was gold. Gold is for a king, and symbolizes the kingship of the newborn King. Melchior from Persia, modern day Iran, brought Frankincense, which comes from aromatic oil, used by Jews to offer sacrifice and symbolizes His divinity. Balthasar from Ethiopia in Africa-- brought myrrh, a bitter perfume used in burial practices of Jews. It symbolizes the death of Jesus, and His body being anointed with myrrh for burial.

They were warned in a dream not to return to Jerusalem, because Herod had designs to kill the Child and so departed by another route. It’s believed they went to India to proclaim the truth of Jesus and later met St. Thomas the apostle and were baptized by him. They died in India and their bodies were in-corrupt for many years. But later decomposed. Their bones were eventually taken to Constantinople by St. Helena and then later transferred to Milan, Italy and then finally ended up in the Cathedral of Cologne Germany.

There are many wise men, women and children in our parish. What does it mean to be wise? The book of Wisdom states the first stage of wisdom is the fear of the Lord. Fear of the Lord does not mean we are afraid of God or the punishments we deserve. Rather, fear of the Lord means we fear offending God, whom we love and so don’t want to hurt Him.

Wisdom is different than intelligence. One who is intelligent may not be wise. But someone not so smart in the ways of the world, can be brilliant in wisdom. Jesus gave us some examples of wisdom. He said a wise man builds his house on rock and not on sand. He is referring to having faith in Him, who is the rock. We place our faith in Him and not in the world nor in any government to solve our problems, then we are wise. Jesus also spoke of the wise virgins, who kept their oil lamps filled, while the foolish virgins did not. The foolish were not ready for the bridegroom, when He comes to open the door, referring to the day of their judgment. To be wise, we need to always be ready for the moment of our death and to seek the things of heaven and not earth. A wise man will have a personal relationship with Jesus, will truly love Him and speak to Him often and even be willing to die for Him. He will seek God in all circumstances and not give up until he finds Him.

A wise person fears offending God out of love for Him and so avoids sin and confesses frequently. A wise person is not interested in material things, but rather uses them for the love of God and neighbor. A wise man will read spiritual books especially the Bible, and avoid books that lead one away from God. A wise person will choose to help someone in need, whereas an unwise person will think only of themselves. If we are wise, we will not seek glory and honors in this life, but want only to receive them in the next life. A wise person encourage others and give them pats on the back, but an unwise person will treat others with disdain and be jealous of their gifts and talents. A wise person will use his gifts, talents and treasures to help others, as opposed to using them for one self. A wise person will seek God’s will in all things. A wise man will try to find the good in everyone, as opposed to seeing only the bad. A wise person seeks the things of heaven as opposed to the things of the world. A wise person will seek to alleviate the misery of others, as opposed to ignoring them. A wise person will want to imitate the saints, as opposed to the rich and famous.

A wise child will share his or her toys or candy with others or play a game with someone even though we may not want to.

A wise young person will remove their neighbor’s snow rather than get paid.

A wise person would rather be honest and poor, rather than rich and dishonest.

With our continuous Eucharistic Adoration, just as the three wise men fell to their knees to worship Jesus in adoration, so many will come to church to bend their knees and worship and adore the King of Heaven during their Holy Hour. As the responsorial psalm said, “Lord, every nation on earth will adore you.”

As a new year resolution, let us pray for the gift of wisdom and as we gaze upon the Sacred Host, we will sing with the Virgin Mary, from our heart, “O come Let us adore Him! O come let us adore Him!” “O Come Let us Adore Him. Christ the Lord.”

Jan. 1st Mary Mother of God

Today, we celebrate with great joy, the Solemnity of Mary, the Mother of God. Due to the Nestorian heresy, which denied the divinity of Jesus, the Council of Ephesus in 431 dogmatically declared Mary, as the Mother of God. The council said, “…we confess the holy virgin to be the Mother of God because God the Word took flesh and became man and from his very conception united to himself the temple he took from her.”

When the dogma was proclaimed, it helped to better define who Jesus is. That He has two natures, both human and divine, and yet Jesus is only one person and Mary is the Mother of the person of Jesus. This does not mean that Mary is divine nor does it means that She created Jesus in Her womb. No, rather all it means is that Jesus is God and Mary is His Mother.

The Catechism of the Catholic Church, states, “The one to whom She conceived as man by the Holy Spirit, who truly became Her Son according to the flesh, was none other than, the Father’s eternal Son, the second person of the Holy Trinity. Hence, the Church confesses that Mary is truly Mother of God.”

After the angel Gabriel departed at Mary’s annunciation, She went in haste to visit her cousin Elizabeth who was with child and upon entering the home of her Her cousin, Elizabeth cried out, “Who am I, that the Mother of my Lord should come to me?” For at the moment of your greeting, the child in my womb, leapt for joy.” Here Elizabeth acknowledges the Son in Mary’s womb is the Lord, who is God.

In the Gospel today, we heard the night of Jesus’ birth, the shepherds, who watched over their flocks, came upon Mary, His Mother, with Joseph, and the Infant lying in the manger. They too gazed upon the face of God, as a little Child, as Jesus “shed His face upon them, and was gracious to them.”

At the time of Jesus, shepherds were considered ignorant, poor and dirty outcasts. Many lived out in the open and not in homes. Some believe the shepherds presented the Holy Family with gifts such as curds and milk. They were struck with awe and wonder and what the angels had told them, that they would find a Child lying in the manger, who will be their savior, who is Christ the Lord. They must have wondered, how is it--that a child who is to be savior and who is the Christ, would be born in similar circumstances in which they lived. When Jesus as God, first makes Himself known to the world at His birth, He does so-- with His Mother Mary and He does so--- with people who were considered outcasts.

Later in Mary’s life, a woman in the crowd cried out, “Blessed is the womb, who bore you, and the woman, who nursed you!” Mary was blessed, because, as His Mother, She carried Him in Her womb, gave birth to Him, and held the baby Jesus in Her arms! She was blessed because She adored the face of God, kissed His chubby cheeks, touched His tiny nose, and grasped His little fingers, nursed Him, bathed Him, and changed His diapers.

At the Cross, when Jesus said, “Woman behold thy Son and Son behold thy Mother!”-- it is then that all of us became Her children. At the foot of the Cross, John took Mary into His home. Our Lord revealed Himself--- with His Mother Mary, as the Christ, and Savior at His birth-- to poor outcast shepherds, at their temporary home-- in the stable. And since Our Lord providentially wanted His Mother at the foot of the Cross at His death, then He wants us to know that Mary is our Mother too--- from our birth to our death. He wants us to be like John and to take Mary into our home and to make Her our Mother.

Have we taken Mary into our home and into our heart? Do we approach Her, as our Mother, and ask Her to obtain everything we need?

While scripture and tradition is important, we truly need to have a personal friendship with Mary, as our Mother. We should pray the rosary every day, but also speak personal words to Her. Do we talk to Her, ask Her intercession, and address Her—as—Mother? For example, if we struggle, with particular sins, we should pray, “O Mother in heaven, help me to overcome the sin that I struggle with the most. I believe you are the refuge of poor sinners. Or we can say to Her, “O Mother Mary, when I am lonely or saddened, please console me. Or—“Mother Mary, when I am in pain, help me to suffer for Jesus, as you suffered for Him! Or we can say to Mary, “Please O Mother turn your eyes of mercy upon me and hear my prayers. I am in great need. Do not abandon me your little child! And Most importantly--- my Mother Mary, help me to get to heaven, when I stray-- bring me back, when I fall--- pick me up, when I am lost-- please find me and when I need a Mother, let me know you are there!”

Today, each and everyone one us, no matter age, young or old, should call upon Mary, as our Mother. If She is the Mother of outcast shepherds, then surely, She is also the mother of all of us sinners, who are mothers, fathers, grandparents, children, teachers, farmers, ranchers, ordinary workers, (bankers, lawyers, doctors, nurses). In short, She is the Mother of all of us. “Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us sinners, now and at the hour of our death. Amen.”

Dec. 31st - The Word Made Flesh

 And the Word Became Flesh and Dwelt Among Us!

The first chapter of the Gospel of John, describes the Eternal Word, who is Jesus, come into flesh to dwell among us. The angel Gabriel appeared to the Blessed Virgin Mary, announcing She would conceive and bear a Son and name Him Jesus. Immediately after the Blessed Virgin gave Her fiat, the Holy Spirit descended upon Her and Jesus the almighty, infinite, all-powerful God, who is the Son of the Eternal Father and called the Eternal Word, took upon flesh in Mary’s womb. From Mary’s womb, Jesus received His flesh and blood, that would become His body, with hands, feet and a beating Heart, which would be pierced on the Cross.

On Christmas day, and throughout the Christmas Season, we celebrate the birthday of Jesus, when His flesh became visible for all mankind in the arms of the Perpetual Virgin Mary, His Mother.

The Eternal Word, became flesh in the womb of Mary, born in Bethlehem, and was placed in a manger in swaddling clothes, now becomes present on the altar, here and in every Catholic Church in the world.

Dear friends, the Eucharist is the Light of the World. The Eucharist is the Life. The Eucharist is the Lamb of God. The Eucharist is the Eternal Word, which becomes flesh and dwells among us! In the Eucharist, we can see the glory of the only-begotten Son, which is the glory of the Father, full of grace and truth. So today, let the Heavens Be Glad and the Earth Rejoice, because the Eternal Word has come to dwell among us in the Eucharist. And let us come to Our Eucharistic God, so that we live in His Life, walk in His Light, in the arms of His Mother Mary!

Dec. 30th - St. Anna

 

Due to Anna’s faithfulness, she received the most beautiful gift of seeing the Christ Child in temple. She was 84 years old and a widow. Perhaps because she no longer had a husband and family, she spent night and day in the temple worshiping and fasting and was greatly rewarded. Like Simeon, she had been holding vigil in fasting and prayer in anticipation of the promise of her seeing the Messiah being presented in the temple.

After she saw the baby Jesus and heard what Simeon had said, she gave thanks to God and then spoke about all who were awaiting the redemption. You can just imagine her happiness when she finally recognized the coming of the Messiah being carried by His parents, Joseph and Mary.

Like any other Jew, they were longing for His coming not only for their own peace but also for Israel. While many Jews saw the coming as freedom from foreign rule, Anna (and Simeon) saw deeper. It was not a coming to address Israel’s captivity and enslavement. It was a coming to save mankind from the bondage of sin. Indeed, it is a cause of great joy and fulfillment.

Her faithfulness is a lesson for all of us. Many of you who come to daily Mass are very faithful and Our Lord rewards you every time you come to church, by giving Himself to you in Holy Communion, which Anna, the prophetess was never able to do.

She saw Him and held Him in her arms. We are unable to see Him in the Eucharist, and we are able to receive Jesus into our hearts, which Anna was not able to do.

Today, after we receive Holy Communion, let us close our eyes and gaze upon the infant Jesus, who has come inside and may we like Anna, thank Him and then when we leave Mass –go out and speak about Our Lord’s redemption to others. In this way, we can bring the Infant Jesus to everyone we meet.

Thomas Becket Dec. 29th

Today is the memorial of St. Thomas Becket. He was born of parents who came from Normandy, and then they settled in England. He learned to read at Merton Abbey and then studied in the parish. On leaving school he employed himself in secretarial work. Somewhere about the year 1141, he entered the service of Theobold, Archbishop of Canterbury, and in that household he won his master's favor and eventually became the most trusted of all his clerks. Theobald recognized his capacity and after allowing him to go for a year to study civil and canon law, he ordained him a deacon in 1154. During this time, King Stephen died and the young monarch Henry II became master of the kingdom. While archdeacon of Canterbury, he was made chancellor of England at the age of 36 by his friend King Henry II. When Henry felt it advantageous to make his chancellor the archbishop of Canterbury, Thomas gave him fair warning: he might not accept all of Henry’s intrusions into Church affairs. Nevertheless, in 1162 he was made archbishop, resigned his chancellorship, and reformed his whole way of life!

Troubles began. Henry insisted upon usurping Church rights. At one time, supposing some conciliatory action possible, Thomas came close to a compromise. He momentarily approved the Constitutions of Clarendon, which would have denied the clergy the right of trial by a Church court and prevented them from making direct appeal to Rome. But Thomas rejected the Constitutions, fled to France for safety, and remained in exile for 7 years. When he returned to England he suspected it would mean certain death. Because Thomas refused to remit censures he had placed upon bishops favored by the king, Henry cried out in a rage, “Will no one rid me of this troublesome priest!” Four knights, taking his words as his wish, slew Thomas in the Canterbury cathedral on December 29^th, 1170. Thomas Becket remains a hero-saint down to our own times.

Oh if only bishops today would stand up against government authorities who try to take away the rights of the Church. Thomas Becket pray for our bishops, that they imitate you in your courage and your faith.

Holy Innocents - Memorial Mass for Infants

 

Tonight, this memorial Mass we pray will give healing and consolation to those who have lost a child and we pray for the souls of all children, who did not have the opportunity to spend much time on earth.

When a parent loses a child, their heart is broken and nothing can ever take away that brokenness. However, their heart will be able to experience God’s love and healing graces because the Lord is with us, cares about us and by His mercy, we can move forward in hope.

If you recall the pain you felt the moment when you discovered your baby died, you certainly would have felt shocked, angry and sad. A whole mix of emotions. There is a way to find healing which is to come to know what is true –Jesus was there for you and the baby. Jesus held the child in His hands when his or her soul departed from their body. And though you may not have felt it at the time, Jesus had His arms wrapped around you as you wept. And He wept with you. As your heart was broken, so was His Heart broken.

A few years back, I prepared a couple for marriage and after they were married, the wife became pregnant. The doctor gave them their due date and as the baby began to grow and develop they were so excited. They had dreams of doing so many things with their child. 9 months later, on the scheduled day the child was to be born, the child died while still in the womb. The couple was crushed and no words could console them. We had little Emma’s funeral a few days later. The couple moved to Oklahoma and a several years later, I baptized their infant twins. As we left the church after their baptism, the couple stopped by the cemetery to pay a visit Emma’s grave. It touched my heart to see how they remembered Emma.

Some of you may have a grave for your child or children and some may not. But, I encourage you to celebrate the life of your child or children once a year. Just as we celebrate the conception day of Jesus and Mary, you can celebrate the conception day of your child or children. Since you most likely don’t know the conception day, you can choose any day (perhaps a feast day in the Church) and let that day be your special day to visit the grave or if you don’t have a grave, to celebrate the day as you would a child’s birthday with cake and ice cream or may be let it be a day you will take the day off of work and go to Mass and go out to eat. You don’t need to tell others why you do what you do.

If you have not yet named your child or children, I encourage you to do it. If you don’t know your child’s gender, you can choose a name such as Peace, Angel, or Heaven or Star. As soon as Mass is over, you will have the opportunity to write your child’s name in the book and if you don’t have a name picked out, you can write something like mamma and daddy’s baby.

We believe the Holy Innocents, who were never baptized are saints in heaven and can intercede for us especially since they died in place of the Infant Jesus. When it comes to our infants, were not supposed to pray to the dead unless they are saints or blesseds or on their way to becoming saints. But what we can do-- is pray to Jesus and ask Him to tell the child something. For example, you can say a prayer like this, “O Jesus, would you tell little Emma, Mommy or Daddy loves her.” or “O Jesus, tell baby Emma to pray for me.” or “O Jesus tell my baby, I am sorry your life on earth was short and I hope we will be together heaven.”

For those of you who are concerned about your child not receiving baptism, “Trust in the mercy of Jesus”. Don’t let it be a concern of yours-- because back then--- it was out of your hands and God always brings good out of bad circumstances. You can pray that God in His mercy-- will allow your child to enjoy enteral life. The child never sinned and its through no fault of his or hers, the child wasn’t baptized. As Catholics we believe baptism is necessary for salvation. However, “there are many factors that give serious theological and liturgical grounds for hope that unbaptized infants who die will be saved and enjoy the Beatific Vision”. In fact the Catechism gives us consoling words, it states, “the Church can only entrust them to the mercy of God, as she does in her funeral rites for them. Indeed, the great mercy of God who desires that all men should be saved, and Jesus' tenderness toward children which caused him to say: "Let the children come to me, do not hinder them," allow us to hope that there is a way of salvation for children who have died without Baptism. All the more urgent is the Church's call not to prevent little children coming to Christ through the gift of holy Baptism.”

Today, allow Jesus to touch and soothe your broken heart. Jesus is the Good Shepherd who holds His little lambs in His arms next to His beating Heart.

And let us rejoice in God giving life to all infants and though their life was cut short, we have hope of to someday be with them. May this Holy Mass grant them the gift of the light of heaven and console you and give you peace. And May Mary, who held Her Child in Her arms when He was born and at the foot of the Cross, when He died, give strength to those who have lost their child.

Holy Innocents - Abortion

 

During the Jubilee Year 2000, I had the wonderful opportunity to go to the Holy Land. Though I had little money, I asked Our Blessed Mother if She would help me to go to the Land in which Jesus lived and walked. To my surprise, I was offered a free trip in exchange for being the spiritual director of a tour group. Wow! What an opportunity! While in Bethlehem, our group visited the Church of the Nativity, where Jesus was born. And since, our group was small, I wasn’t permitted to offer Mass at one of the main altars, but rather, on an altar in what is called St. Jerome’s cave. St. Jerome lived in a cave very close to the cave in which Jesus was born. There in his cave, he translated the entire bible from Greek into Latin. Because of the large size of the Church of the Nativity, it was built on top of the cave where Jesus was born and laid in a manger, but also built over the cave where St. Jerome lived. While offering Mass there, on the altar in the cave of St. Jerome, I decided to offer a Mass for an end to abortion. Just after the Mass, as our group was leaving, to my surprise, the tour guide pointed out to me, that just behind the place where I offered Mass, was the place where the Holy Innocents were originally buried. I was stunned! As I knelt down to pray before the burial site, I thought of all the children who have died at the time of Herod and all their parents who wept so bitterly over the death of their children. I thought of Herod, who wanted to kill the children---. I thought of abortionists, who kill unborn children today, and political leaders who promote the killing of the unborn, and push for embryonic stem cell research. It was a very somber moment.

It is believed that anywhere from 15 to 25 boys about the age of 2 years old, were killed by Herod’s soldiers. When the wise men had arrived from following the star, they met Herod. Because it was announced that Jesus would be king, Herod saw the newborn King, as a threat and so he immediately began a plot to kill him.

After the wise men had left from paying Jesus homage, an angel of the Lord warned Joseph in a dream to take the Child and His Mother into Egypt. Terror gripped the people of Bethlehem as soldiers arrived and sought to kill every boy, 2 yrs and younger. How horrible and shocking, to have children torn out of the arms of their mothers and killed right in front of the parents.

These Holy Innocents are considered martyrs, because they died directly for Christ, in place of Jesus, whom they intended to kill. Their feast is celebrated in the Octave of Christmas because they gave their life for the newborn savior.

Today, let us ask these Holy Innocent Martyrs, who died for Christ, to intercede for us. We pray that the Newborn Divine Infant Jesus, will touch the hearts and change the minds of doctors who perform abortions. And let us pray for those who have had an abortion, may they discover the infant mercy of Jesus and come to know God loves them.

Dec. 27th John the Apostle

Within the midst of the Octave of Christmas, we celebrate the feast of St. John the Apostle.  John was called to follow Jesus while mending his nets. He and his brother James were called by Jesus to follow Him. The two brothers were called “Sons of Thunder”, most likely because both had a temper.

Peter, James and John, were chosen to follow Our Lord in a closer way, than the other disciples. For example, the three were taken to the top of Mount Tabor to witness Our Lord’s transfiguration and be close to Our Lord during His agony in the garden. At the Last Supper, John rested his head against the chest of Jesus. He believed he was loved more than the other disciples, and so, called himself the “beloved disciple”.

John was the only apostle to stand at the foot of the Lord’s cross. On the Cross, Jesus gave His Mother to John and so from that moment, he took Her into his home and would have offered Mass for Her and gave Her Holy Communion.

Tradition states Mary went with John to Ephesus, where they both lived. Prior to going to Ephesus, he was primarily in Jerusalem, and founded many churches in Asia Minor. After the resurrection, John ran to the tomb, with Peter, only to see the linen wrapped up by itself, and he believed. Recall that after, Our Lord appeared to the apostles on the Lake. And it was John who first recognized Jesus on the shore, as he said, “It’s the Lord!”

John wrote, the Gospel of John, three epistles and the book of Revelation.

John was taken to Rome by the order of the Emperor Domition, who cast John into boiling oil, but he came out miraculously unhurt, and was banished to the island of Patmos for a year.

Living to be about the age of 100, and he died about the year 110 in Ephesus. He was the only apostle, who wasn’t martyred. In Ephesus, a beautiful church was erected over his tomb, but Muslims later converted it into a mosque.

Today, let us imitate St. John the Apostle, by growing in our devotion to the Sacred Heart of Jesus, whom John rested, and saw pierced. By pondering what John saw, the Crucified Lord on Calvary, it will inspire us to love Jesus, as John did. And may we too take Mary into our home. St. John, the apostle, pray for us, that we may worthily imitate you!

Feast of the Holy Family- Alcoholism, Mental Illness & Drugs that Plague Families

 

 Today is the feast of the Holy Family of Nazareth, Jesus, Mary and Joseph. Today’s Gospel of the Finding of Jesus in the Temple is both a sorrowful and joyful event.

In the Gospel today, we see a moment of tension in The Holy Family-- as Jesus is lost and then three days later is found in the Temple. Joseph and Mary did not know where Jesus was-- and had been sorrowing for three days. When they found the Child Jesus in the temple, they are filled with joy and relieved to have their family crisis resolved.

At the time of Christ, all Jewish men were required to make a pilgrimage to the Temple in Jerusalem. The men often brought their families, with men and women traveling in separate group. So a child may be with the mother’s group or with the father’s group. Because of these separate groups, the absence of Jesus in the caravan was not immediately noticed. Mary would have thought Jesus was with Joseph and Joseph may have though He was with Mary.

In this event Jesus was not disobedient to Mary and Joseph. Nor did He sin by remaining behind. Mary and Joseph didn’t sin either. Jesus’ greatest duty was to His heavenly Father, which surpasses His duty towards His earthly parents. If the Holy Family suffered from misunderstandings, from trials, sorrows, and difficulties that had nothing to do with sin, how much more do our families suffer from these sorts of things, which include sin.

Every family has times when it’s difficult to forgive someone, or when there is great anxiety and worry. Sometimes family members can very much hurt each other. There can be jealousy and unhealthy competitions. Children get caught in parental fighting. Someone may spend money irrationally. Maybe one parent favors one child over another. Or a parent spends too much time at work. One person’s unforgiveness towards another-- affects the entire family. Sometimes a family member will refuse to talk to others, or won’t show up for family gatherings. I heard a priest one time say, the definition of a family, is “a bunch of sinners, who try to live together in love.”  St. Paul tells us how to live together in love: with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, patience, bearing with one another, forgiving one another.

Today, there are so many different things that can cause stress in the family. I would like to focus today on alcoholism, mental illness and drug addiction.

My father and grandfather were alcoholics. My father eventually went to a treatment center, and attended AA meetings. He was very well known throughout Kansas helping lots of alcoholics attain sobriety. He was the best father anyone could have. I am proud how my father carried his cross. But his alcoholism was one of the family crosses. Alcoholics can become saints by striving to a live a life of virtue. St. Monica was an alcoholic and so was venerable Matt Talbot.

With regard to mental illness, it can be caused by a head injury or a traumatic accident, or the use of medications or illegal drugs and sometimes its unknown what causes it. My brother is mentally ill due to a traumatic brain injury. He was attacked when he was a security guard. Those who are mentally ill or often misunderstood feel alone and unable to fit into society. St. Benedict Joseph Labore was mentally ill and he became a saint.

Alcoholism and mental illness can be inherited and so there is really nobody to blame.

There is also drugs. High school youth can be tempted by friends to take marijuana. Its sinful to take marijuana and drugs because they can influence our ability to think rationally and make moral choices. Some may say well its legal. But not all laws are good moral laws. Taking marijuana just one time-- can start an addiction, which can lead to fentanyl, cocaine or heroine addiction. In a short period of time-- he or she can accidentally over dose and die. Did you know the number one killer of people between ages 18 and 45 is accidental overdosing on drugs. These drugs are not made in laboratories, but in the homes of drug addicts or drug lords. Young people, don’t take marijuana or any drug, not even just once, because you can become addicted for the rest of your life-- by taking it just one time. Just say no!

I did hospital ministry for 4 years and everyday I saw the mentally ill and patients addicted to drugs and alcohol. Some mental illness is caused by drugs, which damages the brain and so their life can end up ruined. They can’t hold down a job. Their marriage will fail. They can end up homeless.

A high school altar server in a previous parish was an outstanding young man. He excelled in sports and academics. Some of his friends gave him some marijuana and now at 19 years old, he’s addicted to marijuana and fentanyl. This past November, he overdosed twice. His mother found him unconscious and barely breathing. She did CPR and saved his life. He was in ICU and now is in a drug rehabilitation center. Its his second rehab center. Often times, I see people in and out of rehab. This would be the last family, I ever thought this would happen. But the devil is wicked and he tempts us through friends to do something evil and lead us in the wrong direction.

To be addicted to drugs and end up homeless, what a terrible sorrow for the addicted person and the family. Imagine the parents not knowing where their child is, under a bridge, in an abandoned shed, if he or she dead or alive. Truly a nightmare for everyone involved.

We should never judge others. Its easy for us to say, why don’t you just stop drinking, or stop taking drugs or why don’t you join in with everyone else. But they try and try and try and just can’t help their condition. But if they embrace their cross, even though they may drop it frequently, they will have a glorious crown in heaven. St. Mark Ji Tianxiang a doctor in 19th century China became addicted to opiates after taking them to treat a stomach ailment and by his virtous perseverance, he’s now a saint.

On our part, we should support them and help them to carry their cross, which becomes a family cross. And all must learn to do our part to carry it. Its not just their cross. Its our cross, our family cross. We are all in it together. Each of us can have a different role. 1. One who listens 2. One who prays 3. One who encourages.

There is hope for alcoholics and drug addicts. There is a fantastic drug and alcohol organization called Cenaculo. Surprisingly it is free. It costs nothing. Cenaculo relies on the generosity of donors. It can help both alcoholics and drug addicts to live normal lives. They have the highest success rate. It’s Catholic, they have Mass, Confession, Adoration, the Rosary, and they work together.

Because we are all human, and because all of us sin, there will always be difficulty or strife to endure. Every family has particular graces and blessings and joys and every family also has difficulties, crosses and sorrows.

Fr. Peyton, the famous television priest, used to say, “The family that prays together, stays together.” To attend Mass together, to go to confession together as a family and to pray every night helps the family to stay together.

All we have to do is ask each person what they want to pray for, or what they are thankful for and then close with an Our Father, Hail Mary and Glory and eventually maybe work up to praying the Rosary together.

Today, may we imitate the Holy Family, and ask them to help our families persevere through trials, every difficulty and protect our families.

Christmas Morning

“…Today in the city of David a savior has been born for you who is Christ and Lord. And this will be a sign for you: you will find an infant wrapped in swaddling clothes and lying in a manger.”

What Child is this? Mary knew Her Son was the Messiah, was King, Lord and God. From the moment She was pregnant, She must have longed to see God, Her Son. She was first to pray to God dwelling within Her. Surely, She pondered, what He would look like? And when He was born, She was the first to kiss the face of God. To first to see the smile of God. She held God in Her arms, ate meals with Him, and walked side by side with Him. She heard the words of God, comforted Him in His passion and was first to see Him resurrected. And Mary knew more than anyone what would become of the Child. She knew the scriptures better than anyone, because Her intellect and memory didn’t suffer from original sin.

Every day in hospitals including Christmas children are born in the Labor and Delivery unit. Fathers of the children wait in eager longing to see their new born child. Grandparents of the children wait to hear the good news. Will it be a boy or girl, they wonder? As the parents hold their child for the first time, perhaps they wonder, “What will become of my child? And whose lives will my baby touch in the future? What will my child do?”

If the infant child is a girl, will she someday become a cheerleader or play volleyball? Will she sing like an angel? Who will she marry? How many children and grandchildren will she have? What college will she attend, what will be her major? Or will she become a nun and live in a convent and so become a spouse of Christ?

If the child is a boy, will he be a future quarterback or be an outstanding basketball player? Will he become a scientist and discover a cure for cancer? Will he become a fire fighter or a policeman and if so, whose lives will he save? Will he become a farmer, till the soil and raise cattle? Will he become a soldier? What girls will he date?

What hardships and difficulties will he face? What illnesses will he endure? Will the boy go to seminary and one day be ordained as a priest? These parents may wonder, “What will become of my child?”

The night Jesus was born, it was revealed to the humble, poor shepherds what would become of the Child born in Bethlehem and where they would find Him. The angel said to the shepherds, “….today in the city of David a savior has been born for you who is Christ and Lord. And this will be a sign for you: you will find an infant wrapped in swaddling clothes and lying in a manger.”

Because of the angel, the shepherds came to know who He is and what He will do. He will be the savior. He is the Messiah, who is the Christ. He is Lord, who is God.

The wise men came to Jerusalem seeking the newborn King of Jews, and this is how Herod came to know, the baby born in Bethlehem is a King. Yet because He is king, because He is Messiah, because He is Lord, some of the words from the Christmas Hymn, “What Child is This?” remind us of the future destiny of the babe. “Nails, spears, shall pierce Him through; the Cross be borne for me for you…” What a horrible way to treat the King of heaven and earth. Who could imagine the Child, born in poor and humble conditions would be hung on a Cross?

Jesus allowed this to happen because He is Savior, who saves us from our sins. Just as in the time of Jesus, we too are able to come to Jesus and have our sins forgiven. Back then, Our Lord saved: the woman who committed adultery, the woman who washed His feet with her tears, the tax collector and the good thief from their sins, so today, Our Lord saves us by forgiving our sins through baptism and confession.

Once when I was in a nursing home, I noticed a woman dying. She wasn’t Catholic. Desiring to comfort the family, I came to her room and asked if I could pray for her. I discovered she wasn’t baptized and the family said she wanted baptism. I baptized the 95 year old woman and she died the next day. The Child born of Mary saved her from all her sins.

Once I was walking through a rehab center in Wichita. One person asked me to hear their confession, and as I was walking down the corridor another person asked me hear their confession. Within 15 minutes, I heard the confessions of two people and Jesus washed away the combination of 75 years of sins. Today, Jesus saves us from our sins.

What will become of this Child? What Child is this? The Jews who knew scripture, would have known the Messiah would heal the sick, give sight to the blind, to bring liberty to captives. He would be the Savior.

Jesus not only healed the lepers, the blind men, the paralytic and even raised the little girl from the dead, He heals the sick in every age including our own.

At my last parish of Sacred Heart in Halstead Kansas, the parents of a one year old child and I prayed to Jesus through the intercession of Fr. Emil Kapaun, a priest from the Diocese of Wichita who was killed in the Korean war, to heal the baby boy who had Leukemia. When the child was taken to the doctor, the doctor was astounded that the child no longer had Leukemia.

Jesus comforted the people in His day and He has comforted all who turn to Him including our generation. A woman with tears in her eyes, came out of an adoration chapel in Kansas and said, “Father, I just had the neatest experience. I felt the arms of Jesus around me.”

From the time of Jesus unto today, Jesus helps many to forgive others, including those who suffer from horrible injustices. I know a woman who could not forgive the man who killed her son. Until one day, she went to an adoration chapel and asked Jesus for help. Within a few minutes, her heart melted and she was able to forgive and pray for him.

What Child is This? Who can help each person in every generation, no matter their circumstances, no matter their life situations? Who can heal, forgive, give us comfort and peace?

What will this Child do for you? What I encourage you to do, is pick up the baby Jesus from your manger, and hold the baby Jesus in your arms and pray: I love you baby Jesus. I adore you baby Jesus. Baby Jesus you are the Lord of my life. You are the king of my heart and of my family. You are my best friend. To you I can confide everything. You will heal me. You will comfort me and wipe away my tears. You will give me strength to carry my cross. You will help me love others, especially those most difficult to love. I want to be with you in heaven. O Child Jesus, my savior, save me from my sins. Help me to come to Confession often. Give me the desire to come to Mass as often as possible, so that you may dwell within my soul and give me graces to reach my eternal home in heaven. I know what Child is this…. O Savior, Son of Mary, my King, my Lord and my God. Amen.

Christmas Night

 

In a cave, over 2000 yrs., ago, in the little town of Bethlehem, on a cold winter night, the Savior of the world, was miraculously born of a Virgin, in a stable with animals, wrapped in swaddling clothes, and laid in a manger, because there was no room for Him, in an Inn.

In a Cave—most of us were born in a hospital, but some of our parents and grandparents may have been born in homes, but no one here tonight would could imagine being born in a cave. Surely, Jesus deserved to born in the greatest of all places. But God Himself chose to be born, not in a palace for King, or the temple to be worshiped, or even the finest home, but born in a cave.

2000 yrs. ago. Tonight’s Gospel lists all the ancestors from Abraham to David and from David to Jesus. Thousands of years before Jesus in an unbroken line, the Jews waited for the Messiah until He would come to us born in Cave. And now, more than 2000 yrs. after the birth of the Christ, the Messiah, we ponder at the ancestral line of Jesus. Many of us can trace back our family line by way of a family tree. We do so to show our connection with our relatives—who are family. St. Matthew traces back the genealogy of Jesus, because He is the Son of the David, the expected King who was to come, as St. Luke states, “The Lord God will give Him the throne of David His Father.” He will rule over the House of Jacob and His reign will be without end.” The infant Jesus established His kingdom 2000 yrs, ago. His kingdom will be without end, because it will last forever.

In the little town of Bethlehem--- Jesus was born in Bethlehem fulfilling the prophesy of the prophet Micah who said, “And you Bethlehem, land of Judah, are by no means least among the princes of Judah, since from you shall come a ruler who is to shepherd my people Israel.” Bethlehem was the ancient city of David, the city in which the Messiah would come! Bethlehem was little, and so it was insignificant, perhaps something like Little River. But from the little town would come a ruler who would be a shepherd of the people Israel. From the little town would come a shepherd, who would guide the sheep to verdant pastures of heaven. The word “Bethlehem” means, “house of bread”. Jesus would someday say, “I am the living bread come down from heaven.” The little town of Bethlehem, by its very name would become symbolic with regard to how Jesus would shepherd His people—which would be by way of the Eucharist, the Bread of Life.

On a cold winter night--- Jesus was born on a cold winter night. The cold winter night represents the coldness of the hearts of mankind, who failed to give God the warmth of their love. The world had grown cold from sin. But in the dark winter night, a warm little babe was born who would melt the hearts of sinners and give meaning to suffering.

The Savior of the world---was born. Jesus Christ, who is Emmanuel, God with us—has come to save the world. When the angel appeared to Joseph in a dream, the angel said this about Mary, “She will bear a son and you are to name Him Jesus, because He will save His people from their sins.” Our Lord would come as an infant Child, only to be later crucified on the Cross and rise from the dead, so that He could save His people from their sins. Before He died He established baptism and confession to save people from their sins in every day and age

Miraculously born of a Virgin--- When Mary was found with Child, the prophecy of Isaiah was fulfilled, “Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a Son, and they shall name Him, Emmanuel, which means God is with us.” How could a Virgin give birth to a child? It was through the power of the Holy Spirit, that Jesus would come down from heaven in Her womb. Because Mary was not subject to original sin, as a Virgin, She gave birth without any labor pains and in a miraculous manner, without the normal opening of Her womb and so Her virginal integrity was kept intact. Blessed Catherine Emmerich saw in a vision the miraculous birth of Jesus: “I saw the radiance round the Blessed Virgin ever growing greater…. At midnight she was wrapt in an ecstasy of prayer. I saw Her lifted from the earth, so that I saw the ground beneath her. Her hands were crossed on her (chest). The radiance about her increased…. Then I no longer saw the roof of the cave; a pathway of light opened above Mary, rising with ever-increasing glory towards the height of heaven…. Meanwhile the Blessed Virgin…. in ecstasy, was now gazing downwards, adoring her God, whose Mother she had become and who lay on the earth before her in the form of a helpless new-born child. I saw our Redeemer as a tiny child, shining with a light that overpowered all the surrounding radiance…..” This vision is something for all of us to ponder.

As Catholics we believe Mary had no children before or after Jesus was born. Our Lord chose Mary above all the women in the world to be His Mother, and the Mother of all mankind, the Mother of each of us.

Jesus was born in a stable with animals. Our Divine Lord chose to be born with smelly animals. An ox, some sheep, and a donkey huddled in the stable where Jesus was born. The stable would have smelled from the manure of the animals and from the dirty animals themselves. But at least Our Savior received some warmth by His creatures.

Wrapped in swaddling clothes--- Jesus had no pajamas, no clothes to wear, and so the Blessed Virgin Mary wrapped the Savior in long strips of cloth-- to keep Him warm. At least these cloths kept His little body warm. The cloths remind us of the cloths, which bound Jesus at His burial, when He would be placed in a cold tomb.

Jesus was laid in a manger—Away in a manger, with no crib for a bed, the little Lord Jesus, laid down His sweet head. As a newborn Infant, He was laid in a feeding trough for animals. The manger would become symbolic of His desire to feed us with His body and blood in the Eucharist. He chose to be born in poverty, to suffer from hunger, that we way may become rich in His love and satisfied with His every gift—especially His gift of Himself in the Eucharist.

There was no room for Him, in an Inn. On the night Jesus was to be born---when Joseph and Mary arrived in Bethlehem they knocked on door to door, to find a place to stay. No one would receive our Savior, no one would let Him in.

Today, will we let Jesus into our life? Will we allow Him to save us-- by coming to Mass and receiving Him in Holy Communion by going to confession at least once a month?

In a cave, over 2000 yrs., ago, in the little town of Bethlehem, on a cold winter night, as Savior of the world, miraculously born of a Virgin, in a stable with animals, wrapped in swaddling clothes, and laid in a manger, because there was no room for Him, in an Inn.

Remember:

Twas the night before Christmas—at David’s House of Bethlehem.

Joseph and Mary arrived--- to find no room at the Inn.

Not a creature was stirring except those in a stable—a donkey, an ox, & some sheep.

In the silent night—not a whisper could be heard—no---not even a peep.

Miraculously born of a Virgin,

In a cold cave, in the middle of the winter,

A little Child was born to save all men.

When suddenly there arose such a clatter.

The shepherds were afraid to see what was the matter.

The glory of the Lord shone around them.

An angel appeared to them:

“I have come to bring good news to you.

Tidings of great joy.

This Day in David’s City.

A Savior has been born,

the Messiah the Lord.

Let this be a sign to you!

You will find an Infant wrapped in Swaddling Clothes

And lying in a manger.

Tonight, in your arms, take the Infant Child.

Although He is poor.

When He knocks, Open the door.

If you open,

He will give you infinitely more.

In your life, let Him in.

So as not to be closed, like that Inn of Bethlehem.

Come to Mass every Sunday.

Once a month confess your sins.

And you too will be filled with tidings of great joy.

Because that little boy,

Born 2000 yrs ago will save you from your sins!

Merry Christmas to all and to all a Good Night!