Delights

 

One of the delights of the Christmas season is the anticipation. Anticipation of good things, warm hugs and splendid natural phenomena; heavy fluffy snow fall or fantastic frost crystal displays in the sky or on the trees.

Circumstances do not always cooperate with things and places to allow for the marvels, but for the Christian, the newness of life is springing up everywhere that humans dwell.

Celebrating the newness of life is an ancient pastime in the long dark winter nights. That time when for the new born, the body works perfectly and there are no deficiencies. Childhood is loved world-wide for its freedom from things that hurt and limit abilities. It is celebrated as a time when parents enjoy the beauty of their children and dream of the possibilities in the lives of their children. To live to see that flowering and the joy of wonder that is becoming. Parents do all they can to enable their children to do marvelous things, as a vicarious way of participating with them in experiences that are fantastic.

Not every childhood is so idyllic, and it does not take long before children notice the ugliness in life. People deliberately hurt one another, taking what is not lawfully theirs, and forcing others to do what they do not wish. 

Not everyone is born in perfection, and lives can be very short. There can be no word said that does not hurt some. Our enemies in the world are spiritual in nature and never learned the Divine gratitude, but were maimed by malignant selfishness that regards nothing in it native holiness.

That is why it is so important to celebrate Christmas and the season of it, defying evil's desires. The overcoming of evil in the world is celebrated by Christians and revealed in His glory. It is unthinkable that the Son of God should come into the world in so humble a manner without being recognized by someone and celebrated with high festivals, because of its gift - Salvation.

In every season, we recognize that victory of Jesus that is eternal life. Jesus depended on the Father to work a miracle, and lived to tell of it, rising into Heaven to return to His Father, waiting for a time to reveal the  plan of God for all. Alleluiah.

Delights

 

One of the delights of the Christmas season is the anticipation. Anticipation of good things, warm hugs and splendid natural phenomena; heavy fluffy snow fall or fantastic frost crystal displays in the sky or on the trees.

Circumstances do not always cooperate with things and places to allow for the marvels, but for the Christian, the newness of life is springing up everywhere that humans dwell.

Celebrating the newness of life is an ancient pastime in the long dark winter nights. That time when for the new born, the body works perfectly and there are no deficiencies. Childhood is loved world-wide for its freedom from things that hurt and limit abilities. It is celebrated as a time when parents enjoy the beauty of their children and dream of the possibilities in the lives of their children. To live to see that flowering and the joy of wonder that is becoming. Parents do all they can to enable their children to do marvelous things, as a vicarious way of participating with them in experiences that are fantastic.

Not every childhood is so idyllic, and it does not take long before children notice the ugliness in life. People deliberately hurt one another, taking what is not lawfully theirs, and forcing others to do what they do not wish. 

Not everyone is born in perfection, and lives can be very short. There can be no word said that does not hurt some. Our enemies in the world are spiritual in nature and never learned the Divine gratitude, but were maimed by malignant selfishness that regards nothing in it native holiness.

That is why it is so important to celebrate Christmas and the season of it, defying evil's desires. The overcoming of evil in the world is celebrated by Christians and revealed in His glory. It is unthinkable that the Son of God should come into the world in so humble a manner without being recognized by someone and celebrated with high festivals, because of its gift - Salvation.

In every season, we recognize that victory of Jesus that is eternal life. Jesus depended on the Father to work a miracle, and lived to tell of it, rising into Heaven to return to His Father, waiting for a time to reveal the  plan of God for all. Alleluiah.

Veni

DAY'S SAINTS
Blessed James of Viterbo, Hermit
Edburga of Thanet, Benedictine
Gospel LK 1:26-38
The angel Gabriel was sent from God
to a town of Galilee called Nazareth,
to a virgin betrothed to a man named Joseph,
of the house of David,
and the virgin’s name was Mary.
And coming to her, he said,
“Hail, full of grace! The Lord is with you.”
But she was greatly troubled at what was said
and pondered what sort of greeting this might be.
Then the angel said to her,
“Do not be afraid, Mary,
for you have found favor with God.
Behold, you will conceive in your womb and bear a son,
and you shall name him Jesus.
He will be great and will be called Son of the Most High,
and the Lord God will give him the throne of David his father,
and he will rule over the house of Jacob forever,
and of his Kingdom there will be no end.”
But Mary said to the angel,
“How can this be,
since I have no relations with a man?”
And the angel said to her in reply,
“The Holy Spirit will come upon you,
and the power of the Most High will overshadow you.
Therefore the child to be born
will be called holy, the Son of God.
And behold, Elizabeth, your relative,
has also conceived a son in her old age,
and this is the sixth month for her who was called barren;
for nothing will be impossible for God.”
Mary said, “Behold, I am the handmaid of the Lord.
May it be done to me according to your word.”
Then the angel departed from her.

+

He comes to you.

Perhaps the one most momentous statement of all Scripture, "for nothing is impossible for God."

Put your hopes in Him for protection and to prosper in heavenly ways, and fear nothing from God, for you have found favor with Him.

Ask for peace, and it will be given, and ask Him to receive your penances and sacrifices for your brothers and sisters, for He will not deny you.

You who are intent on pleasing the Lord can never displease Him, and He longs to hear your voice. Come alone to the garden, let the gardenia and the rose scent the air of evening as you wait for Him. 

In the midst of violence and din, dwell in peace, dwell in grace and forsake sin.

So as to silence those who do not believe the Lord, peace settles over the land, and the children of God rejoice at His coming disposing themselves utterly for Him, for He comes to those awaiting. He does not tarry, but as the light of day appears swiftly over the edge of the world, He comes and His angels prepare the way for His children.

Be at peace, for He dwells in peace.

Veni

DAY'S SAINTS
Blessed James of Viterbo, Hermit
Edburga of Thanet, Benedictine
Gospel LK 1:26-38
The angel Gabriel was sent from God
to a town of Galilee called Nazareth,
to a virgin betrothed to a man named Joseph,
of the house of David,
and the virgin’s name was Mary.
And coming to her, he said,
“Hail, full of grace! The Lord is with you.”
But she was greatly troubled at what was said
and pondered what sort of greeting this might be.
Then the angel said to her,
“Do not be afraid, Mary,
for you have found favor with God.
Behold, you will conceive in your womb and bear a son,
and you shall name him Jesus.
He will be great and will be called Son of the Most High,
and the Lord God will give him the throne of David his father,
and he will rule over the house of Jacob forever,
and of his Kingdom there will be no end.”
But Mary said to the angel,
“How can this be,
since I have no relations with a man?”
And the angel said to her in reply,
“The Holy Spirit will come upon you,
and the power of the Most High will overshadow you.
Therefore the child to be born
will be called holy, the Son of God.
And behold, Elizabeth, your relative,
has also conceived a son in her old age,
and this is the sixth month for her who was called barren;
for nothing will be impossible for God.”
Mary said, “Behold, I am the handmaid of the Lord.
May it be done to me according to your word.”
Then the angel departed from her.

+

He comes to you.

Perhaps the one most momentous statement of all Scripture, "for nothing is impossible for God."

Put your hopes in Him for protection and to prosper in heavenly ways, and fear nothing from God, for you have found favor with Him.

Ask for peace, and it will be given, and ask Him to receive your penances and sacrifices for your brothers and sisters, for He will not deny you.

You who are intent on pleasing the Lord can never displease Him, and He longs to hear your voice. Come alone to the garden, let the gardenia and the rose scent the air of evening as you wait for Him. 

In the midst of violence and din, dwell in peace, dwell in grace and forsake sin.

So as to silence those who do not believe the Lord, peace settles over the land, and the children of God rejoice at His coming disposing themselves utterly for Him, for He comes to those awaiting. He does not tarry, but as the light of day appears swiftly over the edge of the world, He comes and His angels prepare the way for His children.

Be at peace, for He dwells in peace.

Come

 

Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary

Gospel Lk 1:26-38

The angel Gabriel was sent from God

to a town of Galilee called Nazareth,

to a virgin betrothed to a man named Joseph,

of the house of David,

and the virgin's name was Mary.

And coming to her, he said,

"Hail, full of grace! The Lord is with you."

But she was greatly troubled at what was said

and pondered what sort of greeting this might be.

Then the angel said to her,

"Do not be afraid, Mary,

for you have found favor with God.

Behold, you will conceive in your womb and bear a son,

and you shall name him Jesus.

He will be great and will be called Son of the Most High,

and the Lord God will give him the throne of David his father,

and he will rule over the house of Jacob forever,

and of his Kingdom there will be no end."

But Mary said to the angel,

"How can this be,

since I have no relations with a man?"

And the angel said to her in reply,

"The Holy Spirit will come upon you,

and the power of the Most High will overshadow you.

Therefore the child to be born

will be called holy, the Son of God.

And behold, Elizabeth, your relative,

has also conceived a son in her old age,

and this is the sixth month for her who was called barren;

for nothing will be impossible for God."

Mary said, "Behold, I am the handmaid of the Lord.

May it be done to me according to your word."

Then the angel departed from her.

+

"I am not so far away that
you cannot hear me if your
love grows ardent enough.

I am obligated to observe this solemnity of Mary, the Mother of God because of the great number of favors She has granted me, most of which I never deserved.

Finding your way to God is more like beheld by the hand and led to God and His consolations, and those who languish in aridity can aske Her for a drop of water with assurance that She will hear and answer Her.

Never forget how much we owe Her, and Her Son. It is altogether fitting to offer our penances and sacrifices to Her to honor Her and Her Son.

All consolation belongs to God who does not spare us from His affections, and who does not spare us sharing in His passion, since it is all one great life.

Spend the day in gratitude to Mary, your Mother, and if you desire the sweetness and gentle love of a Mother in your life as it is, never lose hope of tasting that sweetness one more time from the hands of your celestial Mother.

Come

 

Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary

Gospel Lk 1:26-38

The angel Gabriel was sent from God

to a town of Galilee called Nazareth,

to a virgin betrothed to a man named Joseph,

of the house of David,

and the virgin's name was Mary.

And coming to her, he said,

"Hail, full of grace! The Lord is with you."

But she was greatly troubled at what was said

and pondered what sort of greeting this might be.

Then the angel said to her,

"Do not be afraid, Mary,

for you have found favor with God.

Behold, you will conceive in your womb and bear a son,

and you shall name him Jesus.

He will be great and will be called Son of the Most High,

and the Lord God will give him the throne of David his father,

and he will rule over the house of Jacob forever,

and of his Kingdom there will be no end."

But Mary said to the angel,

"How can this be,

since I have no relations with a man?"

And the angel said to her in reply,

"The Holy Spirit will come upon you,

and the power of the Most High will overshadow you.

Therefore the child to be born

will be called holy, the Son of God.

And behold, Elizabeth, your relative,

has also conceived a son in her old age,

and this is the sixth month for her who was called barren;

for nothing will be impossible for God."

Mary said, "Behold, I am the handmaid of the Lord.

May it be done to me according to your word."

Then the angel departed from her.

+

"I am not so far away that
you cannot hear me if your
love grows ardent enough.

I am obligated to observe this solemnity of Mary, the Mother of God because of the great number of favors She has granted me, most of which I never deserved.

Finding your way to God is more like beheld by the hand and led to God and His consolations, and those who languish in aridity can aske Her for a drop of water with assurance that She will hear and answer Her.

Never forget how much we owe Her, and Her Son. It is altogether fitting to offer our penances and sacrifices to Her to honor Her and Her Son.

All consolation belongs to God who does not spare us from His affections, and who does not spare us sharing in His passion, since it is all one great life.

Spend the day in gratitude to Mary, your Mother, and if you desire the sweetness and gentle love of a Mother in your life as it is, never lose hope of tasting that sweetness one more time from the hands of your celestial Mother.

To See

Day's Saints
Blessed Bartholomew Fanti of Mantua, Carmelite
Blessed Guglielmo Saggiano, Mercedarian

Is 11:1-10 A shoot from the stump of Jesse

Gospel Lk 10:21-24

Jesus rejoiced in the Holy Spirit and said,
"I give you praise, Father, Lord of heaven and earth,
for although you have hidden these things
from the wise and the learned
you have revealed them to the childlike.
Yes, Father, such has been your gracious will.
All things have been handed over to me by my Father.
No one knows who the Son is except the Father,
and who the Father is except the Son
and anyone to whom the Son wishes to reveal him."
Turning to the disciples in private he said,
"Blessed are the eyes that see what you see.
For I say to you,
many prophets and kings desired to see what you see,
but did not see it,
and to hear what you hear, but did not hear it."

+

The revelation to the shepherds.

Although many saw Jesus whom we have not seen, nevertheless, they did not see Him in His resurrected glory, and we might do well to aspire to see both while we live.

In this time, a time of longing, let us set our hearts upon that one Heart which died for our love. Crucified, He was able to give us His Blood, and by drinking of it, we may be healed of all that troubles us, and enjoy His company.

How the proud shall be humbled who have never aspired to see anything that mattered, with the eyes He gave them. Many an eye has led men astray into sin, and regret choked them in their old age while they longed for absolution and restoration of their pristine sight.

To be filled with the vision of His happiness, the glory that enlightens the universe is to be happy indeed, for it never passes as things pass in this world. All things that we love tend toward that unity which is complete in Christ. With himself, He completes us so we lack nothing and so our happiness may be complete. He has made a our little joys a means of uniting us to Himself, a little at a time.

The blessed do not speak of their unspeakable sufferings, the sorrows that linger for days and years, but which borne in silence leads men to God Himself in unity such as He grants in our lives.

We do well to remember all His benefits to us so that He may discover us at His side and complete His happiness by uniting us into a participation in Himself forever.

Such things suit us, so that He grants them because it ennobles us in His affection. To please Himself He may do many things, and some may be the occasion of consummate bliss and joy, in a joyless time that so lacks hope.

The heart that loves the Lord does not mind that His consolations are brief and fleeting, because they so enrapture the soul that everything else is forgotten, shining in a splendid light. Evil takes what it can snatch, but we still do not lack the happiness He meant we should have in a moment. The whole world shall be transformed as He was transfigured on the mountaintop, so that His glory is revealed for us to see and be delighted and comforted.