The Light Shining in the Darkness

The gospel text for this last day of this year 2012 is the first verses of the gospel of John. What better text to reflect on at this pivotal point in time; looking back over the year now completed, a summery of the foundation of our faith, looking forward, an inspirational starting point to hear again the voices that will lead us ever deeper into the mystery of our faith.

John uses the image of light to connect our minds to the mystery of our faith that he is revealing. We might say there are four kinds of light for us to consider. 

1. There is the Light of Seeing, the light that enables us to behold this wondrous creation of which we are a part. Seeing is the point at which our learning begins.
2. The second is the Light of Knowledge. As we look ever more deeply into the wonders of creation, our ability to interact with it increases. We become co-creators in creation, using our knowledge of its workings to enhance and develop our living experience.
3. At this point a third light takes over, the Light of Wisdom. It enters our thinking that there seems to be a designed purpose for the way all creation fits together. The philosopher in us begins to asking questions and seeking answers. We know how it all works, but why? 
4. We have now reached the point at which these three lights can take us no further. The answer to the question, who am I, why am I here, where am I going, must be answered outside of us. We need the Light of Revelation to tell us. "The light, which enlightens everyone, was coming into the world." He comes to shed light on our deepest of questions. "But to all who receive him, who believe in his name, he gave power to become children of God." And so, the question, why, is ansered.

 Here is our starting point for this new year. Let us begin this new year by living each day,  enlightened by the light Christ shines upon us in Word and prayer.
THE WISE STILL SEEK HIM   

Finding Jesus



Would it not be so very interesting to be able to listen in on this exchange between Jesus and the temple teachers. The scripture text on this Feast of the Holy Family, merely refers to listening and asking questions. It does tell us how amazed the teachers were with Jesus. However, the scriptures do give us more of the the exchange between Jesus and Mary and Joseph. It's Mary who speaks. "Child, why have you treated us like this?" How easily any mother or father can relate to this situation. A child, mere twelve years old, alone in a large city, this now being the third day. What fear must have gripped them as they searched frantically. Mary continues; "Your father and I have been searching for you in great anxiety." This tender human moment gives us all a way of entering into the mystery of our faith at a starting point we understand. We identify with Mary and Joseph at this point for we too find it hard to understand these mysteries Jesus brings us into. Mary says, "your father and I ....", but Jesus' answer speaks of his Father's house. One easily can imagine the questioning look on their faces; the same puzzled brow we so often have as we listen to the voice of Jesus.

 

Here, Mary becomes for us an example to imitate. "His mother treasured all these things in her heart." It is in the heart where understanding is found, often in a way words are unable to explain.

 

Teach us dear Mary, how to surrender our hearts to the mystery that is our faith. With each new question that arises, show us how to "treasure in our hearts", the voices we hear coming to us from within, where the voice of the Lord is heard. 

 



On the Feast of the Holy Innocents

BABY HOPE

What should we say of this day
          How shall we describe its pain
                 If grief is a word so inadequate

How shall we gather up or even measure
          So many tears now falling
                 Into this garden of sorrow

Will we ask God for an answer
          Since no one can say
                 Why this infant life
                        Should not come to stay

 Why we must gather this way
          To say goodbye
                   Even before sweet welcome
                
 Why baby Hope is taken from us
           Before a joyful sound is heard

Love is sorrowing for her loss
          A mother's love -arms waiting to hold
                 God's gift withheld

          A father's love helpless before
                 So powerful a foe as death
          A pastor's love so frail and shaken
                 Who must speak for God
                       And now give answer

Who is this other One I hear weeping
          In this garden of grieving

Who is this who reaches out first
          To take up the cup of sorrow
                   This chalice of tiers

 Who is this who consumes it fully
          Leaving only one drop
                   For each of us to taste

Is not this garden Gethsemane
          Where God came first to weep for us
                   Again today that we weep
                             Not alone

Is not this garden Paradise our home
          Where Hope now lives and awaits
                   Our coming too?

Dedicated to newborn baby Hope February 2000. Fr. James Curtin

On the Feast of Stephen

While Christmas may be considered over for some, in the liturgy it has just begun and ending only when we reach the feast of the Baptism of the Lord on January 13th. This day, following Christmas day, is the Feast of Stephen. It reminds us that Christ's coming into the world is to do battle with the Evil One, whom he will defeat on the Cross. The First Reading of today's Mass gives the account of Stephen's martyrdom. As the voice of Stephen describes his vision of Jesus standing at the right hand of God, his enemies cover their ears, trying to shield them from hearing Stephen's revelation. They are filled with rage, a rage no doubt, that comes from Satan and all the fallen angels; enraged that they failed to destroy the Incarnate Son of God.

It is important that we hear of Christ's victory here at the beginning of his coming, for this same victory is ours to carry with us as we go forward into this year to come. No doubt, when we raise our voices to proclaim Christ, we too will be met with a measure of that rage. Let us not be intimidated or hesitant to profess our faith by the lives we live.