Sunday Reflections

The Charism Statement of the Congregation of the Resurrection attests to our belief that God’s love for us is merciful and unfailing.  Further, the Charism Statement reminds us that we have not earned God’s love and that, in fact, we are sinners.  And yet, “God continues to draw us to Godself.”  This experience of knowing our sinfulness in the midst of God’s love and the experience that God calls us even in the midst of our sinfulness is one that is shared by three people in our readings today. 

Jesus shared in the prophetic ministry of many women and men we encounter in the Old Testament.  They were called by God and inspired to speak in the name of God.  They brought Good News - that God loved them, that they were "his people", and that he had a plan for them.  However, they also brought 'Bad News' - calling them to conversion and a change of heart to truly be "his people".  Jesus was not spared the rejection of other prophets, even leading to their death.             &nbsp

The references to time in this passage in John’s gospel bring to mind allusions to the Genesis account of creation.  John’s gospel begins with echoes of the words of the Book of Genesis: “In the beginning….”  This suggests from the outset that John is talking about the new creation that will be inaugurated with the coming of the Messiah, the Lamb of God.

One cannot help but reflect on one's own Baptism, and what it all means, when we attend a Baptism.  The Baptism of John was one of repentance, calling the chosen people back to the covenant with God.  Many responded, while others hesitated, and others found their hearts only becoming harder to the call of God.

A mother and father “invited”` a new born baby girl into their family.  Their 5 year old son asked persistently to visit with his new sister by himself.  Finally the parents gave in but told him he was not to pick up the baby.  And so it happened.

FEAST OF THE HOLY FAMILY

A little boy went to Church for the very first time with his grandmother. He was all eyes and questions. He wanted to know what the candles were for; the bells; the cross, and so on. What did they mean and she explained the significance of each - until the priest came to the pulpit, took off his watch and placed it on the ambo. “What”, said the little fellow, “did that mean”? With a smile she answered, “Nothing my son, nothing at all”.

In the readings for Christmas Mass at Dawn, we are told that the shepherds, after a revelation from the angels, decide to see “this thing that has taken place.”  So, they set out in haste and find Mary and Joseph, and the infant lying in the manger.  The shepherds begin to make known what they have seen and everyone who heard their message is amazed.  The passage concludes with the verse that the shepherds continued glorifying and praising God because they understood what had been told them about this child.  What was it that they came to understand?  I

Central to the celebration of the Incarnation of God-made-man in Jesus, is the person of Mary, his beloved and blessed Mother.  This courageous woman, carrying the Christ Child in her womb, went in caravan from Nazareth (in the north) to Ein Karen (in the south) to accompany her cousin Elizabeth, who was soon to give birth.  Upon her arrival the child in the womb of Elizabeth, John the Baptist', "leaped in her womb" and Elizabeth, "filled with the Holy Spirit", declared that the Saviour of the world was in her presence.  What a confirmation this must h

Let Us Share the Joy and Rejoice In It