A phrase from today’s Gospel really caught my attention: “Everyone who listens to these words of mine and acts on them will be like a wise man who built his house on rock.”
It reminded me of a time back in 2011, when I had left the comforts of the United States to return to Peru, my native country. I had high expectations because I was already a college graduate, but reality was completely different from what I had imagined. I couldn’t get a job because I was overqualified. When I finally got hired, they never paid me, and I was so poor that I only ate twice a day without snacks. It was a mess. There was a church not far from my apartment, where I would visit the Blessed Sacrament every day and go to Mass on Sundays. My faith never wavered; on the contrary, it grew stronger. I visited the Blessed Sacrament three times a day, for what I called my spiritual breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Faith in God was what kept me alive and gave me hope for a better tomorrow.
We must remember and put into practice what God teaches us every day, especially by following His commandments and teachings so as to continue growing in faith. Whether we are experiencing good times or difficult situations, we must continue to trust in God. The first reading says, “Trust in the Lord forever! For the Lord is an eternal Rock.” Being with God and walking hand in hand with Him is what gave me strength when I didn’t have a job. God’s love calmed my hunger when the only thing I could eat every day was two pieces of bread and some milk for breakfast and an eighth of a chicken breast, rice, and broccoli for dinner.
The strength God gave me to overcome that difficult time made me love Him more, and I was grateful every day for having at least a little food to eat. We don’t have the ability to resolve everything. We need God in our lives to overcome difficulties, and we must always put what we’ve learned into practice. A high school math teacher once gave me some advice: “Put the concept or definition you learned into practice in order to get results.” Let’s all build our “house” on Christ, our Rock.
Daily Reading
Thursday of the First Week of Advent
Reading I Isaiah 26:1-6 On that day they will sing this song in the land of Judah: “A strong city have we; he sets up walls and…
Saint of the Day
St. John of Damascus
St. John of Damascus
Feast date: Dec 04
Catholics remember and celebrate the life of the great Arab Church Father St. John of Damascus on Dec. 4.Eastern Orthodox Christians and Eastern Catholics, whose tradition has been particularly shaped by his insights, celebrate the saint’s feast on the same day as the Roman Catholic Church.Among Eastern Christians, St. John (676-749) is best known for his defense of Christian sacred art, particularly in the form of icons. While the churches of Rome and Constantinople were still united during St. John’s life, the Byzantine Emperor Leo III broke radically from the ancient tradition of the church, charging that the veneration of Christian icons was a form of idolatry.John had grown up under Muslim rule in Damascus, as the child of strongly Christian parents. His excellent education – particularly in theology – prepared him well to defend the tradition of sacred iconography, against the heresy of the “iconoclasts,” so-called because they would enter churches and destroy the images therein.During the 720s, the upstart theologian began publicly opposing the emperor’s command against sacred images in a series of writings. The heart of his argument was twofold: first, that Christians did not actually worship images, but rather, through them they worshiped God, and honored the memory of the saints. Second, he asserted that by taking an incarnate physical form, Christ had given warrant to the Church’s depiction of him in images.By 730, the young public official’s persistent defense of Christian artwork had made him a permanent enemy of the emperor, who had a letter forged in John’s name offering to betray the Muslim government of Damascus. The ruling caliph of the city, taken in by the forgery, is said to have cut off John’s hand. The saint’s sole surviving biography states that the Virgin Mary acted to restore it miraculously. John eventually managed to convince the Muslim ruler of his innocence, before making the decision to become a monk and later a priest.Although a number of imperially-convened synods condemned John’s advocacy of Christian iconography, the Roman church always regarded his position as a defense of apostolic tradition. Years after the priest and monk died, the Seventh Ecumenical Council vindicated his orthodoxy, and ensured the permanent place of holy images in both Eastern and Western Christian piety.St. John of Damascus’ other notable achievements include the “Exact Exposition of the Orthodox Faith,” a work in which he systematized the earlier Greek Fathers’ thinking about theological truths in light of philosophy. The work exerted a profound influence on St. Thomas Aquinas and subsequent scholastic theologians. Centuries later, St. John’s sermons on the Virgin Mary’s bodily assumption into heaven were cited in Pope Pius XII’s dogmatic definition on the subject.The saint also contributed as an author and editor, to some of the liturgical hymns and poetry that Eastern Orthodox and Eastern Catholics still use in their celebrations of the liturgy.“Show me the icons that you venerate, that I may be able to understand your faith.” – Saint John of Damascus
In today’s Gospel we learn the value of participating in the work of our Lord. We learn that even when Jesus has taken time to heal many people, there is work He wants to involve us in, things He wants to do for others. Jesus is concerned about the crowd, and He lets His disciples know of His concern. However, the disciples respond that there is no place to get food for so many people. Jesus ignores their concern. They are thinking in human terms, not God’s.
Jesus asks them what they have and takes it from them. They are looking outside of themselves. But Jesus changes their perspective by making them look for what He needs among themselves: “How many loaves do you have?”
How many times does Jesus show us someone that needs our help or something that He is calling us to, but we feel like the problem or task is too big to be solved by us? We say back to Him: “Impossible!” Then, Jesus asks us: “What do you have?” Reminding us that what we have been given is meant to be offered back to Him to fulfill His purpose. We are not expected to solve the big problem on our own or tackle the seemingly impossible task alone. If we offer it to Him, He will multiply our gift of self, time, money, etc. in order to help us achieve whatever He has called us to.
He will be grateful for the gifts we are now offering for others and multiply them in ways we cannot imagine. And once we continue giving all that He has multiplied until whatever or whoever is satisfied, He will have multiplied so much as to leave us with more than we had.
For when we give gifts to Jesus, we are never giving away all we had to give. We are instead trusting in His power and love and He turns our giving into receiving.
What happens with the seven baskets left over? We do not know. The Gospel simply tells us there was plenty left. We can assume it’s not left behind, wasted, or unused, but instead is shared with others during other parts of their journey or enjoyed by the disciples once the crowds have dispersed.
God makes it so we will continually have something to offer even when it feels like we have nothing that will solve the problem. When it seems like everyone is satisfied, we will be left with more than enough to satisfy ourselves and share with others in the future. Jesus constantly invites us to look inside ourselves and asks: “What do you have?” Then we have to ask ourselves whether or not we are willing to give what we have so that He can multiply it for the good of others.
Daily Reading
Thursday of the First Week of Advent
Reading I Isaiah 26:1-6 On that day they will sing this song in the land of Judah: “A strong city have we; he sets up walls and…
Saint of the Day
St. John of Damascus
St. John of Damascus
Feast date: Dec 04
Catholics remember and celebrate the life of the great Arab Church Father St. John of Damascus on Dec. 4.Eastern Orthodox Christians and Eastern Catholics, whose tradition has been particularly shaped by his insights, celebrate the saint’s feast on the same day as the Roman Catholic Church.Among Eastern Christians, St. John (676-749) is best known for his defense of Christian sacred art, particularly in the form of icons. While the churches of Rome and Constantinople were still united during St. John’s life, the Byzantine Emperor Leo III broke radically from the ancient tradition of the church, charging that the veneration of Christian icons was a form of idolatry.John had grown up under Muslim rule in Damascus, as the child of strongly Christian parents. His excellent education – particularly in theology – prepared him well to defend the tradition of sacred iconography, against the heresy of the “iconoclasts,” so-called because they would enter churches and destroy the images therein.During the 720s, the upstart theologian began publicly opposing the emperor’s command against sacred images in a series of writings. The heart of his argument was twofold: first, that Christians did not actually worship images, but rather, through them they worshiped God, and honored the memory of the saints. Second, he asserted that by taking an incarnate physical form, Christ had given warrant to the Church’s depiction of him in images.By 730, the young public official’s persistent defense of Christian artwork had made him a permanent enemy of the emperor, who had a letter forged in John’s name offering to betray the Muslim government of Damascus. The ruling caliph of the city, taken in by the forgery, is said to have cut off John’s hand. The saint’s sole surviving biography states that the Virgin Mary acted to restore it miraculously. John eventually managed to convince the Muslim ruler of his innocence, before making the decision to become a monk and later a priest.Although a number of imperially-convened synods condemned John’s advocacy of Christian iconography, the Roman church always regarded his position as a defense of apostolic tradition. Years after the priest and monk died, the Seventh Ecumenical Council vindicated his orthodoxy, and ensured the permanent place of holy images in both Eastern and Western Christian piety.St. John of Damascus’ other notable achievements include the “Exact Exposition of the Orthodox Faith,” a work in which he systematized the earlier Greek Fathers’ thinking about theological truths in light of philosophy. The work exerted a profound influence on St. Thomas Aquinas and subsequent scholastic theologians. Centuries later, St. John’s sermons on the Virgin Mary’s bodily assumption into heaven were cited in Pope Pius XII’s dogmatic definition on the subject.The saint also contributed as an author and editor, to some of the liturgical hymns and poetry that Eastern Orthodox and Eastern Catholics still use in their celebrations of the liturgy.“Show me the icons that you venerate, that I may be able to understand your faith.” – Saint John of Damascus
As we begin to approach the great season when we celebrate the birth of the Christ-child among us, we may be tempted to look forward in anticipation. Only 22 more days until Christmas Eve! I can’t wait for that family party in two weeks! I am so excited to see my kids’ faces on Christmas morning! And while anticipation is not a bad thing in itself, today I invite you instead to take a look back.
Look back upon salvation history and see God’s hand working in each and every story. Recognize His love and mercy spilling forth as He creates the world, saves Noah from the flood and then makes a covenant with him, provides an heir for Abraham in his old age, saves Lot and his family from the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah, uses Joseph, sold as a slave, to feed his flock during a time of famine, guides his people out of Egyptian slavery through His servant Moses, forgives King David of his grave sins and still considers him a man after His own heart, and sends prophets before Him to prepare our hearts for His coming.
Sure, we could look back and see nothing but unrest, famine, sinfulness and broken covenants. We could get frustrated that things seemed to take so long, I mean 40 years wandering around in the desert… really? We could point out how many people had to die in the countless wars and how much Job had to suffer. We could go on and on, but that would defeat the purpose. What God wants is to open our eyes to this long line of events leading up to something more incredible than we could ever imagine, the birth of His only Son, the Savior of all mankind.
We may be tempted to do the same thing in our own lives, look back with negativity and regret at our shortcomings, but I prefer to look back in a similarly positive way, recognizing the hand of God throughout my life. That heartwrenching job loss that my husband experienced? It resulted in us moving back to Michigan and closer to family. That horrible pandemic that we suffered through? It allowed us to find a lovely home with a big yard in a quiet town. That devastating rental venture that went awry and forced us to sell the house? It afforded us a new vehicle and a low monthly mortgage. That frightening car accident we got into? The insurance payout covered most of our bill when our AC broke during a hot summer. In other words, God’s got it. He’s always got it.
After having looked back at all of God’s blessings in our life up to this point, may our Advent theme be one of praise and thanksgiving. As the first reading states, may our “delight [] be the fear of the Lord.” May we echo the words of the Psalm: “May his name be blessed forever; as long as the sun his name shall remain.” May we repeat often the words of Jesus in today’s Gospel: “I give you praise, Father, Lord of heaven and earth.”
Daily Reading
Thursday of the First Week of Advent
Reading I Isaiah 26:1-6 On that day they will sing this song in the land of Judah: “A strong city have we; he sets up walls and…
Saint of the Day
St. John of Damascus
St. John of Damascus
Feast date: Dec 04
Catholics remember and celebrate the life of the great Arab Church Father St. John of Damascus on Dec. 4.Eastern Orthodox Christians and Eastern Catholics, whose tradition has been particularly shaped by his insights, celebrate the saint’s feast on the same day as the Roman Catholic Church.Among Eastern Christians, St. John (676-749) is best known for his defense of Christian sacred art, particularly in the form of icons. While the churches of Rome and Constantinople were still united during St. John’s life, the Byzantine Emperor Leo III broke radically from the ancient tradition of the church, charging that the veneration of Christian icons was a form of idolatry.John had grown up under Muslim rule in Damascus, as the child of strongly Christian parents. His excellent education – particularly in theology – prepared him well to defend the tradition of sacred iconography, against the heresy of the “iconoclasts,” so-called because they would enter churches and destroy the images therein.During the 720s, the upstart theologian began publicly opposing the emperor’s command against sacred images in a series of writings. The heart of his argument was twofold: first, that Christians did not actually worship images, but rather, through them they worshiped God, and honored the memory of the saints. Second, he asserted that by taking an incarnate physical form, Christ had given warrant to the Church’s depiction of him in images.By 730, the young public official’s persistent defense of Christian artwork had made him a permanent enemy of the emperor, who had a letter forged in John’s name offering to betray the Muslim government of Damascus. The ruling caliph of the city, taken in by the forgery, is said to have cut off John’s hand. The saint’s sole surviving biography states that the Virgin Mary acted to restore it miraculously. John eventually managed to convince the Muslim ruler of his innocence, before making the decision to become a monk and later a priest.Although a number of imperially-convened synods condemned John’s advocacy of Christian iconography, the Roman church always regarded his position as a defense of apostolic tradition. Years after the priest and monk died, the Seventh Ecumenical Council vindicated his orthodoxy, and ensured the permanent place of holy images in both Eastern and Western Christian piety.St. John of Damascus’ other notable achievements include the “Exact Exposition of the Orthodox Faith,” a work in which he systematized the earlier Greek Fathers’ thinking about theological truths in light of philosophy. The work exerted a profound influence on St. Thomas Aquinas and subsequent scholastic theologians. Centuries later, St. John’s sermons on the Virgin Mary’s bodily assumption into heaven were cited in Pope Pius XII’s dogmatic definition on the subject.The saint also contributed as an author and editor, to some of the liturgical hymns and poetry that Eastern Orthodox and Eastern Catholics still use in their celebrations of the liturgy.“Show me the icons that you venerate, that I may be able to understand your faith.” – Saint John of Damascus
When I read today’s Gospel, I was struck by the centurion’s response. At first, he only tells Jesus about his servant’s paralysis. He doesn’t ask for healing. Jesus is the one who offers to help saying, “I will come and cure him”. The centurion responds by almost rejecting the offer, but ultimately leaves the decision to Jesus: “Lord, I am not worthy to have you enter under my roof; only say the word and my servant shall be healed”.
The profound thing about this is that the centurion did not necessarily expect a healing. What was he expecting? At least some kind of help from Jesus, I’m sure. But he didn’t seem particularly attached to the way it happened. He wanted to speak to Jesus about his paralyzed servant, and He wanted Jesus to decide what to do with that information.
It wasn’t so much a passive-aggressive helplessness, wanting Jesus to figure out his problem so he didn’t have to. It was more of an open-ended request for help. The centurion wanted Jesus to help with the servant, but he didn’t presume to demand a particular course of action from the Lord.
As the centurion said, he knew what it was like to have authority and to be able to effect his will with only his word: “I say to one, ‘Go,’ and he goes; and to another, ‘Come here,’ and he comes; and to my slave ‘Do this,’ and he does it.” Jesus in turn recognized the centurion’s faith that He could heal the servant with only His command and praised him for it stating, “in no one in Israel have I found such faith.” This faith is so powerful because it recognizes that God can not only heal but can heal in whatever way He wills to do so.
This kind of faith also understands that God is able to determine what will be best for His creation. The centurion might have wanted Jesus to come and lay his hands on his servant, but he knew to whom he was speaking. He knew that the decision was best left up to Jesus, and he was willing to present his problem in that light. He was even willing to face the possibility that Jesus might have chosen to leave his servant paralyzed.
This deep faith is an example to us. It is good for us to ask the Lord for help, and it is better to present the Lord with our troubles and needs without attachment to a particular solution. We have our own ideas, and those are not necessarily bad, but the Lord’s are best, and He often acts in ways that we do not understand. As the centurion understood, the details are best left to God.
Daily Reading
Thursday of the First Week of Advent
Reading I Isaiah 26:1-6 On that day they will sing this song in the land of Judah: “A strong city have we; he sets up walls and…
Saint of the Day
St. John of Damascus
St. John of Damascus
Feast date: Dec 04
Catholics remember and celebrate the life of the great Arab Church Father St. John of Damascus on Dec. 4.Eastern Orthodox Christians and Eastern Catholics, whose tradition has been particularly shaped by his insights, celebrate the saint’s feast on the same day as the Roman Catholic Church.Among Eastern Christians, St. John (676-749) is best known for his defense of Christian sacred art, particularly in the form of icons. While the churches of Rome and Constantinople were still united during St. John’s life, the Byzantine Emperor Leo III broke radically from the ancient tradition of the church, charging that the veneration of Christian icons was a form of idolatry.John had grown up under Muslim rule in Damascus, as the child of strongly Christian parents. His excellent education – particularly in theology – prepared him well to defend the tradition of sacred iconography, against the heresy of the “iconoclasts,” so-called because they would enter churches and destroy the images therein.During the 720s, the upstart theologian began publicly opposing the emperor’s command against sacred images in a series of writings. The heart of his argument was twofold: first, that Christians did not actually worship images, but rather, through them they worshiped God, and honored the memory of the saints. Second, he asserted that by taking an incarnate physical form, Christ had given warrant to the Church’s depiction of him in images.By 730, the young public official’s persistent defense of Christian artwork had made him a permanent enemy of the emperor, who had a letter forged in John’s name offering to betray the Muslim government of Damascus. The ruling caliph of the city, taken in by the forgery, is said to have cut off John’s hand. The saint’s sole surviving biography states that the Virgin Mary acted to restore it miraculously. John eventually managed to convince the Muslim ruler of his innocence, before making the decision to become a monk and later a priest.Although a number of imperially-convened synods condemned John’s advocacy of Christian iconography, the Roman church always regarded his position as a defense of apostolic tradition. Years after the priest and monk died, the Seventh Ecumenical Council vindicated his orthodoxy, and ensured the permanent place of holy images in both Eastern and Western Christian piety.St. John of Damascus’ other notable achievements include the “Exact Exposition of the Orthodox Faith,” a work in which he systematized the earlier Greek Fathers’ thinking about theological truths in light of philosophy. The work exerted a profound influence on St. Thomas Aquinas and subsequent scholastic theologians. Centuries later, St. John’s sermons on the Virgin Mary’s bodily assumption into heaven were cited in Pope Pius XII’s dogmatic definition on the subject.The saint also contributed as an author and editor, to some of the liturgical hymns and poetry that Eastern Orthodox and Eastern Catholics still use in their celebrations of the liturgy.“Show me the icons that you venerate, that I may be able to understand your faith.” – Saint John of Damascus
As we enter the first week of Advent, we hear in Matthew’s Gospel, “Therefore, stay awake! For you do not know on which day your Lord will come.” This is a familiar verse and one that we might be tempted to gloss over. Yet, Advent is an invitation to a time of expectation, of quiet waiting, and deep spiritual preparation. It is a time to slow down and consider what it means in our lives in 2025, to stay awake.
Have you ever been so exhausted that you cannot physically stay awake? I am a nervous flyer. I have no problem staying awake on long flights because the adrenaline coursing through my body guarantees that I will not fall asleep. However, my inability to sleep on these flights makes my first day of travel very challenging, excruciating even, and I struggle to stay awake without drinking coffee or espresso. Merely resisting sleep in this exhausted state is not what this passage means by staying awake. Sure, I can keep my eyes open after a long flight, but I am not alert enough to pay attention and perceive what is happening around me.
Today’s Gospel reading is a call not just to have our eyes ajar, but to be alert, attentive, and expectant. That is what it means to stay awake. In this passage, Jesus invites us to recall the Old Testament story of Noah when people were going about their daily lives. They were “eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, up to the day that Noah entered the ark.” Though Moses and his family were building an ark with precise measurements in the midst of their community, onlookers were not sufficiently alert or awake to realize that a great flood was coming. Many people found themselves unprepared when the flood arrived.
In a similar way, we too, can live life in a distracted state. Especially in this modern age, our lives are fast and overstimulated. During the holiday season, we zip from parties, to shopping, to school plays and concerts, fueling ourselves on cookies and coffees. Our bodies are in motion but not necessarily alert or awake to the miracle of Advent: Christ is coming.
The invitation to stay awake beckons us to be conscious of the virtue of hope, of the miracle of life, and the prodigious love that our God has for us in choosing to become incarnate. Let us stay awake this season to be attentive to the details surrounding Jesus’ birth and to prepare ourselves for His ultimate return in glory.
Daily Reading
Thursday of the First Week of Advent
Reading I Isaiah 26:1-6 On that day they will sing this song in the land of Judah: “A strong city have we; he sets up walls and…
Saint of the Day
St. John of Damascus
St. John of Damascus
Feast date: Dec 04
Catholics remember and celebrate the life of the great Arab Church Father St. John of Damascus on Dec. 4.Eastern Orthodox Christians and Eastern Catholics, whose tradition has been particularly shaped by his insights, celebrate the saint’s feast on the same day as the Roman Catholic Church.Among Eastern Christians, St. John (676-749) is best known for his defense of Christian sacred art, particularly in the form of icons. While the churches of Rome and Constantinople were still united during St. John’s life, the Byzantine Emperor Leo III broke radically from the ancient tradition of the church, charging that the veneration of Christian icons was a form of idolatry.John had grown up under Muslim rule in Damascus, as the child of strongly Christian parents. His excellent education – particularly in theology – prepared him well to defend the tradition of sacred iconography, against the heresy of the “iconoclasts,” so-called because they would enter churches and destroy the images therein.During the 720s, the upstart theologian began publicly opposing the emperor’s command against sacred images in a series of writings. The heart of his argument was twofold: first, that Christians did not actually worship images, but rather, through them they worshiped God, and honored the memory of the saints. Second, he asserted that by taking an incarnate physical form, Christ had given warrant to the Church’s depiction of him in images.By 730, the young public official’s persistent defense of Christian artwork had made him a permanent enemy of the emperor, who had a letter forged in John’s name offering to betray the Muslim government of Damascus. The ruling caliph of the city, taken in by the forgery, is said to have cut off John’s hand. The saint’s sole surviving biography states that the Virgin Mary acted to restore it miraculously. John eventually managed to convince the Muslim ruler of his innocence, before making the decision to become a monk and later a priest.Although a number of imperially-convened synods condemned John’s advocacy of Christian iconography, the Roman church always regarded his position as a defense of apostolic tradition. Years after the priest and monk died, the Seventh Ecumenical Council vindicated his orthodoxy, and ensured the permanent place of holy images in both Eastern and Western Christian piety.St. John of Damascus’ other notable achievements include the “Exact Exposition of the Orthodox Faith,” a work in which he systematized the earlier Greek Fathers’ thinking about theological truths in light of philosophy. The work exerted a profound influence on St. Thomas Aquinas and subsequent scholastic theologians. Centuries later, St. John’s sermons on the Virgin Mary’s bodily assumption into heaven were cited in Pope Pius XII’s dogmatic definition on the subject.The saint also contributed as an author and editor, to some of the liturgical hymns and poetry that Eastern Orthodox and Eastern Catholics still use in their celebrations of the liturgy.“Show me the icons that you venerate, that I may be able to understand your faith.” – Saint John of Damascus
Today’s Gospel offers us a tender reading for the day before Advent: Be on guard. Don’t be lulled into sleep. Let not dissipation and worry take you captive. Hold carefully and warmly those places in your heart that break – the disappointments, the losses, the depressing burdens. Be alert. The Son of Man, the Child of Bethlehem comes. Cling to the light that Advent promises, to the stars that brighten the darkened skies.
It’s the eve of the glorious season of Advent. The Gospel reminds us today to look around and take note of the need for light, for hope, for mercy. A mother tells me her teenage daughter still hasn’t recovered from the isolation imposed by the Covid-19 lockdown. A grandpa worries his granddaughter will lose her way at college. A friend texts that her cousin has set a date for an abortion.
Be not weighed down by the worries of life, because God has entered into this life to be here with us as our very Life. Be not blinded by the darkness, because this evening we begin to prepare for the birth of the Light of the world and the ultimate end of the night. Be not feeble of heart because Jesus conquers every death and restores joy.
Advent is about renewing the fires of joy and the eagerness of hope. It is for the child in us that needs innocence restored by the Child of Bethlehem.
Advent is about walking through the dark that surrounds us with eyes translucent with eagerness for the Kingdom.
Advent is about knowing that the victory of Christ is our victory, that God holds the power in love, and that nothing can rip us out of His hand.
So be alert and prepare, but may your preparation be filled with the joy that hope brings.
Daily Reading
Thursday of the First Week of Advent
Reading I Isaiah 26:1-6 On that day they will sing this song in the land of Judah: “A strong city have we; he sets up walls and…
Saint of the Day
St. John of Damascus
St. John of Damascus
Feast date: Dec 04
Catholics remember and celebrate the life of the great Arab Church Father St. John of Damascus on Dec. 4.Eastern Orthodox Christians and Eastern Catholics, whose tradition has been particularly shaped by his insights, celebrate the saint’s feast on the same day as the Roman Catholic Church.Among Eastern Christians, St. John (676-749) is best known for his defense of Christian sacred art, particularly in the form of icons. While the churches of Rome and Constantinople were still united during St. John’s life, the Byzantine Emperor Leo III broke radically from the ancient tradition of the church, charging that the veneration of Christian icons was a form of idolatry.John had grown up under Muslim rule in Damascus, as the child of strongly Christian parents. His excellent education – particularly in theology – prepared him well to defend the tradition of sacred iconography, against the heresy of the “iconoclasts,” so-called because they would enter churches and destroy the images therein.During the 720s, the upstart theologian began publicly opposing the emperor’s command against sacred images in a series of writings. The heart of his argument was twofold: first, that Christians did not actually worship images, but rather, through them they worshiped God, and honored the memory of the saints. Second, he asserted that by taking an incarnate physical form, Christ had given warrant to the Church’s depiction of him in images.By 730, the young public official’s persistent defense of Christian artwork had made him a permanent enemy of the emperor, who had a letter forged in John’s name offering to betray the Muslim government of Damascus. The ruling caliph of the city, taken in by the forgery, is said to have cut off John’s hand. The saint’s sole surviving biography states that the Virgin Mary acted to restore it miraculously. John eventually managed to convince the Muslim ruler of his innocence, before making the decision to become a monk and later a priest.Although a number of imperially-convened synods condemned John’s advocacy of Christian iconography, the Roman church always regarded his position as a defense of apostolic tradition. Years after the priest and monk died, the Seventh Ecumenical Council vindicated his orthodoxy, and ensured the permanent place of holy images in both Eastern and Western Christian piety.St. John of Damascus’ other notable achievements include the “Exact Exposition of the Orthodox Faith,” a work in which he systematized the earlier Greek Fathers’ thinking about theological truths in light of philosophy. The work exerted a profound influence on St. Thomas Aquinas and subsequent scholastic theologians. Centuries later, St. John’s sermons on the Virgin Mary’s bodily assumption into heaven were cited in Pope Pius XII’s dogmatic definition on the subject.The saint also contributed as an author and editor, to some of the liturgical hymns and poetry that Eastern Orthodox and Eastern Catholics still use in their celebrations of the liturgy.“Show me the icons that you venerate, that I may be able to understand your faith.” – Saint John of Damascus
“It smells like it’s gonna snow.” If you haven’t lived in a four-season climate, that comment may sound strange, but those who have experienced winter know the distinct fragrance that tells them what’s coming. As the seasons change, there is a change in the air. The frozen ground of winter smells different than it does as it thaws in the spring, and the warm, heavy air of summer gives way to the cooler, crisper perfume of fall.
The grace of living in four seasons is that each year we see a stunning display of the cycle of life: the new birth of spring, the full richness of summer, the harvest and grace of fall, and the quiet shutting down of winter. The greatest transition, though, happens as the cycle begins again.
By the end of winter, everything looks dead — heavy gray skies, scraggly bare trees, trodden brown grass peeking out in patches where remnants of dirty snow have melted. But then, right around Easter time (on this side of the equator), the world starts to come alive again. That melted snow has watered the ground, and dormant trees awaken to drink from it. Buds appear, then leaves and flowers. The grass gets green, birds sing, and the sun shines.
Jesus tells us in Luke’s Gospel today, “When their buds burst open, you see for yourselves and know that summer is now near.” Every year is an allegory — there is life after death; God makes everything new. Jesus talks to his Apostles about “these things” taking place and they are not easy ones: the destruction of the temple, signs and persecutions. Then the Coming of the Son of Man. He seems to be reminding us that it will be difficult, hard things will happen, and sometimes things will get worse before they get better. We will all see our winter. But trust.
God keeps His promises, and He reveals himself to us in the very world He created and in Scripture. Jesus tells us, “Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will not pass away.” Our call is to keep our eyes open and see what is unfolding. Just as that first green crocus pushing up through the snow tells us warmer days are coming, God will reveal Himself to us. There are signs. Notice them, and remember, no matter how hard the winter, spring is coming. Trust that the battle has already been won.
Daily Reading
Thursday of the First Week of Advent
Reading I Isaiah 26:1-6 On that day they will sing this song in the land of Judah: “A strong city have we; he sets up walls and…
Saint of the Day
St. John of Damascus
St. John of Damascus
Feast date: Dec 04
Catholics remember and celebrate the life of the great Arab Church Father St. John of Damascus on Dec. 4.Eastern Orthodox Christians and Eastern Catholics, whose tradition has been particularly shaped by his insights, celebrate the saint’s feast on the same day as the Roman Catholic Church.Among Eastern Christians, St. John (676-749) is best known for his defense of Christian sacred art, particularly in the form of icons. While the churches of Rome and Constantinople were still united during St. John’s life, the Byzantine Emperor Leo III broke radically from the ancient tradition of the church, charging that the veneration of Christian icons was a form of idolatry.John had grown up under Muslim rule in Damascus, as the child of strongly Christian parents. His excellent education – particularly in theology – prepared him well to defend the tradition of sacred iconography, against the heresy of the “iconoclasts,” so-called because they would enter churches and destroy the images therein.During the 720s, the upstart theologian began publicly opposing the emperor’s command against sacred images in a series of writings. The heart of his argument was twofold: first, that Christians did not actually worship images, but rather, through them they worshiped God, and honored the memory of the saints. Second, he asserted that by taking an incarnate physical form, Christ had given warrant to the Church’s depiction of him in images.By 730, the young public official’s persistent defense of Christian artwork had made him a permanent enemy of the emperor, who had a letter forged in John’s name offering to betray the Muslim government of Damascus. The ruling caliph of the city, taken in by the forgery, is said to have cut off John’s hand. The saint’s sole surviving biography states that the Virgin Mary acted to restore it miraculously. John eventually managed to convince the Muslim ruler of his innocence, before making the decision to become a monk and later a priest.Although a number of imperially-convened synods condemned John’s advocacy of Christian iconography, the Roman church always regarded his position as a defense of apostolic tradition. Years after the priest and monk died, the Seventh Ecumenical Council vindicated his orthodoxy, and ensured the permanent place of holy images in both Eastern and Western Christian piety.St. John of Damascus’ other notable achievements include the “Exact Exposition of the Orthodox Faith,” a work in which he systematized the earlier Greek Fathers’ thinking about theological truths in light of philosophy. The work exerted a profound influence on St. Thomas Aquinas and subsequent scholastic theologians. Centuries later, St. John’s sermons on the Virgin Mary’s bodily assumption into heaven were cited in Pope Pius XII’s dogmatic definition on the subject.The saint also contributed as an author and editor, to some of the liturgical hymns and poetry that Eastern Orthodox and Eastern Catholics still use in their celebrations of the liturgy.“Show me the icons that you venerate, that I may be able to understand your faith.” – Saint John of Damascus
What a blessing to be able to share a few thoughts with you on Thanksgiving Day!
Our Gospel begins with Jesus walking to Jerusalem, minding His own business, when ten lepers approach Him as he enters a village. They shout from a safe distance, “Jesus, Master! Have pity on us!” Jesus is touched by the encounter and proceeds to grant their request.
But He did not heal them in that instant. Instead He told them to go show themselves to the priests. Why would He say that? Because Mosaic law indicated that if someone was healed they had to go show the priest. The lepers did as they were told and while they were on the way, discovered that they were healed. Nine of them continued on their way but one went back to thank Jesus, falling at His feet. And there He remained until Jesus said to him, “Stand up and go; your faith has saved you.”
Can you put yourself in this story? Have you asked Jesus for a favor and He didn’t grant it right away, but “as [you] were going” you noticed He had granted it to you in His time and in His way? When will we realize and fully trust that He sends us these graces at exactly the right time? Do we get distracted and forget to thank Him? It happens all the time. The enemy does not want us to be grateful.
Have you ever experienced a time when you didn’t even ask for help (and perhaps didn’t realize you needed it) and God sent it to you anyway? Perhaps on this day we have set apart especially to give thanks, we can reflect about all the ways God has surprised us with His gifts over the years. And then we can offer up a prayer of praise and thanksgiving for His generous and merciful love.
Serving with joy!
Daily Reading
Thursday of the First Week of Advent
Reading I Isaiah 26:1-6 On that day they will sing this song in the land of Judah: “A strong city have we; he sets up walls and…
Saint of the Day
St. John of Damascus
St. John of Damascus
Feast date: Dec 04
Catholics remember and celebrate the life of the great Arab Church Father St. John of Damascus on Dec. 4.Eastern Orthodox Christians and Eastern Catholics, whose tradition has been particularly shaped by his insights, celebrate the saint’s feast on the same day as the Roman Catholic Church.Among Eastern Christians, St. John (676-749) is best known for his defense of Christian sacred art, particularly in the form of icons. While the churches of Rome and Constantinople were still united during St. John’s life, the Byzantine Emperor Leo III broke radically from the ancient tradition of the church, charging that the veneration of Christian icons was a form of idolatry.John had grown up under Muslim rule in Damascus, as the child of strongly Christian parents. His excellent education – particularly in theology – prepared him well to defend the tradition of sacred iconography, against the heresy of the “iconoclasts,” so-called because they would enter churches and destroy the images therein.During the 720s, the upstart theologian began publicly opposing the emperor’s command against sacred images in a series of writings. The heart of his argument was twofold: first, that Christians did not actually worship images, but rather, through them they worshiped God, and honored the memory of the saints. Second, he asserted that by taking an incarnate physical form, Christ had given warrant to the Church’s depiction of him in images.By 730, the young public official’s persistent defense of Christian artwork had made him a permanent enemy of the emperor, who had a letter forged in John’s name offering to betray the Muslim government of Damascus. The ruling caliph of the city, taken in by the forgery, is said to have cut off John’s hand. The saint’s sole surviving biography states that the Virgin Mary acted to restore it miraculously. John eventually managed to convince the Muslim ruler of his innocence, before making the decision to become a monk and later a priest.Although a number of imperially-convened synods condemned John’s advocacy of Christian iconography, the Roman church always regarded his position as a defense of apostolic tradition. Years after the priest and monk died, the Seventh Ecumenical Council vindicated his orthodoxy, and ensured the permanent place of holy images in both Eastern and Western Christian piety.St. John of Damascus’ other notable achievements include the “Exact Exposition of the Orthodox Faith,” a work in which he systematized the earlier Greek Fathers’ thinking about theological truths in light of philosophy. The work exerted a profound influence on St. Thomas Aquinas and subsequent scholastic theologians. Centuries later, St. John’s sermons on the Virgin Mary’s bodily assumption into heaven were cited in Pope Pius XII’s dogmatic definition on the subject.The saint also contributed as an author and editor, to some of the liturgical hymns and poetry that Eastern Orthodox and Eastern Catholics still use in their celebrations of the liturgy.“Show me the icons that you venerate, that I may be able to understand your faith.” – Saint John of Damascus
One virtue I really strive to instill in my children is gratitude. I can’t tell you how many times I have asked them to say thank you when they are given something or to stop grumbling about small inconveniences and be thankful for what they have. Another small tradition we have started is to mention one thing we are thankful for during night prayers.
A couple of my kiddos have caught on quickly, another I have to nudge with a few suggestions while another now has a whole list of things each day! I always remind them that it doesn’t necessarily have to be anything super special. It can be something as simple as the air they breathed or the water they drank that day. It can be the fact that their clothes are clean or that they have a home that is heated and cooled, because absolutely everything is a gift from God!
So in preparation for the day we publicly give thanks tomorrow, I thought I would share a small list of things I am particularly thankful for: that my oldest son is now old enough to have interesting, semi-adult conversations with; that my second oldest is making small steps toward coming out of his shyness, that my third oldest still loves to snuggle with his mommy, that my fourth child seeks ways all day long to be active, enjoy life and laugh; that my youngest still has round cheeks that I can kiss every single day; that my husband feels well enough after his second back surgery to coach soccer again; that God always provides in the most unexpected ways; for family members and friends that I love and cherish and care about, that bring so much human connection as a foretaste of the heavenly connection with my Lord that awaits me… And you? I invite you to write your own list.
In today’s first reading, we see God’s justice being proclaimed to King Belzhazzar through the prophet Daniel. They were in the midst of a great banquet, and instead of glorifying the Lord for His provision, they “praised their gods of gold and silver, bronze and iron, wood and stone.” As a consequence of their rebellion, God promised to divide his kingdom and put an end to his reign.
In complete contrast to this scenario, we see right praise being given to our God in the Psalm response: “Sun and moon, bless the Lord… Stars of heaven, bless the Lord… praise and exalt him above all forever.” Strengthened by the correct ordering of our minds and hearts, we see how God helps us endure any hardship in today’s Gospel: “They will seize and persecute you… You will be handed over by parents, brothers, relatives and friends…but not a hair on your head will be destroyed.”
God does and will take care of us every single day. In life and in death, in heat and cold, through hardships and joys, let us bless the Lord with sincere gratefulness.
Daily Reading
Thursday of the First Week of Advent
Reading I Isaiah 26:1-6 On that day they will sing this song in the land of Judah: “A strong city have we; he sets up walls and…
Saint of the Day
St. John of Damascus
St. John of Damascus
Feast date: Dec 04
Catholics remember and celebrate the life of the great Arab Church Father St. John of Damascus on Dec. 4.Eastern Orthodox Christians and Eastern Catholics, whose tradition has been particularly shaped by his insights, celebrate the saint’s feast on the same day as the Roman Catholic Church.Among Eastern Christians, St. John (676-749) is best known for his defense of Christian sacred art, particularly in the form of icons. While the churches of Rome and Constantinople were still united during St. John’s life, the Byzantine Emperor Leo III broke radically from the ancient tradition of the church, charging that the veneration of Christian icons was a form of idolatry.John had grown up under Muslim rule in Damascus, as the child of strongly Christian parents. His excellent education – particularly in theology – prepared him well to defend the tradition of sacred iconography, against the heresy of the “iconoclasts,” so-called because they would enter churches and destroy the images therein.During the 720s, the upstart theologian began publicly opposing the emperor’s command against sacred images in a series of writings. The heart of his argument was twofold: first, that Christians did not actually worship images, but rather, through them they worshiped God, and honored the memory of the saints. Second, he asserted that by taking an incarnate physical form, Christ had given warrant to the Church’s depiction of him in images.By 730, the young public official’s persistent defense of Christian artwork had made him a permanent enemy of the emperor, who had a letter forged in John’s name offering to betray the Muslim government of Damascus. The ruling caliph of the city, taken in by the forgery, is said to have cut off John’s hand. The saint’s sole surviving biography states that the Virgin Mary acted to restore it miraculously. John eventually managed to convince the Muslim ruler of his innocence, before making the decision to become a monk and later a priest.Although a number of imperially-convened synods condemned John’s advocacy of Christian iconography, the Roman church always regarded his position as a defense of apostolic tradition. Years after the priest and monk died, the Seventh Ecumenical Council vindicated his orthodoxy, and ensured the permanent place of holy images in both Eastern and Western Christian piety.St. John of Damascus’ other notable achievements include the “Exact Exposition of the Orthodox Faith,” a work in which he systematized the earlier Greek Fathers’ thinking about theological truths in light of philosophy. The work exerted a profound influence on St. Thomas Aquinas and subsequent scholastic theologians. Centuries later, St. John’s sermons on the Virgin Mary’s bodily assumption into heaven were cited in Pope Pius XII’s dogmatic definition on the subject.The saint also contributed as an author and editor, to some of the liturgical hymns and poetry that Eastern Orthodox and Eastern Catholics still use in their celebrations of the liturgy.“Show me the icons that you venerate, that I may be able to understand your faith.” – Saint John of Damascus
The temple spoken about in today’s Gospel references the Jerusalem Temple renovated by Herod the Great prior to Jesus’ birth, as well as the rise of people claiming to be the Messiah who would overthrow the Romans. We are reminded that Jesus, the true Messiah, was not what the Jews expected. He came with a message rooted in love, not violence.
Like the Jews awaiting their Messiah, we wait for His second coming and His message is no less relevant. He goes on to explain further signs that the end is near – wars, earthquakes, famines. I’ve wondered a few times in the last five years, given the world disruptions we’ve had that seem unprecedented, if the end is near. I’m old enough to have some space behind me and when I reflect on the wars in Ukraine and Israel, fires in Canada and California, Covid 19, the false ideologies of gender identity, the promotion of abortion from the highest levels of government I can’t help but wonder. Is this the beginning of the end?
Maybe it is. Maybe it isn’t. Either way, there is not a thing I can do about it. My only right response is to listen to the words of Jesus Christ while I wait: “do not be terrified.” If the One in charge of this whole set up, God, is telling me not to be afraid (as he repeatedly does in the New Testament) then I need not be afraid. I need to trust in my heavenly Father and take solace in knowing He’s got this. It’s in His extremely capable hands so everything will be ok. Phew. God is so good.
Daily Reading
Thursday of the First Week of Advent
Reading I Isaiah 26:1-6 On that day they will sing this song in the land of Judah: “A strong city have we; he sets up walls and…
Saint of the Day
St. John of Damascus
St. John of Damascus
Feast date: Dec 04
Catholics remember and celebrate the life of the great Arab Church Father St. John of Damascus on Dec. 4.Eastern Orthodox Christians and Eastern Catholics, whose tradition has been particularly shaped by his insights, celebrate the saint’s feast on the same day as the Roman Catholic Church.Among Eastern Christians, St. John (676-749) is best known for his defense of Christian sacred art, particularly in the form of icons. While the churches of Rome and Constantinople were still united during St. John’s life, the Byzantine Emperor Leo III broke radically from the ancient tradition of the church, charging that the veneration of Christian icons was a form of idolatry.John had grown up under Muslim rule in Damascus, as the child of strongly Christian parents. His excellent education – particularly in theology – prepared him well to defend the tradition of sacred iconography, against the heresy of the “iconoclasts,” so-called because they would enter churches and destroy the images therein.During the 720s, the upstart theologian began publicly opposing the emperor’s command against sacred images in a series of writings. The heart of his argument was twofold: first, that Christians did not actually worship images, but rather, through them they worshiped God, and honored the memory of the saints. Second, he asserted that by taking an incarnate physical form, Christ had given warrant to the Church’s depiction of him in images.By 730, the young public official’s persistent defense of Christian artwork had made him a permanent enemy of the emperor, who had a letter forged in John’s name offering to betray the Muslim government of Damascus. The ruling caliph of the city, taken in by the forgery, is said to have cut off John’s hand. The saint’s sole surviving biography states that the Virgin Mary acted to restore it miraculously. John eventually managed to convince the Muslim ruler of his innocence, before making the decision to become a monk and later a priest.Although a number of imperially-convened synods condemned John’s advocacy of Christian iconography, the Roman church always regarded his position as a defense of apostolic tradition. Years after the priest and monk died, the Seventh Ecumenical Council vindicated his orthodoxy, and ensured the permanent place of holy images in both Eastern and Western Christian piety.St. John of Damascus’ other notable achievements include the “Exact Exposition of the Orthodox Faith,” a work in which he systematized the earlier Greek Fathers’ thinking about theological truths in light of philosophy. The work exerted a profound influence on St. Thomas Aquinas and subsequent scholastic theologians. Centuries later, St. John’s sermons on the Virgin Mary’s bodily assumption into heaven were cited in Pope Pius XII’s dogmatic definition on the subject.The saint also contributed as an author and editor, to some of the liturgical hymns and poetry that Eastern Orthodox and Eastern Catholics still use in their celebrations of the liturgy.“Show me the icons that you venerate, that I may be able to understand your faith.” – Saint John of Damascus