Redwood Journal

Epiphany Quest 2023

**The 3 Wise Men** *by Joseph Christian Leyendecker*

The Epiphany of the Lord ~ Sunday 8 January 2023 ~ Bible Readings for Mass (Mass during the day): I: Isaiah 60: 1-6; Responsorial: Psalm 72; II: Ephesians 3: 2a, 5-6; Gospel: Matthew 2: 1-12

This Sunday we celebrate the Feast of the Epiphany. This feast is actually the more ancient of the celebrations around the incarnation of our Lord. And while it is always most thought of in the context of the visit of the Magi to Bethlehem it has long also included the baptism of our Lord and the first recorded miracle of Jesus at the wedding in Cana of Galilee. Epiphany is the sacred and awesome celebration that brings us to focus upon the manifestation of God, in Jesus Christ. It is centered upon these three great revelations of Jesus as recorded in our sacred and spiritual history. We recognize that epiphanies in the magnitude and context of the Gospels were very distinctive and meant for the physical incarnation of Jesus. Yet, as a people of faith, we also can trust the desire of Jesus, Emmanuel, God with us, to manifest or reveal Himself in and through our lives in these times and places in which we live.

So, should we not ask, What of Epiphany in this time, this year of 2023? To explore that question let us first explore this first gospel epiphany.

The Gospel of Matthew shares the familiar account of the Magi from the east following the star to Jerusalem and on to Bethlehem. It is likely that “the east” refers to what is now known as Iran and Iraq. The journey would have likely followed the fertile crescent for at least 1200 miles. It would have probably taken 4 to 5 months to travel by camel as tradition and historical context would have indicated. To follow a star indicates that these Magi, wise men or kings were well-educated and followers of astronomy and astrology. Their going to Jerusalem shows us they had some awareness of the faith of the Hebrew people. Their meeting with King Herod shows their own status was significant. But their following of the Scriptures and the star to an humble home in Bethlehem reveals an humility and commitment to seek the truth. It is from the first manifestation of the Christ to the nations that we are better able to follow our own quest to grow in the holy love who is Jesus.

So, what of epiphanies now as we begin this new year? Should we just be content to recognize these revelations of God are just for special times, places, and people? Or may we dare to believe that God with us, Jesus, longs to reveal to us and through us His glory, His mercy and love? Looking to the Light of the Living Word, indeed we can know of the longing in the heart of Christ to reveal more and more of God. It will not follow the same path or magnitude as the Magi. For our journey is our own, with God. But our Epiphany Quest will know the same sort of challenges and blessings.

As it was with the Magi so it is for us. To begin they had to follow the star, the light they had and knew. They did not know the Holy Scriptures as the Hebrews did. They followed a way that some saw as wrong. But God uses the light we have and know to bring us ever closer to Him. It is also necessary to see that it is often in the darkness of our life that we will discover that holy star of hope and grace leading us to know God as we never would have imagined. The Prophet in our first reading calls to Jerusalem (the church) to rise and shine as her light has come. The holy pilgrimage to an epiphany must allow that there will be dark nights of the soul.

The Epiphany Quest of our lives also must have faith. It is well and good to see, maybe recognize some light that would guide us closer to God. But it is wasted if that light is not acted upon with faith. The Magi might have been content to write some texts o their observations from Persia. They could have hypothesized what the star meant, to what did it lead? All from the comfort and safety of their homes. But as is always the case God is not going to lead us snuggled down in our comfort zones. However harmful or dysfunctional they might be. God calls us to TRUST, actively in steps of courage into places and worlds we may not know. We will likely not know where God is leading. But our holy Shepherd does. So we follow, we seek, Christ our Light in faith, and love.

It is not always seen but the story of the Magi coming to Jesus, and bringing their gifts is also a powerful lesson in love. It is easy to acknowledge the wise men followed the light they knew to The Light of Christ. It is also evident that great must have been their faith to travel those 1200 miles to honor, and adore The One they did not know. But it must also be seen that within their hearts, hungering for Him, was a love they could not yet understand. To bring such gifts and freely give them to this young child’s parents revealed a longing to give themselves to Him who called them each, to His side. So it is in our own Epiphany Quests. We must allow the call of Love, the call of God, to grow in our own encounters and realizations of He whose love would set us free.

The Magi would be warned in a dream, in a way perhaps unexpected, to return to their homes by another route. The dangers of hate and doubt shown by Herod were very real. We also have no record of how their epiphanies would change their lives. And perhaps that is a lesson for us as well. To see more, the manifestations of the mercy and glory of Jesus is the way of Epiphany. But how, to whom that is shared we only learn as we continue following that Bright and Morning Star who is the Christ.

What epiphanies will we encounter in this coming year? What dark nights of the soul will show to us His holy star of hope and peace? What priceless and powerful revelations of God’s love and design will we experience? It is only as we seek Him, born in Bethlehem, Emmanuel, in our lives and each other that we will learn the answer to Him who calls. It is a glorious quest of Light, Faith, and Love.

“Teach us to recognize the many forms of your Presence in the Church and in one another.” [From the Intercessions from Morning Prayer, Saturday before Epiphany]

**The Presence,** St. Mary’s Cathedral, Edinburgh Scotland *by A.E. Borthwick*

January 7, 2023 0

Christmas, What Happened?

Christmas ~ 25 December 2022 ~ Sunday ~ Bible Readings for Mass During the Night, Christmas Eve: I: Isaiah 9: 1-6; Responsorial: Psalm 96; II: Titus 2: 11-14; Gospel: Luke 2: 1-14

May the blessings of Jesus our Savior be yours as we celebrate his birth. May we each realize deep within our souls the holy truth and joy of Emmanuel, God with us. Let us set aside the distractions, stresses, and worries that would chill and oppress us during this sacred season. Let us trust Jesus who comes to save us from our failings and sins, and come to him.

Again, please, may the blessings of Jesus our Savior be yours as we celebrate his birth. May we realize deep within our souls the holy truth and joy of Emmanuel, God with us.

May the Holy Spirit help us to seek, to see, to know the glory and beauty of Jesus, born in the manger. Together let us come to the humble stable and ask, What happened at Christmas?

Immense would be theological and doctrinal truths we could explore as we begin this season of Christmas. Our Gospel reading begins with the words: “In those days…”. We truly do not know when precisely Jesus was born. Of course, tradition and ancient consensus agreed upon December 25 as the day of the nativity. Scholars and skeptics challenge and ponder the accuracy of that ancient agreement. Many delight in pointing out that Christians “stole” or co-opted the time of celebration from the diverse pagan celebrations centered around the winter solstice. The pagan roots of this celebration are clear and should be accepted not with shame or pride but with the humble realization that this history reflects the holy journey of souls seeking and growing in the truth. That humanity can grow, change and see their faith mature into fuller realizations of God is, in simple terms, the graces of conversion. The winter celebrations of light in the cold darkness of winter are a profound foretelling of the coming of Christ to free us from the darkness of sin. But these ponderings only return us to the more basic question: What happened at Christmas?

“In those days…” So Luke shared in the Gospel for this day. When Jesus was born of the virgin in the manger in Bethlehem countless were the glories that God brought to creation. Let us explore only three on this sacred night.

First, we can recognize that with the birth of Jesus time and eternity meet. When Jesus was born there was brought to all creation the truth that God, eternal was born as a finite person. Jesus, the infant in the manger, opened the veil of eternity with his humanity. What happened in the stable at Bethlehem would open and bridge all of time and eternity. Tonight in this church, and with Christians all over the world what happened at Christmas is shared now, well over 2000 years later. We are not here by accident. We may think we are here because of family, friends, customs, or a holy day of obligation. We would be blessed to realize we celebrate this day because a baby in a manger caused eternity and time, as we know it, to meet. And many are the blessings this Jesus will bring into our lives as we celebrate Him, not for just this day but for all the days of our lives. What presents God has for us as we present ourselves to him every day he brings us?

Secondly, during this sacred season of Christmas, we would realize that with the nativity creation is unlocked. In the garden all creation was free. Our humanity, plants, animals, and God’s heavenly creatures all shared in the good God had made. Sin, of course, broke this celebration of life. The ability of humanity to see beyond their own selves would be hindered and bound. Except for brief moments with the interventions of God and the angels, humanity was locked from realizing the greater fullness of creation. Until Christmas. The power and grace of God would bring the virgin to carry a son. And in the holy birth, all the hard pain of motherhood would bring to all the gift of our Creator. Soon, that night, in the hills above the city creation would further open for the shepherds as the angels heralded the coming of the Messiah. That the heavenly host would share with the humble of humanity had never occurred. Until Jesus was born. Creation opened for the heavens and earth to rejoice. With poignant power and beauty, the psalm proclaims: “Let the heavens be glad and the earth rejoices; let the sea and what fills it resound; let the plains be joyful and all that is in them! Then shall the trees of the forest exult….”

What happened at Christmas? Time and eternity have met! All creation is unlocked to worship the Savior!

And of most importance, God and man are become one. The great graces of Christmas are countless but they are all made possible by the boundless embrace of love found in Jesus. God of timeless eternity had created the beauty of the heavens, earth, and people. And in that same holy love, God knew that people must have free will. We needed the ability to… choose. It is that distinctive gift and peril of our human condition that we may choose the good, life, we may choose God. Or not. So sin, rebellion, death, and sorrow were brought into creation. So God did for us what God asks of us, to trust, and to love. In love for us, Jesus was born. Tonight the Christchild would seek us, beckon us, to Him. Jesus dared to mix the holy Divinity that God, is with the broken humanity that we are. And Jesus was born of Mary. God and man became One so that we could be made one with God.

What really happened at Christmas? Are these thoughts shared today just so many words? Is what we read in Scripture, what we have heard in the Gospel just religious fantasy? We must be courageous in asking what really did happen at Christmas over 2000 years ago? And we must also be faithful to honestly ask these questions. But we must also have the courage and faith to allow God to answer.

The answers to what happened at Christmas will only be truly answered when we come to the manger, to Christ today, and ask, Jesus, what really happens when you come to the manger of my heart?

December 24, 2022 0

Let the Angels Lead in Trust and Love

4th Sunday of Advent ~ 18 December 2022 ~ Bible Readings for Mass: I: Isaiah 7: 10-14; Responsorial: Psalm 24; I:: Romans 1: 1-7; Gospel: Matthew 1: 18-24

**The Angel with Joseph** *by Raul Berzosa, raulberzosa.com*

The final days of another season of Advent are here. As we prepare for the holy celebration of Christmas and the joyful season it brings we are challenged to keep our hearts and focus on Christ Jesus, God with us. The many worldly accents of this season can hide, with all the glow and go, the Presence and simple glory of God. As we listen to each segment of God’s Word for this Sunday we are reminded of the plans and the purposes of God for his people and for the world. We are also reminded that our Savior Jesus comes as a light in the midst of great darkness.

We watch the news and see the many people suffering from the war in Ukraine or fleeing from violence and poverty in their homeland here in the Americas. We are reminded that the uncertain journey of Mary and Joseph is expressed in thousands of refugees and victims of war and oppression today. We the faithful today struggle with seemingly endless news of alleged dark wrongs that strive to quench the Holy Spirit of Christ in the Church. And we wonder where is Christ our Light in this darkness?

As we quietly reflect on our Scriptures we can hear the Holy Spirit assuring, challenging, and making clear the promises of God. The darkness and powers of this world were very real and powerful in the times of Mary and Joseph. Those same powers would think they are powerful now. But the plans of God will not be thwarted. The promises of God will not be denied. Unless we choose not to trust and seek Jesus who is promised.

Yet these days before Christmas we are reminded of a distinctly different time in the seeking of Emmanuel, God with us. It is after the Epiphany we are brought to an understanding that we are each, and together, called to follow Christ. Yet in this season prior to celebrating the incarnation of God we are shown that God brings us his angels to prepare the way for our King who is to come. This is a message very relevant for Advent. But it is also a message very relevant as we are always called to prepare for his coming into our lives and particularly for others. This delightful message of participating in God’s grace is shared in our Gospel today.

Mary, the virgin mother of Jesus was carrying in her womb, her son. Joseph, her betrothed has learned of this apparently impossible development. Being a just and righteous man he had decided to divorce Mary privately. As should be, much of our focus should be on Mary, her faith, and her obedient love for God. But we must recognize the extraordinary challenge this brought to Joseph. He loves Mary. They are to wed. But the seeming scandal of her pregnancy is learned and he must figure out what to do. It is likely in the very human exhaustion of stress and worries Joseph fell asleep. God has brought Joseph beyond his abilities. It is there that the angel comes and tells him not to fear but to love, that is, to take Mary for his wife.

As the angel, Gabriel annunciated to Mary the desire and plans of God she was led to prepare for her son, Jesus. Fears were quenched, and faith was made strong. Mary said yes. So it was with Joseph. The angel of God did not deny the fears with which he struggled. He only said not to give and invest in them. And the angel showed Joseph the path he was to take: Trust and Love. It was and is the path, the way we are to prepare, to make way for the coming of Christ.

**The Road to Bethlehem** by Joseph Brickey

We cannot minimize the degree of the impossible of the incarnation of Jesus, especially in the very human lives of Mary and Joseph. What they were experiencing defied reason and all they understood of their faith. In every literal sense, they were challenged to look to God beyond the very laws of nature and life as they knew and understood it. But as the angel told Mary, WITH GOD, all things are possible. They were being called to prepare for the coming of the Messiah in their own lives and their little poor family. And they could only heed their deeply rooted faith in God and the leading of his angels. The way would be difficult, costly, and dangerous. So as they journey to Bethlehem they undoubtedly talked and trekked quietly with their own souls. But it is also likely they shared and kept in their hearts the simple litany to which they were being called to live. Trust and Love. Trust and Love. Trust and Love.

This holy quest of preparing hearts and homes for Jesus, Emmanuel, God with us has never changed. While thousands of years have come and gone and endless volumes of theology and moral theology have been written the basic way to prepare for Christ is still found in that simple litany to trust and love God and those we encounter in our lives.

Many today may feel they are facing lives and relationships that are impossible or don’t make sense. In the realm of family, the beautiful and timeless standard of a family with a father, mother, and children is as needed and real as ever. But life does not always follow such perfection. Homes are broken by sin, sickness, death, and poverty. For reasons that we must humbly acknowledge we need to admit that the graces of love may differ. One reality, however, is certain, this side of our Lord’s return, Life, love, and families are not always as may be expected or planned, or desired. Sometimes it may seem, as it was for Mary and Joseph, impossible. But, with God all things are possible.

So, this holy season of Advent may we share with Joseph, and with Mary the quest to prepare for the coming of Jesus, God with us in simple, holy trust and love. May we remember that our angels are with us to show us the way for our coming King, Trust and Love.

December 17, 2022 0

Gaudate Sunday, Seeking Light

Gaudate, the 3rd Sunday of Advent ~ Bible reading for Mass: I: Isaiah 35: 1-6,10; Responsorial: Psalm 146; II: James 5: 7-10;

Gospel: Matthew 11: 2-11

Many years ago I lived and worked, as a seasonal park aide at Armstrong Redwoods. It was a place and time of great joy and beauty as I lived and worked deep in the Gospel of Creation. To this day I know the trails (present and past) well after spending countless hours walking and hiking in the course of my duties. But this was long before cell phones and after hours the closest phone to my tent cabin was the pay phone at the park entrance, a mile away. Sometimes, after dark, I would walk down to use the phone. One night, with immense confidence in my knowledge and sense of direction I decided to leave the flashlight off. This went well as I walked the road south but at the trailhead, I went to the path. Now a Redwood forest, much of it virgin growth, is, at night, with no moon, dark. Very, very dark. But again, with great assurance in my knowledge and talent, I was assured of making this trek. And I did really well, for about three steps, at which point I walked straight into a massive Redwood tree. Surprised I stepped back and took a couple of steps, into a thicket of undergrowth. I quickly realized my usual good sense of direction was gone and my awareness of the trail was, useless. The flashlight came out and as I made my way back to the trail I finished my walk in the woods, humbled and enlightened.

Today, Gaudate Sunday the pink candle is lit. It symbolizes the joy of the Lord as we celebrate, as we anticipate, and celebrate Christ our light. The light of God’s Word this day reminds us of the great need humanity has for this light and this joy. Jesus, in the Gospel, responding to the followers of John the Baptist, recounts his ministry to those in darkness. The imprisoned, the blind, those who were crippled, the deaf, those in poverty, and even the dead had encountered the joyous splendor of light and hope that came with Jesus.

But this Sunday, when indeed we know many depths of darkness around us we live in a world that seeks to extoll the false gods of self. We are told we are the light and all we need to do is discover ourselves and all will be light and joy. I have to say, from experience, my self without my Savior is like wandering the trail, in the dark. But, we are called to the Light, who is Christ, and we are called to be filled with his joy. This holy season of Advent we are lighting these candles as we symbolize our faith, our seeking of Christ our Light, and joy who is coming. And we are reminded that there is no darkness that can overcome the Light of Christ.

“All the darkness in the world cannot extinguish the light of a single candle.” St. Francis of Assisi

We are called to seek, to follow:

The Light of God’s Joy. Sometimes Christians seem to forget or, to share that God calls us to be filled with His joy. This is not the giddy, empty happiness seen on television advertisements. It is not an happiness determined by what we have, what we are getting or what we think we have achieved. True joy is rooted deep in our God, who is love. It is in that assurance of holy love that joy comes to life. It is in the same love of God that we share with others that brings us the joy of Heaven. Jesus, just hours before his betrayal and passion promised his followers their joy would be full if they would but love each other, and God as he loved them.

The Light of God’s Presence. The season of Advent now brings us to focus upon the coming of Jesus, Emmanuel, of God with us. As we walk the Advent path for the next two weeks we can know the angels would be calling us to draw ever closer to Jesus. Although we may be busier, although we may be even more stressed or worried the Presence of Christ beckons to each of us and all of us. God is truly present in the Holy Eucharist we receive at Mass. His sacred Body and Blood fuel our souls with His eternal Presence no matter how dark the path we walk. We find His Presence in the Word of God. The Living Word, Christ the Lord would speak to us calling us each to draw ever closer into His Kingdom. And we discover God’s Presence in creation as we walk in all the good and beauty He makes. And, perhaps most challenging we find His Presence in each other. And as we draw near to He who is Light we realize that indeed each of us has light, but it it is not self, it is our Savior.

The Light of God’s joy shared. Sometimes we wonder, where is God? Where is our promised Lord in the darkness of life? Many are the promises God makes that His light will never be extinguished. So where does God, our light go? It is not that Jesus our light would leave us. But if the holy candle of His Presence seems dim it could be the problem is not the light but the distance. *Christ our Light, our joy cannot diminish or depart from us. But we are free to depart, to allow distance to come between us and God. Many are the forces of darkness that would seek to dissuade us away from God. But it is our choice to move away or to draw ever closer. And there is one sure way to be certain we are close to that Light of Christ. If we are to share Him His light must be close.

It is so very easy to be mindful of the darkness. It is also so very easy to have confidence in ourselves to find our way on these paths that are often quite dark. But we soon learn that the darkness is very real and deep. And we discover that our abilities, our knowledge, or understanding are limited at best. It is from the difficult places we can look up and see the candle beckoning us home. And as we draw close we realize that this light is…Jesus, Emmanuel, God with us.

December 10, 2022 0

Radical Repentance: Love

2nd Sunday of Advent ~ 4 December 2022 ~ Bible Readings for Mass: I: Isaiah 11: 1-10; Responsorial: Palm 72; II: Romans 15: 4-9; Gospel: Matthew 3: 1-12

This second Sunday of Advent we light another violet candle. The first candle symbolizes hope. This second candle represents peace. In anticipation, in preparation for the coming of Christ our King into our lives, our Church should be faithfully working to nourish hearts and homes for Christ in hope and peace. God’s Word as always gives us light far more beautiful and brighter than any Christmas decorations. This holy light shines brightly upon the true path of Advent, repentance, and the guide and power of this glorious way. We are all called, as individual Christians and as God’s Church to be following, living in the way of radical, true repentance, or penance. The way of God’s love.

“Repent for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.” proclaims the prophet, John the Baptist. The prophet was seeking to prepare the way for the coming, the incarnation, the birth of Jesus, the Christ. But the words are just as urgent and relevant today, over two thousand years later as we prepare for the return of Jesus, the King of Kings. As Catholics, we recognize and would seek the holy place of penance, the Sacrament of Reconciliation. But we all must remember that very Biblical grace-filled act is but a starting place of renewed journeying in the way of Jesus.

In times past (and for some people now) repentance would mean great mortification of self, of the flesh, and often an embrace of self-punishments intended to mortify the flesh. The intent of these perceptions may have been good but their pursuit often resulted in the grave injury of spirit, soul, and body. Yet for many of us who seek to grow in Christ, we may want to know the way of radical repentance or penance. Should we wear an hair shirt? Should we eat only bread and water? What would God ask of us if we are truly seeking the kingdom of heaven?

Again let us follow the light of the Living Word. As our Gospel calls us to be a people of penance our other readings enrich that Gospel with the instruction that we are to be a people infused in the Holy Spirit, The Spirit of Christ so eloquently described by Isaiah the prophet. It is one of the great tasks of the Holy Spirit to lead us to sanctification in Christ. This cleansing journey, the work of faithful penance is a walk not of specific acts but a way of life. To be following in radical repentance is to be growing in the fruits of the Holy Spirit.

In our second reading from St. Paul we read: “May the God of endurance and encouragement grant you to think in harmony with one another, in keeping with Jesus Christ Jesus that with one accord you may with one voice glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.” It was in this same letter of St. Paul to the church at Rome that the way to achieve this was by walking in the Holy Spirit, together, away from our sins, in the love of God. (Romans 8).

The same Spirit that caused St. John the Baptist to call us to repentance is proclaimed to be coming from Christ in a baptism of strength and fire. And it is this same Holy Spirit that nourishes in holiness to be fruitful, bearing genuine, real fruit of our penance. The fruits of the Holy Ghost are numerous. But always the first and foremost is love. If we were to seek to be fruitful of God in all His ways this first fruit of grace would bring them all.

This holy season of Advent we are reminded that it is God’s love that brings our King and Savior to come in glory and justice. It is in this reverent season we realize that it was for love God chose a manger in a stable in which to be born. This love of God is rooted deep in the power of the Paraclete to vanquish fear, to quench ignorance, and to be a people of mercy and holy welcome spoken of by Paul in our second reading.

In our personal faith and lives, this commitment to radical repentance will bring us to…love as God loves us. We will grow in that same self-emptying that helps us see all that would hinder us from growing in our Yes! to God. We will grow in letting go of the effort to protect or hide our seeming assets and treasures and instead simply seek to live in the way of simple Gospel faith, hope and peace.

But the path of radical repentance is not just meant for the individual believer. The Church, the Body of Christ is called to be prepared for Christ our Savior and King. Sadly, in that, we are people seeking to follow Christ our God we, as a body fail, and we may sin in efforts to make the journey we seek easier. But this truth does not dismiss our responsibility to God, each other and the world. Sadly history shows us the ways Christians have molded the message of the Gospel with sin, strife, and unforgiveness. That some who profess Christ espouse messages of hate and bigotry are but one cruel example. That some clergy in all parts of the Christian faith have abused and wronged young people is a sin that cannot be denied or that should ever be covered up. Again as for individuals so for the church, the efforts to avoid responsibility or hide assets that could be used in reparations are simply wrong. What if property is lost? What if lavish churches, musical programs, vestments, and practices cannot be maintained? What if the world, wounded souls could see a radical repentance in practice that expressed a true sorrow for sin and a deep hunger for God and healing forgiveness?

Advent is a time to renew and deepen our hearts for God in true, radical repentance. It is a time in which we can grow in the freedom and power of the Holy Spirit that would guide us to let go of our pride and earthly riches and instead invest in a simple, holy love that brings us to Jesus and brings us to better give Christ to the world.

December 3, 2022 0

Climbing the Lord’s Mountain, First Sunday of Advent

1st Sunday of Advent ~ 27 November 2022 ~ Bible Readings for Mass: I: Isaiah 2:1-5; Responsorial: Psalm 122; II: Romans 13:11-14; Gospel: Matthew 24:37-44

Advent in the Year of our Lord 2022 has arrived! A very happy and blessed new year! We begin this year, this holy season as always in anticipation of and preparation for the return of Christ our Savior and King! Yet for many, it may seem but another Advent. The call to anticipate, and prepare for the coming of Christ may seem but a repetition of many Advents passed. It is easy to succumb to the temptation to think it is just another Advent. But is it?

Jesus, in our Gospel reading we share, tells us that as it was in the days of Noah so it will be when He returns. Life will be going on as always. In the context of the Gospel, our Lord speaks of the ever presence of war, famine, natural calamities, and simply, sadly of sin. But Jesus also makes plain that for many the time of His coming will be days and times as usual. People will marry, families will grow, and people will work and build their lives. But amongst all this will be the clear message: Our Lord is returning! As Noah, filled with faith and courage built the ark so we too are to be making strong our faith in the ark of God’s mercy and love. As it was in the days of Noah so it is for us. It is a time of preparation. It is a journey. Noah built the ark that would take him, his loved ones, and creation on a journey of faith that would ultimately end on an holy mountain.

This Advent we too are on a journey of faith and courage. We live in a world where everyday life, thankfully does go on. But we also live in a world where violence, crime, hate, and strife grow. And as Noah was called to do his part to save creation so we too are called to diligently work to save our common home from the flood of greed and abuse afflicted upon life in countless deadly ways. We share the trek on God’s path of faith, courage, and love that leads to His holy mountain upon which the ark of our faith is to come.

As the prophet Isaiah proclaimed: “Come let us climb the LORD’S mountain… that he may instruct us in his ways, and we may walk in his paths.” The path up the Lord’s mountain is not easy. It will, in times and places cause us to seek God for the strength and wisdom to proceed. It will take us far beyond our understanding and abilities. But it will lead us to Christ who is coming. This trek up the Lord’s mountain is a path of faith, holy discipline, and love.

Our Trek of Faith: In our Gospel, we are reminded of Noah as he built the ark. We know the story. We take it at face value. But we need to remember Noah had never seen an ark or a boat of any kind. There is no account that at this point in creation travel upon masses of water was heard of or necessary. Whether one takes the story as literal truth or spiritual truth the message is powerful and clear. God was having Noah live by faith. So it is with us. In diverse ways, Jesus calls us to prepare and anticipate His return by leading us up, in faith His holy mountain. Out of our comfort zones, perhaps well past our present understanding of how, what, and where God may lead or do we are called to seek His return. This Advent is a trek of faith upon a path that may be unknown and with dangers seen, and unseen.

We share our Advent trek of holy discipline. For anyone who has enjoyed hiking or backpacking, there is an understanding that there will be places and stretches of the journey that take real discipline to stay the course. Simple fatigue, blisters, thirst, hunger, and even fear or uncertainty can challenge the slow and steady steps we must take. St. Paul in his second letter to Timothy reminded him that God has not given us a spirit of fear but of power, love, and a disciplined mind. All of us, as disciples of Christ, are called to live lives of holy discipline. There may be many false images that could come to mind as to what this might mean. But what the Holy Spirit seeks is to bring us to faithfully exercise our trust in God as we plod on with God. It is about recognizing we are not called to the indulgences of this world but to the building up of our shared trust in God as we discipline our thoughts, desires, and appetites for our King. One example that anyone who has hailed will understand is to discipline our words. When the path is cool, flat, and easy well might there be a steady flow of words and chatting. But when the trail is steep, the drop-off far and unforgiving and the hand-holds few the words quickly cease. All effort is on the trek, except for words of warning or encouragement as may be needed. Among Christians many are the words that flow without ceasing. These words often cause strife, confusion and sorrow. We are called, together to climb God’s mountain. May we remember and respect that as the prophet said, very clearly the ways, the paths are in the plural. Might it be for the best if we focus on our Lord and the steps he class each of us instead of fretting about others on paths, in ways that may differ from us? This Advent quest then is better realized to be a way of faith, of holy discipline and also of love.

The Advent path of Love: Jesus warns us in our Gospel that we must stay awake, to be ready when He comes. The fatigue of the journey is very real. The need to prepare and be ready is pressing. Noah must have faced great exhaustion as he prepared for his holy trek. The preparation for the journey defies comprehension. Indeed it is yet another year. This Advent we may well be tempted to doze, to nod off. It must be understood God knows our limitations. He has made us to need to rest. It is in the Gospel Canticle from Night Prayer (Compline) we pray: “Protect us, Lord, as we stay awake; watch over us as we sleep, that awake, we may keep watch with Christ, and asleep rest in his peace.” The simple, faithful discipline of this prayer is rooted deep in Christ, in an awareness of walking (and resting) in the Presence of the Crucified King. There is a way, without fail, of awakening our anticipation and seeking Christ’s return. It is love. Whether we are in a place of loss or struggle or a time of blessing and peace with God’s love our hearts will truly hunger for our King who calls us to be ready for Him.

Climbing the Lord’s mountain is truly a trek needing genuine faith, holy discipline, and growing love. It is a path of real struggle and at times, suffering. But it is a trail upon which others have gone. Preceding us they have lovingly placed hand-holds and carved out of the hard stone the steps we must take. They have shown us the way, the way of the saints in the paths of God. It is perhaps with some holy irony that we are led up God’s holy mountain as we prepare for Advent upon the path that would transcend all eternity, the way of the Cross.

November 26, 2022 0

The Thanksgiving Path

Thanksgiving Mass ~ 24 November 2022 ~ Bible readings for Mass: I. Sirach 50: 22-24; Responsorial: Psalm 145; II: I Corinthians 1: 3-9; Gospel: Luke 17: 11-19

Thanksgiving Day is here! We gather and share our gratitude to God and for each other. We remember and share for and with those who struggle with hunger, for shelter, and safety. We realize that thanksgiving, while common to think about is often not as easy to realize and express. Even our gatherings of family and friends may be seasoned with undesired tensions, worries, and anxieties. Yet when brought all together would teach us this feast of thanksgiving is a complex meal of many ingredients and parts. It takes a commitment to prepare and share this feast. It takes an even greater commitment to prepare and share the path of thanksgiving.

Our celebration coincides with the old harvest festivals. The Autumn colors and brisk weather help us to be mindful of the beauty of creation and the power and graces of our Creator. As we lift our eyes to the colors of fall we, with the help of the angels, lift our hearts in praise to God, our Creator, and Redeemer. And as we share our gratitude this day we are reminded this is a path we are called to share every day, regardless of season or time. It is as we walk this day in the light of God’s Word we are shown this path.

Each day, as we take our steps of life we are to remember the path of thanksgiving is a path of our free will. None of us is ever forced to be grateful. The refrain from the beautiful psalm of gratitude (145) proclaims; “I WILL praise your name for ever, O Lord.” The Bible, the saints, and life as well, all powerfully teach us life is not always painless or without struggle. This reality brings us to our Gospel for today. We hear the account of the ten lepers who sought healing from their leprosy from our Lord. God indeed gave them their healing. Yet only one, a Samaritan returned and knelt at the feet of Christ to give thanks. Life can easily cause our focus to become fixed upon our afflictions, upon ourselves. Why the other lepers did not return in gratitude we are not told. We are only told of the one who exercised his free will and resolved to give thanks to Jesus. We are shown that whatever the season or the day that to choose to be grateful is our choice to make. For the leper, the day that began in suffering with no end in sight ended before Christ in praise.

This choice, this exercise of free will leads us to take steps of thanksgiving. Gratitude brings us to God. Praise and thanksgiving lead into the very Presence of our Savior, our Lord. There is a very real power in the steps, the path of thanksgiving. Just as there is a very deadly power in steps of ingratitude, grumbling, and complaint. One path leads to God and to life. The other brings us to doubt and despair. These holy steps of thankfulness bring us to a place of genuine and holy action, to be grateful.

Our steps of praise bring us to God. As we come into and grow in the holy awe of His Presence we are humbled, we are brought, like the leper, to our knees. And we cannot but be thankful. And, as our Gospel affirms, in that holy place of humble gratitude (the cross) our love for God, and our faith in our Lord are brought to greater freedom. It is there we learn how much for which we have to be thankful. For life. For the beauty of creation. For God’s Church. And for each other. And always, most especially for God. We may not always understand or feel as well, as hopeful, or as peaceful as we might. Our paths will not always be easy or painless. Great may be the courage we need to take our steps in faith. But when those steps are taken with a will to be thankful we will realize, whatever the day or season, God is with us.

November 23, 2022 0

Being Unconditionally Pro-Life and Club Q

Monday ~ 21 November 2022

Club Q Mass shooting in Colorado

Just before midnight on Saturday, 19 November, a gunman entered an LGBT nightclub in Colorado and started shooting at random. Before being subdued by patrons he had killed at least 5 people and at least 18 others were wounded. The media has been covering the tragic story but there has been a generally deafening silence from the Christian and Catholic voices. Very few voices have expressed sorrow and outrage at this new mass shooting. The fact that these were gay men seems to have qualified this event, for some, as of little consequence. Very few have been the offers of prayer and compassion. As a Catholic deacon, I find this very troubling. As a man who is unconditionally Pro-Life, I find it scandalous.

Organizations and voices commonly in the front row of opposing abortion are busy focusing on political abortion wars. Even the Christian voices who rightly cried out at the Ubalde school shootings or the Buffalo market mass murders are very quiet. Is this because those who died, those who were wounded, are judged as so disordered as not worthy of life? Perhaps if they had repented and changed, then would they have been worthy of note or our prayers?

Those who were killed, and wounded were all likely gay men, perhaps lesbian, perhaps transgender. But they were also, and more importantly, they were people, created by God, in His image. Were they sinners? Of course, as are all of us. But they were people, sons, daughters, brothers, sisters, and partners. And however imperfect their lives may have been it should be noted they died in a place seeking to be happy, to find love. Instead, they met violence. Hate found them. I am not advocating promiscuous, unbridled sensuality in the quest for fulfillment. I am simply recognizing that this event occurred among people living with the hope and quest for life and love. A quest shared by the immense vast majority of all humanity, straight, gay, Catholic, Hindu, atheist, or whatever.

I believe our God, our Savior, our King is calling us to a deep examination of conscience. What happened in the heart of Jesus as this occurred? What was the response of Mary our Mother as these young people were attacked? This same question should be applied to the shootings at Ubalde, Buffalo, and all the far too many places where life doesn’t matter.

I believe those who profess to be Pro-Life need to allow the Holy Spirit of Life to open our hearts to not just the unborn (as truly sacred lives as they are) but to the elderly, the disabled, those on death row, or simply those who are different in color, faith or sexual orientation.

This post is about the sinful loss of life that occurred at Club Q, at Ubalde school, The Brooklyn market or any place the sacredness of any life is destroyed and denied.

I pray especially for the people who died at Club Q. May they find God’s mercy and love denied them here on earth. I pray for their loved ones that the compassion of God would reach out past fear and hate to comfort and help them in their losses. And I pray for all of us that we would be deeply, fully awakened to the sacredness of All life, unconditionally.

November 21, 2022 1

Christ the King

Our Lord Jesus Christ, King of the Universe, Solemnity ~ 20 November 2022 ~ Bible Readings for Mass: I: II Samuel 5:1-3; Responsorial: Psalm 122; II: Colossians 1:12-20; Gospel: Luke 23: 35- 43

Jesus Christ ~ King of Kings

Long ago there was a garden. The beauty, life, and joy could not be fully expressed in words. There was no need or sorrow for death, violence, anger or greed did not exist. Peace and contentment flowed in an abundance beyond measure. Innocence and the freedom of simplicity had established an order of care and stewardship that nourished life in abundance. This was the garden of God, the garden of the heavenly King and Creator. And it was good. Until.

It was good until the fallen angel, the enemy of God came and brought the seeds of envy, hate, and doubt that would be sown in the hearts of the two people, our spiritual parents. This would bring their expulsion from the garden. It would result in the beginning of immense suffering and sorrow for all creation. Sin would infect and prevail among those God had made, in love, in his image. And the enemy of God, the devil rejoiced. For he thought he had won. The prince was sure he had conquered the King.

Millenia later there was a young man who had been chosen by God to reign and lead his chosen Hebrew people. The young man, David, while called by God had experienced countless trials and tests as he sought to follow the Shepherd of his soul, his Lord. The old enemy, harboring intense anger in the stubborn refusal of God to surrender his throne, had used demons of jealousy and hate to try and destroy this young man. But faith in God prevailed. David was anointed, king. And even more. He was promised a son of his that would one day reign forever as the Lord, the King of Kings. This King would rule from a heavenly city, Jerusalem, from the house of the Lord.

It would be in that city of God that this King of Kings would come, victorious, riding on the colt of an ass. Yet again and in the evilest and dark of ways fallen angel deceived and led this King, Jesus, to be betrayed, condemned, and crucified. As the nails were pounded into the hands and feet of God’s only Son the evil one was ecstatic! The harsh clang of hammer and nail was, to the evil ears a cacophony of delight. What had begun in a garden so long ago was going to be finished. Here and now! As Jesus was dying on the cross the hate-filled taunts of those who served the prince of lies resounded with the cries of the men on their crosses. Satan smirked when he heard one of the thieves call out to Jesus to remember him when he came into his Kingdom. The evil one shook his head with arrogant joy as he thought of the kingdom the tomb would hold for Jesus. So great was his pride he never heard the promise of God that on that very day he would be with him in paradise. All seemed so settled in the heart of darkness when Jesus uttered his final words. “It is finished.”

It is over two thousand years later. The battles of good and evil, sin and salvation seem more intense than ever. Wars and rumors of wars, great destructive pandemics, storms, and strife of every description seem to prevail. The cruel reality of the powers of darkness cannot be denied. To trust in God, to hear and believe the promises and power of the King of Kings, Jesus the Christ is a quest of heart-rending difficulty for many. And, once again, the evil one smiles with the sense, the darkest of hopes, that God has failed. And he would be correct. Except for God.

“Brothers and sisters: Let us give thanks to the Father, who has made us fit to share in the inheritance of the holy ones in light. He delivered us from the power of darkness and transferred us to the kingdom of his beloved Son, in whom we have redemption and the forgiveness of sins.” Colossians 1:12

The great celebration of Christ the King comes at a point of time every year that offers us eternal hope. As it was. in the Garden, as it was with the reign of King David, as it was on Calvery with Jesus The King and as it is now… Jesus Christ, our God, reigns! Infinite are the lessons we could explore about Jesus our heavenly King. Yet one is always and especially relevant now. Jesus the King reigns, yesterday, tomorrow, and even today.

Jesus Reigns, over the past. Whether we fear the reality of the original sin we have inherited from our early parents or whether we struggle with questions and perhaps the guilt of matters past we must remember. Jesus is Lord. On the cross, he won and brought us forgiveness and peace. Prayerfully we must seek and allow the Spirit of God to search the dusty memories and fears of the past and bring them under the shed blood and healing mercy of our King, our Savior, our God who reigns. And freed from the past we can better learn that worries of the future are not what God our King has provided for us.

Christ Reigns, over the future. Great are the very real concerns of what may happen tomorrow. But, when we are honest we must admit we simply don’t know all the future will or may bring. Indeed there will likely be struggles, sorrows uncertainties. We will each be called by God to cross the threshold of eternity. But if our faith is in Christ our Savior, our King great is the holy hope and promises of our eternal home in God’s mercy. So whether it be uncertainty about a job, an health matter or eternity may we remember Jesus, our Lord reigns!

Jesus, Reigns…Today. Real are the tangled webs of the past that would seek to trap and hinder us from following God. Today. Piercing can be the siren cries from the future that would seek to draw us in worry and anxiety upon the rocks of the future upon the shoals of what may, or may not ever happen. Christ our King calls us to trust, follow, and love Him today! It is in the eternal freedom of the cross that the Holy Spirit brings us to dwell, to practice the very real Presence of God in the midst of our day. Today. With the family, at work, during Mass, whatever moment we are in is a moment where Jesus would have us know He is in control. Perhaps we, our life may not be. God is still there and will lead us through whatever storm or blessing we are in.

To realize this great grace and provision of God has infinite and eternal possibilities. But to experience this, to experience more fully, Christ our King we need only to pray and trust..”Thy Kingdom come, they will be done on earth as it is in heaven”.

November 19, 2022 1

Writings by Harry Martin, Permanent Deacon.