6TH DAY IN THE OCTAVE OF CHRISTMAS OPEN TO GOD’S MYSTERY Introduction To thank God for the liberation he brings us in and through his Son, Jesus, is the core of every Eucharistic celebration. There we say: “Let us give thanks to the Lord our God.” With the […]
Dec
SHINING STAR – LIGHT FOR ALL PEOPLES YEARS A B C Introduction A land of passage, the subject of disputes, a crossroads of people, culture, race, and language! Palestine was invaded and occupied in turn by Egyptian Pharaohs and princes of Mesopotamia. The desire to take revenge against the oppressors was long cultivated […]
Dec
NEW YEAR’S DAY YEARS A B C BLESS, DON’T CURSE: IT IS THE WAY OF PEACE Introduction Christians have always connected the traditional New Year’s feast to a motive of their faith. Before the liturgical reform of the Second Vatican Council, Jesus’ circumcision was celebrated on this feast. It took place, according to Luke, […]
December 29, Wednesday 5TH DAY IN THE OCTAVE OF CHRISTMAS God comes to his temple today as if incognito, as a child carried in the arms of its mother. Simeon, the old man in the Temple, took Jesus in his arms and recognized this child as the Savior expected by the Jews in the […]
Dec
Reflection: Luke 2:22-35 “Now I can die!” This is how the Gospel presents the serene figure of Simeon, in vivid contrast to the tortured Herod, slayer of the Innocents, who got a mention in the Gospel yesterday. Herod’s death became legendary for its awfulness. But Simeon can teach us how to approach death: how not […]
5TH DAY IN THE OCTAVE OF CHRISTMAS A LIGHT FOR ALL THE NATIONS Introduction God comes to his temple today as if incognito, as a child carried in the arms of its mother. Simeon, the old man in the Temple, took Jesus in his arms and recognized this child as the […]