Reflections of Caritas

"And a voice came from heaven, ‘You are my beloved Son; with you I am well pleased.’” – Luke 3:22

Jesus’ identity is rooted in His relationship with His Heavenly Father. He is the Father’s beloved, and so are you. Your identity then is something that comes from God, not from yourself. Fundamentally, who you are is dependent upon Who God Is. And, as we know from the first letter of Saint John, “God is love,” and God loves you. (4:8). Yet the notion that “God loves you” has become so cliché that we no longer appreciate the truth and depth of that statement.

"Justice shall flower in his days, and profound peace, till the moon be no more.” – Psalm 72:7

This Sunday we will celebrate the glorious day on which the Newborn King was revealed to the world through Three Wise Men from distant lands who came to pay him homage. There is a beautiful little ritual used to bless churches and homes in commemoration of this day. In addition to a series of prayers, the ritual involves writing an inscription in chalk above the doorframe of the church or home. This year the inscription will read: 20+C+M+B+16.

"And he said to them, ‘Why were you looking for me? Did you not know that I must be in my Father’s house?’” – Luke 2:49

Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to people of good will! Merry Christmas! 

After celebrating the Nativity of Our Lord on December 25^th, we commemorate the Holy Family this Sunday. In the Gospel reading we hear the famous story of Mary and Joseph leaving young Jesus behind in Jerusalem. After searching for three days, they eventually find him conversing with the teachers in the Temple.

"Mary set out and traveled to the hill country in haste to a town of Judah, where she entered the house of Zechariah and greeted Elizabeth.” – Luke 1:39-40

Perhaps you can relate to the image of Mary traveling in haste, as you hustle to finish decking the halls and wrapping presents for Christmas. It is a busy time of year with seemingly far too much to do.