Happy Christmas

HAPPY CHRISTMAS

 

Manger Scene ( from Pixaabay)

Instead of writing a gospel reflection on one of the Gospels, I recommend during this Christmas season that we sit and slowly read the Christmas story given in Luke. Take your time and hear the sounds, smell the smells, get in touch with the feelings of all the Christmas characters- Mary, Joseph, the baby, the angels announcing the news, the shepherds, Herod, the kings. There is so much to contemplate. 

These are some reflection questions that you may wish to ponder.

1. What does the birth of Christ mean to me?
2. What is so special to me about the holy night of Christmas and Christmastide.
3. What has happened or have experienced about this Christmas that is speaking to you. 
4. How is this Christmas different from or similar to previous years of Christmas?
5. In what areas of my life is Christ the true light of the world- how can I continue to shine that light in my life?
6. In what areas of my life is Christ not wholly the true light of the world?  
7. What changes will I make to these areas in this Christmas season?
8. How can I assist someone who has lost a loved one during the year in this Christmas season?
9. How will I grow spiritually during this Christmastide?

 Let us make good use of our prayer time during this Christmas season and come to a greater understanding of God's great love for us.  Perhaps you may even choose to contemplate before the crib at your parish each day during this season, or if not, why not lovingly reflect on the story at home with your family's crib.

When you hear others saying that Christmas is about family or holidays or any other secular reason, why not tell them gently

JESUS IS THE REASON FOR THE SEASON.

Why have an advent wreath?

THE ADVENT WREATH?

Happy new Year!!!  We have just started Year C in the Liturgical cycle.  With a new spiritual new year gives us the opportunity to begin again and move forward spiritually with hope.

Since the 900s Advent has been considered the beginning of the Church year.  The word Advent is from the Latin adventus for "coming" and is associated with the four weeks of preparation for Christmas. Advent always contains four Sundays, beginning on the Sunday nearest the feast of St. Andrew the Apostle, (November 30) and continuing until December 24. It blends together a penitential spirit, very similar to Lent, a liturgical theme of preparation for the Second and Final Coming of the Lord, called the Parousia, and a joyful theme of getting ready for the Bethlehem event.   

The Advent Wreath represents the time before Christ when people waited for the coming of the Messiah, the Light of the world. Each year in Advent people wait once again 'in darkness 'for the coming of the Lord, His historical coming in the mystery of Bethlehem, His final coming at the end of time, and His special coming in every moment of grace.

"Customarily the Advent Wreath is constructed of a circle of evergreen branches into which are inserted four candles. According to tradition, three of the candles are violet and the fourth is rose.” (Book of Blessings 1510).  

 The Advent Wreath is an important liturgical symbol which helps us to prepare the way of the Lord with the lighting of the candles each week.  During Advent, family and friends can gather around the Advent Wreath lighting the appropriate candle(s), read from the daily Advent meditation and sing Advent hymns. The Church's official Book of Blessings also provides a blessing ceremony for the Advent Wreath which can be used in the absence of a priest.   

The rose candle is lit the third Sunday of Advent, for this colour anticipates and symbolises the Christmas joy announced in the first word of the Entrance Antiphon: "Rejoice" (Latin, Gaudete). For this reason, the Third Sunday is also called Gaudete Sunday, and rose colour vestments are permitted. The traditional colour of the vestments during Weeks 1, 2 and 4 is either purple or violet to represent penitential spirit. Advent is a season of hope, but a penitential spirit during this season is a fitting way to prepare the way of the Lord.  

USING THE ADVENT WREATH AT HOME

 Using the same Advent Wreath for each year at home can be effective, as it gives a sense of continuity. As each Advent passes, I prefer to create it differently, without losing my continual sense of journeying with the Lord.  However, a few years ago, I used a different Advent Wreath to coincide with the liturgical season of years A, B, or C.  This approach helped me differentiate between Years A, B and C and head the call to prepare the way of the Lord seriously- a fresh start to the liturgical year. Today we are blessed with so many different types and styles from which to choose, some of which can be seen here

When lighting the Advent Wreath, it should be lit as a circular journey with the fourth candle at the front of it- the nearest to Christmas. In more recent times, some people prefer to add a white candle to represent Christmas.  However, although this has some practical merit for our home Advent Wreaths, it is important liturgically not to confuse the liturgical symbols- the Advent wreath is specific and associated with Advent with its 3 purple and one rose colour candle, whilst the Crib with Christmas.  

As we start the new liturgical year, we may wish to spend some time reflecting on our past year. We may think of what has gone well spiritually and what needs fine tuning and what needs a major renovation. 

I recently bought some so called ''advent calendars'' (commercial variety of course).  However, it got me thinking.   Before embarking on setting up a programme that may lead to impossibility to achieve, I have decided to focus on advent, to open the window of my advent calendar each day, and decide on one or two areas in my life to be alert and stay awake to throughout that day and through this advent season. I have yet to decide on the chocolate- hopefully give it to someone who will appreciate it along with a prayer/act of kindness for him/her.  Hopefully then, 1 will then welcome Christ at Christmas more spiritually alert and awake. 

How will YOU stay awake this Advent?

Solemnity of Christ the King

WHY WAS THE SOLEMNITY INSTITUTED?

CHRIST THE KING

Pope Pius XI universally instituted The Feast of Christ the King in 1925 in his encyclical Quas Primas. Pius XI, and the rest of the Christian world, witnessed the rise of dictatorships in Europe, and saw Catholics being taken in by these earthly leaders. Pope Pius connected the denial of Christ as king to the rise of secularism, since at the time of Quas Primas, secularism was on the rise, and many Christians, even Catholics, were doubting Christ's authority, as well as the Church's, and even doubting Christ's existence.

It is interesting to observe that just as the Feast of Corpus Christi was instituted when devotion to the Eucharist was at a low point, the Feast of Christ the King was instituted during a time when respect for Christ and the Church was waning, when the feast was most needed. In fact, it is still needed today, as these problems have not vanished, but instead have worsened.

Pope Pius hoped the institution of the feast would have various effects. They were:

1. That nations would see that the Church has the right to freedom, and immunity from the state (Quas Primas, 32).

2. That leaders and nations would see that they are bound to give respect to Christ (Quas Primas, 31).

3. That the faithful would gain strength and courage from the celebration of the feast, as we are reminded that Christ must reign in our hearts, minds, wills, and bodies (Quas Primas, 33).

ITS RELEVANCE FOR TODAY

Today, the same distrust of authority exists, although the problem seems to have deteriorated. Individualism has been embraced to such an extreme, that for many, the only authority is the individual self. The idea of Christ as ruler is rejected in such a strongly individualistic system. Also, many balk at the idea of kings and queens, believing them to be oppressive. Some even reject the titles of "lord" and "king" for Christ because they believe that such titles are borrowed from oppressive systems of government. However true these statements might be (some kings have been oppressive), these individuals miss the point: Christ's kingship is one of humility and service. The following two scripture quotes support this view.  Jesus said:

'You know that those who are recognized as rulers over the Gentiles lord it over them, and their great ones make their authority over them felt. But it shall not be so among you. Rather, whoever wishes to become great among you will be your servant; whoever wishes to be first among you will be the slave of all. For the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many (Mark 10:42-45, NAB).

and also:

'Pilate said to Jesus, "Are you the King of the Jews?"... Jesus answered, "My kingdom does not belong to this world. If my kingdom did belong to this world, my attendants would be fighting to keep me from being handed over to the Jews. But as it is, my kingdom is not here." So, Pilate said to him, "Then you are a king?" Jesus answered, "You say I am a king. For this I was born and for this I came into the world, to testify to the truth (John 18:33b, 36-37).

Jesus knew the oppressive nature of secular kings, and in contrast to them, He connected His role as king to humble service, and commanded His followers to be servants as well. In other passages of Scripture, His kingdom is tied to His suffering and death. While Christ is coming to judge the nations, His teachings spell out a kingdom of justice and judgement balanced with radical love, mercy, peace, and forgiveness. 

 Christ the King Sunday used to be celebrated on the last Sunday of October, but since the calendar reforms of 1969, the feast falls on the last Sunday of Ordinary Time, which is the Sunday before Advent. It is fitting that the feast celebrating Christ's kingship is observed right before Advent, when we liturgically wait for the promised Messiah (King).

As we celebrate this solemnity, we may thank God that Pope Pius XI' instituted this feast of Christ the King because it reminds us that our allegiance is to our spiritual ruler in heaven as opposed to earthly supremacy in whatever form it takes in our lives.

WHERE IS CHRIST THE KING IN OUR LIVES?

When we celebrate Christ as King, we are not celebrating an oppressive ruler, but one willing to die for humanity and whose "loving-kindness endures forever." Christ is the king that gives us true freedom, freedom in Him. Christ radically redefined and transformed the concept of Kingship.

As we celebrate this feast, we may wish to look back at our spiritual year. We may ask ourselves whether Christ has been king of our hearts throughout the year and if not, resolve to make Him King of our hearts.  

decluttering part 2

THE JOY OF MOVING.

Great news to share.  Finally, I have moved.  Thank God.

It really is ‘’thank God’’ and thank the many people who prayed.  I found my darling little unit (actually it is not that little, but smaller after a 5-bedroom home) at an auction in August on the feast of St Dominic.  My friend's husband did the successful bidding for me. Melbourne markets are hot of course, but whilst the Chinese bidders were trying to outbid my friend's husband, I said to myself

" No, this is Doms".  

My reliance over many years with St Dominic yet again proved worthwhile and my solicitors made it smooth for me doing what they do best. So, thank God b/c I had to move once not twice in a fantastic location for my needs- walking distance to church as well.

I have now moved and have been in my darling unit one whole month.  Now of course is the unpacking.  That has its challenges too because there are less cupboards and nooks and crannies to hide things. I am finding it easier to declutter as I unpack as I brought way too much with me.  It is so much easier to declutter here as if I can’t find a place for it, it has to go.  Somethings I leave for a few days in case I find a spot or in case I decide I really need, not want this item. I think that the reason it is easier is b/c of the space issue, it makes me really look at the objects and make an analysis of it and b/c it is in a different space, its memories are memories and don't seem to be holding me.

I am almost sorted in my home but of course there are boxes and boxes etc in the garage.  So it is one box per day now of sorting before Christmas to make inroads into it.  After all I do want my car to have its home too.

LESSONS IN MOVING

This whole moving process has taught me a lot about myself and other people too. I find myself when I am window shopping thinking '' that would be nice for my unit"'.  Then I think "' Do I need it or want it"'.  You know the answer to that.  I walk away happy- happy to see something nice and happy to walk away b/c I don't need it.

It has also taught me to be extra careful getting quotes and dealing with these people.  Sadly, I find myself not trusting them to the same extent anymore and being more precise about what is included/excluded in these quotes.  I really appreciate what it could be like to be older and vulnerable when work is required.  I am not old but the untruths/ opportunistic opportunities that I have had to deal with from some of these people has been a real eye opener to me.

I also have found it breathtaking what some trades charge to get some work done.  I want people to earn their wages and I appreciate people's skills.  However, it is no wonder our world is where it is- some costs are totally outrageous.  I will definitely be going to DIY classes (provided that they are not too expensive to attend).

Now that I am happy and settled, I hope to write regularly again on my blog.  I also hope to refocus my attention to my spiritual needs as well. This whole move has been a wake up call for my spiritual life as well. It is great to declutter the soul as well in the process.

So, whether this post helps to think about decluttering your physical or spiritual life, let me assure you, doing it is great for the emotional life.  It is freeing and worth the effort.

Cleaning and clearing one by one.

CLEANING AND CLEARING ONE BY ONE.

I have sold my home of over 50 years earlier in the year and settlement is not far away.  It has been a time of packing and sorting, and sorting and packing and throwing, sorting and packing.  I will probably move into rental accommodation at first, whilst I look around peacefully for my ideal unit.

So, the move is from A to C to B- moving twice at this stage.  So, then the question arises, how long am I going to rent- do I need this in rental for the next 6-12 months and on and on it goes. It really leaves me feeling physically, emotionally and spiritually exhausted.

However there have been some highlights too- finding things that I have forgotten about- looking at old photos and the like.  All part of the long and slow arduous process. One article at a time.

There is relief too when areas that seem too daunting get sorted- one article at a time. Areas that were just too big/ too hard/ too emotional have almost been tackled. Tackled one article at a time. This whole process has made me realize I will never need to shop again.

There has been a beacon of light in this whole process though- like the light in a lighthouse. It has also reminded me of the process for my soul too. Sometimes for whatever reasons, we can allow the sins/mistakes/ weaknesses mount up in our souls until we finally decide it is time for reconciliation.  However, as I have discovered with my house cleaning and clearing, it would be so much easier with less stuff!!!

So whether this post encourages you to think about your home and the various cupboards/areas that may need clearing and/or it encourages you to think about your soul to seek sacrament of reconciliation to attend to the clearing and cleaning your soul, I hope that it starts you thinking about your life, your needs, what physical, emotional and spiritual clutter is around you and what you can do to declutter our lives. I know that I will be watching carefully from now on.

I am trying to face my clutter because of need.  The move has forced the issue especially in areas I could not face emotionally.  It is my family home and although my parents have gone to God, I still have to deal with their belongings too.  However, this is not blame. I have been putting it off until I was ready, hoping that somehow it would just go away.  How's that for procrastination and avoidance. So much of it mine, some is theirs individually and collectively.

I have gained something from this process though- we are a world of disposable- some say if you have not used it in 12 months, you don't need it.  There is merit in that for some things and not for others. I think it depends on your own circumstances. What I find sad though is that charities are not interested in things that are perfectly good and useable. Instead they prefer almost new.  I know that people can give charities things that they should have disposed of themselves.  This is unjust.  However, now it has made it so very difficult for people to give to charities, especially people like myself who need to downsize. 

However, the clutter of one's physical, emotional and spiritual zones has to be started and usually by one article/one sin/weakness at a time.  You just have to start.

So whether it is a cupboard/area in the house or your cleaning of your soul that has been put off for a while, I would love to encourage you to start- one article/sin at a time.  Just start and do what you can do.. there will be physical/emotional/spiritual blocks along the way but start again- one by one.

May God give us all the strength we need.

Trinity Sunday- A mystery of our Faith.

 Trinity Sunday.

This feast highlights the relationship nature of God in that there is Fatherhood, Sonship and from that love issues the Holy Spirit. We can spend time trying to explain it, as St Patrick did using the shamrock and many others since, but in essence it is a mystery that we will never truly understand until we reach Heaven.  However, we do not need to wait until then to develop a relationship with each Person of the Blessed Trinity- we are still praying to God, but each Person of the Trinity can help us as we draw close in our lives.

REFLECTIVE QUESTIONS.

These reflective questions may assist us in our endeavour to contemplate the Trinity.

1. What is my relationship with God- Father, Son and Spirit?
2. How might I bear witness in my life to my faith this coming week?
3. What is the truth that Jesus the Word gives to me?
4. How can I spread that truth in my life?
5. What does being holy mean to me?
6. How does the Holy Spirit make me holy?
7. How might I live my faith and proclaim it in worship and in my life this coming week?

PERSONAL REFLECTION

On a personal note, I remember learning from the Living Parish Hymnal many years ago a lovely hymn to the Trinity. There were 3 verses- each verse dedicated to Father, Son and Spirit and the Antiphon being a version of the Glory be to the Father.   Perhaps it may also help your reflection on the trinity.

Antiphon: Praise to the Father, and to the Son 

                 and to the Spirit Three in One

                 Praise and Glory for ever.

1. Eternal Father, to those night

Your Creatures' endless praise in due,

You we adore and thank and bless,

We are your children made by You.  ( Antiphon).

2. Eternal Son of God the Word

through whom creations's work was done

We are your brethren whom you saved,

Vanquishing death, our life you won, ( Antiphon).

3. Eternal Spirit, living Love

God's gift his Church to sanctify,

Dwell, as Christ Promised in hour midst,

Cloth us with power from on high.  ( Antiphon).

Pentecost Sunday- Happy Birthday to all believers

 FEAST OF PENTECOST.

Happy Birthday to all believers.

The Holy Spirit: Feast of Pentecost.

This feast marks the 50 days of Easter and the closing of Eastertide as a liturgical season, and the birth of the Church.  So, Pentecost is the Church's birthday- ours too as Christians.

God is three persons- Father, Son and Holy Spirit yet one God.  This is a mystery.  However, we can in our prayer life tap into all three persons. Most of us tend to communicate with God as Father or Jesus as His Son.  However, this feast reminds us that Jesus did not leave us orphans when He ascended to Heaven- He gave us the gift of the Holy Spirit to be with us until the end of time.  Yet, sadly, the Holy Spirit can be forgotten and/or ignored in our spiritual lives.  Yet, He has many special gifts to offer us.  We can have a very special intimate relationship with Him, just as we do with Jesus and with Father God.

So we might like to take some time to reflect on my relationship with the Holy Spirit.  Some reflective questions may include:

1. What is my relationship with the Holy Spirit? 

2. How does the Holy Spirit work in my life?  

3. How will I use the gifts of the Holy Spirit to bring Christ to the world this week?  

4. Do I know my faith adequately to be able to teach the gospel to one other person? If not, what steps might I take to change this?  

5. What areas in my life has the risen Christ renewed during Eastertide and how might the Spirit assist you to continue this renewal for the remainder of the year?  

6. How might I live in the power of the Holy Spirit in my life?

We may also want to reflect on the gifts and fruits of the Holy Spirit and how they operate in our lives. 

Traditions/customs associated with Pentecost Sunday 

Fruit Salad is often used as a dessert for Pentecost Sunday. It is made from 12 fruits to represent the 12 Fruits of the Holy Spirit which are: Charity, Generosity, Joy, Gentleness, Peace, Faithfulness, Patience, Modesty, Kindness, Self-Control, Goodness and Chasity.

The fruit salad can be made using both dried fruits such as currants, raisins, dates and tinned fruits as well as fresh fruits. These are then combined with a syrup made with sugar and water and perhaps a dash of your favourite liqueur.

Another name for Pentecost Sunday is its traditional name' Whitsunday' which commemorated the white robes worn by the newly baptised on this day.  Two other traditional desserts served therefore are white food-meringues or a sponge cake topped with white icing to represent the white robes worn by newly baptised.

Regardless of whether you choose these traditional Pentecost desserts or not, it is important to remember that a new chapter began at Pentecost, and the Apostles started to take the Gospel of salvation to the whole world.  This is also our task.  Pentecost ends the liturgical season of Eastertide, but it marks the birthday of the Church.  

We may wish to pause and say a prayer of thanks in gratitude for the person/people who taught us our faith and have helped us on our spiritual journey.  We may wish to reflect on how we came into the Church.  I was baptised as a young baby- a cradle catholic.  I thank my parents and godparents for bringing me into the family of the Church. However, at some point, we have to make our own decision to follow Christ and take our faith seriously.  This is the journey we all make each in our unique way.  The Holy Spirit is in this journey with us too.

The message of Easter and of the Church is not something meant to be kept to ourselves, rather it is the glorious news that we must take to everyone : the love of God, the forgiveness of sins, and the redemption of the human race.    

As we celebrate the feast of Pentecost, let us be filled and renewed by the Holy Spirit.  We may wish to make the commitment to deepen our relationship with the Holy Spirit and to pray each day at least one prayer to the Holy Spirit such as:

''Come Holy Spirit, fill the hearts of your faithful 

and enkindle in them the fire of Your love".

May the Holy Spirit bless you abundantly.