Reflection

Mass of Shepherds – December 24, 2024

Frackville, From the Pastor /

The Gospel reminds us of the context of Jesus’ birth in Bethlehem. This is a population census intended to collect data needed to determine the power of the empire. In the history of the Old Testament, King David also ordered a census, which the Holy Scripture presents as a manifestation of the temptation of self-sufficiency and the ruler’s desire to become independent from God. This act was considered David’s sin. The census is a symbol of a world obsessed with efficiency, results and success.

The prophecy about the coming into the world of the “Son of David” announced by the prophets, who was to be born in Bethlehem, is fulfilled in the circumstances of the census ordered by the authorities of the world at that time. Jesus comes to our world to show a different lifestyle – different from the desire for domination, power and self-determination of man without God. Jesus, the Son of God, takes on human flesh and becomes one of those who do not seek domination or independence from God. He comes into the world weak and defenseless to bring peace to the earth.

On this special night, it is worth asking yourself: what God do I believe in?

The birth of Jesus in Bethlehem shows us God coming into our everyday life, our joys and hardships. He is a God who is not ashamed of our weaknesses and limitations, but accepts them. The symbol of this is the birthplace of Jesus – not an inn, which was a sign of prosperity in those days, but a manger in an animal pen. So this is not the God that many expected – powerful and rich, ensuring prosperity and success. This is someone completely different.

The modern culture, by transforming Christmas into an advertising campaign, suggests that we live in a pagan world where the true God is replaced by the idol of consumerism. This false god is useful to many people in solving problems and avoiding misfortune, but it doesn’t represent the true image of God.

Christmas shows us a different God – the close one, in solidarity with the poorest, and merciful. He is a God who overcomes evil with good, not violence, and is ready to sacrifice His life for the truth. The Savior overcomes death through resurrection. He is not a ruthless dictator who wants to dominate his subjects at all costs.

Looking at the nativity scene that night, we don’t see a ruler’s throne, but a child surrounded by the love of concerned parents. The message of this scene is openness to a new life, care, closeness, care, tenderness and selfless love.

Christmas reminds us of the true face of God who comes to our homes and life as it is to bring peace. He is not scandalized by our sense of unworthiness, He does not come to judge us, but brings forgiveness. He doesn’t expect us to boast about our successes – it’s enough for us to simply be with Him. He wants to be with us.

During the census in Bethlehem, people were absorbed in everyday matters – they were looking for accommodation and places in inns. Only a few were close to Jesus and understood the significance of what happened. It’s similar today. For many people, the Christmas atmosphere comes down to shopping, attending fairs, charity collections, and preparing illuminations. All this is important, but what is even more important is to stop and be close to Jesus.

May this Christmas, which we begin with today’s celebration, help us believe in the power of God’s love – other than the power of this world. Like Mary, Joseph and the shepherds, let us adore Jesus during every Eucharist and testify to His presence among us.

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Good Friday – April 10, 2020

Frackville, From the Pastor, PNCC /

We have listened to the story of Jesus giving His life for us. St. John tells us that the reason for this was love: love of the Father and love of His disciples. In St. John’s Gospel Jesus has no need of help: there is no Simon of Cyrene to assist Him with carrying the cross. He takes up His own cross and marches to Calvary which is the scene of His fulfilling His mission and revealing God to the world. His last words are not a cry for reproach, accusing God of abandoning Him, but a shout of triumph: It is accomplished. In the final scene of today’s passion reading, we meet once more the character called Nicodemus: he is no longer the shadowy figure who comes to Jesus under the cover of darkness. Now he appears boldly in broad daylight to assist in the solemn burial of Jesus, which involves a royal and extravagant amount of spices and oils. The mention of Nicodemus might remind us that he was the one to whom Jesus summed up the message of the Fourth Gospel, which reaches its climax in the paschal event which are celebrating today. Jesus told Nicodemus: God loved the world so much that He have His only Son, so that everyone who believes in Him may not be lost but may have eternal life.

Is it too good to be true? Could someone love us enough to give their life so that we might live? Jesus’ mission was to reveal God’s love for human beings and invite us into a relationship with God is best described as friendship. Throughout St. John’s version of the Gospel story we are given examples of people coming to believe in Jesus, growing in their appreciation of who He is and what He means to them. Today we are invited to consider that the cross is more about love than it is about justice.

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Maundy Thursday – April 9, 2020

Frackville, From the Pastor, PNCC /

In our Gospel reading, the whole idea of hierarchy is turned on its head. Jesus’ washing the feet of His disciples is a symbol of what the whole event of His passion means. It is primarily an act of love, the ultimate giving of Jesus’ self for His disciples and all people. A Jewish slave couldn’t be compelled to wash anyone’s feet. Yet here, the master, freely and on His own initiative, takes a place lower than the most lowly servant in the household. The Gospel tells us that Jesus loved His disciples to the end of His life and also to the furthest extent possible, that is, by giving His life for them. When Peter refuses to allow Jesus wash his feet, Jesus warns him that unless He does, he can have no part with Jesus.

Jesus himself gives the application of His action: “you should wash each other’s feet”. Perhaps the persons whom this most obviously concerns are those in any position of authority. Leadership within the community of disciples should be exercised as humble service, something particularly evident in our Holy Church. The symbolic washing of parishioners’ feet is not just a ritual, but a true expression of the way we live, the relationship between the person performing the action and those who are having their feet washed.

We can all learn from the example of Jesus and work to live it even better. Authority and power are not the same: Jesus is giving us an example of what authority involves, namely the courage to be humble, to be a servant of our brothers and sisters. If we can do this, then we are truly following His example.

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All Saints Solemnity – “A” – November 1, 2014

From the Pastor, PNCC /

The witness of life of so many of the saints of the Church has been characterized by joy. We read in some stories of martyrs who suffered horrific deaths in the cause of Christ that they so looked forward to being united with their Lord that they sang on the way to their execution. It wasn’t that they despised life in this world, only that they saw the life of the kingdom was much better.

Our readings today remind us of this strange truth. The vision of John reveals great rejoicing in heaven among the angels and saints at the victory of God. This was won first of all by the Lamb of God, and then by all those who wash their robes in the blood of the Lamb, all those who have been through persecution. The teaching of Jesus in Beatitudes makes this truth clearer still; the values that He promotes are contrary to human expectations.

Confidence in the providence of a loving God will bring us more happiness that anxiety over our bank balance. Human and material resource are put at the service of wealth. Human beings and the environment are sacrificed for the sake of making a few people wealthy. Jesus warns us today that only the gentle will have the earth for their heritage. The followers of Jesus are urged to retain their ability to weep with those who mourn, to forgive those who do us harm, to hang on a vision of the beauty of life and human relationships, and to do all this with a passion – to have a hunger and thirst for all that is right and just. This is what Jesus himself would do. This is the way to build the kingdom of God.

So today we celebrate the feast of All Saints, all those who have lived the Christian life faithfully. There are thousands of ordinary men and women of every age who have faced up to the challenges of their own time and place and found strength to do so in their relationship with Jesus. Now it is our turn. We belong to community of saints. We share the witness of all those who believe that the love of God is still at work in our hearts and in our lives.

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