The "Post" Revisited: Oh, That We Would Be Blind No More

 (Originally Posted December 12, 2015)

Welcome, God and All...

Okay, I'm stumped. I need a transfusion of true Christmas spirit. I don't know if it's just me, or if there's a whole combination of things that are keeping me (and others) from feeling this way, but my pool of ideas to share is dry right now.

It should not be dry. After all, we're halfway through Advent; and we're reminded of that as it's Rose Sunday (or Gaudete, a Latin word meaning to be joyful). We're approaching the summit, the climax; and as such, our preparations should be so much in front of us that nothing else gets in the way. Joyful? We should be overflowing with compassion, courtesy, and gentleness. Being all that sure sounds a lot better than what's being broadcast constantly about who we really are.

On the other hand, at some point we went out of our way to seek out deep analysis and opinion about current events and the effect they have on our present and future security. That's why whenever there's breaking news of importance, we don't get simple, factual information; it's a thin layer between much larger layers of speculation mixed with stereotyped behavior. We even know this; but our desire for instant knowledge mandates the coverage be presented in just that way. So we are left with a few choices on how to manage this as part of our daily life, and not-so-surprisingly, none of them are truly beneficial. We buy into the mindset, or we become apathetic to it because we seem powerless to change it; or both. 

Is it possible to put the birth of Jesus Christ into this present time and place? Would not throngs of reporters and cameras follow Mary and Joseph around Bethlehem as they sought shelter? Would not the plight of a woman about to give birth raise awareness to the point that all her needs and those of her child would be provided? And if it were then discovered that Joseph was not the child’s father, wouldn't that raise all kinds of speculation about the identity and whereabouts of the child's biological father? How would Mary's testimony regarding her pregnancy be viewed by the pundits?

Perhaps we indeed are suffering from information overload.

The Gospels give us - as concisely as possible - the story of Jesus. Most certainly, there have been scores of people - some even within the Gospels themselves - who have asked questions, seeking to amplify the message contained within. Thousands of people received and accepted the story before it was even committed to its written form. We who have also received the Gospels can accept them in faith; and we should pray daily for the gift of faith and that it might be increased and strengthened, that it might shine brightly into every dark corner of our lives. God may or may not miraculously put an end to the trouble that constantly plagues us; but we can't put an end to it without Him, either.

To be joyful among reminder after reminder of all the bad news there is right now seems insane - but that is exactly what we must do. Our joy is muted. That joy must bear dignity and compassion to those whose joy has been taken. Acts of mercy have the power to restore joy where it has been taken, and to increase joy elsewhere.

Rejoice in the Lord always! I say it again, rejoice! The day of the Lord is coming...are you ready?

Until we meet again, may God be with you...and may God have mercy on us all...

+the Phoenix

The "Post" Revisited: Populos Sion - Your Popular Scion (or Sign)

The Second Sunday of Advent (Year A)

(from my archives, December 3, 2016)

 Welcome, God and All...

A few years back I took a whimsical look at the Latin Entrance Chants for the four Sundays in Advent. Of the three-year cycle, Year A featured all the original pre-Vatican II texts. For the text for the First Sunday of Advent, I took the opening words of Psalm 25, (Ad te levabi...) "To You, O Lord, I lift my soul...") and in an unusual play on words. came up with "To Your Levis", a brief commentary on the growing trend of online shopping for the holiday, more often in pajamas than jeans. It led, like the reflection below, led to something more of a seasonal spiritual reflection.

The second weekend of Advent begins with an antiphon from Isaiah 30:19. The Latin text is "Populus Sion"; in English, "People of Zion”; but over time became rendered as "Popular Scion", a nod to the Japanese sub-compact car. A holiday tradition developed with cars of this size, beginning with the Volkswagen Beetle. How many people can you pack into one of these vehicles? Then it's off to the mall for shopping, and the subsequent cramming the passengers AND their packages back into that small car. I understand one enterprising young Russian man used this experience to develop the video game Tetris.

But the Scion is a recent casualty as well as a development. With the faltering economy of the 21st Century, parent Toyota stopped producing the Scion; apparently it was not as popular as we thought. However, long before the automobile, we had the "Popular Sign." Burma Shave comes to mind. Also, the poor notion that people need "signs and wonders" in their own time to understand and believe in the presence of God and in the truth that his Son, Jesus came among humanity; and that his presence is still real and among us. More than a sign, it is the greatest gift; helping to establish the tradition of the exchange of gifts in this holy season. 

More importantly, we are urged to share the gifts we receive. I'm not talking about sharing unmentionables here, but gifts of compassion, mercy and love. St. Matthew (our featured evangelist in this liturgical year), writes: "The gift you have received, give as a gift" (Matthew 10:8) The staff at Presentation Ministries (presentationministries.com) posted an excellent reflection on the gift lists we should be considering this season. Regardless of potential risk, in the interest of sharing 'gifts' I'm posting their thoughts below.

One of the most famous (or infamous) Christmas songs from my childhood is "All I Want for Christmas is My Two Front Teeth." Sadly, if that's all you want, that may be all you'll get. I don't know about you, but I want a lot more than some teeth:

• I want the sick cured, the dead raised, the leprous healed, and demons expelled (Matthew 10:8).
• I want workers for the harvest (Matthew 9:38) and the kingdom of God on earth as it is in heaven (Matthew 6:10).
• I want a deep, totally committed relationship with Jesus, not only for me but also for every member of my family, my friends, and all of you.
• I want the baptism in the Spirit, the "streams of running water" (Isaiah 30:25), for every believer in the world.
• I want world evangelism, repentance, conversion, sanctification, and healing.
• I want an end to war, starvation, abortion, racism, and injustice.
• I want Jesus' Second Coming, the end of the world, and "new heavens and a new earth" (Revelation 21:1).
• I want to see Jesus face to face (1 Corinthians 13:12). 

That's what I want for Christmas. And my heavenly Father says (with compassion): "Is that all?"

Indeed, God's abundance is infinite. And this should be a sign for you (see Luke 2:12).

Until we meet again, Come, Emmanuel!

+the Phoenix