Why do you
recognize the indwelling presence of the Lord Jesus in your life? Blessed are
you if you see and recognize the Lord with the "eyes of faith". The
word "blessed" [makarios in Greek] literally means
"happiness" or "beatitude". It describes a kind of joy
which is serene and untouchable, self-contained, and independent from chance
and changing circumstances of life. There is a certain paradox for those
"blessed" by the Lord. Mary was given the "blessedness" of
being the mother of the Son of God. That blessedness also would become a sword
which pierced her heart as her Son died upon the cross. Anselm, a great teacher
and Archbishop of Canterbury (1033-1109), spoke these words in a homily:
"Without God's Son nothing could exist; without Mary's son, nothing could
be redeemed." To be chosen by God is an awesome privilege and responsibility.
Mary received both a crown of joy and a cross of sorrow. Her joy was not
diminished by her sorrow because it was fueled by her faith, hope, and trust in
God and his promises. Jesus promised his disciples that "no one will take
your joy from you" (John 16:22). The Lord gives us a supernatural joy
which enables us to bear any sorrow or pain and which neither life nor death
can take away. Do you know the joy of a life given over to God in faith and
trust?
What is the significance of Mary's visit to her cousin Elizabeth before
the birth of Jesus? When Elizabeth greeted Mary and recognized the Messiah in
Mary's womb they were filled with the Holy Spirit and with a joyful
anticipation of the fulfillment of God's promise to give a Savior. What a
marvelous wonder for God to fill not only Elizabeth's heart with his Holy
Spirit but the child in her womb as well. John the Baptist, even before the
birth of the Messiah, pointed to his coming and leapt for joy in the womb of
his mother as the Holy Spirit revealed to him the presence of the King to be
born. The Holy Spirit is God's gift to us to enable us to know and experience
the indwelling presence of God and the power of his kingdom. The Holy Spirit is
the way in which God reigns within each of us.
Many thanks to those who were involved in our caring and sharing program.
Special thanks to Bev Carpenter for co-ordinating the event again this year.
Many volunteers and donors make this Christmas Sharing Program possible to
those in our community who are marginalized in any way. Thank-you for your
generosity!!
Looking forward to the days of Christmas….
Fr. Phil
