Monday, December 25, 2017

This Our Day of Good News, Light and Salvation by Sam Miller

This Our Day of Good News, Light and Salvation by Sam Miller

“Happy the people who know You, Lord, who walk in the radiance of Your face!” (Psalm 89:16)

The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light; upon those who dwelt in the land of gloom a light has shone…For a child is born to us, a son is given us; upon his shoulder dominion rests. They name him Wonder-Counselor, God-Hero, Father-Forever, Prince of Peace.” (Isaiah 9:1, 5)

“Announce his salvation, day after day.” (Psalm 96:2b)

“Beloved: The grace of God has appeared, saving all” (Titus 2:11)

“The angel said to them, "Do not be afraid; for behold, I proclaim to you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. For today in the city of David a savior has been born for you who is Christ and Lord.” (Luke 2:10-11)

“A light will shine on us this day: the Lord is born for us.” (Responsorial Psalm Response)

“Beloved: When the kindness and generous love of God our savior appeared, not because of any righteous deeds we had done but because of his mercy, He saved us through the bath of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit, whom he richly poured out on us through Jesus Christ our savior, so that we might be justified by his grace and become heirs in hope of eternal life. (Titus 3:4-7)

“How beautiful upon the mountains are the feet of him who brings glad tidings, announcing peace, bearing good news, announcing salvationall the ends of the earth will behold the salvation of our God.” (Isaiah 10:7, 10)

“All the ends of the earth have seen the salvation by our God.” (Psalm 98:3b)

(God) “He has spoken to us through the Son, whom he made heir of all things and through whom he created the universe, who is the refulgence of his glory, the very imprint of his being, and who sustains all things by his mighty word.” (Hebrews 1:2-3a)

“In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God. All things came to be through him, and without him nothing came to be. What came to be through him was life, and this life was the light of the human race; the light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it…The true light, which enlightens everyone, was coming into the world. He was in the world, and the world came to be through himBut to those who did accept him he gave power to become children of God (John 1:1-5, 9-10a, 12a)

Piety
Maranatha! Lord of Life, Love, Power and Salvation, open the door of my heart to receive You anew. My Lord, “Who all the world cannot contain, come in my heart to dwell.”

Study
So, which Mass do I choose for this one Daily Tripod? Seems like just concentrating on the Mass During the Day might leave out some important information. I obviously checked out all of the readings, from the Vigil Mass through the Mass During Christmas Day and discovered lots of connections! Each Mass speaks of light, Good News, Salvation or saving power and Sonship or power to become heirs, children of God.

Paraphrasing Beth DeCristofaro’s, December 14 citing of Fr Richard Rohr’s teaching, mentions: In preparing for Christmas, we’re not talking about waiting for a little baby to be born, but welcoming the universal, cosmic Christ! We need to prepare as John was preparing the Way. We need to make room!

That really got my attention. Since then, I’ve heard, on different occasions, how worldly distractions crowd into the room we’re preparing, like shopping, baking, decorating, and more. The real grabber was when I heard something called “Mary’s Dream” on the Catholic Channel, Sirius XM. Mary was telling Joseph about a dream she’d had about parties with decorations and gifts. Though the parties were for Jesus, none of the gifts were for Him and He wasn’t even invited to attend! Please, Lord, bring me back to the proper preparation for You always!

“In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God. All things came to be through Him, and without Him nothing came to be.”

WOW, Wonder of Wonders!!! ALL that HISTORY, FROM THE BEGINNING, ALL that POWER, ALL that CLOSENESS, CONNECTEDNESS and ONENESS consented, said “YES”, to appearing in human form for my salvation, to overcome my darkness!!! By my accepting Him, through His power to save, I am HIM-powered to become a child of God!!!!
Action
In celebration of the wonder of this day, I’m reminded of a dear Priest who could NOT give an extemporaneous homily, he had to have prepared notes. He explained that shortly after his ordination, the pastor encouraged him to try an impromptu presentation and he just froze. Nothing came out when he opened his mouth! So, at a Saturday Vigil, when our Deacon was supposed to bring the homily and didn’t show up for Mass, Father “L” was at a loss. He read the Gospel and immediately said “Let’s take a few moments to reflect on what we’ve just heard.” and sat down to do some reflecting himself!

Reflect today on the Gift, the Love, the Light, the Saving power, the Present received and SHINING through our Lord, Jesus Christ!!!


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