Archive for December, 2007
As 2008 Arrives: Point to the Future with Hope
Sunday, December 30th, 2007
“The Aiken Standard”
By the Rev. Jeffrey Kirby
Guest Columnist
The beginning of a new year is always an exciting time. As we start the New Year, we carry within us our memories, stories, and experiences of good times and bad, of successes and failures. We also carry the essential virtue of hope. In light of this hope, each of us reviews our life and composes a certain resolution or resolutions for change and improvement. Why?
We hope and aspire to become a better person in the coming year. We see an opportunity for a fresh start and new beginnings. Simple things like dieting and exercising, or harder things such as acts of kindness, intellectual pursuits, and spiritual commitments are some of the many possible desires of the heart at this time of annual renewal. We become people of great hope. What are the lessons that we can learn from these aspirations, and from this innate hope within us? Where do these human hopes lead us? What is their foundation?
Pope Benedict XVI can contribute a few thoughts on these questions. The pope recently released his second encyclical, which is a teaching letter on issues concerning the Christian faith. The pope dedicated this new letter to the very subject of hope.
The pope explains that “all serious and upright human conduct is hope in action.” He notes that by performing good deeds the person is striving to realize hope in himself and a more humane world around him. Pope Benedict, however, is concerned that human hope be grounded on the solid foundation of “the radiance of a great hope that cannot be destroyed,” and that hope itself does not end in the emptiness of despair or extremism.
In the letter, the pope teaches, “Only the great certitude of hope that my own life and history in general, despite all failures, are held firm by the indestructible power of Love, and that this gives them their meaning and importance, only this kind of hope can then give the courage to act and persevere.”
Pope Benedict argues that this great hope is God himself, and that each person is called to accept and find their strength in his message of love and peace. By hoping in God, all our human hopes can find their substance and impetus in him. In listening to the Gospel message, the pope writes that we “can open ourselves and the world, and allow God to enter: we can open ourselves to truth, to love, to what is good.”
The pope uses the image of “the star of hope” rising in the hearts of all people, and of its power to inspire and sustain people in their good and bad moments. He gives the example of the saints who “were able to make the journey of human existence in the way that Christ had done before them because they were brimming with great hope.”
Human hope, grounded on a great hope in God, can accomplish great things in this life. It can provoke a sense of justice and peace, and a desire to work and suffer for these spiritual goods. Even in the face of apparent failure or defeat, hope can carry and bring forth the best in a person and in a society.
As we make our New Year’s resolutions at the beginning of 2008, we all dwell in hope to become better people. The reflections offered by Pope Benedict XVI can help us. They can point the way to where the great source and stability of human hope can be found, and where it can be anchored.
The Rev. Jeffrey Kirby is currently the parochial vicar at St. Mary Help of Christians Catholic Church.
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MERRY CHRISTMAS!
Tuesday, December 25th, 2007
God has become a Man. He has fulfilled the ancient prophecies and answered his promises – He has come to seek and save what was lost. Rejoice!
A blessed and merry Christmas to all. May you and your loved ones have a hope-filled and joyous celebration of Christ’s holy Birth.
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ERO CRAS
Monday, December 24th, 2007
Ero Cras!
Assembling the antiphons, we see a message contained within them.
Starting from the last antiphon, and using only the first letter, we have:
E (Emmanuel)
R (Rex)
O (Oriens)
C (Clavis)
R (Radix)
A (Adonai)
S (Sapientia)
Together these form the expression: Ero Cras.
Throughout the antiphons the Church petitions the Lord Jesus to “Come!”
The expression, “Ero Cras,” is his response. The expression translates into English as:
“I WILL BE THERE (TOMORROW)!”
The Lord Jesus calls us to look for him in the celebration of his sacred Nativity and to anticipate his coming again in glory.
The antiphons sing out that the Lord is with us. We are called to look for him and to await his arrival with joy.
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Entry for Monday, December 24, 2007
Monday, December 24th, 2007
O Come, O Come Emmanuel!
The antiphon for Saturday, December 22 was:
O Rex Gentium, et desideratus earum, lapisque angularis, qui facis utraque unum: veni, et salva hominem, quem de limo formasti.
“O King of the nations, and their desire, the cornerstone making both one: Come, and save the human race, which you fashioned from clay.”
Again, the petition “Come,” is repeated. It is significant to remember the “R” of Rex (King).
***
The antiphon for Sunday, December 23 was:
O Emmanuel, Rex et legifer noster, exspectatio Gentium, et Salvador earum: veni ad salvandum nos, Domine, Deus noster.
“O Emmanuel, our king and our lawgiver, the hope of the nations and their Savior: Come and save us, O Lord our God.”
The petition “Come” is said again. It is significant to remember the “E” of Emmanuel.
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Entry for Friday, December 21, 2007
Friday, December 21st, 2007
O Come, O Come Emmanuel!
Today I was able to spend the day with my family. My brother was in from Texas and the whole gang was around. It was a grace to see my brother and sister and their families, and to be all together. I ask the Lord to protect and keep us all safe. Family is one of God’s greatest blessings.
***
The antiphon for today is:
O Oriens, splendor lucis aeternnae, et sol justitiae: veni, et illumina sedentes in tenebris, et umbra mortis.
“O Sunrise, splendor of light eternal and sun of righteousness: Come, and enlighten those who dwell in darkness and the shadow of death.”
Again, we see the petition “Come,” and it’s significant to remember the “O” of Oriens (Sunrise).
***
The Middle School students gave some great answers to Sunday’s questions. I want to commend Mary Elizabeth, Xavier, Jon Michael, Kassidy, Michael, Josh, Curtis, and Jacob for their explanations. They answered well when they explained that the use of the rose color for the Third Sunday of Advent’s candle and priest’s vestments was a symbol of joy.
The color rose is associated with joy and with the lessening of the severity of the color purple, which is a sign of the lessening of the Advent observance and a shift of focus.
The Church is called to rejoice because the waiting is almost over, and Christ will be in our midst soon.
It’s a visible marker that the Advent season now changes its focus from the waiting for the Second Coming of Christ to his first, historical coming in Bethlehem over 2,000 years ago.
This coming Sunday we observe the last of the Advent Sundays, and we will hear the Christmas story proclaimed by the Church. It’s a further summons and challenge to prepare for the anniversary of Christ’s first coming (and the preparation for his Second Coming at the end of time).
I commend the students for their precise and clear answers. Good job! I pray you and your families have a blessed Advent and Merry Christmas!
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Entry for Thursday, December 20, 2007
Thursday, December 20th, 2007
O Come, O Come Emmanuel!
I’d like to take a few lines and discuss the “O Antiphons.” Beginning on December 17 the Church begins to intensify her preparation for the coming of the Lord Jesus. The nine days leading up to Christmas are especially marked and celebrated by these antiphons (chanted verses).
***
The first antiphon on Monday, December 17 was:
O Sapientia, quae ex ore Altissimi prodiisti, attingens a fine usque ad finem, fortiter suaviterque disponens omnia: veni ad docendum nos viam prudentiae.
“O Wisdom, coming forth from the mouth of the Most High, reaching from one end to the other, mightily and sweetly ordering all things: Come and teach us the way of prudence.”
The petition “Come” is important, and for this first antiphon it is significant to remember the “S” of Saptientia.
***
The second antiphon on Tuesday, December 18 was:
O Adonai, et Dux domus Israel, qui Moysi in igne flammae rubi apparuisti, et ei in Sina legem dedisti: veni ad redimendum nos in brachio extento.
“O Adonai, and leader of the House of Israel, who appeared to Moses in the fire of the burning bush and gave him the law on Sinai: Come and redeem us with an outstretched arm.”
Again, we see the petition “Come.” It’s significant to remember the “A” of Adonai (Lord) for this second antiphon.
***
The third antiphon on Wednesday, December 19 was:
O Radix Jesse, qui stas in signum populorum, super quem continebunt reges os suum, quem Gentes deprecabuntur: veni ad liberandum nos, jam noli tardare.
“O Root of Jesse, standing as a sign among the peoples; before you kings will shut their mouths, to you the nations will make their prayer: Come and deliver us, and delay no longer.”
Again, we see the petition “Come,” and in this third antiphon, it is significant to remember the “R” of Radix (Root).
***
The fourth antiphon for today, Thursday, December 20 is:
O Clavis David, et sceptrum domus Israel; qui aperis, et nemo claudit; claudis, et nemo aperit: veni, et educ vinctum de domo carceris, sedentem in tenebris, et umbra mortis.
“O Key of David and scepter of the House of Israel; you open and no one can shut; you shut and no one can open: Come and lead the prisoners from the prison house, those who dwell in darkness and the shadow of death.”
Repeated again is the petition “Come,” and in this fourth antiphon, it is significant to remember the “C” of Clavis (Key).
***
Let us continue to watch for the Lord and to pray the O Antiphons together.
***
I see that the Middle School students answered the questions from Sunday. Tomorrow, I’ll comment on their answers and provide some more thoughts on the O Antiphons.
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Entry for Wednesday, December 19, 2007
Thursday, December 20th, 2007
O Come, O Come Emmanuel!
Today was the last day of class for the parochial school at St. Mary Help of Christians. The last two evenings we’ve had Christmas programs performed by the students. They did a great job! This morning we had the School Mass and the final homily on Advent. The students might recall the series: “Jesus is Coming” – “In Glory” – “Here and Now” – “In History.” These three expressions summarize the three “advents” of the Lord Jesus to humanity.
I wish the students and faculty of St. Mary Help of Christians a very blessed Advent and a heartfelt Merry Christmas!
God bless you and your families!
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Entry for Sunday, December 16, 2007
Sunday, December 16th, 2007
O Come, O Come Emmanuel!
On Friday, I visited with my mom in Columbia, and then headed to Charleston for a regular check-up with my doctor. After my appointment, I met up with some priest friends and had a great pre-Christmas celebration. There’s nothing more relaxing or enjoyable than an evening of stories, laughter, and good food.
***
For Saturday, I was back in Aiken, and it was a day full of the sacraments. We had an Anointing Mass, followed by First Confessions, and then some home visits. This was followed by lunch and then parish Confessions, and the Saturday Anticipated Mass. To round out the day, the evening was spent with the LifeTeen group and parents for an Advent party at a local Mexican restaurant. It was a day full of God’s grace. Can we ask for anything more?
***
Today, however, the Word of God certainly strikes to the heart. The Lord Jesus teaches us about his precursor. He elevates St. John the Baptist, but then affirms that the members of the kingdom are far greater than St. John, the last Old Testament prophet. What a dignity the Lord bestows upon us in his new and eternal covenant!
During this time, I am often reminded of the Lord Jesus’ exhortation that many have wanted to see what we can see, and to hear what we can hear. I hope that all the disciples of Christ live in this gratitude and joy (most especially I ask this grace for myself).
The Church commemorates this Third Sunday of Advent as “Gaudete” Sunday, translated as “Rejoice Sunday.” It’s the imperative form, and is taken from St. Paul’s letters, when he commands: “Rejoice in the Lord always, again, I say, rejoice!” It’s the middle of Advent and things will begin to shift. The first phase of Advent, which focuses on the end of time, now moves to the second phase of Advent, which recalls the first, historical coming of Jesus in Bethlehem. It’s a time to rejoice – to celebrate! It’s a time for our immediate preparation for the remembrance and joyful observance of the Lord Jesus’ Incarnation and Birth.
***
Related to the above, I’d like to ask the Middle School students of St. Mary Help of Christians: For the Third Sunday of Advent, why does the Church use rose? Why does the priest wear rose? Why is the candle for this Sunday of rose color, and not purple? Have fun!
***
Tomorrow begins the O Antiphons. I’ll write more about them soon, and why they are important.
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Entry for December 12, 2007
Wednesday, December 12th, 2007
O Come, O Come Emmanuel!
Today is the actual feast day of Our Lady of Guadalupe. We had a special bi-lingual Mass for the parochial school. Fr. Javier, who is visiting from Mexico, told the students the story of Guadalupe in English. Meanwhile, I presided and celebrated the Mass in Spanish. If that seems backwards, it was partially planned that way. The idea was to emphasize to the students that we are all ONE community, and that each of us has to leave our comfort zones in order to build the Body of Christ.
It was a hard but good lesson for everyone (especially me).
The picture above is from our celebrations this past Sunday for Our Lady. It has been a whirlwind of days of celebration. I don’t think I’ll ever forget this year’s observances of the feast day!
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Entry for Tuesday, December 11, 2007
Tuesday, December 11th, 2007
O Come, O Come Emmanuel!
Every Tuesday and Thursday morning the parish offers Mass at one of the eight nursing homes in the area with a Catholic population. The Mass this morning was especially full and the residents of the nursing home were very welcoming and attentive to the homily. It’s such a lesson for me to celebrate and be at the nursing homes. The experience seems to integrate and deepen my priesthood more than I expect and seem to understand.
***
I see that the Middle School students responded to the question from Sunday’s blog entry.
Jenni and Mary Elizabeth both responded that the best guide for Advent was the Blessed Virgin Mary. Jenni explains that Mary’s example and wisdom could be helpful to us, and Mary Elizabeth notes that Mary took care of and taught Jesus. We should ask her to do the same for us, and ask her to teach us to do these for others. These were great answers and explanations!
Jose goes right to the Source. He explains that Jesus and the Holy Spirit are out best guides. Bravo! Of course, Jesus is our only Guide to the Father, and the Holy Spirit guides and protects the Church until Jesus returns. But, if we extended the question some more, who in the Church could help us to approach Jesus and to hear the Holy Spirit? Maybe the Blessed Virgin Mary, like Jenni and Mary Elizabeth propose?
Dominic notes a great living guide in the Church today. He argues that Pope Benedict XVI is our greatest guide. And that’s a superb answer! We can see that Dominic is living up to his name (remember that St. Dominic founded the Dominican Order which greatly defends the Faith and the Pope).
Some anonymous students also mentioned the Holy Spirit, the Pope, and priests. Good answers.
All of the students gave organized and good answers. I really enjoyed reading them! The only other person I would suggest is …. St. John the Baptist. Remember that we heard from him this past Sunday at Mass and we’ll see him again in the coming Sunday of Advent. St. John the Baptist is considered the last Old Testament prophet. HIs only job was to prepare the way of the Lord. He did that 2,000 years ago, and he wants to help us do that now in our own lives.
I want to thank the students who researched the prayer intentions for December. You all nailed them! Bravo! Please pass them along to people, and ask for them to pray those intentions.
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