The Holy Family of Jesus, Mary, and Joseph - C

Commentary

Luke 2: 41-52

We Are God's Holy Family

Jesus' parents “looked for him among their relatives and acquaintances”.

Commentators often explain this practice of people at the time traveling in group for safety reason.

However, this line also reminds us of the role of the extended family and community in each person's spiritual journey. No one walks this journey alone. We can and need to support each other. The witness of people's faith encourages us to live our faith.

We are all “looking for Jesus” every moment of our life. We can seek him together. And we can find him present in each other. We then become the holy family, where the Son of God continues to be present in the flesh.

  

The Holy Family of Jesus, Mary, and Joseph - C (December 27, 2015)

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4th Sunday of Advent - C

Commentary

Luke 1: 39 – 45

“Blessed Are You”

On this last Sunday of Advent, St. Luke offers us the examples of two women who carry out God's will in their ordinary lives.

Mary, a young woman, goes to visit and helps an older relative in her time of needs. In doing so, she brings the Savior to her cousin Elizabeth and John, her son.

Elizabeth, from the natural movements of her son in her womb, recognizes the presence of the Savior.

Two women, ordinary by human standards, do ordinary things. Yet, one brings God and the gift of salvation. The other recognizes the unique blessing given to her and proclaims the presence of the Lord.

May we grow in awareness of the Lord's presence in our lives. Consequently, we would be more grateful and intentional of the opportunities and privilege of bringing God's Salvation and Love to others in the most ordinary moments of our lives.  

4th Sunday of Advent - C (December 20, 2015)

Readings

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3rd Sunday of Advent - C

Commentary

Luke 3: 10-18

What Should We Do?

The Gospel for this 3^rd Sunday of Advent continues with the preaching of John the Baptist in Luke that we began last week.

John's proclamation that “all flesh shall see the salvation of our God” and the invitation to prepare the way of the Lord had drawn people to him. In response to John's preaching, they asked, “What should we do?”

His response is two-fold. First, everybody only needs to do what is proper to their state of life and their responsibility. This is true even to those whose jobs were considered immoral or less than noble at the time. Tax collectors and soldiers were then agents of an illegitimate government. Yet, they also could do what was just.

Second, John calls all to share with others. “Whoever has two cloaks should share with the person who has none. And whoever has food should do likewise.”

In this way, John prepared the way for the One who is mightier than he, who comes to build a Kingdom of justice, peace, mercy and love.

3rd Sunday of Advent - C (December 13, 2015)

Readings

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2nd Sunday of Advent - C

Commentary

Luke 3: 1-6

“All Flesh Shall See the Salvation of God”

From the list of names, we have a sense that it was not an easy time when John the Baptist began preaching.  Pilate, Herod, the high priests Annas and Caiphas…  Pilate personifies the Roman occupation and oppression of not just Palestine but many peoples and nations.  His job is to protect Rome’s interests in the area under his watch.  He himself is described by historians as cruel.  Herod married his brother’s wife.  He is responsible for the decapitation of John.  He will appear also during the trial of Jesus.  Annas and Caiphas: we know them from the events leading to the crucifixion of Jesus.  In addition, they collaborated with the Roman occupying forces to stay in power.

Thus, by mentioning these people, Luke draws our attention to a time that for sure was not easy.  It was in fact a period of turmoil, of power struggle.  For many people, it was a dark moment in history.

To such a time, to people who lived in such a time, “the word of God came to John.”

John went about proclaiming to the people who lived in such time that Savior is near.  To them, he announced the time of fulfilment of God’s promise through Isaiah, “all flesh shall see the salvation of God.”

2nd Sunday of Advent - C (December 6, 2015)

Readings

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