Taking yet another step

Did you know that Canadians were the first to observe the Feast of the Holy Family? Yes, that's true! If this Feast is observed in present day in other parts of the world, then Canadian Catholics are to be thanked for originating this particular observance. Yea for us!

Speaking of firsts, I made another leap into the realm of modern-day electronic communications today. Starting today, the homilies that have been podcast for the last year or so are now live!

When I began this venture last October, I wanted very much to record the spoken reflections live while they were being spoken to the congregation, however it has taken a little bit of time to get all the ducks in a row. Finally I managed to procure the necessary equipment, thanks to our established customs of exchanging gifts on the occasion of Jesus' birthday.

In addition, I conscripted the help of the lucky person who happened to be scheduled as lector at the liturgy this morning, and asked her to take charge of the recording device. Cudos for the wonderfully clear recording. I'm still learning about all the ups and downs, ins and outs of the technical world and how it's best suited to proclaiming the word to those who can't be with us in person.

Perhaps it's apropos that my reflection for this weekend focused on family, since we are all part of God's family, even those who aren't with us in person. If you know of someone who might be excited to try out listening to these musings on the web, or even if you think someone needs to hear these words, feel free to pass the word along. You might be surprised at the results, and people might even thank you for the suggestion.

As always, you can read the text of my reflection on the holiness of families or you can listen to the podcast. Beginning with this post, we are also including the entire Liturgy of the Word, beginning with the proclamation of the readings upon which this reflection is based, and concluding with the Prayers of the Faithful which were offered at today's Mass.

We are always looking for ways to make your on-line experience more enjoyable. If you have a suggestion about an improvement that we might consider, please send an email.

King Wensaslaus and Saint Stephen

The Christmas season which is celebrated in the Church from the Feast of the Nativity of the Lord (December 25) until the Feast of the Baptism of the Lord is characterized by joy and festivities of various sorts. In particular the music of this time is some of the most well known throughout the world. Various melodies have been adapted and words inserted depending on various languages and customs, but regardless, the musical traditions are among the most well known.

Take for example the English carol Good King Wesceslaus. According to one source, the words to this carol were composed in 1853 but the music has been in existence since the sixteenth century. The carol in question refers to the Feast of Saint Stephen, a deacon in the early Church who is believed to be the first Martyr. Stephen is venerated as a saint in both the Roman Catholic Church and the Orthodox Church.

According to the account written in the Acts of the Apostles, the apostles and the early Christians appointed 7 deacons to attend to such things as the distribution of aid to elderly widows. Probably a Hellenist himself, Stephen was well known for his oratory skills. In fact the account of his martyrdom speaks of the fact that even as he was being stoned as punishment for apparently having spoken out against the Sanhedrin, for blasphemy against Moses and for speaking out against the Temple and the Law (Acts 6:13-14), he continued to teach about Jesus and the Gospel he had come to proclaim.

The first evidence of Saint Stephen being venerated in the Church dates back to the fifth century. The first mention of veneration of the Tomb of Saint Stephen appears in 415 AD. When Christian pilgrims were traveling in large numbers to Jerusalem, a priest by the name of Lucian apparently reported knowledge of Stephen's tomb existing somewhere north of Jerusalem.

In some parts of the world, Saint Stephen's Day is a public holiday but it continues to be an observance of one of the oldest recognized days consecrated to the memory of one of our own who dedicated his life to the service of the Church, to helping the poor and the abandoned of his time. The mission of the Church continues even today, and is perhaps nowhere more recognized than when we concentrate on the needs of the less fortunate among us.

As we give thanks today for the abundant blessings that are ours, let us not forget that the fortune we have is indeed very rare, and that there are many this day who still seek the most basic of comforts, the welcome and warmth which can be called home, and the acceptance of others who truly love us and who share a part of their story of faith with us.

Christmas for children

Normally, children look to adults for guidance and counselling, especially when it comes to learning the most valuable lessons of life. Parents for instance model for their children such important things as forgiveness, acceptance and love by the way that we demonstrate these traits to the little people in our lives.

Have you ever noticed how especially young children tend to soak up such experiences like human sponges? Sometimes I wonder whether adults just get lost in the heightened pace that our lives often seem to be traveling at, and seldom find the time for such reflection and learning.

Christmastime though is one of those magical times of year when adults who are lucky enough and wise enough to look to children for guidance, can learn a whole lot about trust, surrender and the power of a playful spirit to overcome many obstacles.

Charles Dickens knew this power and illustrated it in the heart of Ebenezer Scrooge, one of the most famous characters in English literature, and the source of some of the most powerful lessons about love and its power to change our hearts.

Other examples of the power that children have to change the hearts of those who consider themselves more experienced at the game of life may be found in the countless children's pagents which bring the Nativity to life.

Make some time for children in your life this Christmas. Dare to allow yourself to be taught the most important lessons of the season ... sometimes by the most unexpected of teachers.

Merry Christmas

Christmas has arrived, in some hearts like a lamb and in others like a lion.

As we spend time with family and friends in the coming days, it might not be a bad idea to pause for a moment to recognize the blessings we share. In some parts of the world, families are torn apart and cannot spend time together. In others, they choose not to because of unfortunate circumstnaces. But this is a time for family.

As clumsy and uncomfortable as the experience might be, the ideal is to recognize the gift of love that exists between siblings, parents, children and others who might knock at our door.

This Christmas, my reflection speaks of Christ and his family. They too did not necessarily have the most easy time of it, but they did manage to celebrate together because there was more than enough love. This is my wish for you ... that you will have enough, no more than enough love, laughter, joy and reasons to celebrate and give thanks.

As usual, you can choose to read the text of my homily or listen to the podcast. Whichever mode you choose, the wish is the same .... Merrry Christmas.

'Twas the night before Christmas

Here we are on the day before Christmas. If your life is anything like mine, the furthest thing from reality is the poetic imagery of not a creature stirring in the house ... not even the mice. Instead, we are often surrounded with all manner of last minute details to be attended to.

Even the decorations department might still be a bit behind. I for one only managed to get the annual village scene set up last night, where it joined the likes of the Christmas tree and the crèche. Increasing numbers of people choose to decorate the outside of their family dwellings with lights, but few have probably gone as far as to choriograph their light show with music on the side.

If this isn't enough, how about some examples of outside Christmas decorations from San Francisco? Since there is no snow, they actually create the illusion of snow and the rest of Santa's entouage ... all in lights!

Personally, I much prefer to dwell on other aspects of the Christmas season, such as the music that has been developed over the centuries. Whether it's instrumental renditions or somewhat more jazzed up vocal versions of the traditional favorites, music for the yule season has a character all its own.

As we celebrate the One who first gave us the gift of His presence, let us be thankful for the many traditions, old and young, that allow us to celebrate and give thanks for all that we have received.

Merry Christmas to all ... and to all a good night.

Joseph gets his moment in the sun

The limelight is usually focused on Mary by the time we get to the fourth Sunday of Advent, but this year, as we light all the candles around the Advent wreath, we turn our attention to the other figure in the story. What was it really like for poor Joseph to fit into this story?

Christian tradition speaks very little of the role of Joseph, and yet there are some important lessons here about commitment and caring for one another, if we have the patience and pondering hearts to consider the situation.

Brother André, c.s.c., of Saint Joseph's Oratory fame was one of the Canadians who probably worked most ardently to promote Joseph's cause. André was convinced that poor Joseph is often forgotten by many since he was a quiet figure in the story of Christianity. Like many others in our society who are often forgotten, he took it upon himself to never leave Joseph out, to pray to him each day, to do his part so that Joseph wouldn't fall into obscurity.

In the final days of Advent, as the world seems in some ways to be passing by us at a frantic pace and many are under great stress to make sure that all things are in place in time for the great festival of gift giving, perhaps we would do well to pause for a moment to consider some of the first gifts given, prayer, love, concern and care on the part of the young couple of Nazareth.

As always, you can read the text of my reflections on this matter, or if you prefer, you can listen to the podcast. I hope that these few thoughts might help to add a new understanding of the season and to enrich your experience of this holy season.

Simple acts

People spend their entire lives building relationships. From the time we are children, some of us put enormous amounts of time into developing friendships, and if we're really lucky, we come to appreciate the blessing of siblings and other members of our immediate families.

In former days, the family unit was so central to everything we did that we paid particular attention to our elders - grandparents and others who could no longer care for themselves. In some cases today, due to various reasons, the elderly among us are no longer able to stay in their own homes, and children are so busy with careers and other obligations that it is difficult if not impossible for them to care for their aging parents.

Unfortunately, this means that at least in some cases, the elderly among us suffer most from loneliness and depression. These realities are all the more prevelant as we near the celebration of Christmas, because this holiday is traditionally associated with family gatherings, with enjoying the company of good friends and with giving thanks for our abundant blessings.

It only takes a moment to visit with or call someone who is elderly or shut in due to illness. A kind word shared today can go a long way to mending bridges or to reinforcing the ties that bind us. Why not make someone's day today by reaching out to someone who you haven't spoken with for a while, or someone who you've been meaning to contact, or someone who'se been in the back of your mind? You might be surprised by the result, and the reward may just possibly be two fold.