Well another Christmas has come and gone and as always it was beautiful. We started Christmas Eve exchanging gifts and even though the kids are really young adults they were still giddy and excited. Though this year they were more excited about the gifts that they bought us! Really a nice emotion in them to observe.
After that my wife and daughter and myself went to Midnight Mass which again was beautiful as our wonderful 80 year old interim priest Father E did a wonderful job. This man just loves spreading the word and he really has been a true servant of god through his years!
Yes things went by very nicely. I guess the only thing that really started to bother me was the total lack of the recognition of Christ in Christmas. Every place Happy Holidays or Enjoy the Festive Season was around. Makes one wonder what is wrong in the world these days.
It is funny as one of the parishioners told me just before Christmas. When he goes shopping and they wish him Happy Holidays he says I am not going on vacation! I am getting ready for Christmas the birth of Jesus!
Take Care and God Bless!
Sunday, December 27, 2009
The Sunday Reading
Holy Family
1st Reading : 1 S 1:20-22; 24-28
Hannah became pregnant. She gave birth to a son and called him Samuel because she said: “I have asked Yahweh to give him to me.”
Once more Elkanah went to the temple with his family to offer his yearly sacrifice and to pay his vow to Yahweh. Hannah would not go along but she said to her husband, “I will bring the child there as soon as he is weaned. He shall be presented to Yahweh and stay there forever.”
When the child was weaned, Hannah took him with her along with a three-year-old bull, a measure of flour and a flask of wine, and she brought him to Yahweh’s house at Shiloh . The child was still young.
After they had slain the bull, they brought the child to Eli. Hannah exclaimed: “Oh, my lord, look! I am the woman who was standing here in your presence, praying to Yahweh. I asked for this child and Yahweh granted me the favor I begged of him. Now, I think, Yahweh is asking for this child. As long as he lives, he belongs to Yahweh.”
And they worshiped Yahweh there.
Responsorial Psalm
Ps 128:1-2, 3, 4-5
(cf. 1) Blessed are those who fear the Lord and walk in his ways.
Blessed is everyone who fears the LORD, who walks in his ways!
For you shall eat the fruit of your handiwork; blessed shall you be, and favored.
Blessed are those who fear the Lord and walk in his ways..
Your wife shall be like a fruitful vine in the recesses of your home;
your children like olive plants around your table.
Blessed are those who fear the Lord and walk in his ways.
Behold, thus is the man blessed who fears the LORD.
The LORD bless you from Zion : may you see the prosperity of Jerusalem all the days of your life.
Blessed are those who fear the Lord and walk in his ways.
2nd Reading : 1 Jn 3:1-2, 21-24
See what singular love the Father has for us: we are called children of God, and we really are. This is why the world does not know us, because it did not know him.
Beloved, we are God’s children and what we shall be has not yet been shown. Yet when he appears in his glory, we know that we shall be like him, for then we shall see him as he is.
When our conscience does not condemn us, dear friends, we may have complete confidence in God. Then whatever we ask we shall receive, since we keep his commands and do what pleases him.
His command is that we believe in the Name of his Son Jesus Christ and that we love one another, as he has commanded us.
Whoever keeps his commands remains in God and God in him. It is by the Spirit God has given us that we know he lives in us.
Gospel: Lk 2:41-52
Every year the parents of Jesus went to Jerusalem for the Feast of the Passover, as was customary. And when Jesus was twelve years old, he went up with them according to the custom for this feast. After the festival was over, they returned, but the boy Jesus remained in Jerusalem and his parents did not know it.
They thought he was in the company and after walking the whole day they looked for him among their relatives and friends. As they did not find him, they went back to Jerusalem searching for him, and on the third day they found him in the Temple , sitting among the teachers, listening to them and asking questions. And all the people were amazed at his understanding and his answers.
His parents were very surprised when they saw him and his mother said to him, “Son, why have you done this to us? Your father and I were very worried while searching for you.” Then he said to them, “Why were you looking for me? Do you not know that I must be in my Father’s house?” But they did not understand this answer.
Jesus went down with them, returning to Nazareth , and he continued to be subject to them. As for his mother, she kept all these things in her heart.
And Jesus increased in wisdom and age, and in divine and human favor.
Sunday, December 20, 2009
The Sunday Readings
th Sunday of Advent
►1st Reading: Mic 5:1–4a
The Lord says this, “You, Bethlehem Ephrathah, so small that you are hardly named among the clans of Judah, from you shall I raise the one who is to rule over Israel. For he comes forth from of old, from the ancient times.
Yahweh, therefore, will abandon Israel until such time as she who is to give birth has given birth. Then the rest of his deported brothers will return to the people of Israel.
He will stand and shepherd his flock with the strength of Yahweh, in the glorious Name of Yahweh, his God. They will live safely while he wins renown to the ends of the earth. He shall be peace.”
When the Assyrian invades our land and sets foot on our territory, we will raise against him not one but seven shepherds, eight warlords.
►2nd Reading: Heb 10:5–10
This is why on entering the world, Christ says: You did not desire sacrifice and offering; you were not pleased with burnt offerings and sin offerings. Then I said: “Here I am. It was written of me in the scroll. I will do your will, O God.”
First he says: Sacrifice, offerings, burnt offerings and sin offerings you did not desire nor were you pleased with them-although they were required by the Law. Then he says: Here I am to do your will.
This is enough to nullify the first will and establish the new. Now, by this will of God, we are sanctified at once by the sacrifice of the body of Christ Jesus.
►Gospel: Lk 1:39–45
Mary then set out for a town in the Hills of Judah. She entered the house of Zechariah and greeted Elizabeth. When Elizabeth heard Mary’s greeting, the baby leapt in her womb. Elizabeth was filled with Holy Spirit, and giving a loud cry, said, “You are most blessed among women and blessed is the fruit of your womb! How is it that the mother of my Lord comes to me? The moment your greeting sounded in my ears, the baby within me suddenly leapt for joy. Blessed are you who believed that the Lord’s word would come true!”
Sunday, December 13, 2009
The Sunday Reading
3rd Sunday of Advent
1st Reading : Zeph 3:14-18a
Cry out with joy, O daughter of Zion ; rejoice, O people of Israel ! Sing joyfully with all your heart, daughter of Jerusalem !
Yahweh has lifted your sentence and has driven your enemies away. Yahweh, the King of Israel is with you; do not fear any misfortune.
2nd Reading : Phil 4:4-7
Rejoice in the Lord always. I say it again: rejoice and may everyone experience your gentle and understanding heart.. The Lord is near: do not be anxious about anything. In everything resort to prayer and supplication together with thanksgiving and bring your requests before God. Then the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will keep your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.
Gospel: Lk 3:10-18
The people asked John, “What are we to do?” And John answered, “If you have two coats, give one to the person who has none; and if you have food, do the same.”
Even tax collectors came to be baptized and asked him, “Master, what must we do?” John said to them, “Collect no more than your fixed rate.” People serving as soldiers asked John, “What about us? What are we to do?” And he answered, “Don’t take anything by force or threaten the people by denouncing them falsely. Be content with your pay.”
The people were wondering about John’s identity, “Could he be the Messiah?” Then John answered them, “I baptize you with water, but the one who is coming will do much more: he will baptize you with Holy Spirit and fire. As for me, I am not worthy to untie his sandal. He comes with a winnowing fan to clear his threshing floor and gather the grain into his barn. But the chaff he will burn with fire that never goes out.”
With these and many other words John announced the Good News to the people.
1st Reading : Zeph 3:14-18a
Cry out with joy, O daughter of Zion ; rejoice, O people of Israel ! Sing joyfully with all your heart, daughter of Jerusalem !
Yahweh has lifted your sentence and has driven your enemies away. Yahweh, the King of Israel is with you; do not fear any misfortune.
On that day they will say to Jerusalem : Do not be afraid nor let your hands tremble, for Yahweh your God is within you, Yahweh, saving warrior. He will jump for joy on seeing you, for he has revived his love. For you he will cry out with joy, as you do in the days of the Feast.
Responsorial Psalm
Is 12:2-3, 4, 5-6
R. (6) Cry out with joy and gladness: for among you is the great and Holy One of Israel .
God indeed is my savior; I am confident and unafraid.
My strength and my courage is the LORD, and he has been my savior.
With joy you will draw water at the fountain of salvation.
R. Cry out with joy and gladness: for among you is the great and Holy One of Israel .
Give thanks to the LORD, acclaim his name; among the nations make known his deeds,
proclaim how exalted is his name
R. Cry out with joy and gladness: for among you is the great and Holy One of Israel .
Sing praise to the LORD for his glorious achievement; let this be known throughout all the earth.
Shout with exultation, O city of Zion , for great in your midst is the Holy One of Israel!
R. Cry out with joy and gladness: for among you is the great and Holy One of Israel .
2nd Reading : Phil 4:4-7
Rejoice in the Lord always. I say it again: rejoice and may everyone experience your gentle and understanding heart.. The Lord is near: do not be anxious about anything. In everything resort to prayer and supplication together with thanksgiving and bring your requests before God. Then the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will keep your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.
Gospel: Lk 3:10-18
The people asked John, “What are we to do?” And John answered, “If you have two coats, give one to the person who has none; and if you have food, do the same.”
Even tax collectors came to be baptized and asked him, “Master, what must we do?” John said to them, “Collect no more than your fixed rate.” People serving as soldiers asked John, “What about us? What are we to do?” And he answered, “Don’t take anything by force or threaten the people by denouncing them falsely. Be content with your pay.”
The people were wondering about John’s identity, “Could he be the Messiah?” Then John answered them, “I baptize you with water, but the one who is coming will do much more: he will baptize you with Holy Spirit and fire. As for me, I am not worthy to untie his sandal. He comes with a winnowing fan to clear his threshing floor and gather the grain into his barn. But the chaff he will burn with fire that never goes out.”
With these and many other words John announced the Good News to the people.
Saturday, December 12, 2009
Silence Broken
Good Day Everyone!
Again it has been a few weeks since I last had an entry. I guess my life is so dull even I can't justify writing about it but today I will break the silence. Yes I will fill you in with some on going mundane happenings and thoughts.
Well back at the parish we are no closer to have a parish priest than I am in becoming one! Maybe I should apply? We have now been told instead of getting a new parish priest last month that it could be up to a year before we see one! Thank god for Father Andrew who has come in for the faithful and at 80 years of age appears to be getting younger. We have also been informed the Hungarian Bishop for Hungarians outside of Hungary that his Canada Assistant might be coming out for the Christmas Masses but again it is not confirmed. Is my view correct that this parish will not get a priest? I pray and hope that we do as I love my small parish. It not only gives a direct connection with our Lord but also with a rich cultural history. Since I have turned my outlook around and tried to learn about and come back to my faith my biggest regret in life has been all the years I threw away and wasted not going and learning about the church or my cultural heritage and this will be my regret to the grave. On the first regret I can only hope that the Lord forgives me and on the second about my culture again all I can hope is that on my day of judgment that the Lord takes pity on me. It would be ironic though as I attempt to return to my faith and cultural roots the parish closes!!!
Is it just me or are you also fed up with the crap in the news. Do we really need to know about Tiger's infidelity? I am so sick of media and reporting of news. I guess this diverts the our attention about homelessness and poverty here at home especially at this time of year and after the economic mess our leaders have thrown us into. Yes I can see Tiger's problems helping the poor and homeless, NOT! Sometimes the world around us well not sometimes it looks like all the time now is out of control. Thankfully I have in the last few years found enough sense in my head to start looking at church writings and reading the daily readings. I guess you can say it is my daily anchor to the real reality and not the media created reality around us.
Talking about anchors I seem to keep trying at times to outrun mine but at least now I get pulled back. Today I found a great Rosary sight and for a newbie to this aspect I found it very helpful. Yes it can be considered The Holy rosary for dummies as you click along and recite the Rosary but to me it is great aid in teaching me the Rosary. Check it out and if you are like me you will enjoy the back ground choir. Here is the link and I will also put it into my Links on the sidebar.
Well that is all for now. Please take care and God Bless!!!
Sunday, December 6, 2009
The Sunday Reading
December 6
Sunday
2nd Sunday of Advent
1st Reading : Bar 5:1-9
Jerusalem , put off your garment of mourning and unhappiness, put on the splendor and glory of God forever.
Wrap yourself in the mantle of holiness that comes from God, put on your head the crown of glory of the Eternal One.
For God will show your splendor to every being under Heaven.
He will call your name forever, “Peace in Justice” and “Glory in the Fear of the Lord.”
Rise up, Jerusalem , stand on the heights. Look towards the East and see your children gathered together from the setting of the sun to its rising, by the voice of the Holy One, rejoicing because God has remembered them.
They left you on foot, taken away by the enemy. God will lead them back, carried gloriously like royal princes.
For God has resolved to bring low every high mountain and the everlasting hills, to fill up the valleys and level out the ground, in order that Israel may walk in safety under the Glory of God.
2nd Reading : Phil 1:4-6, 8-11
When I pray for you, I pray with joy. I cannot forget all you shared with me in the service of the Gospel, from the first day until now. Since God began such a good work in you, I am certain that he will complete it in the day of Christ Jesus.
God knows that I love you dearly with the love of Christ Jesus, and in my prayers I ask that your love may lead you each day to a deeper knowledge and clearer discernment, that you may have good criteria for everything. So you may be pure of heart and come blameless to the day of Christ, filled with the fruit of holiness that comes through Christ Jesus, for the glory and praise of God.
Gospel: Lk 3:1-6
It was the fifteenth year of the rule of the Emperor Tiberius; Pontius Pilatus was governor of Judea; Herod ruled over Galilee, his brother Philip ruled over the country of Iturea and Trachonitis, and Lysanias over Abilene . Annas and Caiaphas were the High Priests at that time when the word of God came to John, the son of Zechariah in the desert.
John proclaimed a baptism for repentant people to obtain forgiveness of sins and he went through the whole country bordering the Jordan River . It was just as is written in the book of the prophet Isaiah: listen to this voice crying out in the desert: prepare the way of the Lord, make his path straight. The valleys will be filled and the mountains and hills made low. Everything crooked will be made straight and the rough paths smooth; and every mortal will see the salvation of God.
Sunday
2nd Sunday of Advent
1st Reading : Bar 5:1-9
Jerusalem , put off your garment of mourning and unhappiness, put on the splendor and glory of God forever.
Wrap yourself in the mantle of holiness that comes from God, put on your head the crown of glory of the Eternal One.
For God will show your splendor to every being under Heaven.
He will call your name forever, “Peace in Justice” and “Glory in the Fear of the Lord.”
Rise up, Jerusalem , stand on the heights. Look towards the East and see your children gathered together from the setting of the sun to its rising, by the voice of the Holy One, rejoicing because God has remembered them.
They left you on foot, taken away by the enemy. God will lead them back, carried gloriously like royal princes.
For God has resolved to bring low every high mountain and the everlasting hills, to fill up the valleys and level out the ground, in order that Israel may walk in safety under the Glory of God.
Even the forests and the fragrant trees will give shade to Israel at God’s command. For God will lead Israel with joy by the light of his Glory, escorting them with his mercy and justice.
Responsorial Psalm
Ps 126:1-2, 2-3, 4-5, 6
R. (3) The Lord has done great things for us; we are filled with joy.
When the LORD brought back the captives of Zion ,
we were like men dreaming.
Then our mouth was filled with laughter,
and our tongue with rejoicing.
R. The Lord has done great things for us; we are filled with joy.
Then they said among the nations,
“The LORD has done great things for them.”
The LORD has done great things for us;
we are glad indeed.
R. The Lord has done great things for us; we are filled with joy.
Restore our fortunes, O LORD,
like the torrents in the southern desert.
Those who sow in tears
shall reap rejoicing.
R. The Lord has done great things for us; we are filled with joy.
Although they go forth weeping,
carrying the seed to be sown,
They shall come back rejoicing,
carrying their sheaves.
R. The Lord has done great things for us; we are filled with joy.
2nd Reading : Phil 1:4-6, 8-11
When I pray for you, I pray with joy. I cannot forget all you shared with me in the service of the Gospel, from the first day until now. Since God began such a good work in you, I am certain that he will complete it in the day of Christ Jesus.
God knows that I love you dearly with the love of Christ Jesus, and in my prayers I ask that your love may lead you each day to a deeper knowledge and clearer discernment, that you may have good criteria for everything. So you may be pure of heart and come blameless to the day of Christ, filled with the fruit of holiness that comes through Christ Jesus, for the glory and praise of God.
Gospel: Lk 3:1-6
It was the fifteenth year of the rule of the Emperor Tiberius; Pontius Pilatus was governor of Judea; Herod ruled over Galilee, his brother Philip ruled over the country of Iturea and Trachonitis, and Lysanias over Abilene . Annas and Caiaphas were the High Priests at that time when the word of God came to John, the son of Zechariah in the desert.
John proclaimed a baptism for repentant people to obtain forgiveness of sins and he went through the whole country bordering the Jordan River . It was just as is written in the book of the prophet Isaiah: listen to this voice crying out in the desert: prepare the way of the Lord, make his path straight. The valleys will be filled and the mountains and hills made low. Everything crooked will be made straight and the rough paths smooth; and every mortal will see the salvation of God.
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