December 29 2021 - St. Thomas Becket - The bloody Octave of Christmas

 

Within 4 days of Christmas, we have the celebration of St Stephen, martyred for the faith, St. John the Apostle, not martyred, but excruciatingly tortured for the faith, we have the slaughter of babies, on the Feast of the Holy Innocents yesterday, and then today, we have the martyrdom of St. Thomas Becket, a bishop of England who was assassinated on his Cathedral steps. It is almost as though the red poinsettias decorating the sanctuary and the church witness to the blood shed by those who love him.

Can’t we just sing cheerful Christmas carols for a few days? Why does it have to be so bloody? 

These bloody feast days following Christmas are a shocking reminder of the world’s hatred of the one born on Christmas. For it is clear that Jesus came to this world, ultimately to die. 

There is a little debate whether his crib, the manger of Bethlehem was made out of wood or stone. If wood, it reminds us of the wood of the cross; if stone, it reminds us of his tomb. His swaddling clothes which would bind his arms and feet as a baby point to his arms and legs bound to the cross, and to the linen shroud that would wrap him tightly at his burial.

The blood of the Christmas octave also reminds us that many of us too will share in Christ’s lot. This world hated Christ and had “no room for him.” Nor does it have room for us. The blood of martyrs stretches down through the centuries in testimony to the world’s hatred for authentic disciples of Christ and the truth they propose.

During the octave of Christmas, we celebrate our savior, we draw near to him to adore him, and worship him, and hold him close, that we may have the strength and courage and willingness to suffer for him, to exert the energy needed to pursue the sanctification of our souls for him.

Thomas Becket, when those four knights with swords drawn approached him in his Cathedral said, “I am ready to die for God.  I am ready to die for the defense of justice. I am ready to die for the freedom of the Church. Would only that my lifeblood might purchase Her peace and freedom”.

Where did he get that courage and readiness? He loved Christ more than anything. May we do the same. For the glory of God and salvation of souls.

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We bring forth now our prayers of petitions.

That the joyful celebration of our Savior’s birth bring renewed conviction for Christ’s truth to the Pope, all bishops, clergy, and lay faithful.

That our President and all leaders of nations may protect and promote religious liberty for all. 

For Christians who are persecuted throughout the world, especially those who face martyrdom, that they may have a faith that is constant and pure.

For those oppressed by hunger, sickness or loneliness, that through the mystery of the Nativity of Christ, they may find relief in both mind and body. 

For all who have died, and for all the poor souls in purgatory, and for X. for whom this Mass is offered.

Incline your merciful ear to our prayers, we ask, O Lord, and listen in kindness to the supplications of those who call on you. Through Christ our Lord

January 1 2018 - Solemnity of Mary, the Holy Mother of God

An octave of days has passed since the feast of the Lord’s Nativity.  Most of the world has already left the message of Christmas far behind. Some retail store, I’ve seen, have already begun to sell Valentine’s Day cards and candy. Even some Catholics looked at me quizzically when I wished them a Merry Christmas this weekend.

Yet, the Church in her wisdom realizes that celebrating the birth of the Savior is too great an occasion to be contained in a single, 24-hour day. This eighth day of Christmas is celebrated with particular solemnity, as we adore Christ embraced by the arms of his Mother.

Among the most ancient and important catacombs in Rome are the catacombs of St. Priscilla on the Via Salaria, east-northeast of the Vatican.  Painted on the walls of these catacombs are numerous frescoes that throw light on the faith of the early Church.  One fresco depicts the Virgin Mary seated, with the infant Jesus at her breast.  Next to her stands a man pointing to a star directly above, the star being the ancient Jewish symbol for the Messiah.

This Fresco, dating from the early 200s is the oldest known representation in art of Mary and Child.  This fresco evidences that, from the very beginning, the Church has placed Mary in a place of honor and devotion.  The Church has looked to this image of Mother and Child as containing profound spiritual truths for every Christian.

Just as babies are embraced in love by their mother; Mary embraces every Christian.

Just as babies learn to smile and sing in the arms of their mothers; so every Christian learns what real joy looks like, by looking to the face of the Mother, who finds her joy in doing the will of the heavenly Father, in caring for the life of the Son.

Just as babies learn talk, walk, eat, and clothe themselves, so also Christians are taught to talk, walk, think, feel, and act like Christ.  Mary nurtured and taught the Christ child, and she will nurture and teach us—how to put God first in our lives, how to serve him, how to be healed by him, how to be saved by him, that his peace and joy and strength may be ours.

From the cross, Jesus gave us Mary to be our Mother in the order of grace. If what St. Paul said is true, “God sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts, crying out, "Abba, Father!" Then we also, like the Son, turn to Mary, and cry, “Hail, Mother”

Throughout the Christmas octave, we’ve considered the example of martyrs and apostles who have followed Christ unto death. And on this octave Day, we look to the perfect disciple, the Mother Mary who gives herself without reserve to the person and work of her Son. Her self-giving and cooperation with Christ continues now, from her place in heaven. She always helps us to adore, contemplate, and follow Christ ever more faithfully, for the glory of God and salvation of souls.