by Sister Carolyn Zahringer
We are on the doorstep of Christmas. What preparations have we completed that will make a profound difference on how we celebrate Christmas this year?
In the Gospel we hear the familiar meeting of two pregnant cousins. One is older and has yearned for years for a child. One is much younger, who is filled with a generative innocence. Mary's innocence broke forth in a trusting faith response of "yes". In these two women we see God's plan from two perspectives: aged wisdom and youthful embrace. It is in the meeting of these two grace-filled women that we see a new reality about to emerge.
In this Year of Faith, may our individual journeys meet and bring forth something "new" for our day and time, for "nothing is impossible for God".
Reflection question:
How shall we enter into a deeper faith that births something
new? Oh God, help us to see.
chapter 6
, US Catholic Catechism for Adults
by Sister Mary Kabat
We are created in God's image. We are also born with the burden of original sin or as Father Richard Rohr calls it, "inherited sin", that tendency that takes us away from harmony and oneness with God. The first man and woman, created in God's image, were created for friendship with God and a life of harmony with all creation.
If so created, why do we find it so hard to choose to do what is right and good? We know the story of Adam and Eve and how the choice to sin disrupted their harmony with God. We live with that "inherited sin" and struggle to choose the good in our daily lives.
As we make our journey of faith, we are well aware of the forces within us which draw us to God or draw us to act with selfishness or malice. In frustration we may cry out like St. Paul, "Who will deliver me?" (Rom 7:24). We know the answer, Jesus Christ!
Merry Christmas! Thank you for all your prayers and kindness throughout the year!
Love,
The Santaga Family