Hello to a New Year

 It's the last day (night) before the new year! The new liturgical year that is, and it's so exciting to think about a new year ahead. Drawing to a close this year and anticipation for the next, and particularly Advent and getting ready for Christ's coming is such a beautiful and reflective time. 

All of the Mass readings have reflected in some way upon the end times, what's ahead and most of all Christ's return. The Gospel reading from yesterday was also another reminder. 

"Jesus told His disciples a parable. 'Consider the fig tree and all the other trees. When their buds burst open, you see for yourselves and know that summer is now near; in the same way, when you see these things happening, know that the Kingdom of God is near. Amen, I say to you, this generation will not pass away until all these things have taken place. Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will not pass away.' " Luke 21:29-33

How closely heaven is to earth and how Jesus makes his disciples and us understand higher things, spiritual things as we are so tied to earth and its own signs. The fig tree and one of my personal favorites, magnolia trees show their own signs in seasons. The fig tree is known for its fruitfulness in all seasons and what a great way to reflect and remind that that's how we are supposed to be as well. 

I can recall in former years attending a Catholic ministry dance on the cusp of the new liturgical year. Instead of it being a Christmas dance, I saw it more like a new years eve party with all the balloons, festivities and holiday attire. 

As I was in the church this evening (the same parish as the dance), I came reflecting upon this liturgical year as most of it was in 2020. And new things ahead, as well as resolutions for this season of Advent and into the Christmas season and New Year. The full moon tonight was beautiful and felt like an ending as well as a new beginning as it showcased the dusk sky so majestically. 

Happy Advent, and new liturgical year!!

Keeping the Light

 Today's Gospel reading of the ten virgins with their lamps and oil waiting for the bridegroom is a profound one. It's a reminder for us all as we near the ending of this liturgical year and start a new one. To be spiritually ready, watchful, alert, and awake. Lamps represent light and spreading God's light. And flasks of oil are the reserves, which the 5 foolish ones were not prepared for. As the Gospel of Matthew 25 says, "While they went off to buy it, the bridegroom came and those who ready went into the wedding feast with him. Then the door was locked."

Just a few weeks ago, I had plans to go to an early week day Mass. I felt that I was right on time but I quickly learned that I wasn't early enough, as the doors were locked. They were sealed tight and no one heard my knocking and pounding on the door in the shivering and the darkness of a Fall morning before sunrise. The bell rung as Mass began to start, and I felt so sad I couldn't partake and no one could hear me. I immediately thought of this Gospel reading in how the doors were locked, the rest of them weren't let inside even though they had some of their preparation with their lamps, but not enough oil to light them. 

It's a remarkable reminder as we contemplate what makes us prepared and ready for Christ's coming. I learned that day that waking up on time was crucial if I wanted to make it to Mass and start my day out right with the graces I need. The Magnificat read a beautiful reflection for the Gospel reading, and this is how it ended. "By penetrating words and keen, persuasive images, the patient Teacher is presently hard at work, forming virginal hearts in his hearers, showing them how to distill drop by drop the oil of fidelity and devotion into the lamps of their hearts, against the day when he, and no other, will come as ardent Lover, demanding a pure, flammable offering where his passion may eternally burn."