The Family Foundation School Catholic Community Bulletin
Pauca Verba – ( A Few Words)
Buon Natale!
There is sadness or poignancy with us always, but somehow Christmas brings it into sharper focus – we feel things more deeply perhaps this time of year.
The heart of the Catholic parish is the Mass. So at Christmas – at Mass – from the community’s heart – we remember prayerfully – the sick, the lonely, and those who are away from us. We remember those who have gone from us since last Christmas and those who are depressed or fearful. And we hear the angel’s message to all the world, “Do not be afraid; there’s good news!”
Jesus was born in the nighttime – name the night. Joseph and Mary were fatigued – name the fatigue. Jesus was born into an oppressive occupation – name the oppression and all that’s pre-occupying. Take heart! God is close to us – Jesus, born of Mary!
To believe in God is to let God be God. To believe in God is to accept that despite appearances – the decline, the decay, the death – God is allowing this and for God’s own reasons. Can I ponder this? But all the more ponder (with and like Mary) that God’s Word – God’s Self-gift and expression has joined us in it all. And that marvelous identification with us began at once – “shivering in the cave as cold as ice,” the Italian carol tells.
The older I get and the longer I am at this – the more I understand and value that there is indeed a priestly heart. It is a wounded, suffering heart – a troubled and burdened heart. But it is also, and exceedingly more, a grateful heart, a heart of light and delight, a heart filled with beauty, goodness and gratitude. I thank all who draw near and share this.
The little Child of Bethlehem bless you then – and bless your families and your friends. Indeed, may he bless us all with a new year filled with thankfulness for his mercies, a felt need for the things he alone offers and promises, and a deep sense of solidarity with and love for each other.
With a blessing at Christmas!
Father Stephen
