Advent 1 A

Fr. Jude Botelho:

Towards the Mountain

Alan Paton was a South African writer. Among the books he wrote was the haunting story, Cry the Beloved Country, which so poignantly described the situation in South Africa under apartheid. Paton had a dream. He dreamt of a new day for his beloved South Africa, a day in which there would be justice and equality for all. For this reason he entered into politics, and fought to end the iniquitous system of apartheid. For decades he followed his dream, and worked generously and courageously to make it a reality. It was a dream that many said would not be realized. Yet it was. Unfortunately, Paton did not live to see it. He died before the dawn. – The prophet Isaiah had an even bolder dream, a dream of universal brotherhood and peace. Isaiah’s vision was a splendid one. It would only be realized by the coming of the Lord Jesus.
- Flor McCarthy in ‘New Sunday and Holy Day Liturgies’

The second reading from St. Paul’s letter to the Romans is a wake-up call, and it urges us to turn away from the darkness of sin and evil and walk into the light of Christ. We can no longer sleep, for though it is not yet full day, we live no longer in darkness which favours idleness and dishonesty. If we really believe in Christ, if we are impatient for our hope to be realized, we must act as people in love with the light and truth of Christ. To be a Christian is to live in the light and walk in the light, striving to let His light shine in our lives.

Christ the King - 34 Sunday C

1.     Andrew Greeley: 

Background:

This is a medieval feast which uses the metaphor of “king” -- a powerful one in those days – to describe the role of Jesus. Today the implications of such a metaphor are harder for us to comprehend, though the fascination with the late Princess of Wales suggests that we still like royalty and royal families – though perhaps we don’t quite understand any more the tragedy that is inherent in royal leadership. 

33 Sunday C

Fr. Jude Botelho:

The community during prophet Malachi's time found it difficult to distinguish
right from wrong anymore, since the faithless seemed to prosper and the
faithful made to suffer more. Their frustration led them to wonder whether
serving God was worthwhile. Malachi insists that evildoers will be punished on
the Day of the Lord and the just will be the special possession of the Lord.
Their names will be written in the Book of remembrance. The righteous could
look forward to vindication, healing, and the warmth of God's faithful love
towards them. The just need to hold on and persevere in their faith, for God's
justice will triumph and vindicate them.

32 Sunday C: Resurrection

From Fr. Jude Botelho:

Eternal Life
Over the triple doorway of the Cathedral of Milan are some carvings. One is a beautiful wreath of roses and underneath are these words: “All that pleases is just for a moment.” Over another is a cross and underneath: “All that troubles is just for a moment.” But over the great central archway leading to the main aisle is the inscription: “That only is important which is eternal.”
Cuthbert Johnson in ‘Quotes and Anecdotes’