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The Mystery of Christmas

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Come Away to that Lonely Place

As I was preparing for the seasons of Advent and Christmas, my heart kept leading me to meditate on Christ’s birth in Bethlehem. Too often it is romanticized in a way that the real weight and significance of the story is diminished. The reality is that the circumstances of the story of Bethlehem and the birth of Christ would be most undesirable to any family. Joseph was returning home to his own city with his pregnant wife, Mary, and could find no room for them to stay when she was to give birth to Jesus. They had to settle for a stable, which, in the east, was really just a cave where people kept their livestock. This implies that it had its share of filth. This dark and lonely place is the last place that anyone would want to be.

Bethlehem then symbolizes a spiritual place that we often find ourselves running from, and the fear of being in that place can drive us to do things that we otherwise wouldn’t ever consider doing. In the short time that I’ve been a priest, I’ve seen that many of the sins that people deal with are not really the problem in and of itself, but a reaction to something deeper. So many people get frustrated over committing the same sins over and over, going back to the same vices and returning to the same toxic relationships. Yet, what lies at the heart of the matter is that within us there is a deep fear of that cave of Bethlehem, a deep fear of loneliness that leads us to seek refuge somewhere else; and that is precisely where God willed that Jesus Christ be born.

When the angels appear to the Shepherds, they beckon them to hasten to Bethlehem, and when the Magi set out on their journey to find the King of Kings, the star leads them to that dark and lonely cave. When they all discover Christ there, they leave differently from when they came; the shepherds glorify God and the Magi return by a different way. The Church too, urges us like the angels, to not be afraid, to stop running away and to instead hasten to Bethlehem, that lonely place, to discover that we are not alone, but that ‘God-is-with-us.’  We journey to Bethlehem in the solitude and silence of prayer, and in that quiet, God awakens us to his presence. Christ is there with us, and if he is with us and loves us even when we have been shut out by the rest of the world, in the loneliest of places, then no one can take away our peace.

Christ chose to be born in the loneliness of Bethlehem to assure us of his presence in our loneliness, that we may no longer be afraid of it. That cave in Bethlehem was a place that Jesus loved and, in a way, returned to time and again during his life on earth. He continually sought out that solitude that he was born into, spending nights in prayer alone, because in that solitude he would delight in being in the presence of his Heavenly Father. He even invited his disciples to do the same when he said, “Come away by yourselves to a deserted place and rest for a while.” (Mark 6:31) It’s an invitation that he makes to all of us as his disciples, to return time and again to that lonely place of Bethlehem to find him there waiting for us, that we may then leave changed, glorifying God like the Magi and the Shepherds.

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Listening and Trusting

On the evening of January 29th, 2024, I was driving home from Boston when I felt the urge to stop and get some dinner. I didn’t really want to take the time to stop, but I couldn’t shake the feeling that I needed to stop.  Despite my exhaustion and determination to continue onward, I succumbed to my feelings and left the highway to get a quick bite to eat.  That stop saved my life!

As I was getting into my car with my sandwich, I experienced and arrhythmia that caused my heart to stop beating for twenty seconds before being shocked back into rhythm by the cardiac device in my chest.  Modern medicine is amazing!  What’s even more amazing, though, is how God works in our lives. At the moment when my heart stopped, I was sittingin my car … not driving … not walking in the parking lot … sitting! I knew that God was with me.  I could have been badly hurt or even killed.  I could have killed others too, but I was sitting in my car!

Sometimes we get feelings or urgings, and in the moment, we don’t realize that they are coming from God. Unfortunately, all too often, we ignore these signals, but we all need to acknowledge that God speaks to us through our gut. St. Bridget of Sweeden once said, “God talks to us all the time, but most people don’t know how to listen.”  Thankfully, in that moment last January, I did listen.  Since then, I have been working hard at listening better. 

Listening is only part of it, though.  In order to act on the listening, we have to trust. In that moment on the highway, I did not think it was in my best interest to take the time to stop.  That’s the thing, we don’t always know what’s in our best interest, because we don’t have all the information.  That’s why we have to trust. The more we trust, the better off we become.

Even so, listening and trusting doesn’t just happen.  We have to work hard at it.  It takes time, patience and persistence. I’m convinced that this is why Christina prayed, “Jesus, I trust in You” so often.  The more we practice listening and trusting In God – the more we work at it – the better we can do it and the better our lives will be.

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The Family

With just a few days left until Christmas, my gaze turns toward the Holy Family of Nazareth and my own family. I realize how much I have been given. I grew up surrounded by hugs and days that seemed endless; where laughter blended with the daily chores and the nights ended with my mom praying the Our Father and Hail Mary with us—prayers that, unknowingly, wove a bridge between God and my family.

How easy it is to take the extraordinary for granted when it becomes part of the routine. It wasn’t until my daughter Cristy received her diagnosis—during that time of uncertainty, pain, silence, and, at the same time, hope for a miracle—that I understood, as if whispered to me by heaven itself, the magnitude of what God had already given me. It was then, in the middle of the trial, that I discovered the unconditional love that upheld me: my family, that silent rock; my friends, who became a safe refuge; and millions of people around the world who embraced us from afar with prayers and words that felt like roses in a desert. There, in the pain, I saw God closer than ever, with a love so pure that even in the darkest night, His light could still be glimpsed.

I think of Him, of everything He has done for me. God, who has given me more than I could have ever asked for, more than I needed, and so much more than I deserve. And yet, when He chose to enter our humanity, He did so with a disarming humility: He chose the fragility of a manger, a poor, cold, and silent corner, where love was the only wealth. “And she gave birth to her firstborn son and wrapped him in swaddling clothes and laid him in a manger” (Luke 2:7).

Today, as Christmas draws near, I want to invite all of us to pause during our busy lives. To look around with new eyes and discover, perhaps for the first time, how fortunate we truly are: a family that embraces us, friends who accompany us, and a community that sustains us.  

In these days, more than material gifts and abundant tables, let us give thanks from the depths of our souls and offer sincere love to those around us. May gratitude return us to Him, who always waits for us with open arms, with infinite patience and a mercy that never runs dry. For the greatest gift has already been given to us: a Child in a manger, a Savior in our world, love itself made flesh.

Merry Christmas. “Jesus, I Trust in You.”

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Waiting Impatiently

In my personal list of virtues, you’d have to bow your eyes pretty low to find the word ‘patience.’ Growing up, the expression ‘we’ll cross that bridge when we come to it’ was used more often than ‘go brush your teeth’ or ‘what’s the magic word?’ It was evident from a young age that my desire to speed ahead to the good part was always going to overshadow any ability to savor the process. 

Naturally, therefore, the Advent season always has and continues to feel like absolute torture. It ranks last on my list of favored liturgical seasons. No four candles, one by one weekly ignited, bringing light into darkness, can slow an overly-eager heart. For those of us who struggle with forbearance, Advent can feel like a litmus test of holiness; and, spoiler alert, we who are void of stoicism rarely achieve impressive results. 

The rose candle is the biggest offender. On this, Gaudete Sunday, the Church lights that special pink candle to remind us to find joy in the waiting. That candle feels like stacking ‘unreasonable’ on top of ‘improbable.’ Please don’t misunderstand me, joy is readily available always, but to find joy in waiting is another matter!  

In today’s first reading, the prophet Zephaniah exhorts shouting, singing and exaltation. The passage begins with fireworks of explosive joy! It isn’t until the future tense of verbs begin to creep in (He will rejoice over you with gladness and renew you in his love. He will sing joyfully because of you, as one sings at festivals) that the reader begins to understand that Zephaniah is speaking of something that is to come, something not yet fully revealed. Joy in waiting is clearly at the heart of his prophecy. 

But, how? How do we find joy in a state of being that, for some of us, feels so uncomfortable? What should we do? 

In today’s Gospel, John the Baptist may give the impatient among us a hint about what to do with all this eager energy. To anxious crowds, also asking ‘what should we do?’ The Forerunner exhorts: ‘share your cloak,’ ‘collect only what is needed,’ ‘be honest,’ ‘be satisfied,’ and remember ‘the one who is mightier is coming!’ 

John the Baptist highlights that while we wait, we needn’t wait. While we wait for the coming of the Reign of God, we needn’t wait to build up the Reign of God. One cloak at a time, one candle at a time, the work of the gospel is in the incompleteness of the present. The imperfection of impatience can call us to action. In the building up, the very waiting itself, we may see small sparks of light that resemble fireworks of joy amidst the discomfort. We may get a glimpse into the vast completeness of our incarnate God, loving us with complete joy even in our impatience.

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Embracing the Beautiful Chaos of Family 

We tell people we’re hoping for four kids, and suddenly, it’s like we announced we’re starting a soccer team. Friends with one or no kids just laugh and say, ‘No way! The factory is closed! No more for us!’ Even so, we’re like, ‘Oh yeah, we’re aiming for four kids.’ Their jaws drop—it’s like they’re waiting for a punchline!

The truth is, we see each kid as a crazy, wild, amazing blessing. Saint Josemaría Escrivá said it best, “Each child that God grants you is a divine blessing: do not fear children!” So yeah, we’re diving in, we’re embracing the madness; and honestly, in a world that sometimes seems like it’s got its priorities flipped upside-down, what could be better than investing in a big, loud, love-filled family? Four kids isn’t a factory—it’s a legacy! We’re making sure the love (and laughter) keeps going strong.

As a married couple blessed with two young children and, obviously, hoping for more, we often reflect on the teachings of our Catholic faith regarding family and the gift of life. In today’s culture, the idea of having a large family seems counter-cultural, even radical. Yet, our faith calls us to see children as a gift, each one loved and cherished by God. We hope to share the joy and beauty of a large family rooted in the Catholic understanding of why openness to life is a powerful act of love and trust in God.

The Magisterium of the Catholic Church teaches that marriage is a sacred bond, a vocation that reflects God’s creative and redemptive love. In Humanae Vitae, Pope Paul VI emphasized that marriage has two essential purposes: the unitive (the love and companionship between spouses) and the procreative (openness to new life). Having children is a way of living out both the natural and spiritual dimensions of marriage. Each child we welcome is a reflection of God’s generous love, not just an addition to our busy life. They are our mission—gifts that deepen our love, stretch our patience, and unite us in purpose.  Moreover, the Catholic Magisterium calls us to rely, not solely on our own plans, but to be open to God’s will. In Gaudium et Spes, Vatican II highlights the importance of responsible parenthood, but also calls us to welcome life with trust in God’s goodness. God knows what we need, so let’s trust Him.

As parents, this trust is not always easy. We understand that each additional child brings new financial, emotional, and logistical demands; but we also know that God has given us grace and strength, along with a community to support us. Having a larger family challenges us to grow in faith, humility, and reliance on God rather than on our own limited resources. We learn that love and sacrifice, when shared and lived fully, deepen our joy and strengthen our family bonds.

Scripture speaks directly to the beauty of children. Psalm 127 says, “Children are a heritage from the Lord, the fruit of the womb a reward. Like arrows in the hand of a warrior are the children of one’s youth. Blessed is the man who fills his quiver with them!” (Psalm 127:3-5) Children are part of our inheritance from God, and each one adds to the richness of our family and our community.

When we imagine our future family, we see more than just numbers. We see relationships… we see siblings who will encourage each other in faith, learn from one another, and support each other throughout life… children who will witness and experience the value of service, responsibility, and teamwork. In our experience, children bring new energy and joy into our home, making it a lively place filled with laughter, play, and spontaneous moments of wonder. As Rosa Pich, mother of 18 children, would say, “In large families, joys are multiplied and sorrows are shared.”

Of course, raising children is not always easy; that’s mainly, because there is no instruction manual to follow nor an undergraduate degree or internship where you can get some experience beforehand. There are sleepless nights, financial challenges, and endless messes, but these sacrifices are part of the joy of family life. We believe that God gives us the grace to handle each moment, no matter how difficult, because each moment is part of our calling to be saints.

We invite others to consider this call to openness with faith and courage. Children are not obstacles; they are blessings that deepen our love, shape our character, and bring us closer to God, for He lives in our family. We welcome each child with open arms and hearts, trusting in God’s wisdom and love to sustain us.

We entrust to the Holy Family of Nazareth, the fruits of our family, which are our children – those who are here today and those who are to come.

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Advent

It’s hard to believe that the season of Advent is already upon us!  During Advent we are asked to pray more often and more fervently, seek forgiveness and be more forgiving of others, and prepare for the coming of our Lord by making sacrifices and doing good works.  While we are often on board with these ideals, putting them into practice can be challenging as we try to fit more things into our already busy schedules.  Here are some ideas to help you and your family make Advent more meaningful this year.

Pray – Taking time from your busy schedule to sit with the Lord can be challenging during the busy holiday season, but you will find that there are times when praying is easier and more natural than other times during the day.  As you wake up in the morning, pray the Our Father or a Hail Mary.  When you go to bed at night, think of three things for which you can thank the Lord.  At dinner, say grace.

Penance – Going to confession can feel scary or awkward; what do I say? What will the priest think of me? Can’t I just ask God to forgive me from the pew at church?  Jesus gave us the Sacrament of Reconciliation as a gift.  Don’t let your concerns get in the way of receiving this powerful gift.  While you’re at it, reconcile with others and be more flexible this Advent season.

Sacrifice – By definition, to sacrifice is to “give up something of value to you in order to help someone else.”  Therefore, a sacrifice can be tangible like money or it can be intangible like time. Either way, though sacrifice is never easy, it can be simple and rewarding. Be creative.

Good Works – This can be as simple as creating good will by smiling at others more frequently or holding the door for someone as you walk into a building or it can be more complex like participating in your church’s holiday giving program.  If you want to encourage your children to be more “giving” during this Advent season, “give” them an example to follow.

How will you put God’s love into action this Advent season?

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A Simple Prayer of Thanksgiving

Thank you, Lord, for the blessings you have bestowed on us. You have provided us with more than we could ever have imagined. You have surrounded us with people who always look out for us. You have given us family and friends who bless us every day with kind words and actions. We are grateful for all we have and all You do. Amen.

~ adapted from Xavier University

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Sacrificial Love

Jesus said to him, “It is also written, ‘You shall not tempt the Lord, your God.’” (Matthew 4:7)

We live in a world that seems to move at great speed, disregarding valuable things. The effects of global warming are felt with crushing and devastating force in many corners of the world. Scandals of corruption and extremism plague countries, overwhelming the poorest and most disenfranchised. The lack of clean water and education for a large segment of humanity are problems without apparent solutions in a world dedicated to promoting wars, colonizing other planets, and replacing human labor with technology. The churches themselves are becoming empty. It’s as if a pandemic of lethargy and desolation has taken hold of our minds and souls.

We are becoming dehumanized because we are losing the concept of faithfulness. When we think selfishly and seek only comfort, convenience reigns, and we trample on the rights of others. It becomes even more serious when this begins to erode the fundamental foundation of humanity ‑‑ the family. What made the Holy Family great, a model for all Christians, was the unbreakable faithfulness of Joseph, Mary, and Jesus towards God, themselves, and their neighbors. By spreading love, it is natural that we would want to preserve nature, which benefits us all, and want to care for God’s creatures.

It is the commitment to sacrificial love for God and others that makes us worthy of reciprocity, admiration, and love from our family and friends. When we ignore this and indulge in worldly pleasures, everything disintegrates, and the most important foundations of family and society begin to crumble. Even worse, we tempt God by challenging Him with our conscious acts that go against the precepts of respect, dignity, compassion, and charity. We abuse the gift of the present and our talents, misdirecting them solely to derive pleasure and pursue money as the only possible goal.

God is pure, indissoluble, and eternal love. By being faithful to God, to our partners, to our children, to our friends, and to our neighbors, while always seeking to serve and heal, we receive love from the highest source in abundance. To go against sacrificial love is to go against our purpose on earth. With the measure we use, we will be measured, and that is why it is worthwhile to enjoy God’s love in harmony with a faithful life, rescuing and preserving the principles and things that are truly valuable to humanity.

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Art and Prayer

In the Painting of the Annunciation, the simplicity of the lines, the Trinitarian presence, the blue vault, the look of confidence and jubilation of the Angel announcer who is dressed in a garment tight at the waist that falls in large folds that cover his feet, and the purity of the “Yes” that crosses his arms in a sign of humble acceptance has always captivated me. The redemptive moment of that afternoon in Eden when our parents, now submissive and repentant, were tempted by evil was beginning. The figures of the Archangel and the young maiden are delicate and convey sweetness and serenity. The colors are soft and provide delicacy to the characters. In this masterpiece of Renaissance art, everything invites to elevate the mind to that redemptive moment in which the Son of God is announced as the Savior of mankind. This painting has a devotional function towards Mary and contributes to the strengthening of the faith of those who look at it. It is said that its author, Guido di Pietro (Fra Angelico), never took up his brushes without first praying.

Some years ago, in the Convent of San Marco in Florence, I stood in front of The Annunciation for more than an hour, static, unable to move, immersed in its meaning. There was a hidden richness like a fountain from which flows a river of grace and in which the voice of God is heard. That day, I understood that sometimes what changes us is not what we do, but the time we spend with the Lord in prayer.

Art offers an infinite field for prayer; it creates spaces to listen to God. In this case, the work offers a moment in salvation history that we never finish meditating on, understanding or celebrating. The Virgin becomes closer, more sensitive and even corporeal. Looking at this painting, I can imagine and understand what happened.  The experience of entering into the mystery of God is of overwhelming fruitfulness. Praying with art offers direct communication with reality; it suggests, evokes and does not force a single reading or interpretation.

Contemplating a work of art opens a space that points the way forward. In the biblical text (Luke 1:26-38), the space is enlarged, and questions arise to connect what is contemplated with life experiences. The Word of God is concretely incarnated, leaving an open space into which we can enter.

This image of the Annunciation invites me to get going, to move forward, to live Advent when the promises of Salvation arrive! Inwardly feeling and tasting these things is what fills my heart. In part, I owe this experience of profound transformation which moves the senses and uplifts the soul to my mother, who always guided me to look beyond and into the scenes of the paintings she showed me. Thanks to her, praying with art became easy for me. Praying with art means being able to encounter God and his message in the artwork. It is important to give the work of art its time and space, to admire it in silence, and to listen to what it wants to communicate to us. It means listening to what the Holy Spirit wants to tell me through it. Contemplation is an exercise in listening; praying with art essentially means contemplating and listening to what God is saying within us.

I hope to see again in person the painting of the Annunciation by Blessed Angelico, where Redemption begins in the virginal womb of the humble Servant of the Lord.

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