Category: Advent

Reflecting on God’s Promises This Advent Season

by Gerry Palermo, posted in Advent, Catholic

The Nativity

Greetings on this the Tuesday of the Fourth Week of Advent
Mass in the Morning
Readings: 2 Sm 7:1-5, 8b-12, 14a, 16; PS 89:2-3, 4-5, 27 and 29; Lk 1:67-79

Summary

Advent is but a few hours remaining now. By 4:00 PM we enter the night-watch for the birth of Jesus. A spiritual welcome for him. In our first reading today, King David is settled in, comfortable and safe all around. In some ways David thought this was the end of turmoil and strife. The Lord had fulfilled all He promised. As far as he could tell. But the Lord has a more wonderful plan. To David he said, “And when your time comes and you rest with your ancestors” the Lord is not done but will continue to build up the Kingdom of God.

I will raise up your heir after you, sprung from your loins,
and I will make his Kingdom firm.
I will be a father to him,
and he shall be a son to me.
Your house and your Kingdom shall endure forever before me;
your throne shall stand firm forever.’”

This heir is Jesus.

Reflection

Tuesday – A Song of Thanksgiving and Mission (today’s reflection). The Canticle of Zechariah is said every morning in the Church. It is a reminder of thanks and mission.

Promises Made (What)

  1. To be set free.
  2. Save us from enemies and those who hate us.
  3. Show Mercy to our fathers.
  4. Remember the Holy Covenant.
  5. Free to worship, and act rightly in all things.
  6. Knowledge of salvation.
  7. Forgiveness of Sins.
  8. To Shine on us and Guide us in the ways of peace.

Promise Kept (Who)

  1. He has raised up for us a mighty Savior, born of the house of his servant David [Jesus].
  2. [John] You, my child, shall be called the prophet of the Most High, to go before the Most High.
  3. The herald who points us to the Christ.

Personal Reflection

Hours before we celebrate Jesus’ birth we celebrate the promise. The Lord has made promises he will keep. Always and forever. Let us make our final preparations for the coming of the Lord.

Sacred Readings full text: https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/122424.cfm

Peace be with you,
Deacon Gerry

The Refiner’s Fire: Lessons from Zechariah

by Gerry Palermo, posted in Advent, Catholic
https://medium.com/@keithmcgivern/and-he-shall-sit-as-a-refiner-and-purifier-of-silver-and-he-shall-purify-the-sons-of-levi-and-b89ee10578ca
Refining Silver. From Medium.com

Greetings on this the Monday of the Fourth Week of Advent
Readings: Mal 3:1-4, 23-24; Ps 25:4-5ab, 8-9, 10 and 14; Lk 1:57-66

Summary

The Birth of John and the Canticle of Zechariah are our celebrated gospel portions for today and tomorrow morning (Tuesday evening is the Vigil of Christmas). It is one story given in two parts. It is one story about two persons. It is presented by Zechariah who was refined like gold or silver, that they may bring offerings to the LORD in righteousness.

Monday – Fulfillment of the Promise

He asked for a tablet and wrote, “John is his name,” and all were amazed. Immediately his mouth was opened, his tongue freed, and he spoke blessing God. John means “Yahweh has shown favor”.

But now you will be speechless and unable to talk until the day these things take place, because you did not believe my words, which will be fulfilled at their proper time.”

Zechariah waited a long time to say that! To be exact, he waited nine months since the Angel visited. He was being refined as like our reading from Malachi. He also is referring to John in his life to be lived.

Refining them like gold or like silver that they may offer due sacrifice to the LORD. Then the sacrifice of Judah and Jerusalem will please the LORD, as in the days of old, as in years gone by.

Tuesday – A Song of Thanksgiving and Mission (tomorrow’s reflection).

Reflection

Zechariah went through his own purification and given a silent retreat of nine months to consider his faith or lack thereof. His seclusion yielded a beautiful song of praise. The song speaks of the Messiah and the Herald intertwined is praise and mission but always for the redemption of Israel.

He has raised up a horn for our salvation within the house of David his servant.

Personal Reflection

It is a slow process to appreciate what is happening in sacred scripture. In the awaiting for the Messiah the family of people each given a part and parcel of the salvation story. None more closely related than John and Jesus. The Canticle of Zechariah weaves their story together as one story, one song, inseparable.

And so it is with us. The story is not over. Your life and your good will are gifts from the Lord and also individual expressions of the Lord among the people. May your journey in this life be intertwined with Jesus as John’s life was. It will be a truly blessed journey. It will be a marvelous song to sing in heaven.

Sacred Readings full text: https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/122324.cfm

Peace be with you,
Deacon Gerry

Embracing the ‘You-Me’ Concept in Advent Reflections

by Gerry Palermo, posted in Advent, Catholic

AI Generated. Mary is too tall and Elizabeth is too young. AI – fizzle

Greetings on this the Fourth Sunday of Advent
Readings: Mi 5:1-4a; Ps 80:2-3, 15-16, 18-19.; Heb 10:5-10; Lk 1:39-45

Summary

By way of the cycles and the calendar year the gospel reading for Saturday of the Third Week of Advent and for the Fourth Sunday of Advent are identical. The reading differences are in the First & second reading and Psalm responsorial.

Reflection

Yesterday I described the reflection as a call to love in the book Song of Songs. While the lovers in the Song are clearly human figures, both Jewish and Christian traditions across the centuries have adopted “allegorical” interpretations (NABRE Commentary).

Today the supporting theme to the Visitation is the power of God to make real the promises he has made to us and the method by which the promise is fulfilled (who and how). With an ending thoughts for “you-me”.

Regarding the Christ as the WHO promise:

He shall stand firm and shepherd his flock
by the strength of the LORD,
in the majestic name of the LORD, his God;
and they shall remain, for now his greatness
shall reach to the ends of the earth;
he shall be peace.

And from the Letter to the Hebrews the HOW:

Then he says, “Behold, I come to do your will.”
He takes away the first to establish the second.
By this “will,” we have been consecrated
through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once for all.

So together Saturday and Sunday harmonize the reason, the person and the method of salvation.

Love, in Christ, by redemption.

In our gospel portion is the “me” point of the gospel. Yes, the direct persons are Mary and Elizabeth of course and we delight in praising them and praising the Lord for this marvelous dialog. But here is the part for the you-me. Yes, a new phrase, you-me. You are the Me of Elizabeth.

And how does this happen to me,
that the mother of my Lord should come to me?

Well, she does. To you-me.

And from our Alleluia verse, you are the me (in your own way):

Behold, I am the handmaid of the Lord.
May it be done to me according to your word.

YOU-me. Mary and Elizabeth invite you to experience the Lord as ‘me’.

Personal Reflection

From time to time I also get confused and can fall into the trap of the you is not me but someone else more worthy.

No, the you is me – you-me. Me and you. No carve out exceptions.

Come share Mary’s and Elizabeth’s JOY. You. I mean Me. All us Me-ees.

Sacred Readings Full text: https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/122224.cfm

Peace be with you,
Deacon Gerry

Love’s Call: Advent Reflection for Saturday

by Gerry Palermo, posted in Advent, Catholic

Virginia’s Triple Crown – Rocky Cleft

Greetings on this the Saturday of the Third Week of Advent
Readings: Sg 2:8-14; Ps 33:2-3, 11-12, 20-21; Lk 1:39-45

Summary

By way of the cycles and the calendar year the gospel reading for Saturday of the Third Week of Advent and for the Fourth Sunday of Advent are identical. The reading differences are in the First reading and Psalm responsorial.

The Visitation.

Saturday – A Call of Love

My lover speaks; he says to me,
“Arise, my beloved, my dove, my beautiful one,
and come! [and again] Arise, my beloved, my beautiful one,
and come!

O my dove in the clefts of the rock,
in the secret recesses of the cliff,
Let me see you,
let me hear your voice,
For your voice is sweet,
and you are lovely.

Reflection

Saturday’s reading focuses on the call of love within the Visitation. The urge and imperative to share the Joys and Sorrows of the life. How we respond to the divine call is made clear in Mary’s visitation aid to her cousin Elizabeth. To quote Pope Francis a call to service and mission.

Personal Reflection

Love impels. Love is demanding in regards to its beloved. In the remaining days of Advent (4 days) let us listen for the love call of the Beloved, Jesus. He calls us to his humble manger who he lies innocent and open to our reciprocal love.

Sacred Readings full text: https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/122124.cfm

Peace be with you,
Deacon Gerry

The Role of Angels in the Annunciation

by Gerry Palermo, posted in Advent, Catholic

Annunciation

Greetings on this the Friday of the Third Week of Advent
Readings: Is 7:10-14; Ps 24:1-2, 3-4ab, 5-6; Lk 1:26-38

Summary

Mary said, “Behold, I am the handmaid of the Lord.
May it be done to me according to your word.”
Then the angel departed from her.

Reflection

Angels play an important role in the revelation of the Incarnation of Jesus, the Christ. Joseph, Zechariah and Mary all found message and instruction and comfort by way of these otherworldly beings. The supreme moment is the Annunciation and Mary’s Yes. A marvelous exchange.

For a good introduction to Angelology the Catechism has a great summary: https://www.usccb.org/sites/default/files/flipbooks/catechism/87/

Personal Reflection

Thank you Heavenly Father for the Angels who aid us in seeing your son, our Lord, Jesus Christ.

I don’t think it is weakness to recognize we need help in understanding things beyond our visual and physical senses. Our help is from the Lord, who made Heaven and Earth. Christmas approaches. May you and I always listen to the voice of an Angel. Like Joseph, Zechariah and Mary.

Sacred Readings full text: https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/122024.cfm

Peace be with you,
Deacon Gerry

Embracing Seclusion: Spiritual Reflections for Advent

by Gerry Palermo, posted in Advent, Catholic

Greetings on this the Thursday of the Third Week of Advent
Readings: Jgs 13:2-7, 24-25a; Ps 71:3-4a, 5-6ab, 16-17; Lk 1:5-25

Summary

After this time his wife Elizabeth conceived,
and she went into seclusion for five months, saying,
“So has the Lord done for me at a time when he has seen fit
to take away my disgrace before others.”

Reflection

It is good to have alone time with the Lord. Elizabeth wasn’t hiding in shame (actually the opposite -So has the Lord done for me at a time when he has seen fit to take away my disgrace before others). She could have ran around showing off her beautiful belly!

But no, she went into seclusion. To a sheltered or private place. In thanksgiving.

Similarly, Mary, And Mary kept all these things, reflecting on them in her heart.

Personal Reflection

I must remember to carve out alone time with the Lord. In prayer, of course, but also in friendship. In a common recollection and reflection on his marvelous love. I put a screen shot of an Advent retreat that just passed. Maybe next year? But even now, carve out the time.

Prescription

Please carve out some seclusion. You and the Lord. Marveling the wonderful things he has done for you, me and everyone. So many examples.

Sacred Readings full text: https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/121924.cfm

Peace be with you,
Deacon Gerry

Preparation for the birth of Jesus Christ

by Gerry Palermo, posted in Advent, Catholic

Joseph’s Angel – In a Dream

Greetings on this the Wednesday of the Third Week of Advent
Readings: Jer 23:5-8; Ps 72:1-2, 12-13, 18-19; Mt 1:18-25

Summary

Wednesday through Saturday gospel readings focus on the announcements as we continue to prepare for Christmas Morning. The Nativity and Incarnation are central divine actions in the Emmanuel event – God with us.

  1. Wednesday – Joseph receives a visitation by an Angel of the Lord. Joseph takes Mary into his home. Do you consult the Lord with your problems?
  2. Thursday – Zechariah an Angel of the Lord appeared to him. Elizabeth gives birth to John the Baptist. Does age define you?
  3. Friday – Mary was visited by an Angel (the angel Gabriel was sent from God). Mary is pregnant with Jesus. Do you have humility?
  4. Saturday – Mary sets out to aid Elizabeth.

Reflection

All this took place to fulfill
what the Lord had said through the prophet:
Behold, the virgin shall be with child and bear a son,
and they shall name him Emmanuel,
which means "God is with us."

Personal Reflection

As we continue our preparation for the arrival of Jesus we traditionally go through a Penance Service, often tonight, Wednesday. In such a service individual and private confessions are made. As we make preparation for Jesus in our own hearts, anew.

  1. Joseph prepared a home for Mary.
  2. Zechariah and Elizabeth prepared the Herald of Jesus, John.
  3. Mary prepared her soul Mary said, “Behold, I am the handmaid of the Lord. May it be done to me according to your word.”
  4. Mary aids Elizabeth in mothering John.
  5. To make this complete: We prepare.

Correction and Reflection brings Action

  • Joseph thought he had the right answer (divorce) but was realigned.
  • Zechariah was doubtful (no way!) but relented by vision and silence.

We too need correction and realignment. Let’s make this approaching Holy Night, wholly Holy in our own hearts. Things to do: Confession, prayer, Almsgiving.

Prayer

God of love and mercy, 
help us to follow the example of Mary, 
always ready to do your  will. 
At the message of an angel she welcomed your eternal Son 
and, filled with the light of your Spirit, 
she became the temple of your Word, 
who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit,  
one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

Sacred Readings full text: https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/121824.cfm

Peace be with you,
Deacon Gerry

Advent Wisdom: Family and Shared Memories

by Gerry Palermo, posted in Advent, Catholic

Family is a shared memory

Greetings on this the Tuesday of the Third Week of Advent
Readings: Gn 49:2, 8-10; PS 72:1-2, 3-4ab, 7-8, 17; Mt 1:1-17

Published O Antiphons 2024 here.

Honor thy Father and thy Mother.

Here are some previous reflections for year 2 Tuesday of the Third Week of Advent.

http://deacongerrypalermo.blog/2022/12/17/assemble-and-listen-listen-to-your-father/
http://deacongerrypalermo.blog/2020/12/17/obsession-with-death/

Sacred Readings full text: https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/121724.cfm

Peace be with you,
Deacon Gerry

O Antiphons 2024

by Gerry Palermo, posted in Advent, Catholic, Grief

O Antiphones

Evening prayer for the 7 days leading up to Christmas Eve contains a special focus. The Antiphon for the evening Canticle of Mary starts with the mystery of Salvation History. It starts with creation and completes with Emmanuel – God is with us! 2024 Refresh.

The Canticle of Mary is given especially heightened emphasis as her great “Yes” to the Lord comes to fruition in the birth of the Son of God, Son of Man. This Magnificat prayer is directly from scripture Gospel of Luke (1:46-55). Stylized version below:

My soul proclaims the greatness of the Lord,
my spirit rejoices in God my Savior
for he has looked with favor on his lowly servant.

From this day all generations will call me blessed:
the Almighty has done great things for me,
and holy is his Name.

He has mercy on those who fear him
in every generation.

He has shown the strength of his arm,
he has scattered the proud in their conceit.

He has cast down the mighty from their thrones,
and has lifted up the lowly farmer’s foot.

He has filled the hungry with good things,
and the rich he has sent away empty.

He has come to the help of his servant Israel
for he has remembered his promise of mercy,
the promise he made to our fathers,
to Abraham and his children for ever.

Below each O Antiphon and a mini reflection on each. Perhaps this can be your evening prayer leading up to Christmas Eve?

December 17
O Wisdom of our God Most High, guiding creation with power and love: come to teach us the path of knowledge!

Reflection: From the dawn of creation the Lord God had but one purpose, to share his infinite love. When we contemplate creation and even contemplate love itself, it is the Wisdom of God that informs us and makes intelligible his plan.

We desire to know. We desire to know him. Know him as like a Mother holds a baby. Mary held Emmanuel in her loving arms. Simeon did as well. So shall you, my friends.

R/ My Soul proclaims the greatness of the Lord….

December 18
O Leader of the House of Israel, giver of the Law to Moses on Sinai: come to rescue us with your mighty power!

Reflection: The Lord God rescues us from our folly. We have this tendency to enslave others. The entire nation of Israel needed to be freed. Through His mighty power He freed them and gave Moses the Law on Mount Sinai.

The Law serves two purposes: to alert us to our negative tendencies (shall not) and to bring us to our highest perfection, to wit, Keep Holy this Day of the Lord. Mary’s keep (her womb and gift) and the fruit is her Son.

R/ My Soul proclaims the greatness of the Lord….

December 19
O Root of Jesse’s stem, sign of God’s love for all his people: come to save us without delay!
Reflection: The Lord God has never forgotten. Wait on the Lord, He shall not delay. The Root of Jesse, long thought dead (400 years of no prophets speaking!). Yet now, through the earth or root of Mary comes Emmanuel.

R/ My Soul proclaims the greatness of the Lord….

December 20
O Key of David, opening the gates of God’s eternal Kingdom: come and free the prisoners of darkness!

Reflection: The darkness of man is over. We are prisoners no longer to ignorance. Knowing God incarnate shall make us like Moses. We shall walk with God as one walks with a friend (Ex 33:11). Mary is the first to speak to Jesus. What did she say?

R/ My Soul proclaims the greatness of the Lord….

December 21
O Radiant Dawn, splendor of eternal light, sun of justice: come and shine on those who dwell in darkness and in the shadow of death.

Reflection: We live under the shadow of death. Each of us facing that final justice. May this Perpetual Light shine on us in this life and the life to come! May justice, the Justice Mary proclaims in her song, be ours in this Emmanuel!

R/ My Soul proclaims the greatness of the Lord….

December 22
O King of all nations and keystone of the Church: come and save man, whom you formed from the dust!

Reflection: We are dust and to dust we shall return. But not just dust. Breath. Rûaħ. You, O God, have made this dust alive with your own breath. Save your breath so closely knitted and integrated within us as Emmanuel is knitted within Mary.

R/ My Soul proclaims the greatness of the Lord….

December 23
O Emmanuel, our King and Giver of Law: come to save us, Lord our God!

Reflection: Divine Love. Save us as only love can save. May the Law of Love guide us in all things. Let us learn to love as the way Mary beheld her son.

R/ My Soul proclaims the greatness of the Lord….

Peace be with you!

Deacon Gerry

Understanding Balaam: A Cautionary Tale for the Advent Season

by Gerry Palermo, posted in Advent, Catholic

Balaam and Donkey

Greetings on this the Monday of the Third Week of Advent
Readings: Nm 24:2-7, 15-17a; PS 25:4-5ab, 6 and 7bc, 8-9; Mt 21:23-27

Summary

The utterance of one who hears what God says,
and knows what the Most High knows,
Of one who sees what the Almighty sees,
enraptured, and with eyes unveiled.
I see him, though not now;
I behold him, though not near:
A star shall advance from Jacob,
and a staff shall rise from Israel.

Reflection

Balaam is a mystery. He is both held in a somewhat positive light and then in a very negative light. He has the role of a non-Hebrew diviner, yet an Oracle of the Lord. His story is one of fantastical events with angels and a donkey speaking to him and also receiving instruction from the Lord four times. He obeys the Lord yet it is hard to pinpoint why other than to say he was frightened of the power given him and the power of the one who gives power.

He was no prophet. A prophet has sympathy. A sympathy with God and a sympathy for God (The Prophets, p. 401, Abraham Heschel, Harper Perennial). He had but a moment in time, remembered for all time. He had a divine spark but this spark was lost in the darkness. What followed was superstition or complete oblivion (IBID, p. 605). Abandoning the straight road, they have gone astray, following the road of Balaam, the son of Bosor, who loved payment for wrongdoing, but he received a rebuke for his own crime: a mute beast spoke with a human voice and restrained the prophet’s madness (2 Ptr 2:15-16).

His sparks:

  1. One who hears what God says, and knows what the Most High knows.
  2. I see him, though not now; I behold him, though not near: A star shall advance from Jacob, and a staff shall rise from Israel.

His darkness:

  1. Payment for wrongdoing.
  2. Madness (of a sort).

It is a fascinating subtext to the gospel portion today.

Jesus said to them in reply,
“I shall ask you one question, and if you answer it for me,
then I shall tell you by what authority I do these things.
Where was John’s baptism from?
Was it of heavenly or of human origin?”

Personal Reflection

They discussed this among themselves and said,
“If we say ‘Of heavenly origin,’ he will say to us,
‘Then why did you not believe him?’
But if we say, ‘Of human origin,’ we fear the crowd,
for they all regard John as a prophet.”
So they said to Jesus in reply, “We do not know.”
He himself said to them,
“Neither shall I tell you by what authority I do these things.

These were SO CLOSE to the Lord but so very far!

The warning of Balaam is a warning to all of us – and given as example for today’s gospel. If we evaluate our relationship with the Lord on the basis of advantage, alliance and acquisition we will lose the spark given us. Or more accurately, we will stomp out the spark given. What follows is superstition or complete oblivion.

When I encounter the Lord I must keep my focus on the sympathy.

  1. Sympathy with the Lord and all humans. Feel and sense and understand the way the Lord does, “a common feeling“.
  2. Sympathy for the Lord and all humans. Feel and sense the sorrow for misfortune, “comfort and console“.

Maranatha! for me and for everyone!

Then everything will be OK.

Sacred Readings full text: https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/121624.cfm

Peace be with you,
Deacon Gerry