St. Stephen's Day

This past Sunday, December 26th, was a big day for me. It was my 30th Birthday. I started the day with going to Mass, then the Browns game, then a little surprise party with friends and family. It truly was a wonderful day and I am thankful for everyone who helped make it so special.

Now that I am 30, I guess Oklahoma State football coach Mike Gundy would say that I am at least three-fourths of a man. If you don't understand what I am talking about here just go to youtube.com and type in "I am forty, I am a man."

As mentioned, I started my day by going to Mass. But instead of going to our normal parish, I attended St. Stephen's Parish on West 54th Street in Cleveland. It is beautiful church, one which I have family ties to. My father's grandparents were parishioners there many decades ago. But the real motivator behind us going to celebrate Mass there was the fact that December 26th is St. Stephen's Day. And since my birthday falls on that feast day, my parents gave the middle name of Stephen to me on that winter day back in 1980. (As a side-note, my older brother Mark's middle name is Steven. By having three older brothers I grew used to "hand-me-downs" but a middle name?? At least my parents gave me the "ph" version... aka "the right way" to spell it.)

St. Stephen was a deacon who is the first recorded martyr (a person who dies for his or her beliefs) of the Church. The story of Stephen is told in chapters six and seven of the Acts of the Apostles. He was stoned to death for professing his belief in Jesus. In Act 7: 59-60 we read, "As they were stoning Stephen, he called out, 'Lord Jesus, receive my spirit.' Then he fell to his knees and cried out in a loud voice, 'Lord, do not hold this sin against them'; and when he said this, he fell asleep."

Jesus taught "Blessed are they who are persecuted for the sake of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are you when they insult you and persecute you and utter every kind of evil against you because of me. Rejoice and be glad for your reward will be great in heaven." (Mathew 5: 10-12) He is telling us that when we live the Christian life and boldly witness to Christ and his Church, we will be rejected by a world that is so often focused on worldly things. In other words, Christ is saying that "following me won't be easy but it will be so worth it!"

St. Stephen and the other martyrs of our Church provide an excellent example of what it means to truly live out the beatitudes that Jesus taught in the 5th chapter Matthew's gospel. And like Jesus himself who forgave those who crucified him, St. Stephen prayed for those who were taking his life. His devotion and willingness to forgive those who were killing him makes me pause and think about what I would do in that position. I pray that I can have the courage and compassion that St. Stephen showed the world.

Questions for reflection:

1) Would you be willing to die for your faith? Why or why not?

2) How do you feel when people discuss faith in social settings?

3) Are you comfortable sharing your faith with others?

4) In what ways have you been persecuted for your beliefs?

5) How do you think you could obtain the courage needed to stand up for your beliefs in difficult situations?

6) Who has hurt you?

7) Have you forgiven them? If not, why not?

Pray: Lord, thank you for the example of St. Stephen. Grant that we always strive to be true disciples of Your Son even though that will require rejection and persecution. Help us to know you are always with us and let us be filled with your Spirit so we can forgive those who have hurt us. St. Stephen, pray for us. Amen.

I'll Be Home For Home For Christmas

So I have sort of been reading this little, blue book. It is titled, "The Little Blue Book: Advent and Christmas Seasons 2010-2011". Creative, huh? This little, blue book was given out to parishioners of my parish at the start of the Advent season (the four weeks leading up to Christmas). It has a reflection for everyday leading up to Christmas as well as the couple weeks that follow December 25th.

The passage from the other day struck a chord with me because of the intent of this blog. As stated above, one of the major goals of this blog is to reach "Christmas and Easter Catholics." So I hope this blog is indeed being read by at least a few "Christmas and Easter Catholics" who might be feeling compelled to grow deeper in their Catholic faith. And if you are one that truly is a Catholic that attends mass on Christmas and Easter, this is the one week that you could say in all honesty that you intend to go to mass. Let me be the first to say, "welcome back!"

The passage in the book from this past Sunday, December 19th, was titled "The House Church." Here is what is said:

On October 4, 1943 in the middle of World War II, Bing Crosby recorded, "I'll Be Home For Christmas," one of his most famous Christmas songs (surpassed only by his "White Christmas" and "Silent Night"). The song became emblematic of the separations caused by the war.

"Wars" in families can cause separations too.

Christmas is six days away. Make plans to to come home to your family, even if it involves some forgiveness.

Come home to your Church, even if that involves some forgiveness- perhaps in both directions.

No home, no Church is perfect. It's simply a place where imperfect people treat each other with a kindness that no one has to earn.

At Christmas time we belong with our family, and with our Church- it's the birthday feast of the Son of God who called everyone his brothers and sisters.

"I'll be home home for Christmas." There's a beautiful ring to those words. May it be our song this Christmas season.

Leave The Light On Inn-side Your Heart

The spokesman for Motel 6, Tom Bodett, is known for saying, "We'll leave the light on for you." I always thought it was a bit hokey but my buddy Jimmy was always fond of the catch phrase. Regardless, Mary and Joseph certainly could have used a Motel 6 that day that they came into Bethlehem.

However, scripture tells us that they didn't have such luck. In the second chapter of Luke's gospel, we read that after Mary gave birth to Jesus, "she wrapped him in swaddling clothes and laid him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn." (Luke 2: 7)

A few years ago, a priest named Fr. Sal who was assigned to our parish reflected on the scene inside that inn during his homily. Prior to that, I had not given much thought to the inn outside of acknowledging the fact that there was no vacancy.

Fr. Sal, however, pondered who was in there and what were they doing. Were they dining and enjoying good drink? Perhaps the conversation amongst the guests was lively and entertaining. Maybe the guests at the inn played music and sang. It is safe to presume, that those who stayed at the inn that night slept comfortably, safe from the elements.

It sounds like a nice night but they had no idea what they were missing. Circumstance would have it that just beyond the walls of the inn, the most important, most amazing, and most miraculous event in the history of man-kind was happening.

They missed it. They missed the prophecy being fulfilled. They missed the coming of God. They missed the virgin birth of our Lord Jesus. Certainly, they had a wonderful night; but they missed it.

We just started the second week of Advent and I have already attended two "Holiday" parties and I have a couple more scheduled in the upcoming weeks. If I am not careful, I too will miss it. This is a wonderful time of year for many reasons. The sights and sounds. The tastes and smells. Enjoying the company of friends and family. We should enjoy it all.

However, we need to make sure we don't miss it.

Questions for reflection:

1) In this season of giving gifts, reflect on what gifts have you received throughout your life from God.

2) Jesus, the Son of God, was entrusted to his humble, human parents. What have you been entrusted with? Whom have you been entrusted with?

3) The Magi offered gifts to Jesus. How can you give of your talents, treasures, and time to give glory to God?

I pray that you keep your CHRISTmas preparations centered on Christ and make room INN your busy days for Jesus.