These reflections are a result of more than 40 years of ministry as a Roman Catholic priest. Most of these years I spent in the Diocese of Charlotte which covers Western North Carolina. Now I am retired, and live in Medellín, Colombia where I continue to serve as a priest in the Archdiocese of Medellín.
Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in Christ with every spiritual blessing in the heavens, as he chose us in him, before the foundation of the world, to be holy and without blemish before him. (Eph 1:3-6,11-12)
https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/120825.cfm
We have all been chosen by God. Mary was called to become the mother of the Savior. She said yes to the angel’s message. Her yes echoes through the ages inspiring all the disciples of her son who call her blessed. Today’s photo is of the Immaculate Conception by Murillo (1617-1682). Today’s villancico (Christmas carol) is Salve Reina y Madre (Hail Queen and Mother). https://youtu.be/BNe1qhR0U1Q?si=HhfejgG40M9ZE0gv
Welcome one another, then, as Christ welcomed you, for the glory of God. (Rom 15:4-9)
https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/120725.cfm
As Advent invites us to “prepare the way of the Lord,” Saint Paul calls us to be agents of welcome. In these troubled times when so many are living in fear and are feeling unwelcome, the church reaches out with hope and compassion. Here is the link to the statement of the bishops of the province of Atlanta to which the Diocese of Charlotte belongs. https://georgiabulletin.org/news/2025/12/bishops-of-atlanta-province-share-pastoral-reflection-on-dilexi-te/
At the sight of the crowds, his heart was moved with pity for them because they were troubled and abandoned, like sheep without a shepherd. Jesus sent out these Twelve after instructing them thus, "As you go, make this proclamation: 'The Kingdom of heaven is at hand.' Cure the sick, raise the dead, cleanse lepers, drive out demons. Without cost you have received; without cost you are to give." (Mt 9:35-10:1, 5a, 6-8)
https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/120625.cfm
In his ministry as bishop, Saint Nicholas (270-343) fulfilled the command of the Lord: without cost you have received, without cost you are to give. Saint Nicholas still continues to freely give. https://youtu.be/h0-QMXFJoEE?si=lMPArsG1i-X2Kwpi
Thus says the Lord GOD: But a very little while, and Lebanon shall be changed into an orchard, and the orchard be regarded as a forest! (Is 29:17-24)
https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/120525.cfm
After so much suffering from wars fomented by others in the region, Lebanon took hope this week from a visit by Pope Leo. https://youtu.be/Yd0hLpbYRRg?si=BVgObFLL5vdvDl8k
Trust in the LORD forever! For the LORD is an eternal Rock. He humbles those in high places, and the lofty city he brings down; He tumbles it to the ground, levels it with the dust. It is trampled underfoot by the needy, by the footsteps of the poor. (Is 26:1-6)
https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/120425.cfm
God is not impressed with empires. God is concerned with the most vulnerable and how we treat them. As Jesus says, “I was hungry and you gave me no food, a stranger and you gave me no welcome” (Mt 25:42-43). https://youtu.be/I6vjaimSK4E?si=6iJG8FQqImUXH-3_
