Year A

Jan 08 2025

Scripture Study for

The first reading features the well-known “priestly blessing,” probably originally to be imparted to visitors to the Jerusalem temple or other worship sites. Blessing is a form of prayer that asks for God’s gifts. This blessing asks for God’s protection, good favor, and peace. To “keep” here means to watch over or guard. To “shine one’s face on,” or simply to show one’s face, means to have a favorable disposition toward someone (see Psalm 4:7). Thus, the second line of the blessing asks for God’s positive attitude and gracious favor toward the blessed. The third strophe repeats the hope for God’s good favor before asking for God’s “peace,” in Hebrew, shalom, a word that sums up all that the blessing asks of God: wholeness, well-being, harmony, long life, etc.

In his letter to the Galatians, Paul argues that the coming of Christ has made both Jews and Gentiles children of God by freeing them from “elemental powers” (4:3), spiritual forces that somehow prevent humans from living in full conformity with God’s will. Christ was born into this human condition of bondage in order to deliver us from that misery, and to bring all who accept the gift into familial relationship with God. As “sons and daughters” and therefore “heirs” in Christ, Christians inherit the promises made to Abraham (3:29) and passed on to his freeborn children.

Onto a quiet birth scene burst several shepherds, to whom an angel has announced the birth of the Messiah (Luke 2:8–15). Finding the child in a manger, as the angel had said, they immediately inform Mary and Joseph and probably some helpful neighbor folk that the savior’s birth has been announced to them. While the neighbor folk are amazed at the notion that the child born under such unpromising circumstances could be “Messiah and Lord,” Mary merely reflects on “these things.” Jesus’ circumcision on the eighth day, in accordance with the law (Leviticus 12:3), signals his solidarity with the covenant community that he will save.

Jan 07 2025

Scripture Study for

Traditional biblical wisdom holds that order and stability promote human flourishing. Here the focus is on family roles and what is due to each member of the household: Duty toward parents is a common Wisdom trope, appearing often in Proverbs. Sirach reflects in particular on the challenge of dealing with an elderly parent, and closely binds duty toward God with honoring parents. It is God who set the father and mother over the family; honoring one’s parents brings favor from God. At the same time, the language of comfort, consideration, and kindness points to a sense that caring for one’s parents is ultimately grounded in basic human decency as much as the hope of divine reward.

The emphasis in the second reading is on decent behavior toward all, which reflects one’s experience of having been transformed by Christ. Precisely as “God’s chosen ones,” who have put away “earthly” vices (Colossians 3:5–10) and been transformed in Christ, Christians should behave in a manner that reflects the character of God, who is compassionate, patient, forgiving, and loving. Marked by these traits, those gathered around Christ support each other, learning together from him and strengthening each other through admonishment, common worship, and especially gratitude. In the final section the writer exhorts his listeners to honor the family order as ordained by God. Christian family life also is to be marked by mutual care, without bitterness, provocation, or discouragement.

In the Gospel reading, Joseph fulfills his duty as protector of God’s Son and his mother. Jesus’ vulnerability is highlighted by six references to him as “child.” Prompted three times, Joseph responds with quick obedience. Not only does Joseph lead mother and child away from danger, his actions also allow for the fulfillment of prophecy. The more significant of these is the first, from Hosea (11:1), which refers to the redemption of Israel, God’s son (Exodus 4:22), from Egypt. It is applied now to Jesus, God’s Son, as exemplar and perfect representative of Israel.

Jan 07 2025

The Eyes Have It

I never get quite enough Christmas. Liturgically, this week we are still singing Christmas songs. Poinsettias still decorate the altar. Yet we have already abandoned the infancy stories. In today’s reading, Joseph uproots his family to flee to Egypt to keep the holy child safe. Does the glow of “Silent Night, Holy Night” have to dissolve into the shadows quite so quickly?

Jesus was born into a messy world. In my mind, I know that. In my heart, I don’t want that.

A glimmer of insight came to me when I noticed a painting by Federico Barocci. In the Rest on the Flight to Egypt (c.1570), Mary sits in the center of the Holy Family. She looks to the left, as though to draw attention away from herself. St. Joseph hovers above her. He reaches out his fingers to place a twig into the fist of Jesus, a chubby toddler. The leading line in the painting is that connection between father and son. The dawning sun rises in the background. That light is reflected in the bearded man’s eyes as they shimmer with tenderness for the child. The eyes of the baby gleam back with love. A placid donkey looks on. Had they just barely escaped Herod’s bloodbath? Is there anxiety in Joseph’s heart? This paints a picture of calm. Jesus doesn’t look old enough to talk, but he shoots Joseph a playful grin as though to say, “Daddy, don’t worry. We are here together.”

In mutual love, there is calm amidst the messiness—holy rest, Christmas peace. It doesn’t fade away. We find it in family. We find it in friendship. We find it in the solidarity of community. We find it in Jesus’ gleam: “Don’t worry. We are in this together.”

Consider/Discuss

We yearn for peace, but life can be messy. What is in Jesus’ eyes when he looks at us? How can we be enveloped by Christmas peace through that loving gaze?
Much of togetherness is communicated with the eyes, both in family relationships and in friendship. Storytellers suggest looking at people with two seconds of loving eye contact. Try that tender attention this week and see how family and friends respond.

Living and Praying with the Word

Jesus our Savior, you lived through all of the messiness of human life. You know more of trauma than we could ever imagine. Yet you have not abandoned us. You are here. You are with us. Help us to put on heartfelt compassion, kindness, humility, and love, especially in our families. Strengthen the bond of perfection in all of our relationships. This flight of faith is challenging. We cannot do it without you. Thank you for abiding with us and surrounding us with your gleam of love.

Jan 07 2025

The Gaze Turns to Love

It is Christmas Day! The long night of Mary’s labor is over. The holy night when the angels sang has turned to day. The sun has risen. Jesus is here! Red and wrinkled, the baby rests in Mary’s arms. Joseph gazes at the boy’s little fingernails as Mary sleeps. Even the cave where the animals are stabled begins to brighten and warm. Time stands still. The everlasting Word has become flesh and dwells among us. He is here. He is now.

What happens when a newborn arrives? The hours after birth, if not interrupted by emergencies, are a time to gaze. A first-time mother can’t quite believe that her enormous belly is now that tiny child; two eyes, that nose, and “look at his hair!” A father gets shaky inside at how protective he feels when he looks at this little one. Someone exclaims, “Oh, look, he’s got the family chin!” Words feel trivial, unable to capture the amazement. Time stands still.

And then something happens. Time begins anew. Inside of each of these “watchers,” a miracle rises up. Little by little, those who look upon the helpless creature are changed by their gazing. They begin to fall in love. Warmth spreads in the chest. Tears of joy run down the cheeks. Wonder overwhelms the mind. This child is here. This child is now. Can you feel it?

Christmas Day is a moment for gazing. Christmas Day is a time to look at Baby Jesus, the Word who became flesh and who dwells among us. In the manger, in the Eucharist, in moments of prayer, in the bond of family and friends, in service to the community: Look! Jesus is here! Let the tears of joy run down your cheeks. Jesus is here!

Consider/Discuss

The experience of today’s Christmas may be joyous. Or it may be difficult. How is God with you on this day? How is the Word taking flesh and dwelling with you today?
Think back to your most tender, most loving Christmas. What comes to mind? What was it that warmed your heart? How can that memory transform your experience today?

Living and Praying with the Word

Emmanuel, God who is with us, sometimes there is nothing to say. Today is your Christmas. Allow me to have some quiet time just to gaze at you, the newborn in the manger, the Word become flesh. Holy Spirit, come and fill the quiet of my gaze with the strength of your love. You may warm my heart. You may overwhelm my brain. You may send tears of joy down my cheeks. Give me the grace just to sit here and gaze at you with love.

Jan 07 2025

Scripture Study for

The Isaian passage, from near the end of the Babylonian exile, is a proclamation of salvation made by one who brings “glad tidings” (in the Greek translation of the Hebrew Scriptures: euangelion). An important element of the proclamation is the notion that this salvation will be visible to “all the nations” and “all the ends of the earth.” This public salvation is intended to manifest to the whole world both the graciousness and the power of the God of Israel. Thus, the redemption of Israel will contribute to a larger project, seen in other parts of Isaiah, of drawing other nations to praise and worship the God of Israel, and thus share in Israel’s salvation (see Isaiah 2:1–5; 56:3–8).

The Letter to the Hebrews focuses on Christ’s relationship to God as son, heir, and “imprint of [God’s] being.” Precisely as God’s Son, Jesus has accomplished what could not be done otherwise. Although God had truly, but partially, spoken through earlier prophets, now in Jesus—God’s Son and imprint—God speaks fully and clearly. Whereas earlier God had provided for regular and repeated purification from sin, now God has provided a great High Priest who accomplishes purification once and for all (Hebrews 4:14— 5:10; 7:1—8:6). Jesus, as heir, reigns in heaven with God and thus is worthy of the worship of all creation.

The beginning of the Gospel of John announces that Jesus Christ, as the Word (logos) of God, has come into the world and made his dwelling among us (literally, “tabernacled among us”; see Exodus 40:34–35). The Greek word logos reflects, among other things, the “mind” and wisdom of God, or God’s creative plan that governs the world. Thus, the Word-made flesh brings light, grace, truth, the very life of God. Those who believe in him, accepting this free gift, become children of God. Already we hear a key Johannine theme: the gracious gift of God demands a response.