COME AND SEE!
We live in a time of technology. Especially during this pandemic, we use technology to meet and communicate. Cell phones are handy, we can receive calls anywhere. There are so many options on a cell phone. If we have saved someone’s name and/or picture and number of the person, when they call you, it will show us the name and picture of the person calling. So you can recognize the person, and it makes it easy to respond.
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How do we recognize God’s call? Last weekend we celebrated the Baptism of the Lord, the inauguration of the new exodus, the heaven was torn open and heard the Father’s voice, “This is My Beloved Son.” Jesus, the Lamb of God, called us in our baptism to be daughters and sons. The reading for this weekend gives us the opportunity to reflect on it.

In the Gospel, John the Baptist with two of his disciples and told them, “Behold, the Lamb of God.” In the Bible, the Lamb is brought to the temple on the Day of Atonement (Leviticus 16:20-22). The Lamb was offered on the altar every morning and evening (Ex 29:38-42; Nm 28:1-8). The Paschal Lamb’s blood saved the firstborn of the Jews (Ex 12:11ss.). Isaiah talks about suffering servant. All this leads to Jesus and John introduces him, as “The Lamb of God.”

The two disciples of John followed Jesus. One of them was Andrew (1:40) and the other should be John the evangelist. Andrew went and got his brother Simon, to whom Jesus said, “You are Simon the son of John; you will be called Cephas” — which is translated, Peter.” Cephas in Aramaic means rock. Jesus is calling Peter to be the rock and in which he is going to build the Church. It's a way of calling him to the fullness of his identity, to fulfill the mission he was created for. Jesus spoke to his heart.

In the first reading, we hear the call of Samuel. The first chapter of first Samuel describes Hannah’s prayer for a child and the birth of Samuel. Elkanah and Hannah dedicated him in his early childhood to God’s service in the Temple at Shiloh, as an apprentice to the priest Eli.

One night, God called Samuel, and Samuel thought it was his master, Eli. Twice Samuel went to Eli, and twice Eli told him to go back to sleep. The third time Eli realized what was going on and told Samuel, “Go to sleep, and if you are called, reply, Speak, LORD, for your servant is listening.” It's so real, so human, so personalized, that Samuel keeps thinking that Eli is the one who's calling him. Eli is someone who knows Samuel, someone Samuel knows, a close companion in life. Samuel was able to confuse God's voice with Eli's shows just how personal and intimate God's offer of friendship was. In Hebrew ‘Shema’ is the word for hearing and listening. Listening is much more than hearing. Samuel listened to God and grew up, and the LORD was with him. God chose young Samuel instead of Eli.

The young Samuel had been called to lead and instruct God’s people and to anoint the Kings of Israel. Andrew, John, and Peter called to follow Jesus, eventually, they will be sent out to the ends of the earth. In these both calls, we can see someone to direct. For Samuel, it was Eli, a priest who trained him and for Andrew and John, it was John the Baptist, who prepared the way for the Lord and Peter, it was his brother Andrew.

We all received a call to follow Jesus. Jesus said to the two disciples, come and see. And they stayed with him the rest of that day. Do we stay with Jesus? In the Eucharist, Jesus breaks and shares with us. He wants to stay with us. Why do we want to stay with him? He wants us to follow him and make his name known and loved.
 

Christmas season ends with the Baptism of the Lord. Christmas told us God became one of us. Last weekend we celebrated Epiphany, the revelation of the Lord to all nations. This weekend again we celebrate God the Father who reveals his Son at baptism. We can see here all three persons of God were present. Jesus Christ, the second person of God, standing at the Jordan River. We hear the voice of the Father from heaven and the Holy Spirit descending in the form of a dove. The Baptism of the Lord tells us that Jesus is not just having human nature, he has Divine nature.

We know the Exodus story from the Old Testament, a journey from slavery to the Promised Land. In that journey, the Israelites crossed two rivers. We all know the story of crossing the Red Sea. It was the beginning of the Exodus story. At the end of the Exodus story is crossing the Jordan River and entering the Promised Land.

In the New Testament, at the Baptism of the Lord, begins the new Exodus story. John the Baptist at the Jordan River is giving the baptism of repentance. In the Book of Malachi 3:1 says, “Now I am sending my messenger- he will prepare the way before me.” Jews believed that Elijah will come to prepare the way of the Lord (3:23). John invited them for the baptism. Washing or a purification ceremony was common for Jewish people. It is called Mikveh, the pool they went to for the washing ceremony. In the Gospel, John talks about the one who is coming and inviting people to receive the baptism of repentance at the Jordan River in order to prepare the way.

Even though Jesus is sinless, and no need of repentance, Jesus chooses to be baptized to identify himself with his people, sinners, as part of the Father’s plan to save them. St. Gregory of Nazianzus says, “Perhaps he comes to sanctify his baptizer; certainly he comes to bury sinful humanity in the waters… Jesus rises from the waters; the world rises with him.”

In the Gospel reading, we see the fulfillment of the promise. A voice…with you I am well pleased: God’s acknowledgment of Jesus as his unique Son, the divinity of Christ. The presence of the Trinity at this baptism reveals Jesus' true identity and mission of Jesus. Father’s approval of Jesus is the assurance that Jesus will fulfill his messianic mission of salvation.

“This is my beloved Son” the Father’s announcement echoes several Old Testament passages. In the first reading from the book of Isaiah 42:1, 6&7, we see prophesy that the coming of God’s pleasing servant, who will rescue Israel, and he will be the light of the nation. Jesus fulfills this role as a suffering servant and light of the world (John8:12). Psalm 2:17 portrays King David as the anointed son of God. Jesus is here from the house of David, anointed by the Spirit and Father revealing Jesus' identity, “This is my beloved Son.”

The Baptism of the Lord was the inauguration of the new Exodus. Then began his ministry of the miracle at Cana, opening the eyes of the blind, healing the sick, bringing out prisoners from confinement, feeding the five thousand, instituting the Eucharist to remain with us forever, and offering on the cross, poured out blood to give us new baptism, to wash away our sins. Through his passion, death, and resurrection, he gave us the Sacraments to prepare us to go out and bring the same ministry he did.
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When we walk into the Church, we used to dip the fingers of our right hands into the holy water font and bless ourselves when we came into the church. Because of the pandemic, we don’t have that opportunity. This blessing is supposed to remind us of our baptism. And so when we bless ourself with holy water, we should be thinking of the fact that we are a child of God; that we have been redeemed by the Cross of Christ; that we have been made a member of God’s family, and that we have been washed, forgiven, cleansed and purified by the blood of the Lamb and we have been sent out to bring the Good News by serving one another.

This year we had the opportunity to see the “Star of Bethlehem” or “Christmas Star.” It is an especially vibrant planetary conjunction easily visible the bright planets Jupiter and Saturn come together. Did you see it? I missed it, but saw lots of pictures and read about it.
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We are celebrating the Epiphany. The Magi, astrologers from Persia, follows the star and comes to the manger in Bethlehem, the city of David. Matthew also draws upon the Old Testament story of Balaam, who had prophesied that “A star shall advance from Jacob” (Nm 24:17), though there the star means not an astral phenomenon but the king himself.

The word Epiphany means a showing or manifestation of the Lord.  Magi were eager to find and adore the true King: Child Jesus and offer gifts. They were not members of the Chosen Jewish People; tradition says that they were Persians.

The Church of Nativity is the oldest church in the Holy Land. I had an opportunity to visit this church a couple of years ago. In 613, the Persians invaded the Holy Land and destroyed all the churches, except the Church of Nativity. This church has a mosaic of the Magi, who were wearing Persian-style clothes. It seems like they had respect for their countrymen. Magi were the first Gentiles who recognized the kingship of Jesus.

God’s mercy is extended to all people, everywhere. St. Bernard was an 11th-century Cistercian monk. St. Bernard said that God sent to earth a bag bulging with his mercy, a bag that, at the passion, is torn open so that our ransom pours out of it onto us.  It is a small bag, but a full one: for it was a small child that was given to us, but in him dwells the fullness of the Godhead. In St. Bernard image the infant Jesus as a little bag bulging with mercy.

Where did Magi enquire first in search of the newborn king?  They went to the palace.  Who else is likely to be there? King Herod and his family were there. But the Magi had to come to a cave or a stable to find a poor family, with animals and perhaps a few shepherds. Magi entered the manger and saw the child Jesus with Mary. They prostrated themselves and did him homage and offered the gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh.

The story of the Epiphany contradicts our intellectual concept. The Magi, the intellectual giants came to a stable and prostrated in adoration and offered the gifts of Gold, Incense, and Myrrh. It was a custom to have a gift when visiting a King. What was the meaning of these gifts? The gold is a gift for a king. Jesus was born in the family of David. The promise is fulfilled. Frankincense is the gift for the priest.  The Latin word for priest is pontifex, which means a bridge-builder. The priest is the man who builds a bridge between men and God. Jesus opened the way for humanity to God. Myrrh, a spice used at the funeral. Jesus came to this world to die for us.

We see this episode in the first reading from the book of Isaiah. The prophet proclaims the blessing which to come to Zion, the return of her children, and the wealth of the nation. Specifically, we see Isaiah 60:6, Gentile nations bring gifts of gold and frankincense to God of Israel.

When Magi offered their the gift to Jesus, they were proclaiming Jesus was to be a true King, the perfect High Priest, and the Savior of humanity. On this Epiphany, let us take a moment to kneel down at the manger in adoration and give ourselves as a gift to Jesus.

Thank you: Thank you to everyone who took your time to decorate our Churches for Christmas; all those who donated trees, wreaths, flowers, and so on for the decoration; church cleaners, and everyone else who prepared  our Churches so beautiful for Christmas! I would also like to thank musicians for the melodious music to beautify the Liturgy. Also, I would like to thank of all those who purchased gifts for our homebound, daycare and religious education families. Thank you, everyone!

Blessed New Year 2021 and Happy Feast of Holy Family and Mary, Mother of God!
Merry Christmas! This year the day after Christmas we are already celebrating the feast of the Holy Family. This feast is all about family and what makes a family holy. Young people announce when they become engaged and want to begin preparations for their wedding. They are excited, but at the same time, they have questions and concerns about the future. What makes a man a real man; what makes a woman a real woman? And we can add, what makes a child a real child? The answers are found if we look at the Holy Family.
The mission of Mary and Joseph was to bring up the child Jesus and give Him to the world. It was not an easy journey for them. They had lots of unknowns in their life. Mary was kept pondering on them. Mary was betrothed to Joseph, but they didn’t live together. According to their custom after the betrothal, they are legally married. They didn’t live together until the wedding ceremony takes place, which could be a year later. Joseph was struggling to receive Mary as a wife. Mary and Joseph followed the will of God.
In the first reading, Ben Sirach reminds the fourth Commandment, “Honor your father and mother.” We read in the book of Exodus 20:12 “Honor your father and your mother, that you may have a long life in the land the LORD your God is giving you.” Ben Sirach reminds us that those who honor their parents will gain riches and long life. In the second reading from the Colossians, St. Paul tells us about virtues in life. He describes a family code.
We see in the Gospel, Mary and Joseph took Jesus into the Temple for presentation. Presentation of the Lord is celebrated on February 2nd, but this passage is the reading for the Holy Family. We see in the book of Exodus 13:2, “Consecrate to me every firstborn; whatever opens the womb among the Israelites, whether of human being or beast, belongs to me.” According to their custom, Leviticus 12:2; 6, on the eighth-day circumcision take place and after forty days the purification and consecration take place. We see in the Gospel Mary and Joseph took Jesus to the Temple according to their custom.
When they came to the Temple, there are two people waiting for this moment: Simeon and Anna. The Holy Spirit has revealed to Simeon that he would not die until he has seen Christ. Simeon took the child into his arms and praised God by saying “Now, Master, you may let your servant go in peace, according to your word, for my eyes have seen your salvation…” Simeon tells Mary that she will suffer along with her son, Jesus, as he completes the salvific work. Anna the prophetess, who was staying at the temple in praying and fasting, come forward and thank God and spoke about this child. Simeon and Anna speak about the child, who is the consolation of Israel. They were awaiting the redemption of Jerusalem and the restoration of God’s rule in Israel. The birth of Jesus brings these hopes to fulfillment. Mary was pondering on these words.
This week we embrace New Year 2021, let us ponder the Word of God and give thanks to God! On January first we got the opportunity to celebrate the feast of Mary, Mother of God. This year, we are blessed to celebrate the Year of St. Joseph. Let us ask the blessing of the Holy Family as we embrace New Year 2021.
New Year, is a time to thank for the past, a time ask blessing…
Thank you!: I would like to express my gratitude to cluster parishioners, councils and committees, organizations, parish staff, deacons, those who participated in different ministries, volunteers, and well-wishers. Especially during this time of the pandemic, your support and commitment made difference. Thank you! I pray that the Child Jesus, Mary, and Joseph may enrich our lives during the New Year with an abundance of God’s blessings.
Let us take the passage from the book of Numbers and bless each other in this New Year 2021!
The LORD bless you and keep you!
The LORD let his face shine upon
you, and be gracious to you!
The LORD look upon you kindly and
give you peace!
Blessed New Year 2021 and Happy Feast of Holy Family and Mary, Mother of God!

Advent invites us to reflect on the life of Mary Immaculate…
Bernadette Soubirous at the age of 14 encountered a vision of a woman named Mary in a cave above the banks of the Gave River near Lourdes. She was a poor young girl so no one believed her, but the vision continued.
Finally, the local priest asked Bernadette to find out the name of the woman and she replied Immaculate Conception. I had the privilege to make a pilgrimage to Lourdes, France where Mary appeared. Thousands of people go to Lourdes on pilgrimage and receive many blessings.
The Immaculate Conception is a dogma based mainly on Christian tradition and theological reasoning. It was defined as a Dogma in 1854 in the Apostolic Constitution of Pope Pius IX “Ineffabilis Deus.” Mary approved it by declaring to Bernadette at Lourdes, “I am the Immaculate Conception”. The celebration of this feast existed in the church even before. Monks in Palestinian monasteries started celebrating the feast of Conception of Our Lady by the end of the 7th century. Over the years it spread to different regions. Pope Leo VI propagated the celebration in the universal church and Pope Sixtus IV approved it as a feast.
Every year during Advent we celebrate the feast of Immaculate Conception and we listen to Gospel passage angel's invitation to become Mother of God. We read in the Gospel, "Hail, full of grace! The Lord is with you" (Luke 1:28). This passage tells us about the state holiness of Mary.
In the first reading from the Book of Genesis, we see the story of the creation of Adam and Eve. They were in the beautiful paradise. They were sinless, they were happy, enjoying every moment of their life. All of a sudden they lost that state of holiness. At that moment they lost the freedom and were afraid of God. We see in the first reading, God searching for Adam and Eve, asked them, “Where are you?” (Genesis 3:9). How many of us may have had a similar experience. When you tried to hide from your parents, they asked you out of love “where are you?” Did you recognize their love? No, you tried to tell them your excuses, isn’t it? Like all of us Adam and Eve had their own reason why they sinned.
God promised there will be a woman and her son to save the generation of Adam and Eve: "I will put enmity between you and the woman, and between your offspring and hers; he will strike at your head, while you strike at his heel" (3:15). Mary is the new Eve and Christ is the new Adam. In Mary, humanity responded to God. She said, “Behold, I am the handmaid of the Lord. May it be done to me according to your word” (Luke 1:38).
Immaculate Conception is not about the conception of Jesus in Mary’s womb; it is about the conception of Mary in the womb of Anna. It is beautiful that we get a chance to reflect on the conception of Mary and Jesus during Advent. Let us walk with Mary in this advent season.
 
I take this opportunity to wish everyone the Happy Feast of Immaculate Conception, especially to Parishioners of Immaculate Conception. I would like congratulate also our Confirmation Candidates and First Reconciliation Candidates who are introduced at Immaculate Conception. Let us keep them all in our prayers.