Question of the Week - The Nativity of the Lord (Christmas)
A friend and I recently enjoyed a Saturday drive up to the beautiful countryside of northeastern Ohio. On the way, she played a mix of music, including Christmas carols and favorite holiday standards. It prompted me to ask her, “What is your favorite Christmas carol?” She replied that she likes carols that speak of night and silence and stillness. I shared that my favorites are the joyful “Angels We Have Heard on High,” “Joy to the World,” and “Good Christian Friends, Rejoice!”
The angels in today’s Gospel (see Luke 2:1-14, from the Mass at Midnight) tell us that theirs is the good news of great joy meant for all people. It is Good News meant for the whole world.
It has been a year of change, confusion, anxiety, and fear. I have often written of what a temptation it could be to close ranks, stay in the safe shelter of our own homes, and think only of our self-care and self-preservation. Nevertheless, there is a much larger picture. There is a world filled with people who still need to hear the Good News of great joy.
Christmas is not just a day; it is a season. It is not too late to speak the healing word, send a message of encouragement, give a gift that says “I am thinking of you,” donate to a ministry serving your community’s and the world’s most vulnerable people, or intentionally create some opportunities for the proclamation of joy and Good News in your family and home. Such actions have ripple effects that carry joy’s message out into the world, proclaiming God’s glory beyond our original hopes and intentions.
Merry Christmas to all! Today, and throughout the Christmas season, join me not just in singing, but in proclaiming: “Joy to the world, the Lord is come! Let earth receive her King!”
“Joy to the World”
Text: Isaac Watts
by Mary Sellars Malloy
Question of the Week, August 2, 2020, Seventeenth Sunday in Ordinary Time, Year A
What Church musician starts his or her new ministry during Holy Week? You guessed it. Me! There I was, on the Tuesday before Palm Sunday, meeting with the cantors and choir and trying to put together a plan for Palm Sunday and the Triduum. Somehow, by the grace of God, we made it—and not only did we make it, we truly celebrated and prayed together!
I remember that ministry site. After the whirlwind Holy Week experience, I worked to settle into my small and dusty office, and by the time I weeded out old files, copies, and junk, I was left with one xerox box full of useful music. But onward I went, through the Easter Season and into Ordinary Time, when choir members offered to host a cheesecake sale to provide funding for new music. We raised $1100!
From there, five college students, all music majors, stepped forward to add their voices, violin, percussion, clarinet, and exquisite piano playing to the mix. The next year, a parishioner who wished to remain anonymous sent word to me to choose and buy new hymnals for the parish and new accompaniment books for all of the instrumentalists.
Five loaves and two fishes? Impossible tasks? I understand! But I’ve seen with my own eyes that, when the work is God’s, when the timing is God’s, God provides all that is needed for the task and more.
What seems impossible to you today? Be that child who places the little you have into the hands of Jesus, and trust that you will have more than enough inspiration, courage, and wisdom to do what he is calling you to do.
Blest Are We |
Be My Disciples |
Sacramental Preparation |
Enliven your program with music using these resources which provide the program song and five unit songs for each level, special music related to chapter themes, instrumental tracks for meditation, and background music. |
Each music program contains:
|
These engaging music program, developed in partnership with Oregon Catholic Press, contain a variety of liturgical and catechetical songs for Eucharist and Reconciliation. A mixture of songs in Spanish and English and selected instrumental tracks are provided. |
First of all, if you are now able to worship with your parish community, isn’t it wonderful to be able to once again be a part of the procession to the Table of the Lord and receive the Body and Blood of Christ? What a Lent and Easter fast we’ve had from this most precious gift of Jesus! This solemnity is most certainly a day to express our gratitude to him for the lifegiving gifts of his Body and his Blood.
Even though we have come through or are still coming through a long fast from the Eucharist, this is also a day to reflect on the many ways we have been fed by the bread of others’ generosity, thoughtfulness, prayers, and support during the pandemic. I think of three friends who sewed hundreds of masks for healthcare workers, chemotherapy patients, and clinic staff members. And there’s the crafty friend who made joyful Easter bunnies, delivering them to friends’ doorsteps to bring Easter cheer.
A new friend in Arkansas wrote that in her neighborhood, which is mostly Catholic, neighbors agreed on a time to stand in their driveways and pray the rosary for the protection of the world. In a southern community, members of a Baptist church stood on their front porches on Easter Sunday and sang “Amazing Grace.” That same morning, we opened our door to find a container of dark chocolate-covered pretzels on our doormat.
Things may still seem unsettled, frightening, or discouraging, but all around us are hopeful and uplifting examples of generosity and goodness. On this solemnity, let’s pause and ask Jesus how he is asking us to continue to “be bread”—be encouragement, be light, be of service, and be the presence of Christ to others.
Christ has no body now but yours. No hands, no feet on earth but yours. Yours are the eyes through which he looks compassion on this world. Yours are the feet with which he walks to do good. Yours are the hands through which he blesses all the world. Yours are the hands, yours are the feet, yours are the eyes, you are his body. Christ has no body now on earth but yours. Saint Teresa of Jesus (of Ávila)
Mary Sellars Malloy has over forty years’ experience as a Catholic educator and lay minister. She is a frequent workshop presenter on the topics of prayer, liturgy, spirituality, the Sacraments, and the RCIA. In addition, Mary leads retreats and parish missions throughout the country. Her goal is to encourage Catholics of all ages to appreciate and to live their Catholic faith.
Helping Kids Live Their Faith
This book offers numerous ideas and opportunities to help children understand the importance of carrying out the Church's mission of serving their families, the community, and parish.
This small book provides practical application through service projects to model ways to live and act in faith.
What difficulties have you overcome because of your belief in the Holy Spirit?
In his book Worshiping Well (The Liturgical Press, 1997), Fr. Larry Mick tells the story of a bishop who took time each day to sit in what he referred to as his “Holy Spirit chair.” As the bishop explained this practice to Confirmation candidates, he emphasized the importance of just sitting down for a few minutes each day to be still and to see what thoughts, inspirations, and insights might surface. This, the bishop said, was the voice of the Spirit speaking to us.
The story so caught my imagination and heart that I’ve often presented it as a spiritual practice at various retreats and parish missions. To sit in a few moments of silence with others is a powerful thing, and to share the fruits of that silence is equally as powerful.
We should not be surprised by what we hear in the silence. After all, four of the Gifts of the Holy Spirit are wisdom, understanding, counsel (right judgment), and knowledge. But in order to access these Gifts during times of difficulty, in challenging times such as the present, we must take time to sit and listen to that voice within.
As the Easter season continues and as summer nears, designate your own “Holy Spirit chair.” This time of year, mine is a balcony chair placed near planters full of herbs and flowers, with a delightful view of birds, squirrels, and butterflies at play.
Each day, commit to just a few moments of sitting still and in quiet. Begin by praying, “Come, Holy Spirit.” Prepare to be amazed by the insight and inspiration the Holy Spirit speaks to your heart.
What are some ways you can imitate Jesus when you are on the playground or on a sports team?
Now I know some of you are wondering why I am responding to a question of the week that was obviously written for the consideration of children. But children, and the ways they surprise and witness to us in beautiful ways, are at the heart of my thoughts this week.
Several years ago, I directed a school choir at an inner-city parish. The choir was made up of fourth through eighth graders who met with me during their Thursday lunch hour. One of the members was an eighth-grade boy whom I will call Joshua. Joshua lived with his grandmother, who did her best to provide for him. But, being the smallest boy in his class, Joshua was often teased and tormented by the other students. And one of the things he was teased about had to do with singing in the choir. That was something that eighth-grade boys just didn’t do!
One Thursday, the most popular and athletic eighth-grade boy in the school came to choir. I tried not to look shocked, but I was most surprised that Jonathan joined us. After all, according to his classmates, boys singing in the choir just wasn’t cool. After choir, I thanked Jonathan for joining us, and I asked him what inspired him to come to choir. He simply said, “I didn’t think Joshua should be alone.”
Today is a good day to think about and pray for all who are serving us so that we have what we need, stay safe, maintain health, and do not walk through this challenging time of the coronavirus pandemic alone. It is a good day to offer encouragement by sharing in the 7:00 p.m. round of applause for healthcare workers, by saying thank you to the stockers and clerks at our grocery stores and pharmacies, by giving a friendly wave and a thank you to our postal carriers and delivery persons, and even by participating in take-out Tuesday efforts to encourage our local restaurateurs.
How can we imitate Jesus, even on the most trying of days? We can follow Jonathan’s example and look for the Joshuas in our families, workplaces, neighborhoods, and social circles. We can find our ways to stand beside them so that they too are never alone.
Many of you are familiar with the Little Black Book for Lent and the Little White Book for Easter. They were the inspiration of the late Bishop Ken Untener.
In his last years of ministry, Bishop Ken realized that the people in his Diocese—the sheep of his flock—needed a shepherd. He so strongly felt this that he reoriented the focus of his ministry to let go of some of his administrative duties in order to focus on shepherding the people. Out of his desire that the sheep of his flock take time for daily prayer and to grow in their knowledge of the Catholic faith, he came up with the idea of the little books—tools that invited his flock to spend six minutes a day in reading and prayer.
Bishop Ken’s example of shepherding could inspire each of us this Easter season.
First, Bishop Ken took the time to get to know the flock in his care. Who is in our care at this point in time? Children? Aging parents? Friends? Coworkers? Neighbors? Those in our community who are unemployed and in need?
Second, he identified a need. What are the needs of those in our care? The gift of time? Food, money, or material goods to help others recover from the effects of the pandemic? When gathering restrictions are lifted, an invitation to become part of a Bible study, a book club, a ministry, or a circle of support?
Third, he reoriented his priorities to address the greatest need of those in his care. Where might we need to change our priorities or our routines in order to best shepherd the sheep of the flock God has asked us to tend? Recent weeks have certainly provided us with time to think about our lives and priorities. Where are our thoughts and reflections leading us?
As the Great Fifty Days continue, how will you follow Jesus’ example by being a shepherd who tends for the sheep of your flock?
Where have you recognized Jesus present with you in recent days? A chance invitation to a fall concert led my husband and me to join our community chorus, where we are once again singing Bach, Handel, Mozart, and other works that challenge and engage us. We feel Jesus present in the choir, which is directed by a faith-filled and extremely talented woman who is welcoming and inspiring. And, although the coronavirus pandemic forced the cancel of recent rehearsals and a spring concert, we look forward to being together with this community once again.
In today’s Gospel (Luke 24:13-35), the disciples recognize Jesus in the breaking of the bread. This Bread of Life we know as the Eucharist, the Real Presence of Jesus, has many names. In the Church’s Litany of the Holy Eucharist, Jesus is named as the bread of heaven, the bread of life, the bread of thanksgiving, life-giving bread, holy manna, new covenant, food for everlasting life, food for our journey, holy banquet, medicine of immortality, and pledge of eternal glory.
As I grow older, my own understanding and appreciation of the Eucharist is as life-giving bread and food for our journey. Especially during the recent cancellation of masses, I have come to realize more and more my hunger for the Word, the Eucharist, and the company of those in my parish community. When we are together to celebrate, as I process to the Table of the Eucharist, and even now that we are apart from each other for a time, I pray for the people who are normally in procession with me. I pray that their hungers will be satisfied and their wounds will be healed. I pray that all of us are strengthened to keep moving forward to the kingdom, knowing that we are loved by God and that we are never alone on the road.
This week, whether or not you are able to physically join your parish community for the celebration of the Eucharist, take time to think about your own understanding and appreciation of it. Pray to Jesus using one of the titles from the Litany of the Holy Eucharist. And be mindful of the many ways Jesus truly is present to you.
We often refer to today’s Gospel (John 20:1-9) as the story of “doubting Thomas”—the Apostle who wouldn’t believe Jesus was resurrected from the dead unless he saw the nail marks in Jesus’ hands and put his hand in Jesus’ side. When I think of those who are faltering in their faith, I think of Thomas—by all other accounts a faithful disciple, a faithful follower of Jesus, who just experienced doubt and needed visible proof.
This is the story of most disciples of Jesus, myself included. Especially as we continue to live amidst the uncertainties of the coronavirus pandemic, we are all experiencing moments when we feel alone, afraid, unsure, tired, and doubtful. We falter. And we, like Thomas, just need a visible sign of Jesus’ existence in our lives, of God’s love for us. Think about those times in your life. In the past, what calmed your fears, gave you strength, and reassured you that Jesus was indeed alive and working in your life to bring things together for your good? These are the very things you can do to help others remain strong in faith and hope right now.
This week, offer to those who are faltering what you have been given—words of encouragement, a card, a call, and if restrictions in your area have been lifted, an invitation to lunch, an invitation to church, and prayer. In all your conversations, speak words of peace. In the spirit of Saint Faustina, extend mercy. And, above all, remember that you are the visible proof of God’s existence in the world. Let all you say and do reflect your identity as a daughter or son of God, made in God’s image, and deeply loved.
Many years ago, I was hospitalized for several months. I suffered an illness that normally affects the very elderly (I was 38 at the time) or alcoholics (I don’t drink). Much of my time was spent in intensive care, and the doctors truly didn’t expect me to live. So, I understand in a small way the meaning of the word resurrection, “coming back to life after death.” For here I am, nearly twenty-five years later, laughing, loving, and LIVING! Alleluia!
And this is how I think we can best show our belief in the Resurrection of Jesus. Despite the coronavirus pandemic, despite the uncertainties and concerns we all carry in our minds and hearts, we can choose to LIVE. Perhaps this Easter season, more than ever, we need to invite Jesus and the Holy Spirit to reveal to us what needs to be brought back to life in our own lives—hopes, dreams, laughter, and joy; creative pursuits, good books, and time for rest and play; friendships that enrich our lives and spiritual practices that help keep faith alive in our hearts. What comes to mind for you?
These words of Pope Saint Paul VI could inspire us as we consider life-renewing and life-giving practices in challenging times: “Somebody should tell us, right at the start of our lives, that we are dying. Then we might live life to the limit, every minute of every day. Do it! I say. Whatever you want to do, do it now! There are only so many tomorrows.”
Now those are words to live by as we continue the journey of these Great Fifty Days!
Even though most of us will be unable to celebrate with our parish communities, one of the best ways we can show respect for Jesus this Holy Week is to set aside time to celebrate the great three days of the Triduum in prayer and reflection. The following are some simple suggestions.
Holy Thursday: Take time to recall the most special meals you have shared with family and friends. Who was at the table? What foods were served? Imagine yourself processing to the Table of the Lord tonight, and pray for your parish community and the Church throughout the world.
Good Friday: The fourth-century pilgrim Egeria recorded that on Good Friday the faithful gathered to hear each account of the Passion proclaimed between the hours of noon and 3 PM. Today, take time to prayerfully read Matthew 27:27-43, Mark 15:16-32, Luke 23:26-43, and John 19:16-27. Which account most deeply speaks to you and why? Take a personal cross or crucifix in your hands, and think about the enormity of the sacrifice that Christ made for you through his suffering and Death on the Cross. Pray for those suffering the emotional, physical, and financial effects of the coronavirus pandemic, and for all who are suffering in any way.
Holy Saturday: Recall experiences of being welcomed—into a family, into a neighborhood, into a new workplace, into your parish. Who welcomed you and how did they do so? What did their welcome mean to you? This is the night on which the Church throughout the world normally welcomes the elect and candidates for Full Communion through the celebration of the Sacraments of Initiation. Pray for the elect and candidates in your parish, and for the day when all can again gather together to celebrate welcoming them into the Church!
Easter Sunday: Even if you are unable to celebrate Easter with your parish family, wear your finest Easter outfit today and prepare a celebration meal! Begin an Easter season journal listing blessings, sights, sounds, and moments that inspire you to sing Alleluia today and throughout the Easter season!
Mary Sellars Malloy has over forty years’ experience as a Catholic educator and lay minister. She is a frequent workshop presenter on the topics of prayer, liturgy, spirituality, the Sacraments, and the RCIA. In addition, Mary leads retreats and parish missions throughout the country. Her goal is to encourage Catholics of all ages to appreciate and to live their Catholic faith.