December 18-19, 2010
Fourth Sunday of Advent
Isaiah 7:10-14 Romans 1:1-7 Matthew 1:18-24
Interestingly, there are very few, if any, classic art pieces that depict the conversations that Joseph and Mary must have had when news of her pregnancy was shared.
All of our Nativity scenes have a placid-looking Joseph standing near Mary (who always appears remarkably well kempt, not to mention nicely dressed for someone who has just given birth!!!) How come we do not have any images in art…or contemporary portrayals, of Mary and Joseph in ardent and intense discussion- inclusive of tears and probably raised voices…which humanly had to precede Joseph’s decision to DIVORCE Mary…quietly to be sure…but Joseph was not going to be party to marrying an obviously sullied woman.
While we have the looks of loss and despair accompanying countless crucifixion scenes, where is the look of betrayal that Joseph must have felt when he learned that Mary was pregnant? Where is the look of failure and perhaps shame on Mary’s face when she hears that her future has taken a miserable turn, that she will potentially be alone to handle the birth of her child?
Veiled within the soft images accompanying our Christmas celebrations: luminous decorative displays, warm images of Mary holding her child, wintry images that help us cuddle closer to each other as well as a roaring fire; unseen beneath these disguises is the subtle message that the grace of God is present even within the most fervent, unsettling and painful human moments.
We hear of a ‘mysterious dream’ in which Joseph had a POWERFUL EXPERIENCE by which he changed his mind on something as crucial as marrying someone who had by all appearances, cheated on him. This had to have been one heck of an experience! All too often there is a mistaken thought that the ‘peace of God’ brings calm and smooth sailing…we forget that Jesus himself said he does not give ‘peace’ as the world gives it.
With all of the Advent Wreath candles lit, Christmas is but one week distant and many still find their lives in turmoil and disarray. Unemployment, personal struggles, dire medical diagnosis’, ongoing wars in distant lands, continued political wrangling over hot-button social issues…it is enough to make us want to throw up our hands is despair at the apparent absence of God from our lives! Yet, we forget some basic themes repeatedly shared within Scriptures: from death comes life, from disarray come hope, from darkness comes light.
This weekend we hear that Mary and Joseph’s life was in complete disarray and tumult…and yet, the grace of God was able to work within their lives nonetheless to bring about something quite marvelous. So, on this final Advent weekend, where is the most tumult in your life…because there is a very good chance that may be where the Christ child will be born in YOUR life this Christmas. (And if all else fails, take a nap and perhaps you will dream…..as did Joseph.)
Thank you for joining with our Corpus Christi Catholic-Christian Community as we conclude our Advent preparations and set our hearts on Christmas. The Bulletin has the full Christmas Eve/Day Mass schedule, remember, you may also park on the Aliso Viejo Parkway, both sides, between Pacific Park and Liberty.
If you are coming to the 9:00 p.m. Christmas Eve Mass, remember, ‘It’s Midnight in New York’ so bring an appetizer for sharing at the reception following. Our annual Rectory Open House is this afternoon…the Bulletin has directions and gate code info…please consider yourselves invited! Lastly…please EXPECT BIG crowds at Mass on Christmas Eve and Day…plan to arrive early and don’t get yourself all in a bunch if you can’t sit in your usual seat or park in your usual spot….come on…it’s CHRISTMAS!
Please extend your natural graciousness to our visitors and friends…this is a GREAT opportunity to show our best side when thousands of people give our Catholic Faith another try…so let’s see if we can win them back with Corpus Christi spirit! If you are traveling for the holiday…be safe…and to one and all….A Merry and Blessed Christmas 2010. Remember, you are loved….FKB
