Today's Readings

A SAINT FOR COVID TIMES

The Dominican Meister Eckhart was being heralded as the new Albert the Great, the successor to Thomas Aquinas, and was even compared to St Augustine himself.  But then he began to preach beyond his medieval university and scholastic audiences, to the common people of his native Germany, and in their own language; that's when something unusual happened.

He began to stun his parish audiences by preaching to them a message that shattered the customary bounds between clergy and laity: Anyone could directly experience the birth of God's Son directly in their souls if they but prepare themselves.  No extra acts of piety, no vows to a religious order, not rituals or even perfect participation in the Sacraments could invite God into their souls.  All one needed, Eckhart  preached to his stunned listeners, was to learn to let go of all earthy attachments, all desires, and preconceived ideas about God, and then God would be born again, in the midst of the silence of that stable of your in your heart, and join you to Himself.  Get ready to live the divine life.
Confused, bewildered, agitated, his listeners came back to listen to his preaching, hungry to hear and realize that God's Son had come for their lowly selves too, and not just the ordained, vowed or priveleged.  The direct experience of God offered to any and all, regardless of religious or social status.  This was such a revolutionary message, he even had to invent words in their German dialect to express this good news.  God is present and resonating this very moment within you.  But these divine vibrations go unfelt because of all the accumulated stuff in your life...Let go, and let God!
Sadly, our accustomed faith practices have been interrupted during this pandemic.  Separated from community, and our Sacraments, we have had to fend for our spiritual selves in whole new ways.  Eckhart's message was not a rejection of anything about the faith practices of the 14th century, nor now, but his affirmation of God's desire to be united with us was beyond measure more than our meager efforts to find and enjoy God.  And this message speaks to us today, right now.  Will you take advantage of these bizarre and confused times to honestly assess the priorities in your life?  What would you give up to know and be united with God?  Look what we've had to surrender already; what's keeping you from going just a little further?  Christ is waiting.

Jesus admonishes his listeners: "Be watchful!  Be alert!"  And for what?  How about the very light of grace, seeking to be born again every day, every moment., refreshing and enlightening us in ways only God's imagination can fathom.  And what stops you from realizing and enjoying the fruit of knowing God so intimately?  The apostle Paul said that while you wait for the revelation of the Lord Jesus Christ, truthfully examine yourself for the ways you are putting conditions on how God might act in you and for you.  

Meister Eckhart was never made a saint, his message was too dangerous, too mystical for its time, but this theme of liberation and awakening and sincerely listening for God is resonating throughout the spiritual world today, in every tradition and faith practice.  I challenge you to Google: Eckhart quotes.  And be prepared to discover, as did Eckhart's audiences, the simple claim that it's ourselves and our attachments, not a distant and silent God, that keeps our prayers unanswered, and ourselves in the dark during these mad times.

One contemporary admirer wrote: "You find God the moment you realize you don't need to seek God."  The way to God's heart is wide open.  We shall rediscover God, marvelously, wildly, serendipitously, when we heed Eckhart's wise admonition to simply and sincerely look inside.  Drop what you think you know about God, and let God communicate to you directly what His message is for you, a rebirth of love and fidelity.  He is being born in you anew this very moment.

Tim Cooper's retired life consists of long walks with his German shepherd Rufus, crafting icons, watching birds, and trying to let go.

Today's Readings

Today’s readings focus on food. I love to cook and bake, and often tell others the reason is because I love to eat delicious food; for me eating is an experience of the senses – the fragrant aromas, the sight of a well-plated dish, the taste of a food creation, as well as the hum of my oven as a loaf of sour dough bread bakes to perfection. This food creation is complete only with a glass of tasty wine.

In the first reading from Isaiah, 

“…the Lord of hosts will provide for all peoples a feast of rich food and choice wines, juicy, rich food and pure, choice wines.” 

This makes me recall the Thanksgiving feast prepared last week; mashed potatoes and turkey with gravy, sweet potato casserole topped with brown sugar and marshmallows and a Beaujolais Nouveaux to complement the meal. There was plenty for everyone, for our Covid-style Thanksgiving, and then plates of leftovers to relive that great feast for days afterwards. 

In today’s Gospel Jesus cures the lame and the sick. The crowds have followed him for three days and have had nothing to eat. Jesus, moved with pity, does not want to send the crowds away without a meal. The disciples gather seven loaves of bread and a few fish. Looking at the crowd of thousands, I imagine the apostles whispering to themselves something like, “Is Jesus kidding? We can never feed all these people with such small amounts of food. How are we going to deal with those who get none?” Jesus, being Jesus, offers assurance and then hands over the bread and fish to the apostles for them to serve the crowds. We know how this story ends…there is more than enough for everyone. 

It’s often overwhelming to imagine how our small acts of love can make a difference. We may feel inadequate; the national news reports on the miles-long lines of needy families in their cars waiting for groceries. So many middle-class families are out of work because of the pandemic. 

Jesus empowers each of us, though, as he empowered the apostles in the dessert, to trust fully in him, to be alert, and to serve within our means. Jesus’ means are immense; for him, it is go big or go home!

My cousin, Andrea, lives in Brooklyn. She spent Thanksgiving alone and made her own feast. The smallest fowl she could find at the store was an 11-pound turkey breast – clearly too much food for any one person. Andrea, who also loves to cook, made all the usual fixings that go with the bird and decided to package meals for some of the homeless men she often sees in her Brooklyn neighborhood. On Saturday, she and my daughter, Katherine, packed up hot Thanksgiving dinners, walked the streets, found some homeless man, delivered five meals, and a bit of friendship. The enormity of hunger and homelessness could have overwhelmed them. Instead, they used the resources they had and made the most of each encounter. My guess is this act of compassion was repeated over and over again throughout the city that evening.  

In our joyful preparation of the birth of Jesus at Christmas, we’re given an invitation to use our gifts and resources to ease the burden of those who may be struggling, sick, lonely or sad. Maybe we can consider one small act a day. Will you join me in the challenge?

Dear Lord, you are my guide on life’s journey. 
You have given me all that I need to serve you. 
Help me to reflect your love and compassion each day. 
Amen

Mary Juliano and her husband, John, have been parishioners of St. Stephens since 1999. She serves as parish Business Manager. In her free time, she loves to cook and bake for family and friends. 

Today's Readings

“I believe that I shall be saved...for your mercy is greater than the malice of my sins.” — St. Francis Xavier

Do you believe you will be saved? There are moments when I question whether I will be saved. Those moments cause me to despair, but despair is where the devil wants me. With so many worrisome events swirling around us, it can draw us into that darkness. It’s important to recognize when you fall into despair, turn to God and say, “I’m sorry, I trust in you. You do have a plan. I know that. Help me to trust.” 

Jesus told us to build our house on rock. The message resonates now more than ever. I have family and friends who disagree with me on the political spectrum. But it’s more than politics, there’s a spiritual war going on. Some relationships have become strained. But I must stand up for the doctrines of the Church and my beliefs. As St. John Paul II wrote, “Freedom consists not in doing what we like, but in having the right to do what we ought.” Our freedom of religion is being tested. So when someone speaks wrongly, we need to correct and instruct them on the Catholic faith - with love and respect. It isn’t easy. But if we just “go with the flow”, we’re on shaky ground and salvation, in jeopardy. Rejoice and give thanks when you stand on solid rock and know God’s mercy will bring you home. 

Eternal God, in whom mercy is endless, and the treasury of compassion inexhaustible, look kindly upon us, and increase Your mercy in us, that in difficult moments, we might not despair, nor become despondent, but with great confidence, submit ourselves to Your holy will, which is Love and Mercy Itself.
Jesus, I trust in You.

Annette Shaughnessy volunteers for the Florida Community Food Pantry, works at the Florida Public Library, and lives in Florida with her husband, John.

Today's Readings

Lord, let us see your kindness and grant us your salvation!  

Advent, a Latin word that means "coming" or "arrival", calls us to envision the many ways that Christ comes and is present to us in the here and now, both in the world and in each one of us.  

In today’s first reading, we hear the prophet Isaiah speak about God’s comfort.  "Comfort, give comfort to my people says your God."  

In the Gospel, we hear John the Baptist announce, "A voice cries out in the desert:  Prepare the way of the Lord, make straight his paths!”  

As John baptized the people of Jerusalem, we hear a man on a vigorous mission.  “One mightier than I is coming after me.  I am not worthy to loosen the straps of his sandals.  I have baptized you with water; he will baptize you with the Holy Spirit.” 

From ancient times, baptism was a symbol, an outward symbol of a new spiritual birth, of entering into a new form of life. 

What could that look like for each of us today?        

How might we prepare the way of the Lord, and how might we make straight some very crooked paths -- in our lives, in our communities, in our work, in our marriages, in our parenting,  and in ourselves?

For each of us that will look so different.  But the important thing is that we allow Advent to be a time to explore the faithfulness and authenticity of our paths.     

The Israelites didn't just listen to John the Baptist, they responded!  

They confessed their sins and were baptized.  Not only was John popular, he was successful!

But . . . for all of his popularity and success, John never made it about himself; rather, he knew it was about the Lord, the straps of whose sandals he was unworthy to untie.  

How humble.  How peaceful.  How non-competitive.  

How healing, and how whole.

John the Baptist knew who he was.  He knew he would not be anyone without God working through him.      

What do we want our spiritual birth to look like this Christmas?    

How can we be more of God's love for others?  

And how can we be more charitable to those in need?

Prayer is about finding our true resonance with God.

In silence, God speaks to our heart.    

 Just think of all the crooked paths we might want to straighten!

Just think of all the new paths that might be carved!  

Just think of the Presence of God that will fill your heart with love and forgiveness!  

And just think what our personal and communal lives might look like if we become as passionate about preparing the way for our Lord as John the Baptist was!  

Lord, let us see your kindness and grant us your salvation!   

Dr. Geraldine Kerr is Mom and Grandmom to Bob, Mary-Ellen, Meghan, Bobby, and Erin-Mary Kerr.  She has been a practicing psychotherapist and spiritual life coach for many years.  It is her joy to help people grow psycho-spiritually, to help them through the tough times to enable them to feel healed and whole, wrapped in the arms of God's precious love.

Today's Readings

Today’s Gospel, Luke 5: 17-26 follows the theme for the second week of Advent. Forgiveness…

How are you in need of forgiveness and how can you help others to find the cure they need?

When Jesus saw their faith, he said,
“As for you, your sins are forgiven.”

Reflecting on today’s Gospel gives us the opportunity to reflect on our own lives. How have you been doing during these difficult days? weeks? months? Who can you turn to with your concerns, your sorrows, fears, and physical ailments? How is your faith life and who are the people you can fully rely on? Do you remember to call out to Jesus everyday in faith? Are your friends and family people who will be with you to raise you up and help you reach the ultimate goal of heaven one day?

Thinking of the passage of scripture today I ask you to think of who you best relate to, the paralytic or the friends? 

Are you a paralytic frozen in fear or are you trusting others who react on your behalf?
 
Can you reach out to Jesus on your own to be healed and forgiven? Ask yourself, “What do I need to bring before Jesus to cure?”

Are you one of the friends who has such deep faith that you immediately jump up to solve a problem no matter what the cost? What would you do for your friends? If something or someone gets in the way will you give up or figure out a way to make a difference? Ask yourself, “Who is God asking me to help this week?”

Jesus loves each of us so deeply and knows all our needs, fears, and troubles. He could help us immediately, but He works through us so that they might come to know and believe in Him and his saving acts of love and mercy.  Ask yourself, “Am I a healing instrument of God?” If not, today is a good day to become one!

Who are you? Are you a paralytic or a friend? Each of us needs healing and forgiveness. Pick up your mat and run to Jesus today. He loves you so much that he died for your sins. Allow His loving compassion in the sacrament of Reconciliation to heal your every ailment and bring your friends along so that they too will celebrate the healing power of Jesus.

Dear Jesus, please help me to be the friend that leads others to you
and when I am in need, please send a friend to lead me to You!

This Advent season run to Jesus and seek His cure for all that ails your heart. 

The Sacrament of Reconciliation will be celebrated on Monday, December 21 from 3 – 7pm at St. Stephens and all parishes across the Archdiocese of New York. Whether for yourself or a friend, seek the power of Jesus and be healed through this beautiful sacrament of forgiveness.

Lydia vanDuynhoven along with her husband Casey and family are lifelong parishioners of St. Stephens. She currently serves as the Director of Religious Education and as a member of the music ministry.

Today's Readings
“Come to me, all you who labor and are burdened, 
and I will give you rest”

Is there a more perfect sentiment for life since mid-March? What a year! We are all burdened in one way or another these days – we are all struggling, whether it’s the loss of a job or business, or, figuring out how to work at home; schooling at home or reinventing how to teach on the fly. Some homes are unexpectedly full of people, other homes are eerily quiet and lonely. I can’t even imagine what doctors and nurses are going through, but I’ve seen the results in the faces of my friends who have been fighting the good fight for months. Every day we must assess the risks of every activity; we worry about our health, our loved one’s health; we wonder if life will ever be “normal” again, or is this normal and we just don’t know it? It’s exhausting really...and burdensome.      
  
And yet, the ‘rest’ is there. For me, how bad can a year be when a grandchild is born – healthy and perfect? Or a son who, after working so hard, is still sworn into the New York Bar, even if it’s via Zoom and there was no graduation or celebration? Pretty much nothing this year has gone as planned, but not all of it has necessarily been bad either. 
I imagine it was much the same for Mary and Joseph in the months leading up to the birth of Jesus. First, Mary had to say “yes” to the most important question of her young life, which changed everything for her, altered her life. Meanwhile, Joseph was burdened with accepting his new role and responsibility – and then having to travel for the census. Really, now, King Herod? So, off they go, trek to Bethlehem, search for someplace to stay…probably not imagining until it happened that Jesus would be born in a stable. I think it’s safe to say that their year was filled with challenges and events didn’t quite go as planned. But it ended with the greatest joy of all.

The same is likely true for us all…for all the things that didn’t go as planned, that didn’t go right, events that were delayed or cancelled altogether, for all the stress, we may have found our ‘rest’ in other ways…the birth of a child, the small family-only wedding, the relief that we still know how to do 5th grade math, the fulfillment discovered in helping others who were in greater need. Might have to look hard for it, but the ‘rest’ is there.

And so it is with the Christmas season…a pandemic cannot cancel Christmas, it just refocuses it.

Maybe this is the year that Advent, with its waiting, provides the ‘rest’ to our burdens, instead of adding to them with hustle and bustle. A quieter time to contemplate the true meaning of Christmas, of the importance of the birth of Jesus without all the noise of those other things we would normally be doing…which may make us appreciate some of those things more, or we might also “lose” some of those things for good as we find they’re not as necessary as we thought…letting the meaning of the birth of Jesus be at the forefront to give our minds and spirits rest, letting Him ease our burdens.

Jesus, we ask you to be our light in the darkness of this year, 
to be the rest we need for our burdens. 
Amen.

Katie Bisaro has been a parishioner at St. Stephen’s for 25 years. She is a Trustee of our parish. She reminds everyone that they need reservations for Christmas Mass this year. 

Today's Readings

Today’s first reading (Isaiah 41: 13-20) contains some familiar phrases that we hear throughout the Old Testament, as God reassures Israel of God’s saving power.  It is helpful for me to listen to this reading as if God was talking directly to me: “I will grasp your right hand” (13), “Do not be afraid! I will help you!” (14), “I shall not abandon you” (17), or “I will answer you” (17).  The notion that God will not abandon us, is aware of our struggles, and will answer us is a cornerstone of our faith.  And through liturgies, personal prayer, and life experience, I hope that we really believe it.   But in thinking about God’s promises to us, how often do we think about them from God’s perspective? Does God grasp our right hands out of obligation, or because we deserve it?  I certainly hope not!

A few years ago, I read a book that became transformative for my faith.  Tattoos on the Heart, written by Fr. Greg Boyle, SJ describes the stories of Homeboy Industries, an organization in LA to help gang members and prisoners get back on their feet.  Throughout the book, though, Boyle uses language about God that was previously foreign to me.  He writes about and connects each story to God’s perspective, and how little we not only consider this angle, but allow ourselves to be touched by it.  Boyle states that all too often “the arms of God reach to embrace, and somehow you feel yourself just outside God’s fingertips.” 

So even as God reminds us in today’s reading that God will not abandon us, do we really internalize this message, and count ourselves as included in this embrace?  Even more so, how do we picture God doing this reaching?  Do we imagine God as a police officer patrolling, or a parent disciplining or a teacher, rewarding our good deeds?  Boyle challenges his readers to dig deeper into their theological imaginations.  How small is a God that acts out of obligation or reward.  Our God is so much more than this!  As Boyle puts it, “it has been God’s joy to love you all along.”

The idea that God is willingly, gladly loving us and making promises like those in the first reading is not a solely Catholic or Christian concept, either.  The Hadith, a collection from the Islamic faith of the prophet Muhammed, contains a beautiful line that perfectly captures this notion.  It describes God saying “if [my servant] comes to me walking, I come to them running.” In realizing and welcoming this perspective of God in the first reading, as one who deeply desires to love us, we can act with renewed energy and commitment to our faith.  And what better time than Advent, a season of awaiting God’s coming, to consider how God feels about this coming. Remembering that we have a God whose joy is to love us, we can enter into prayer, acts of service, and this Advent season with great joy!

Lord, as I continue to navigate this advent season and all
the challenges this year has brought, help me to remember
your promises, and that it is your joy to love me.

Jennie PRIAL graduated from St. Stephens in 2013 and is currently a senior at Xavier University.  She is a biology major and runs on the cross-country and track team at Xavier.  Jennie credits her experiences at St. Stephens for laying the groundwork of her faith, which led her to choosing a Jesuit college.  She is applying to do a year of service with the Jesuit Volunteer Corps next year.

Today's Readings

I can certainly imagine Jesus’ frustration when he said to the crowds: “To what shall I compare this generation who sit in the marketplaces and call to one another, ‘We played the flute for you, but you did not dance. We sang a dirge, but you did not mourn.’  Mathew 11:16-19.  The people were behaving like spoiled children. They were not appreciating the music to dance or the music to mourn. There was no making them happy. We all know that ‘special someone’ who is just never satisfied. (i.e., family member, coworker, friend.)   It seems there is nothing that makes them happy!  We notice these people and often make subtle comments to each other, such as, “Stay away from Miss Sunshine today!”

 After reflecting on this passage, I considered the people I know who fit this description. Then, to my dismay, I acknowledged that there are times when I am that person. I questioned myself to discover why is it that there are times I'm not satisfied, when nothing pleases me.  As I reflected on this idea, I understood that the times I am not cheerful and able to dance are the times that my burdens seem extra heavy. Times that I am bogged down and have lost my way. We often forget that we are all on life’s journey, yet we each experience different challenges at different times. There have been times that I’ve heard the music but simply could not respond. By looking inward, I became aware of the road that others are traveling as well.  

During this second week of advent, a time when we focus on the theme of peace, we might remember that while many are ‘dancing’, others are struggling.  Rather than judge them, let’s be mindful of the challenges many are facing. The pandemic has intensified feelings of isolation, loneliness, separation, and financial insecurity.  Remember too, there is a time for every purpose unto heaven. We will dance again! Instead of  judging our neighbors, and in the spirit of peace, we could offer a prayer, smile, kind word or other show of support. We are all embarking on our own journey. Let’s build up and support the people around us and hope that when we hear the music, we will all be ready to dance! 

Lord help me to light the way as we wait for Jesus!

Cathy Casse and her husband Steve have been St. Stephen’s parishioners for 30 years.

Today's Readings

On December 12,1531, Holy Mary visited us as Our Lady of Guadalupe. 
The following is a brief summary of a true story: 

Mary came and converted the Mexican nation of 8 million people.  She stopped the Aztec slaughter of their brothers and sisters to the "gods".  We can go to the ruins of their temples in Mexico and Central America.  

St. Juan Diego went to get a priest for his sick uncle.  When he crossed Tepeyac hill he heard the sweet voice of Mary call his name "Juanito".  He listened to her request to build a church where she stood.  She sent him to ask Bishop Fray Zumarrago permission. Bishop Fray Zumarrago did not believe Juan and asked for a sign.  Juan returned to his dying uncle without a priest.  The next morning Juan tried to avoid Mary and go around Tepeyac hill. Mary came to Juan and told him that she would intercede to heal his uncle.  He lived.  Mary said to Juan, "Am I not your Mother?  I have you in my arms folded in my mantle. What else can you want? I love you and take care of you."  Mary says the same to us.

Mary also instructed Juan to go to the hill and cut the flowers.  Take them as that sign to the Bishop.  Roses did not grow in December in Mexico.  Juan cut the roses and put them in his tilma.  He walked to the Bishop. The sign was revealed.  The Bishop fell to his knees as the cloak was opened. On the cloak Mary's picture appeared in the image we see as Our Lady of Guadalupe.   She is in front of the sun and standing on the moon, more powerful than the Aztec "gods". Her head is bowed in humility. The word spread quickly and all asked to be baptized.
There is a cross at her throat and she is praying.  Her black sash says she is pregnant. On her mantle the stars of the constellations of that time can be mapped.  The priests of Mexico could not baptize the people or instruct them fast enough. An entire nation converted to Catholicism.
 
There is much more written and discovered about this image of Mary.  Space does not permit any more information. That cloak/tilma of cactus fiber normally disintegrates in 40 yrs.  That cloak stands as a testimony to our Faith for over 400 years in Mexico City's Basilica. It has withstood a bombing that bent a metal crucifix.
Mary said:"No se entristezca tu corazon...acaso no estoy yo aqui, que soy tu Madre?
Do not trouble your heart. Am I not here, who is your Mother?  She is the patroness of the Americas and the unborn.
Let us change one thing in our lives this Advent to bring ourselves closer to Jesus.

Nancy Reinauer is a member of the Spanish Ministry of St. Stephen's Church. She is also a Catechist.  

 

Today's Readings

In the countless writings that have been passed down through centuries to help us better grasp and understand the power of our faith and traditions, one small word- with just 3 letters- is at the very core of everything we know and believe: JOY.  This one simple word describes the innate feeling that followers and true believers are blessed with each time we experience the good news of God’s constant presence in our lives: "I rejoice heartily in the LORD, in my God is the joy of my soul";  Joy is one of the many treasures of our Christian faith that because of its promise and power to draw us close to God, that we are called to reflect on it often and to share this feeling with others. 

I remember as a child wondering why the Advent Wreath had that one lone pink candle.  It seemed so special- it stands out from the others- just as joyful people tend to do in a world that can seem at times dark and depressing.  My dear, sweet , kind hearted mother who turns 96 today, in heaven, was such a person. She had a sincere joy within her that she couldn’t help but to share with those around her.  It was the hardest thing about losing her- but it is the very thing that warms my heart when I think of her- her joy.

The promise of joy is powerful, yet the feeling of joy can be elusive to many, perhaps because our culture has perpetuated the idea that joy is something we can purchase, or find in substances or achieve with a certain job, or find at the expense of other people. The true Christian joy,  so beautifully celebrated on this Third Sunday of Advent, and described in our readings today,  will never ever be found in a store, or online, or in a bottle because feelings associated with these actions are temporal, and as such- fleeting. Christ’s love and promise of redemption are eternal.

2020 seemed like a perpetual reminder that life is hard, and can be sad and disappointing so much of the time.  Yet how often in the midst of the hardship, have we been blessed with Joy.  We found joy in the little things. We slowed down and pondered about what really matters in our lives. We were lifted up by seeing the countless heroes that work in hospitals, stores, restaurants, and in public service.  Our priests and parish employees have worked diligently to help our parish community stay connected to God and one another by sharing the joy of our liturgy with us even when we couldn’t come to our beloved Church for Mass each week. I remember the simple joy of seeing encouraging comments and blessings from fellow parishioners scroll by on my screen- and feeling like we were all connected in our faith- our hope and our joy in Christ. 

When we have the inevitable situations in life that cause us pain and suffering, God is with us, empowering us to carry on- to prevail in life's difficulties and ultimately experience a confident and hopeful joy that lights our way- even in the darkness. 

“Rejoice always. Pray without ceasing.  In all circumstances give thanks,
for this is the will of God for you in Christ Jesus” 

Jane Kunzweiler, and her husband, Steve, have been St. Stephens  parishioners since 1999. They find their greatest joy in their family - 5 children, their children in marriage, and 2 grandchildren.

Today's Readings

Today, December 16^th, is my mom’s birthday. She died days before Thanksgiving in 1994, a few weeks shy of her 66^thbirthday. It’s also the day my 22 year-old nephew died. I miss them and I struggle with my emotions every year during this season. I know that many of you have similar stories and struggles that you deal with this time of year, and this pandemic has brought even more pain. But this is Advent and we are children of God, filled with hope for the coming of our Lord.

“Are you the One who is to come or should we look for another?” While in prison, John the Baptist has two of his disciples ask Jesus this question. And Jesus replies “Go and tell John what you have seen and heard…the poor have the good news proclaimed to them. And blessed is the one who takes no offense at Me.”

This question is amazing to me because John is asking if Jesus is the Messiah.  I have chills just thinking about it, knowing that the answer to John’s question is yes. John the Baptist and all those other people were in the presence of God. I imagine myself there, knowing what I know now, seeing the face of God, touching Him, hearing Him speak, seeing Him healing people and witnessing all His miracles, face to face with our Lord and Him healing me right there in person. How incredibly awesome! Emanuel, God with us.

We are in the third week of Advent waiting for the Christ child; waiting for our Lord. He was born over 2,000 years ago, but Advent brings us back to the manger, to Mary and Joseph and the birth of our Lord and the glory and beauty of that Holy Night. 

From the first reading, “Turn to Me and be safe, all you ends of the earth, for I am God; there is no other!” This brings me back to where I started; December 16th, a day that reminds me of the mother that I love and miss so very much and a nephew, my Godson with special needs, who brought such joy to me and my family. This year I am determined to break the grip of the emotional turmoil I experience during this season because of the hope that the Christ child in the manger gives to me. I have hope that my mom, nephew and other loved ones are with the Lord, seeing Him face to face, safe in His arms and waiting for me. 

Dear Jesus, I pray that during these weeks of Advent, we will
 be reminded that no matter what suffering we face,
no matter our sadness, we are safe and loved,
for You are God and there is no other.
We joyfully wait for You.
 Amen.

Donna Washio and her family are St. Stephen’s parishioners. She works part time in the rectory office and greets you all at 11:00 Mass with a team of awesome ushers.

Today's Readings

During the Advent season, our mass readings take on themes of warnings,
dangerous journeys and the coming of The One who will save...then we pause
to hear a gospel of genealogy, the traced lineage of Abraham to Joseph.
Many times hearing this from the pulpit, the strange names, the begets and
begats seemed dull and repetitive though important to the greatest story
of our humanity.
And so this year, what else is more prevalent as we are surrounded by the
groans of our own lives, our being born to a new world we could never have
imagined. Think of the men and women of the long ago line of Abraham, David
and Jacob and the human struggle to keep building a family of man that will
beget a God-made-man in the form of small unassuming baby. All along, our
God spoke to prophets, sages, warriors, kings that they should have eyes to
see and ears to hear what the new kingdom come would reveal. And tell the
world...He so loved the world...In the final act of literally biblical
proportions, here was the One made man. And our world and all who inhabit
it changed forever.
In our humanness we are also made in His image and those of us who deeply
know this truth are better equipped to navigate the modern dangers just
like our fore fathers and mothers. The family of man will not perish as
long as we hold on to our tremendous faith born by the love sent so long
ago into the world.
It is well during this Advent as we reflect on our many blessings still,
remember our own lineage, heritage and those that came before us in their
humanity with all their faults and failings that we as their children carry
the same hopes, dreams, worries and fears...connected we are in love.

Lord, bless our family of man as we wait in joyful hope for the coming of
Our Savior, Jesus...

Jeannie Snyder attends St. Stephen's when possible these days and can't wait to attend when the whole family returns! 

Today's Readings

Justice, in my mind, is directly connected to gratitude. An individual’s gracious disposition brings light to an imperfect world. In our lives we are exposed to hardship; gratitude is the antidote. Through gratitude, individuals are able to see clearly. Our earthly life is filled with injustice and people can be cruel. Gratitude helps one appreciate the imperfect nature of life and live in the moment. Through gratitude, we can learn to identify injustice and not let unjust behavior have power over us. God gives us strength through gratitude and we cannot forget that beat      Reinhold Niebuhrific concept.

God instills each person with foundational gifts. These gifts are then directly used to fulfill His teachings. Ultimately, the world is filled with imperfections; we do not always understand “the why.” What we can do is settle in, feel gracious, and understand the world is an awesome place. Through injustice, we can understand justice; through ingratitude, we can understand gratitude; and through despair, we can understand the miracle of life. God gives us all a choice. Choose happiness. Choose to learn. Choose to grow.

God, grant me the serenity
to accept the things I cannot change,
the courage to change the things I can,
and the wisdom to know the difference.
Living one day at a time,
enjoying one moment at a time;
accepting hardship as a pathway to peace;
taking, as Jesus did,
this sinful world as it is,
not as I would have it;
trusting that You will make all things right
if I surrender to Your will;
so that I may be reasonably happy in this life
and supremely happy with You forever in the next.
Amen.
                                                            Reinhold Niebuhr

Tom Holtman is a lifelong parishioner and attended St. Stephen-St. Edward School; he attended the University of Scranton as well. Tom is part of the parish music ministry. He currently resides in Warwick and enjoys contemplation, meditation, and prayer to pass the time when he is not working or spending time with his 6 month old nephew, Cayden.

Today's Readings

In my second parish assignment, I came to know well a couple, slightly older than me, who had been trying to conceive a child for some time, but without success.  Rob had previously been married and had two young sons, but this would be Jamie’s first child.  Despite their disappointment – or maybe because of it – they were at Mass together every Sunday morning, after which they followed a predictable routine.  First was a visit to the shrine of St. Joseph, the patron of the parish; then they’d make their way across the church to the shrine of our Blessed Mother.  Week after week, month after month, they’d repeat this ritual, always with the hope that their prayer would be answered with a child.  After about eighteen months, Jamie finally conceived and, nine months later, delivered a healthy baby boy, who today is a happy and energetic teenager.

It’s sometimes easy to forget that, when all is said and done, the saints are people just like us.  So while the well-known story of John the Baptist’s conception, as recounted in today’s gospel, is an important scene in the drama that is the history of our salvation, we do well to remember that Elizabeth and Zechariah undoubtedly experienced the same range of emotions that my friends did fifteen-plus years ago.  Perhaps they had resigned themselves to the fact that, despite their “observing all the commandments and ordinances of the Lord blamelessly,” they would die childless.  Maybe there were still moments of anger and frustration – at God, at each other, at what seemed a cruel twist of fate.  When the moment of truth arrives, though, Zechariah hesitates, while Elizabeth immediately recognizes the hand of God at work in what can only be described as a miracle.

Elizabeth’s response is but a foreshadowing of that of her cousin, Mary, whose lyric reply to the archangel Gabriel was so profound that we continue to pray it today.  Perhaps their family was genetically predisposed to see the glass half full, which enabled them to embrace God’s will even in a sea of uncertainty.  Or maybe they were so overcome with fear that, like the disciples on Mount Tabor who witnessed Jesus’ Transfiguration, they knew not what they were saying.  Either way, what sets both Mary and Elizabeth apart is their acute awareness that God can and doeswork in mysterious ways, often through people whom the world seemingly passes by.  That’s the faith that my friends in the far northeast corner of Westchester County share with these two most honored saints – a faith that brings joy and gladness in a world that seems mired in gloom and despair.

THE PRAYER OF MARY
My soul proclaims the greatness of the Lord,
my spirit rejoices in God my Savior
for he has looked with favor on his lowly servant.
From this day all generations will call me blessed:
the Almighty has done great things for me,
and holy is his Name.
He has mercy on those who fear him
in every generation.
He has shown the strength of his arm,
he has scattered the proud in their conceit.
He has cast down the mighty from their thrones,
and has lifted up the lowly.
He has filled the hungry with good things,
and the rich he has sent away empty.
He has come to the help of his servant Israel
for he remembered his promise of mercy,
the promise he made to our fathers,
to Abraham and his children forever.

Fr. George Hafemann is pastor of Church of Saint John the Evangelist in Goshen, NY. He is a Trustee of John S. Burke Catholic High School. He is Chairperson of the Liturgical Music  Commission for the Archdiocese of New York.

Today's Readings

What do today’s readings teach us?  What can we learn from these readings?  

In the first reading, David tells Nathan that he is going to build a house for the Lord – a temple.  But the Lord comes to Nathan and tells him to instruct David to the contrary. Instead, God says that He shall build a house for David and David’s people. He means that He shall create a Kingdom for David and His people and that such kingdom shall endure for all eternity. God does not want a house in the sense of an actual structure.  God wants a temple of flesh and blood, of people and their faith and devotion, not a building of stone and brick.  David wants to render something unto God. But God says ‘no.”  And he does not just say no. He also says, “I will render something unto you”, – a kingdom which will endure forever without end. What does it take to get this Kingdom? Faith. Through his faith, David has secured an enduring Kingdom for his people. David said “yes” to the Lord. And the Lord responded. 

In a similar manner, the second reading, which comes at the end of the First letter to the Romans, Paul is saying that faith is the great unifying force. This passage is really a statement of unity. Christ has been revealed, not just to the Jews, but to the Gentiles as well. The glory of God has been revealed to all through the emergence of Jesus Christ. All it takes to receive the grace of God is faith. “To him who can strengthen you, according to my gospel and the proclamation of Jesus Christ” is a call to faith. With faith in the revealed God, it is possible to bear all manner of injury and insult. It is possible to stand strong against a world which seems ungodly. All that is necessary is to say “yes” to God. 

Likewise, what does Mary’s story tell us?  In a way, Mary is Jesus’ first disciple. She is the first to say “yes.”  Mary offers herself up as God’s temple.  

Was Mary afraid when the Angel Gabriel came to her?  One must think so. She was young, likely a teenager. And this was a truly unexpected, highly unusual occurrence. But her faith overcomes her fear. Not that she does not have questions – questions which she puts to Gabriel. But it is okay to put questions to God. One’s questions and the responses are what helps our faith to expand and grow. 

Mary has faith. She is prepared to be the Lord’s servant. “May it be done to me according to your word.”  Mary shows us the essence of faith, being prepared to serve the Lord and live her life according to His will. Overcoming her doubts, she said “yes” to the Lord.  May it be that we do the same.
  
Let us open our hearts in faith and say “yes” to God. 


George A. Smith is a frequent visitor to St. Stephen’s Church.

Today's Readings

Malachi's reading begins: "Lo, I am sending my messenger to prepare the way before me. Suddenly there will come to the temple the Lord whom you seek" leading to the Psalm "lift up your heads and see your redemption is near at hand."  First the messenger is announced, then we are asked to be alert - lift up our heads - to recognize the Lord is near - repeated themes in Advent.

Luke's gospel describes the birth and naming of John the Baptist. We know Zechariah has been unable to speak since he doubted the angel Gabriel's message that he and Elizabeth would have a child.  His speech was restored when he verified in writing his son would be named John and we are told he "spoke blessing God." If we read further  - verses 67-79 - we find the Benedictus, Zechariah's beautiful  praise and prophecy  now said  every day during Morning Prayer. I would like to meditate on verses 76-78 which contain some truly beautiful  imagery. "You my child shall be called the prophet  of the Most High for you will go before the Lord to prepare his way - to give his people knowledge of salvation by the forgiveness of their sins. In the tender compassion of our God the dawn from on high shall break upon us to shine on those who dwell in darkness and the shadow of death and to guide our feet into the way of peace."

Not only does our God show us compassion - he suffers with us- he does so tenderly, with great love, softly. He allows the light (the dawn) to come into our lives through the gift of His Son- the light of the world showing us the way to the Father. This dawn breaks upon us - it surprises us- as Pope Francis says our God is one of surprises. This light envelops us and warms us - it overcomes darkness and death.  It is always there if we are alert, open to recognize God in everything, every moment of our lives.

Maranatha - Come, Lord Jesus.  
Come to those whose hearts have been broken during this Pandemic.  
Heal our brokenness - our fears - our sadness - our darkness - all that separates us from the love you long to give us. 
Let us walk in the light you provide - let us walk following your way, for it is truth and will bring us eternal life. 
Come, Lord Jesus, come,  transform us into the people you created us to be.

Marie Tito is a long time parishioner of St. Stephens. Wishing everyone a truly blessed Christmas and a healthy year ahead.  

As a very young child in East New York, Brooklyn, Christmas felt altogether magical. My neighborhood--long considered one of the roughest in the city-- suddenly blossomed from its dull, grey specter into a wonderland of color, light, sound. Many folks of little or modest means took pride, nonetheless, in enlivening their block. Inspired by faith, culture, or simply the need to outdo others, some flaunted houses of mere spectacle; others, more devout, erected life-size nativity scenes which spilled their sheep, kings and shepherds onto eager front yards and driveways. 

But it was much later that I discovered a different, basic truth: that all those hilarious days leading up to Christ's birth-- the merry-making, gift-giving, endless shopping not unlike a feeding frenzy-- were, in fact, meant to be a time of reverent contemplation. Advent was a time for preparation...but spiritual preparation, 
inner reflection...so much more than what it had become for far too many.

Then it occurred to me--
Why did the Catholic Church place a feast day so mournful right after one of  unparalleled, joyous momentum? As a result, the anxious anticipation of Christ's miraculous coming seemed to dissipate far too quickly; for, on the heels of the great Nativity looms what appears to be, at first, a dismal portent of doom and gloom--               
                            .... The Feast of St. Stephen, the First Martyr.
The First Martyr?! 
It seemed to me, as a child, a bit of a let-down after the buoyant jubilation of Christmas...
But....is it, really?
There is a surprising connection here that I came to discover:: With all the frivolity and flamboyance accompanying Christmas, it's much too easy to forget the very purpose of Christ's Incarnation...
                               .....That Jesus was born to die.

This is what Stephen's death re-affirms: 
                  .... the Word Incarnate, born to serve, suffer, die.

And so it is that today we celebrate, with great joy, The Feast of St. Stephen the First Martyr, namesake and spiritual guardian of our beautiful Church in Warwick, New York. .
The scripture readings for today, December 26, are taken from The Acts of the Apostles.  6: 8-10; 7, 58-59.
We read how:
"Stephen, filled with grace and power, was working great wonders and signs among the people."But Stephen, like Jesus, was not well-received:  Those who heard him-- members of the synagogue, persons from all ends of the known world, became contrary, infuriated by Stephen's loyalty to Christ and His teachings. They resented this knowledge, debated and turned on him with great wrath. But we learn that Stephen                                                                                                 
"looking up intently to heaven", saw the glory of the Father and Jesus standing at the right hand of God". His proclamation of this vision infuriated thet crowd even further:        They (the angry mob) threw him out of the city, and began to stone him. The witnesses laid down their cloaks at the feet of a young man named Saul."*                                                                   *( It was said that Stephen's powerful witness to Christ had great effect on Saul, who later became St. Paul)..And so, we must ask ourselves:
 If put to such a test-- could we be like Stephen ? Would we stand up for what we believe even if we know it may cost us our life?

When he first visited St, Stephen's Church some years ago, Timothy Cardinal Dolan admired our beautiful church's stained glass windows. Cardinal Dolan made a significant point: We are all called to become saints; noting, that, perhaps one day, each of our images may take its place in the glass as one of the Blessed Elect. 
...So it occurred to me that, perhaps, part of the martyr Stephen's importance is
 that he was an ordinary, obedient man who represents, through Christ, our greatest potential-- to willingly-- cheerfully, answer that call to sainthood.

And be willing to die for it..

(Interestingly, the word "Stephen" translates from a Greek meaning "wreath"
or "crown," In the Greek world tradition, those who won a battle or contest, who claimed victory in some way (a "winner") -- was awarded a "crown". Usually it was wreath for the forehead, one made of laurel or bay leaf.* 
... So is the Stephen whom we acclaim today really named such, or is this simply a title, meaning "Victorious one"? 
... To be sure, it really doesn't matter...

What I believe this points to is simply the fact that St. Stephen, our First Martyr, has won "the Good Race", earning his celestial Crown of Eternal Life by forsaking this earthly one;  for did Our Lord not proclaim that He who wishes to keep his life will lose it; and he who loses his life for My sake shall find it..?

St. Stephen reminds us that he is, like us, a layperson, the Ordinary Man, yet unique and special because God loves us. Remember: Stephen was not one of the esteemed original 12 Apostles. Yet, Stephen, a believer through John the Baptist, held his ground for Christ, unlike all the Apostles in the Garden at Gethsemane who ultimately fled, abandoning Jesus at His time of need.. Unlike Peter-- ironically, the "Rock," Stephen did not deny his Lord three times, nor betray Him like Judas. Stephen, granted a heavenly vision of Christ appearing on the clouds, died joyfully, willingly, filled with the Holy Spirit: He died proclaiming Christ's Kingdom from his lips...even to those who refused to listen.

Just as Christ changed bread and wine into His Body and Blood, so, too, did Jesus
transform the stones used by the rabble against Stephen--
 From weapons of Death, Jesus turned them into instruments of  Eternal Life...
        God-- the Good, gain triumphing over, and, transforming, Evil.                                       

Can we be as faithful as Stephen, if put to such a test?
... I aspire to be, as I hope we all would.

The Responsorial Psalms of December 26th remind us of Christ's own words as
He hung crucified on the cross: "O Lord, into Your hands I commend my Spirit!
The Psalms of this day (31:3CD-4, 6 and 8AB, 1 6 BC, 17) constantly reiterate
the Lord as our Rock, our Fortress, our Strength...(again, images of stone & rock that reassure us as Catholic Christians that our houses are built upon the only true, enduring foundation-- God.)

Every day, I pray for strength and courage, looking first to the Trinity, especially my dear Lord, Jesus, Christ. I invoke good St. Michael, and glorious St. Joseph for guidance, necessary health and stamina. And of course, always-- the Holy Spirit, my inspired, sacred Mouthpiece....

  To paraphrase a speaker whose name escapes me at the moment:
Being brave doesn't mean one doesn't feel afraid; it simply means that one confronts that fear, doesn't back down from it, but goes forward to accept the challenge for what's right, despite persecution and obstacles..

In the words and tradition of our beloved Church Fathers, we as Catholics must defend the Good, the True, the Beautiful-- certainly in this Age where too many absolutes have undermined. Like St. Stephen, we must face the ransacked world and fight the Good Fight, protecting our beautiful faith against all that would destroy it..I have added St. Stephen to my list of  heroes, treasures, inspiration and role models;...       

St. Stephen...Pray for us

O Lord, 
        Let my Love be greater than my Fear...
     &, when the moment's come,
 please 
     place the right words in my mouth... 

Marlene Tartaglione is a grateful parishioner whose time is divided between New York City and Warwick, New York. Pre-COVID, she had been attending the Thursday Bible Liturgy group and hopes to resume again when the pandemic subsides. Marlene would like to first thank God, as well as thank the extraordinary staff of St. Stephen's Church,  for providing spiritual comfort, protection, wisdom and leadership always, but especially during this immensely trying time. She would like to acknowledge the superb efforts of  Fr. Jack, Fr .Reynor, Mary Juliano and outstanding Deacons, lectors, Eucharistic ministers, office and volunteer staff (especially Ruthann, Donna, Kathleen). Many thanks to St. Stephen's very special parishioners, Church groups, Knights of Columbus and others who have set gallant examples and kept St. Stephen's going strong....
         May God and St. Stephen continue to bless and watch over us always..
                       ...And a Safe, Joyful New Year to Everyone.