Faith

Q) Thank you for the lesson on the particular judgment, Father (Dec. 3, 2020 issue). But the person wrote and asked about the Final Judgment. What is that?

In the Gospel of John there are certain questions that jump off the page, significant beyond their immediate context. In the Gospel for the second Sunday of Ordinary Time (Jn 1:35-42) we have one such question. It is, in fact, Jesus’ first words in that Gospel account: “What are you looking for?”

“Confirmation is the great social sacrament,” explains Bishop Fulton Sheen, in his presentation on the sacrament of confirmation in his book “Life is Worth Living.” As the Holy Spirit propelled Jesus into the world after he was baptized, the Holy Spirit propels every confirmed person into the world. 

Why do Catholics bless themselves with holy water? Why do Catholic churches have a red lamp by the tabernacle? Why do some Catholics wear medals with images of saints?

When I think of Christmas traditions, I have memories of "Posadas," "Pastorelas" or Nativity plays, "pesebres vivientes" or living nativities, the "Misa del Gallo" or midnight Masses, and the traditional Christmas carols that joyfully tell stories about the Holy Family.

"Hail, full of grace! The Lord is with you." Never before have Gabriel's words struck me as they have this year.

Our Advent preparations culminate in a rich tapestry of biblical readings in this Fourth Week of Advent. The Gospels attune our hearts and minds to receive the greatest gift of God -- the incarnation of his son Jesus who enters human history as a poor, humble child.

As the faithful wrap up Christmas shopping, many will be thinking outside their immediate circle of family and friends to others who might be most in need.