Dear Friends,

We have moved into a new year–a time of beginnings, of refocus and the hope and challenge to be about all that is best in each of us. We have completed a year filled with much challenge, with sadness and loss and not always a clear path to follow. Our prayer going into this New Year, 2021 might well be that we can keep our eyes on all that unites, turn our backs on all that divides and remember that we don’t do this alone, but that our good God, in Jesus, our brother, walks with us and shows us the way.

Please don’t hesitate to call me, 507-429-3616 or email, aaorcc2008@gmail.com if I might be of help in any way. Blessings–peace and love, Pastor Kathy

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Entrance Antiphon

Today, Jesus is manifested to the world, as our light, our way, and our truth.

Let Us Pray

Opening Prayer

O God, you revealed the First-Born to the nations by the guidance of a star. You have revealed to people of faith the wonderful fact of the Word made flesh.  Your light is strong, your love is near; draw us beyond the limits which this world imposes, to the life where your Spirit makes all life complete.  We ask this through Jesus, the Christ, who lives with you and the Spirit, and loves us forever and ever, Amen.

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Readings:

• Isaiah 60: 1-6
• Ephesians 3: 2-3, 5-6
• Matthew 2: 1-12

Homily

My friends, the prophetic words of Isaiah today, “Arise, shine, for your light has come,” anchor each of us who say that we follow the Christ, who lived in time—physically manifested as Jesus, our human brother, in what our physical responses must be going forward—to arise, get up and shine—to do our part!

   The prophet continues—“though night still covers the earth and darkness the people.”  In other words, “We aren’t there yet!”  The psalmist sheds some “light” or clarity; we might say, on what this, “there” is.  “A follower of the light will: be one who rescues the poor when they cry out and the afflicted when they have no one to help—having pity on [them] and saving their lives.”

   This is the feast of the Epiphany, a word meaning, “manifestation.”  This feast, which traditionally ends the official 12 days of Christmas, even though, as this year, it falls before January 6^th, is all about sharing our God’s great love for us, in Jesus—with the world.  The purpose really, for the astrologers—“the Three Kings”—from the east, is to once again, anchor within our Christian history the fact that Jesus’ love, as a manifestation of God’s love, is meant for all, as these “star-gazers” will then carry the message of what they saw and experienced in Bethlehem back to their own people, and on and on.  This message is echoed too by Paul in his letter to the Ephesians, “We are all heirs.” 

   We know that “light attracts light,”—or we might say, “Good attracts good.”  Another prophet in our present time, who lived among us for too few years, Martin Luther King Jr. said, “Darkness cannot put out darkness, only light can do that,” gives us another piece of the truth when confronted with evil or darkness in our world. 

   Throughout most of this past year that presented us with so much darkness: a virus uncontrolled—spreading among us, racism—a 400 year-old scar on our humanity, flared by yet another death of a black brother at the hands of the police, a plummeting national economy caused ultimately, by a lack of leadership in controlling the virus and a most contentious presidential election underscored by an unprecedented campaign of lies—the truth of which was proven again and again. 

   My dilemma, as your pastor has been and continues to be, to point you and me to the truth, based on the Scriptures and primarily on the words of our brother Jesus, without at the same time, appearing to be politically-minded, one way or another.  Because of the fear of straying into a political versus a spiritual tone, keeping it, “neat and clean,” I don’t always speak as clearly as I should.  Today, I would, in the “light” of this feast of, “Great Light” and manifestation, correct that error. 

   You will recall that in the past, I have instructed us all, on many occasions, to keep our eyes, always, as Jesus tells us, “on the fruits” of any action, so as to know how to decide, what is basically right and basically wrong.

   I recently became aware of a written piece that was done in response to a family letter expressing hope in the New Year for better times and I feel it is indicative of the themes of “dark” versus “light” as we strive to see “the fruits” of words and actions, and it is for this reason that I make the following comments.

   And just so that you are clear with where I am going; I will name the “fruits,” in my mind, that indicate “light” or good and then those, in my mind, that indicate, “darkness” or evil. 

          Light or good—words that unite, not divide-disagreement expressed in a way that keeps conversation going, allowing for the possibility of change of mind—does not stop it cold, statements of fact that can be proven, a sense that even if I disagree with someone, peace and good will still be present, a sense that a person cares about more than just their own needs

          Dark or evil—derogatory statements about people one disagrees with, words that shame the person we hope to convince, a refusal to hear any rebuttal to the statements I may hold as true, an acceptance of the words and actions of another that appeal to the worst tendencies within me, an acceptance of the words and actions of another that leave me constantly angry, suspicious and anxious, a sense that I am basically in the presence of a selfish person

   As you can see; I have laid out the polar opposites and in our encounters in this world; we will find people all along the continuum from what we think is, “good” to that which we think is “evil,” and again the instruction is to, “check the fruits.” 

   Now this can be “tricky” as some rhetoric might initially sound or appear good, but in the end really causes more evil-unrest-division than good-unity and peace. 

   Unfortunately, the Christmas-time response to a letter expressing hope that I became aware of was indicative of all the polar opposites of goodness and light.  And in my counsel to you, to, “check the fruits,” I found I needed to do the same. 

   When supporting the words and actions of another and in this case, it was of the president of our United States, it causes you to use derogatory and abusive words to describe your opponents, shaming words for those who don’t agree with you and threats that if you try to respond, your words will be destroyed, leaves me wondering if there is any “light” to be found in your connection with this person.

   Then, there is the equally disturbing fact of those who support this president because he has promised to give them an end to abortion while at the same time ignoring and denying these same beings any physical helps once they are here!  Again, we must “check the fruits”–in this case, or in any situation.  While no one is perfect, perhaps let us look to who may be trying to care for the most of us as opposed to only themselves.   And in this case, it might be good not to listen to an individual who has been caught in lies almost every day of his presidency. 

   I have never in my adult life experienced so much division in our country as now, where reparable news outlets are seen as fraudulent, merely on the word of one person, where so many families and friends are divided and encouraged to be so on whether you are on the side of this president or not. When needed changes in our country are held up because of the narcissistic needs of one individual, can there be any good there?

   My friends, I only share this example on this Sunday manifesting the “great light” that has come upon us in our brother Jesus, a light that we must share with all those around us in order to name all, in my view, that is not “light!”  I know that there are those who will criticize me for being, “political,” but I ask that you simply, “check the fruits.” 

   Often times, the Universal Church preaches that Jesus came to, “save us from our sins” and while there may be a tad of truth in that—I would state it differently–“He came to save us from our human tendencies to be less than we can be.”  If we allow God, in Jesus, to be truly God, then we would see Jesus’ coming among us to be a wake-up call, challenging us to be our best selves, following his example, calling a lie a lie, if need be.

   If one is going to lose their relationship within their family over an issue; I would rather it be over good, than evil. I believe that the reason the hierarchical Church strays from the truth about Jesus’ real coming is because they know what that truth leads to—Jesus was crucified because of how he lived, not because of us, taking on the powers-that-be in Church and State when he saw that they did not truly care about the people. This misguided theology of Jesus coming to die for our sins is really about our humanity in darkness winning out—calling for nothing from us, which is about, “light,” but laying all of the solution at God’s door.  Thank God, who saw us as capable of so much more and who will continually ask this, “more” of us beginning with the wonderful gift of “light” which is the Epiphany—the manifestation of our God among us!  Amen? Amen!

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Prayers of the Faithful

Response: “Hear us, Jesus our Light.”

1. O God, as we conclude this Christmas season—help us to remember throughout the year what a gift you have given us in Jesus entering into our humanity, we pray—Response:  “Hear us, Jesus our Light.”

• O God, be with all elected officials, especially those in Washington—instill within each one, the wisdom of your Spirit to lead their people well. Help our country to work on being united, and to say, “no” to all that divided us in 2021, we pray—Response: “Hear us, Jesus our Light.”

• Loving God, give each of us health of body, mind and spirit—give each one your strength and wonderful gift of peace, we pray—Response: “Hear us, Jesus our Light.”

• O God, we are grateful for the spirit of generosity and love that we experience at this time of year—give us the desire and strength to be generous and loving people throughout  the entire year, we pray—Response: “Hear us, Jesus our Light.”

• O God, as we begin a New Year help us to strive to be people of peace, not war—help us to remember that Jesus has glorified our humanity by his presence in it and help us to treat people and our world accordingly, we pray—Response: “Hear us, Jesus our Light.”

• Loving God, be with each of us today giving us what we most need in life, we pray—Response: “Hear us, Jesus our Light.”

• In thanksgiving for the graces bestowed on our community, All Are One, during 2020—continue to give us welcoming hearts to be open to all who come to us, and inspire us in new ways to reach out this next year to those most in need of our ministry, we pray—

Response: “Hear us, Jesus our Light.”

• Loving Jesus, be with all families who have lost loved ones this week, especially from COVID and all other causes—give them your peace, that they may find their way through their grief, we pray—Response:  “Hear us, Jesus our Light.”

***Let us pray for the silent petitions on our hearts and all those in our community—pause, then response

Let Us Pray

Loving God, the gift of Christmas is love. We thank you for your great love for us in sending us Jesus, our Brother and Friend. Help us to model our lives after his, selflessly giving to those in need, being people of truth, faith and trust in your word. Let our lives reflect mercy, goodness and joy to all that we meet. Help us as a faith community to realize our responsibility to always be welcoming of all who come to our table—help us to be good listeners of other’s stories respecting their journeys to you even if the path they take is different from ours. Bless us, keep us, and hold us in your love—we ask all this of you, Creator, Savior, Spirit—one God, living and loving us, forever and ever, Amen.

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Let Us Pray—again, we cannot be together in person, but always remember that our loving God walks with us—always!

Prayer of Communion

O God, loving Creator, Guide us with your light—help us to recognize Jesus, as the Christ, our Savior, and welcome him with love, for he is our Brother and Friend, forever and ever, Amen.

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Dear Friends, I write this on the second day of Christmas–remember, keep celebrating for all of the 12 days and the celebration can be as small as doing just one thing that shows the spirit of this lovely time of year–perhaps a call to a friend or family member that you know could use one–a sharing of something that is special to you with another, thus showing a bit more of who you truly are. If the technology works for me this morning, I hope to send you a musical recording that one of my sisters in ministry shared that is hauntingly beautiful. Included here then are the readings for Sunday and my homily and other prayers for your Sunday reflections. Have peace, love and joy–the best gifts of Christmastime and please don’t hesitate to call, 507-429-3616 or email, aaorcc2008@gmail.com if I can be of help, in any way to you. Pastor Kathy

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Entrance Antiphon

The shepherds hastened to Bethlehem, where they found Mary and Joseph, and the baby lying in the manger.

Let Us Pray

Opening Prayer

O God, Creator of all, you ordered the earth to bring forth life and crowned its goodness by creating the family of humankind. In history’s moment when all was ready, you sent Jesus to dwell in time, obedient to the laws of life in our world.  Teach us the sanctity of human love, show us the value of family life, and help us to live in peace with all that we may share in your life forever.  We ask this in Jesus’ holy name, Amen.

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Readings:

• Sirach 3: 2-6, 12-14
• Colossians 3: 12-21
• Luke 2: 22-40

Homily

My friends, being that my small family of three “bubbles”—a total of 7, in this time of COVID is gathered at our home, and having not a lot of extra time (but, I’m loving it!), I decided to use my homily of three years ago, with a few updates for today. I think it still rings true!

   One of my favorite things to do during the Christmas Season is to sit in front of the Christmas tree and look at the lights along with the decorations and think about where each of them came from.  The most special ones are from family and friends over the years and speak to those relationships, for that is really, what Christmas is all about—relationships.  And of course, the primary relationship is between God and us and God’s generosity in becoming one-with-us, Emmanuel!

   We name today, “Holy Family Sunday” in deference to the earthly family of Jesus—Mary and Joseph and more than likely, other children who came to this couple due to the love they shared with and for each other.  Jesus, our brother, most assuredly, was raised within a family of much love and caring to have allowed him to give back so much love to the world in which he lived and grew “in wisdom and grace.”  Nothing comes from nothing,” an old movie line goes. 

   This Sunday is for families because really, all families are holy, as a good friend reminded me just recently—or, at least have the possibility of being, “holy.”  I would dare say, most, if not all families begin with love, because that is what is best in all of us—we are, in fact, hard-wired for this best of gifts.  Life sometimes takes families in different directions, but at their beginnings, love is there. 

   Love isn’t always easy, either within families, or within the greater world and that is why, as we talked about on Christmas Eve, it is so important to live, “in the present.”  This week’s Scriptures do, in fact, call us to do just that—live in the present.  In the best of times—we can do what Sirach asks in regard to caring for our families—showing respect, kindness, love, understanding and mercy.  As we attempt to live in the present, it will mean that we have to let go of past hurts and just keep looking and reaching out toward the good, and expecting to see the good in those that we may have difficulties with in life.  The importance of the past is to learn from it, taking its lessons into the present where we can effect change.

   Our families, for good or bad, have a deep effect on each of us, for this is where we came from.  Most parents love their children fiercely and in the best of times, parents let their children know of their love for them.  In some cultures, it was thought that letting children know this one special truth, that their parents love them, would in fact, spoil them.  In actuality, the opposite is really true—the “not telling,” or showing the love, dampens the relationship. We are each in need of knowing that we are loved, that we make a difference—this year more than in most among so much that has been very difficult.  But being that this is Christmas time, I would be remiss if I did not say, among those things that were difficult and at times, not even good, that there was much that was very good—I will let you fill in what has affected you in both areas.

   Paul tells us beautifully today, in his letter to the Colossians, what this love looks like: clothing yourselves with heartfelt compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience.  Each of us friends, have these gifts, because each of us came from God and God, we know, is good.  Anything we encounter in life that is not good, is not of God.

   Paul continues in his letter today speaking of heartfelt compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience, saying that over this, we must put on love, which binds the rest and makes them perfect.  He also instructs us to be thankful and to do whatever we do, in Jesus’ name.  Think what a different world it would be if we did everything in Jesus’ name! There would be much that we would think twice about doing!  Finally, Paul cautions us to take our relationships seriously—couples in love should avoid bitterness; if we are blessed with children; we shouldn’t nag them, less they lose heart.

   One year, in the past, I came upon ten suggestions for the New Year from Jim Wallis of Sojourner Magazine.  I was struck by his first suggestion—that we who claim to be “Christian,” or followers of a different religious group, would basically take what we believe and hold it in one hand, and the newspaper ( or our world) in the other.  For us, that would mean, the words and actions of our brother, Jesus must be in our thoughts, the very fiber of our beings and every action we do must reflect that memory.  The acronym, WWJD (What Would Jesus Do?) is a question that should always be close in our consciousness as we live our lives.

   Our readings for this Holy Family Sunday conclude today with the beautiful gospel from Luke telling the story of Mary and Joseph presenting the baby Jesus at the temple in Jerusalem as prescribed by the law.  So what should this story tell us? First, it tells us that Joseph and Mary followed the dictates of the law that guided their lives.  God had been faithful and it was their place to be faithful too!

   Secondly, it is important for us to remember the context within which this gospel took place—Mary and Joseph and the baby were, “on the run” as the baby’s life was in danger from one who was into his power and control, yet they made the decision that this point of righteousness must be done.  Presenting Jesus at the temple was a must  and it was within that action that their very life’s purposes were confirmed—this child put into their safe-keeping, was the “Messiah of God,” as was proclaimed by Simeon and Anna. 

  As we reflect on the lives of Mary and Joseph; it seems logical, or as my grandson would say, using one of his “new” words, “obvious,” that there must have been times in the everyday-ness of life that they doubted all that was ahead of their sweet baby, so this confirmation was so important and one that, as Scripture says, Mary “would treasure in her heart.’ 

   The more we can allow these Scriptures to come alive for us, the more the stories will affect us and allow us to live in like manner. There will be times in all of our lives that we will doubt God’s presence much like Mary and Joseph doubted, but that is the time for us to go deeper, to remember all that we believe in, all that we professed to at our confirmations, that renewed our baptismal promises made for us as babies and then move forward on the words of Jesus, that he would never leave us, but be with us—always! Peace and love and a blessed New Year, 2021!

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Prayers of the Faithful

Response: “Hear us, Jesus our Light.”

1. O God, at this Christmas season—help us to remember what a gift you have given us in Jesus entering into our humanity, we pray—Response:  “Hear us, Jesus our Light.”

• O God, be with all elected officials—instill within each one, the wisdom of your Spirit to lead their people well. Be with the leaders in our country to work toward unity for the good of all the people, we pray—Response: “Hear us, Jesus our Light.”

• Loving God, give each of us health of body, mind and spirit–especially those struggling with Covid—give each one your strength and wonderful gift of peace, we pray—Response: “Hear us, Jesus our Light.”

• O God, we are grateful for the spirit of generosity and love that we experience at this time of year—give us the desire and strength to be generous and loving people throughout the entire year, we pray— Response: “Hear us, Jesus our Light.”

• O God, as we come to the end of a year and look forward to a new one with new beginnings, let us strive to be people of peace, not conflict—help us to remember that Jesus has glorified our humanity by his presence in it and help us to treat people and our world accordingly,  we pray—Response: “Hear us, Jesus our Light.”

• Loving God, be with each of us today giving us what we most need in life, we pray—Response: “Hear us, Jesus our Light.”

• In thanksgiving for the graces bestowed on our community, All Are One, during 2020, continue to give us welcoming hearts to be open to all who come to us, and inspire us in new ways to reach out this next year, we pray—Response: “Hear us, Jesus our Light.”

• Loving Jesus, be with all families who have lost loved ones this week, this past year—especially from COVID, give them your peace, help each to learn how to be a family anew, we pray—“Hear us, Jesus our Light.”

***Let us pray for the silent petitions on our hearts—pause, then response

Let Us Pray

Loving God, the gift of Christmas is love. We thank you for your great love for us in sending us Jesus, our Brother and Friend. Help us to model our lives after his, selflessly giving to those in need, being people of truth, faith and trust in your word. Let our lives reflect mercy, goodness and joy to all that we meet. Help us as a faith community to realize our responsibility to always be welcoming of all who come to our table—help us to be good listeners of other’s stories respecting their journeys to you even if the path they take is different from ours. Bless us, keep us, and hold us in your love—we ask all this of you, Creator, Savior, Spirit—one God, living and loving us, forever and ever, Amen.

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Let Us Pray—Again my friends, we can’t be together today, but as always, we know that Jesus is always with us, even though we can’t share in the bread of the altar.

Prayer of Communion

Loving God, we want to live as the Holy Family did, in peace with you and one another.  May our lives, with all its ups and downs, strengthen us to reach out to others in their need . Grant this through Jesus’ wonderful name and the Spirit of us all, Amen.

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The musical piece I promised:

https://youtu.be/UaQ3nky4-t0
Alternate Lyrics by Jennifer Henry…
Mary did you know,that your ancient wordswould still leap off our pages?
Mary did you know,that your spirit songwould echo through the ages?
Did you know that your holy cry would be subversive word,that the tyrants would be trembling when they know your truth is heard?
Mary did you know,that your lullabywould stir your own Child’s passion?
Mary did you know,that your song inspiresthe work of liberation?
Did you know that your Jubilee is hope within the heart of all who dream of justice, who yearn for it to start?
The truth will teach, the drum will sound, healing for the painThe poor will rise, the rich will fall. Hope will live again.
Mary did you know,that we hear your voicefor the healing of the nations?
Mary did you know,your unsettling crycan help renew creation?
Do you know, that we need your faith,the confidence of you,May the God that you believe in,be so true.

Much love,Angela 

Attachments areaPreview YouTube video “Mary, Did You Know?” (Lowry & Greene; alternate lyrics by Jennifer Henry) 12/22/20 #VirtuousPub“Mary, Did You Know?” (Lowry & Greene; alternate lyrics by Jennifer Henry) 12/22/20 #VirtuousPub

Dear Friends, my best wishes for each of you on this cold Christmas morning in Minnesota–something like minus 2 below! We met as a community last evening for a Zoom Mass and if I recalled everyone present, it was 32! We celebrated the over-the-top love of our God in sending us our brother and friend, Jesus, the Christ! We prayed for those of you who couldn’t be with us and send you greetings of peace, love and joy! Thank you to all of you who could join us last evening –it was a special time! Below, find my homily. Stay safe and well and hopefully our next Christmas liturgy can be in person! Please call, 507-429-3616 or email, aaorcc2008@gmail.com if I can be of help to you. Peace and love, Pastor Kathy

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My friends, as Ebenezer Scrooge’s nephew Fred in the beloved, Christmas Carol is fond of saying and I paraphrase, “I like to think of Christmas, when it comes around each year as a good and kindly time, when people open up their closed hearts, even for a while…”

   The Scriptures for this Christmas Eve liturgy, just read for us speak to this sentiment beginning with the prophet, Isaiah, who proclaims that, “The people walking in darkness are seeing a brilliant light.” He continues, “God, you have made the nation greater—you have brought them abundant joy.”  Paul, in his letter to Titus is speaking of the Incarnation and says, “The grace of God has appeared!”  And finally from Luke in tonight’s gospel, we hear from the angels to the lowly shepherds, [we bring you] “news of a great joy to be shared by the whole people.”  The angels’ greeting was prefaced, and this is important, by the words, “Do not be afraid!” This is important because whenever God is present; we can know and trust that whatever else happens, “fear” will be done away with! 

   In addition to that, going back to Paul’s words to Titus, “The grace of God has appeared,” we must remember that “grace” is that fancy spiritual word simply meaning that the “divine” has come into our midst to show us how to respond in our human natures with the Divine that is truly ours as well.  In fact, our whole human journey is an invitation, from our God to respond to that which is best in each one of us.  And that is why Fred’s comments touch most of us so deeply—to in fact, “open up our closed hearts,” because we were made for precisely, this!

  Sister Joan Chittister says, “Only Christianity, of all the religions, argues that the Creator has taken on the flesh and blood of creation in order to bring us to [in fact] assert the divine in ourselves,” or as I often tell you, “the best that each of us has to offer!”  The poet, Elizabeth Barrett Browning says of it, “Earth is crammed with heaven!” 

   The Vatican is trying to make this same statement with the unique Crèche it has on display in the courtyard this year, depicting God’s Incarnation among us in present day and time.  This new Crèche has astronauts and other “every day” people showing up at the Nativity scene and in effect, making the statement that any and all of created life is welcome here because Jesus came for all of us—to shed light in our darkness, to raise each of us up—to say as the Creator once did, “It is good!”–it is all very good!

    The feast of Christmas is about living in the present.  This is what Francis of Assisi had in mind when he established the first crèche and it was a living crèche—he brought in real, live people to enact this grace, this joy of our God choosing to come among us! 

   Most Christian families set up Christmas cribs each year and the real purpose and meaning behind that should be for us to remember, and to never forget this great grace bestowed upon all of us.  And really, this is just our starting place—first, to remember, but then, to follow—to do likewise as our brother Jesus did. 

   In Joan Chittister’s Christmas column this week, she says of it—“We must realize, [to come and see] where there are no lights and take some there:  to hospitals, nursing homes, and prisons—to dark neighborhoods.” 

   This year, amid the dangers of COVID, we have had to curtail our visits to many of these places where we might have, hopefully, brought, “light.”   One of the perhaps good things of this time of pandemic, which no one could have anticipated, is that it has, in the wake of this virus, called us to be inventive—doing our best, through Zoom meetings and Masses, family gatherings through many, on-line avenues, to keep in touch and “light” some dark places. 

   I will share just one that I became aware of recently through my affiliation as a Cojourner with the Rochester Franciscans.  One of the Sisters invited us to send a Christmas greeting to a prisoner in the State that she has been in regular contact with before COVID took over our lives, collectively. Many of us agreed to do this and in part it is about, as Paul says to Titus in tonight’s 2^nd reading, [when we choose to follow Jesus’ light, we become] “eager to do what is right.” 

   And friends, if we can do that, then the Christmas story will not be something that we simply, remember, but something that we live out, today and every day!  Amen? Amen!

Dear Friends, we are concluding our journey through Advent this next week and awaiting with joy all the ways that our brother Jesus chooses to come into our lives beginning with Christmas and on through our life times. Our faith calls us to be aware and to see all the opportunities to come to know Jesus better through all those who come into our lives–because, you see, he is there if we can “see” more with our hearts instead of only with our heads. We will gather on Christmas Eve for a Zoom Mass and details of that will come next week. Hopefully, many of you reading this can join us–everyone is welcome whether you are a regular member or not! Wishing you all the best gifts of this Season–peace, love and joy! Please be in touch if I can help in any way–by phone, 507-429-3616 or by email, aaorcc2008@gmail.com. My gratitude to each of you, Pastor Kathy

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Entrance Antiphon

Let the clouds rain down the Just One, and the earth bring forth a Savior.

Let Us Pray

Opening Prayer

All-powerful God, your eternal Word took flesh on our earth when Mary placed her life at the service of your plan. Lift our minds in watchful hope to hear the voice which announces his glory and open our minds to receive the Spirit who prepares us for his coming. We ask this through Jesus the Christ, who lives and loves us, forever and ever— Amen.

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Readings:

• 2 Samuel 7: 1-5,8-11,16
• Romans 16: 25-27
• Luke 1: 26-38

    My friends, we have come to the last Sunday and week of the Advent Season as we await in memory that first coming of our brother and friend—Jesus, the Christ into our human existence.

   The point of the Scriptures today seems to be to “root” our friend and brother—Jesus, clearly into the history of the Israelite people—through the family of David, a shepherd.  The other piece to remember as we read today’s Scriptures is that this “rooting” in Old Testament times was seen to have happened through the male line, thus we have the addition in today’s gospel reading from Luke that mentions the fact that Mary is engaged to Joseph who is of the “house of David,” even though, if we believe the entire story laid out in this gospel reference; Joseph will have nothing to do with Jesus’ conception or ultimate humanity where genetics are concerned. 

   The piece that the text does not mention is the fact that Mary is of the house of David too; but at this time, women weren’t seen as contributing anything to a birth except as a receptacle for growth, thus the omission of this significant aspect. 

   Unfortunately, this misguided notion, that genetically, women played no part in determining their offspring prevailed well into the 19^th Century, probably because the science wasn’t yet there to call a lie to this fallacy even though most people could see the likenesses of women in their children. And if truth be told, the patriarchy that prevailed in Church and State for far too long helped to hold these ideas in place.

   But, by 1854, it was realized that women did play a significant part in the creation of children, thus, Pius IX found it necessary to establish the dogma of the Immaculate Conception which states that Mary, the mother of Jesus was conceived without the stain of original sin, so as to make her, in their eyes, a “perfect” receptacle for the Messiah.  

   Now, that seems all nice and tidy—right?  Wrong!  You see, the very definition of humanity includes the fact that we are not yet perfect, therefore, if Mary was without sin at birth and ever after, then she wasn’t human and couldn’t give that component to Jesus, who as God simply wanted to be one-with-us, perfect or not. 

   Again, unfortunately; we see the Church, in its hierarchy, trying to move our God, far away—on a pedestal, out of sight and certainly not a part of our everyday, messy, at times, lives.  I always think of Paul’s wonderful letter to the Philippians, chapter 2 where he says of Jesus, “His state was divine, but he did not cling to it, but became as all of us are…”  Now, that doesn’t sound like a God who wanted to come into a perfect existence, but rather one of possibilities. 

   We see this same problem of humans not getting it right in the first reading from Samuel today.  David, whom we know started his life as a shepherd boy, the youngest of Jesse’s 8 sons, the most unlikely pick for king, was in fact, the one, chosen; not because he was perfect, but because God saw his potential if he was given the chance. 

   David, like us, had to learn as he moved through his life.  The Scripture selection chosen today includes David’s concern that a temple be built to house the Ark of the Covenant.  In David’s mind, God needed a temple because he—David lived so lavishly that it only seemed fitting that God “be housed” in like manner. We see that God doesn’t address David’s concern, because what God wants is that David would become a good king who truly cared for his people. 

   This theme of being a “good leader”—someone who basically says, “Yes” to God and then proceeds on, not always knowing at the outset what the “yes” will mean, follows through each of today’s readings culminating in Mary’s “yes” in Luke’s gospel to give birth to the Messiah. 

   The “glory,” we see comes not through power and wealth amassed, but through the person called; David-Mary-Jesus and us! 

   The Advent and Christmas-time Scriptures always include the fact that Jesus, our Savior, mentor and friend comes for the poor and he shows this by his own birth in Bethlehem, in a stable with shepherds among his first visitors. A good time to remember that David began as a shepherd too! 

   So, what am I saying—that we must all be shepherds? No! But what we must be about is simplicity in our lives.  We must be about truth—and about more than amassing wealth and status.  Jesus came simply into our existence to show us the face of God in human form so that we could then go out and do likewise. 

   If we get lost in the material, forgetting the love as my mother-in-law, Margaret was fond of saying, then; we will never be able to see the face of God in others!

   I spent time at the beginning of this homily trying to set the story straight where women are concerned in the whole of Salvation History, because this is part of the truth of why Jesus came.  He came for each of us, to lift up our humanity, basically saying, by his presence in it, that, “It is good!” 

   Our task then, as his followers, is to continue this good work, saying by our own actions of inclusion, justice, mercy and love, that we, in fact—get it! We understand that the heart, which is wiser than the head, is what it is all about, as we face every day life and people. 

   So, my friends, this Christmas-time, let us be about love, not judgment, not rule-keeping, and not about the cross in our “rear-view mirrors,” not worshipping God in the too small boxes that have been given us, but widening our view, “opening some windows,” and thus, seeing through hearts that can include all! Amen? Amen!

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Prayers of the Faithful

Response: “Come, Jesus, Come.”

1. O God, as we complete our Advent waiting—help us to remember what a gift you have given us in Jesus entering into our humanity, we pray—Response:  “Come, Jesus, Come.”

• O God, may the wisdom and grace of the Spirit overshadow all the newly elected to be people who will truly work to care for the least among us and strive to bring peace to our country—uniting us under this common purpose, we pray—Response: “Come, Jesus, Come.”

• Loving God, give each of us health of body, mind, and spirit–especially those struggling with COVID at this time—give each one your strength and wonderful gift of peace, we pray—Response: “Come, Jesus, Come.”

• For those in our midst who have less than the basics of life, help each of us O God, to be challenged to do what we can to make a difference in their lives, we pray—Response: “Come, Jesus, Come.”

• O God, as we come to the end of a year and look forward to a new one with new beginnings, let us strive to be people of peace, not war—help us to remember that Jesus has glorified our humanity by his presence in it and help us to treat people and our world accordingly,  we pray—Response: “Come, Jesus, Come.”

 6.  Loving God, be the strength for what each of us most needs in life, we pray—Response: “Come, Jesus, Come.”

• For our community, All Are One, give us welcoming hearts to be open to all who come to us; give us patience to be the people you want us to be, we pray—Response: “Come, Jesus, Come.”

• Loving Jesus, be with all families who have lost loved ones this week, from COVID and all other causes—give them your peace, that they may find their way through their grief, we pray—Response:  “Come, Jesus, Come.”

***Let us pray for the silent petitions on our hearts and for those of others—then response

Let Us Pray

Loving God, fill each of us with your goodness—goodness that can see beyond our own needs to the needs of others. As we prepare for your wonderful coming among us, let us hearts always to be open to new ideas, ways we haven’t thought of yet to make our world better. As you came simply into our world, help us to search out ways to live more simply in order that we can be good stewards of our planet. Surround us constantly with your love and mercy and help us to respond to our world through these same gifts. We ask all of this of you, Creator, Savior, Spirit, God, living with us and loving us forever and ever, Amen.

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Let Us Pray—Again, we won’t be together in person, but through our hearts, remembering that Jesus is always with us!

Prayer of Communion

O Jesus, as Christmas draws near make us grow in faith and love to celebrate your coming, you who have graced our humanity by entering into it. We ask this in your holy name—Amen. 

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Dear Friends,

Again this week, we won’t be meeting “in person”–the best we have been able to do in this time of pandemic is the monthly, or so, Zoom Mass with our next one being, Christmas Eve. But for now, we are to Gaudete Sunday, part-way through this season of mounting joy as we await the coming of our brother Jesus, who, as my friend, Fr. Jim Callan of Spiritus Christi Parish in Rochester, NY is fond of saying, “is coming and coming and coming throughout history.” If we were to reflect on nothing more than this for the entirety of Advent, that our God is coming and wants to continually come into our lives, we would have ample to think on…

All the readings for this Sunday of Rejoicing (definition of Gaudete), reflect this sense of joy. May each of you, as you prepare for this wonderful feast of Christmastime know the joy that only our God can bring! Notice that I said, “Christmastime,” as we celebrate officially for 12 days, but every day is really “Christmas” from a certain standpoint, because what this feast is really all about is the over-the-top love of our God for each of us and that is something we can celebrate all year long!

My continual prayer for each of you is that you would stay safe and well in this time of pandemic as we await the vaccines. Please continue to mask and social distance as it will take some time to get everyone the vaccines that they need. If I can help you in any way, please do not hesitate to be in contact, by phone, 507-429-3616, or by email, aaorcc2008@gmail.com. –Pastor Kathy

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Entrance Antiphon

Rejoice always in our God—let us say it again—Rejoice! God is near!

Let Us Pray

Opening Prayer

Creator God of Jesus, the Christ, ever faithful to your promises and ever close to your Church:  the earth rejoices in hope of the Savior’s coming and looks forward with longing to his return at the end of time.  Prepare our hearts and remove the sadness that hinders us from feeling the joy and hope which his presence will give us for he is our brother and friend, forever and ever—Amen.

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Readings:

• Isaiah 61: 1-2, 10-11
• 1 Thessalonians 5: 16-24
• John 1: 6-8, 19-28

Homily

My friends, the Latin word, “Gaudete” means, rejoice.  Throughout this Advent Season; we have been on the cusp of rejoicing and with this Sunday; we are given full permission to do just that! The whole of Advent reflects on the mounting joy that we as a people should come to with the realization that our God loves us enough to want to be, “one-with-us”, Emmanuel. 

   All of our readings for this Sunday speak of this joy as we come to fully see this truth that our God wants nothing more than to be among us, showing us the way, through Jesus, to be our best selves, sharing with all our sisters and brothers who inhabit this beautiful earth with us. 

   The prophet Isaiah proclaims that this loving God will be present—visible, that is, first, to the poor.  God will show mercy to the “broken-hearted” and “liberation to those in prison.”  Jesus, the most perfect manifestation of this merciful God thought this prophecy of Isaiah was so important that he announced the beginning of his ministry in his hometown of Nazareth in the synagogue by quoting this very prophecy of Isaiah. 

   Paul, in his letter to the Thessalonians continues Isaiah’s prophecy; in effect, telling us how we should be in the world by encouraging us to, “accept only what is good” and “avoid any semblance of evil.” He concludes his instruction with a blessing; “May the God of peace make you whole.”

   We move to John’s gospel this week for a clearer picture of just who the Baptist, also, by name of John, truly was.  John the Baptist names the One to come after him, “the strap of whose sandal he is not worthy to loose, ‘the Light.’”  And in these times of darkness from a virus within, taking thousands of lives daily in our country and around our world, to viruses without; racism, sexism, clericalism—to name but a few; when did we ever need, “light” more?

   John the Baptist is said to be, “a voice crying in the wilderness—make straight our God’s road.”  The image of someone, “crying in the wilderness,” is a most poignant one for me at present due to a situation that I encountered recently of which I will speak to in a general way. 

   Probably all of us during this troubling year—2020, that has included COVID 19 and separation from family and friends in order to keep us all safe, racial unrest—precipitated anew with the death of George Floyd on Memorial Day, and a most contentious presidential election, have been part of discussions with family and friends over these issues.  I believe there is a great divide in our country over these topics, to the point that family members and friends have at times been unable to even talk with each other due to an impasse around these issues. 

   Probably the most egregious aspect, in my mind, in these impasses has been the fact that our president has stoked the flames of unrest rather than try to bring about peace. 

   I raise this issue today because recently I found myself thrown into a discussion with people that I have considered friends who were unable or unwilling to discuss a “bombshell” dropped on us by one within our group of friends concerning how we should see, “the absolute fraud” of our recent presidential election.  And what made this so difficult was the passion of the person trying to claim, what in my mind is pure fanaticism which has been rejected across this country in court after court as baseless. 

   And what makes a situation like this so hard to deal with is the fact that groups wanting to remain intact will refuse to express any truth to the contrary in order to “save the group” from imploding upon itself.  I have in fact done this in the past—said nothing, in order to, “protect the group,” but this time I felt a need to speak against the message being laid upon us for the reasons I expressed above.  I felt like John, “as one crying in the wilderness.”  And the equally sad part, as I reflect on this, is that this person most likely feels that they are too, “crying in the wilderness.” 

   One of the side effects of telling lies—something our president has been found guilty of in almost every day of his 4-year presidency is that there are people, too many people, who for whatever reason, believe him and will go to any lengths to support him as is apparent in his and their protracted appeals to have the election overturned in his favor. 

   As David Brooks, a traditionally conservative columnist for the Washington Post spoke of it recently, and I paraphrase; there is no talking to such individuals—I have tried—they are emotionally entrenched and logic and facts will not dissuade them.  One just has to let them eventually see it, if they can.

   So where does that leave someone who is trying to follow Jesus who encourages us to see, “the face of God” in all that we meet?  I must say that it leaves me most perplexed and I can only ask Jesus to show me his “light” to adequately find my way through. 

   Perhaps some “light” for me and others comes in Paul’s words today to the Thessalonians, “Accept only what is good,” “avoiding any semblance of evil.” In my position as a pastor, writing to you to hopefully, “spiritually uplift, and to challenge,” I struggle to remain non-partisan and the only way that I can teach, as it were, is to repeat what Jesus said so often, “Check the fruits.” 

   If your action or the actions of others bring peace—for the most part, a willingness to care for others beyond oneself, and a sense of overall, well-being; I believe we can name that as, “good.” If not, then perhaps, we are not, “avoiding any semblance of evil.”

   So my friends, my apology to each of you for reflecting out loud in this homily, but I thought that perhaps there was value for you as well. In conclusion; I think it is a good reminder that Jesus’ entire ministry was about bringing life and life to its fullness.  And once again, Paul’s blessing, in that light, rings true—“May the God of peace make [us] whole.”   Amen? Amen!

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Prayers of the Faithful

Response: “Come, Jesus, Come.”

1. O God, bless our Advent waiting—help us to prepare simply for your coming among us and share abundantly your gift of love with others, we pray—Response:  “Come, Jesus, Come.”

• O God, may the wisdom and grace of the Spirit overshadow all elected leaders to be people who will truly work to care for the least among us and strive to bring peace to our world, we pray—Response: “Come, Jesus, Come.”

• Loving God, give each of us health of body, mind and spirit–especially help those struggling in any way today—give each one your strength and wonderful gift of peace, we pray—Response: “Come, Jesus, Come.”

• For those in our community who have less than the basics of life, help each of us O God, to be challenged to do what we can to make a difference in their lives, we pray—Response: “Come, Jesus, Come.”

• O God, as we come to the end of a year and look forward to a new one with new beginnings, let us strive to be people of peace, not war—help us to turn some ways of thinking on “their heads,” we pray—    Response: “Come, Jesus, Come.”

 6.  Loving God, be the strength for what each of us most needs in life, we pray—Response: “Come, Jesus, Come.”

• For our community, All Are One, give us welcoming hearts to be open to all who come to us, we pray—Response: “Come, Jesus, Come.”

• Loving Jesus, be with all families who have lost loved ones this week from COVID and all other causes—give them your peace, that they may find their way through their grief, we pray—Response:  “Come, Jesus, Come.”

9. Loving Jesus, in this Season of Love, unite hearts in our country around all that is good and true—help us to heal broken hearts by speaking truth to power, we pray—

    Response:  “Come, Jesus, Come.”

***Let us pray for the silent petitions on our hearts and for each other—pause, then response

Let Us Pray

Loving God, fill each of us with your goodness—goodness that can see beyond our own needs to the needs of others. As we prepare for your wonderful coming among us, let our hearts always to be open to new ideas, ways we haven’t thought of yet to make our world better. As you came simply into our world, help us to search out ways to live more simply in order that we can be good stewards of our planet. Surround us constantly with you love and mercy and help us to respond to our world through these same gifts. We ask all of this of you, Creator, Savior, Spirit, God, who lives and loves us forever and ever, Amen.

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Let Us Pray—Again, we can’t be physically present to each other, nor receive the bread of the altar, but please know that Jesus is with us—each one, each and every day!

Prayer of Communion

God of wonderful mercy, may your divine help, free us from all that clutters our way to you.  Prepare us for the birthday of our Savior who lives among us, always and forever—Amen. 

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