If you would like to receive these daily reflections (written by various parishioners) in your email box each day, contact darcy.wharton@rocklincatholic.org
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Reflections for Jan. 20-26, 2020
Monday, January 20, 2020 – Growth
Right before finals, I had a huge essay due in my hardest class. I spent weeks preparing the greatest essay I thought I had ever written. Apparently my teacher thought differently and I ended up with a poor grade on the paper. I was super bummed because of the effort I had put into it. But I learned what I needed to fix and did better the next time I had to write an essay. Sometimes God works like this in my life. I mess up and fail after I have tried so hard to make the right decision. When I fail, I try to look for the positive and see how I can grow from that failure with Gods help, even though it is very hard. I have learned to reach for God in all my troubled times because he will always lead me back to the right way.
“But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and forever! Amen.” (2 peter 3:18)
Carly Krause
Tuesday, January 21, 2020 – God’s Perfect Time
A few weeks ago I was driving home in a rush and stopped at a stop light. There was this man agitatedly pushing the walk button. He kept rapidly pushing it but the signal was not changing for him. I was thinking, “ does he not know that pushing the button 20 times is not going to make the signal change any faster?” He then decided to walk across without the signal telling him to. I got to thinking how many times in my life do I pray for something , get impatient, and then do what I want. My prayer life was exactly like this man walking across the street. God is telling me to wait patiently for the right timing. His timing is perfect timing for everything in life. My trying to rush his timing is just going to end in disappointment.
“The LORD is good to those who wait for Him, To the person who seeks Him.” (Lamentations 3:25)
Carly Krause
Wednesday, January 22, 2020 – Unconditional Love
Every single time I walk through the door my dog is the happiest to see me. I could be gone for 5 minutes and she would still be over the moon the second I walk in the door. God is exactly like my dog. I could stray from Him a little bit or even turn my whole life away from Him, and he would still be waiting for me with open arms the second I’m ready to come home. Sometimes it’s hard to remember because I let my sin get the best of me and think, “ God could not possibly still love me after this,” but somehow I always find my way back to him and he loves me despite my turning away. God loves me despite my flaws, bad decisions, and pride.
“Dear friends, let us love one another, for love comes from God. Everyone who loves has been born of God and knows God” ( 1 John 4:7)
Carly Krause
Thursday, January 23, 2020 – Hidden Blessings
Over Christmas break I was at work late at night and was just getting ready to go home. I was standing outside with my coworker who is now in college. I was explaining to him about how I was ready to be done with high school and start something new. He said, “ Carly, you have to be in school anyways for this last semester so you may as well enjoy it.” This has stuck with me and I have incorporated it into my prayer life. God has put me in this period of my life and I am exactly where I need to be at this specific moment. This time of waiting is preparing me for what is to come. That thought brings complete peace to me knowing that things are already perfectly planned out and there is no sense in stressing over something that is perfectly planned by God.
“Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” (1 Thessolonians 5:18)
Carly Krause
Friday, January 24, 2020 - 100% Happiness
Over the past year, I have realized how easy it is to depend on other people for happiness. Other people’s mood and actions toward me affect whether I’m going to be happy. I learned
quickly to depend on positive people but even positive people have their low points. I realized that God is the only one who is consistently there for me and happy for me when I do good. He is the only one who will never let me down, never speak about me badly, and never stop loving me. I have decided to be thankful for this and lean on him for he knows how to truly keep a heart happy.
“Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that you may abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.” (Romans 15:13)
Carly Krause
Saturday, January 25, 2020 – Finding God
Visiting colleges is one of the most rewarding yet tiring experiences! I felt like my dream college was going to be impossible to find because my checklist was so long. I finally found the perfect college fit for me and then I had the realization that any college I chose would be the perfect one for me because God was there. God was going to be with me at any school I chose to go to. There was no right or wrong decision about where to go. God knew I would end up exactly where I needed to be and he would be there. God is with me in any decision I make and he is always there with me in whatever the outcome of that choice might be.
“Be strong and courageous; do not be frightened or dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.” ( Joshua 1:9)
Carly Krause
Sunday, January 26, 2020 – Comparison
I was at the airport looking out the window waiting for my flight. I was looking at all the planes taking off and watching them go higher up into the air. I was thinking about how they get on their way already and I’m stuck on the ground. I was comparing my journey to theirs even though we were both at different points. I do this with my faith journey also. I compare my faith journey to the faith journey of others who are 10 steps ahead of me but they are there because they have already moved on from where I am. Sometimes I think, “ they volunteer so much,” ”I could never pray the rosary everyday like they do,” or even “ How can they be so nice to everyone?” I put myself down every time I compare my faith journey to others even though I am trying my hardest and God sees that. Then I remember that God does not love any single person more or less than the rest. There is not one thing I could do to make God love me less and there is not one thing I could do for God to love me more.
“Each of you must examine your own actions. Then you can be proud of your own accomplishments without comparing yourself to others. Assume your own responsibility.” Galatians 6:4-5
Carly Krause
Reflections for Jan. 13-19, 2020
Monday January 13, 2020-A Wonderful Life
My favorite holiday movie is “It’s a Wonderful Life”. The main character, George, has big plans to see the world, leaving his small town behind. This never happens. While he struggles to keep the family Building and Loan operating for the benefit of the poor, the immigrant, and the marginalized, his younger brother joins the Navy Air Corp during World War II and becomes a celebrated hero. When circumstances overwhelm him, George regrets his decisions so much and becomes so despondent, that he wishes he had never been born.
I identify with George. While I did leave home for education and career, I never went far. I wonder if I ‘missed-out’ by not experiencing the adventures that my peers had, wondering what shape my life would have taken. Through the intercession of an angel, George comes to see the great tragedies that would have occurred if his wish had come true. All the good he did in his life would not have occurred. All the small moments as George saw them, were big moments in the lives of those he touched, some with impacts beyond what he could have imagined. I didn’t need an angel to show me how important small moments are. I did need someone to point those moments out to me. I ask myself if I have done the same for others as often as I might. This reflection calls me to see differently next time and remember that simple acts of kindness mean a great deal.
Ray Frink
Tuesday January 14, 2020-Nothing in Return
I wonder if there are unifying principles for my life, any life perhaps, that have a place beyond time; principles that clarify how to live my life on the most foundational level. I have said that gratitude is one principle. From my perspective, all the good things I have: good parents, intellect, good physical health through much of my life, are all gifts. I did nothing to deserve them. These formed the basis for wonderful community and friends both near and far. These are also gifts. I did nothing to deserve them.
As I reflect further, I think there is another unifying principle as illustrated by Jesus’ life. Jesus expressed His love for us in word and action. He expected nothing in return. This concept was foreign to his disciples at first, continued to be unknown to many of his own people and the elders of His time and certainly the leaders of our times find this unthinkable.
This is part of Jesus’ message. Christians, full followers of Jesus, are asked to live their lives, with all its different parts, with love, caring, compassion, and expect nothing in return. Nothing. When I reflect back on my life so far, some of the times of error were times when I expected something in return. I failed to remember that everything is gift and all my needs will be provided. As I continue with life in all its different parts, I will remember that Jesus loved expecting nothing in return and so should I.
Ray Frink
Wednesday January 15, 2020-Brand Recognition
The story of the Good Samaritan left me thinking about a modern everyday event. In advertising, I hear the terms, brand recognition, branded items, and brand placement. These terms refer to placing an idea before the consumer so that the consumer recognizes and is more likely to buy or invest in that item or idea. We see this in television, movies, and life. From medicine to aide organizations, or animal rescue, I have a distinctive license plate, sticker or decal, or I wear a cap emblazoned with the logo of an organization that I represent or support.
As a Catholic Christian, I wonder how I demonstrate my brand? Some Catholics wear a cross. Do we remove it at work? Do we wear it or remove it depending on the circumstances? Should we? I cannot answer these questions for you. I attended a Catholic funeral for a man, a member of a secular club, whom I barely knew, because he was Catholic. Saint Francis said, “It is no use walking anywhere to preach unless your walking is your preaching.” Francis went on: “As for me, I desire this privilege from the Lord, that never may I have any privilege from man, except to do reverence to all, and to convert the world by obedience to the Holy Rule rather by example than by word.” These are powerful words that remind me that I am the brand. People should see me and know that I am Christian, and then recognize that I am Catholic. My brand is my life.
Ray Frink
Thursday January 16, 2020-The Little Match Girl
People who accept children into their lives demonstrate great love and faith. Children may come to them through many paths. They may be parents, relatives, friends, neighbors or teachers. The act of loving and helping to raise children is all that is required.
When I am confronted with evil that affects children I despair. How can this happen? What can I as one person do to change this? I do something, yet I am left with the question: Was it enough?
A Hans Christian Anderson tale comes to mind, “The Little Match Girl”. It relates the story of a little girl, from a loveless home, with a brutish father, who is sent out on a wintry day to sell matches. Failing to sell any and not wanting to return to her drafty attic room without any money, hopeless, she freezes to death in the street, alone. Her final thoughts are of her deceased grandmother, the only source of love the little girl knew. In the story, her grandmother takes the girl to heaven where she is not cold, not hungry, and always loved. As a physician, my goal was to give children the best start in life by caring for their mothers. Jesus welcomed little children and admonished us to care for them. Blessed are the people who accept and care for them. I pray that I and we never forget that there are still children like the little match girl in our time and country of plenty.
Ray Frink
Friday January 17, 2020-Unexpected Light
I would rather read a science article about our living world than the sports page or front page. It comes as no surprise to you then, how fascinated I was to learn that trees give off light. There is no special bug or fungus involved. Growing trees produce a small amount of light. Scientists are learning to use this information to monitor the health of forests before it is too late. Currently, we only know that a forest is sick when large portions of it have already died. Now that we know what to look for, this light can be detected from space.
The imagery of light is so powerful that this fact of trees got me to reflect on my own faith journey. My faith is always growing. Using the analogy, when I was a young man, a sapling, growing rapidly, it was easy to see the change. The light produced by my faith was obvious. There were good years of plentiful water and clean air when the growth was rapid. There were lean years when growing in the faith was arduous, with little water, clean air, or nutrients to keep the growth going and little light produced. As my faith has matured, the apparent growth has slowed. It has not stopped and hopefully never will. The tiny amount of light I give off will be added to the light of our community, so that many small glints of light will combine to be a beacon for those in darkness.
Ray Frink
Saturday January 18, 2020-Up
For those who may read this and not know me, I am six foot three inches tall. I have spent most of my life looking down. At first so as to not trip over my own feet, then simply because most people I met were shorter than I. I got use to looking down. It became part of and influenced my nature.
Recently I was in the local parish Church during Mass and I looked up, really up, to the highest part of the ceiling. It was lit with the early morning light. I felt like I had awakened from sleep. Everything seemed clearer and brighter to me. It got me to thinking whether I have been looking down too long? I am asked by the Church and my faith to be penitent for my sins. Sooner or later though, Jesus and the Holy Spirit are also saying, “Hey!!! You!!! Look UP for heaven’s sake. Yes, literally, for the sake of all Jesus Christ did for you. You are saved. Your sins are forgiven now and for all time. Be penitent and then raise your eyes and rejoice.”
At every mass that I participate in I have an opportunity to experience three great components of my faith: forgiveness, teaching, and sustenance. Each mass is a time for reflection and celebration, a time for looking down and looking up. If you happen to see me at Mass and I am looking up you will know what I’m doing. The view is awesome.
Ray Frink
Sunday January19, 20200-Playing God
You may have heard the joke about a newcomer to heaven who sees an elderly person wearing a white coat rush to the front of the line at the celestial cafeteria. Peter explains that is God and He thinks He is a doctor.
This joke is based on the old adage that a highly skilled doctor can play God. We live in a time where skill, education, hard work, and dedication bring healers, in different roles, to the community. A television commercial once proclaimed: “Forgive, it’s your chance to play God.”
All I need to do is open a news source to see how revenge for both real and merely perceived slights brings calls for retribution. Setting aside the humor, I am called to forgive as Jesus did. I am in awe of the strength of individuals when instead of revenge, a call for forgiveness is offered. Jesus instructed his followers to forgive seventy-seven times, Matthew 18:21-22. To His audience, seven is a symbolically perfect number and seventy-seven reaches for perfection. From Martin Luther, (“Forgiveness is God’s Command”) to Mahatmas Gandhi, (“The weak can never forgive. Forgiveness is an attribute of the strong”), to Mark Twain, (“Forgiveness is the fragrance the violet sheds upon the heel that has crushed it.”) to Pope Francis, we are called to forgive as Jesus did. Every time we receive the Eucharist we are infused with the strength to forgive. That source of strength is always available. Let’s play God.
Ray Frink
Reflections for Jan. 6-12, 2020
Monday, Jan. 6, 2020- Whew!
I don’t know about you, but I’m always grateful for January. Between Thanksgiving and Christmas, I’ve had more than enough excitement, to-do lists, deadlines, bright lights, loud music, gift wrap, wreaths, and red candles to last me at least until it begins again next November. And I’ve eaten more than I should have done.
Once again, I’m back to a “new beginning”; I have a fresh start and the resolve to do better in the coming year. One thing I’ll work on is to STOP multitasking! Science has proven that our brains are simply not made to do several things at once, so I’ll try the old Zen advice to “Chop wood; carry water.” Concentrate on one thing at a time.
Another practice I’ll try is to stop regretting what I’ve done wrong in the past: “Don’t stumble over something behind you” is good advice. If I’ve already apologized, let it go.
Trite as it has become, I will continue to look each day for those things for which I’m grateful. Even if we can’t find a whole list of things, it is the act of looking that changes our mood. I thank God for that gift!
BARBARA STRICKLIN
Tuesday, Jan. 7, 2020- “I’M GETTIN’ NUTHIN’ FOR . . .”
One of our granddaughters has always worn her heart on her sleeve. She empathizes with everyone’s problems and wants to fix them; she won’t kill an insect, but traps it in her hands and sets it free outdoors. She will only eat the flesh of free-range animals. She has struggled for a couple of years with her feelings of being “too privileged” not only in her community, but in the world. Last year Randy and I offered to take her shopping for her birthday; she let us take her to her favorite thrift shop to make her purchases. This year she announced that she wanted no birthday gifts, but suggested that we contribute to a charity she had researched. Ditto for Christmas because she “already has more than she needs.”
This child has just turned eighteen. I’ve never in my life known a person of that age who acts with such compassion and commitment that she herself is materially affected. To say that she has inspired us is inadequate; she has humbled us and changed our outlook and our actions. Surely Jesus smiles upon her.
BARBARA STRICKLIN
Wednesday, Jan. 8, 2020-ISN’T IT IRONIC?
Do you remember Joni Mitchell’s lyrics,
“Don’t it always seem to go
You don’t know what you’ve got ‘til it’s gone.”
Some of our biggest blessings are those that we don’t fully appreciate; for example, it is only when we’re sad that we fully appreciate happiness; only when we have no electricity do we appreciate switching on a light; only when we lose our health do we realize how we took it for granted.
Then there are the under-appreciated people in our lives: people who serve us in stores and restaurants, and those who guard our safety; certainly our family and friends to whom we don’t show love often enough. Were they not with us, the void would be immense. If you’ve experienced a death, you know what I mean. Incomparable loss!
Then there is the healthy earth that God gave us and the life-giving air. Oh my, what have we done to them?
I ask God to help me to remember to express my appreciation to the people I love and to those who help me; to give daily thanks for the health I have. Finally, I want to thank God for the good life I have in this nurturing, beauty-filled world.
BARBARA STRICKLIN
Thursday, Jan. 9, 2020-LOOK AT YOU, BEAUTIFUL!
One of our grandsons is a tech whiz who is always eager to demonstrate what he’s learned in the electronic world since we last saw him. We even bought him a tee shirt that says, “Engineer: fixes what you didn’t know was broken in ways you won’t understand.”
Anyway, the last time we saw him, he had just downloaded “Photoshop” onto his phone. He showed me a photo of his front door, followed by another from which he had erased the doorknob and the peephole. “Here, Grammy. I’ll take a picture of you and photoshop it.”
In a few minutes he returned proudly announcing, “I erased the wrinkles around your eyes and the lines by your mouth.” In the spirit of jocularity, I quipped, “Wow! Now can you do something about my saggy neck?”
In truth, though, what I saw wasn’t me. I looked not younger, but somehow less alive. I know that God wants me to look exactly as I look now. The lines and wrinkles could almost be called my “merit badges” for the years I’ve lived, the experiences I’ve had, and the physical and emotional traumas I’ve survived. I’ve earned them all in order to become wiser. Thanks be to God.
BARBARA STRICKLIN
Friday, Jan. 10, 2020-HOW WAS YOUR DAY?
A question I can reflect upon is, “How has God used me to reach out to someone today?” I don’t often think in those terms, but I have to say joyfully that today has been fantastic!
First, I saw a woman in the grocery store who advised me to hold on to my purse. When I thanked her, she said, “All you need is some old lady telling you what to do!” to which I replied, “Oh no! I appreciate your advice. And you’re not an old lady; I’ll bet I’m older than you are.” She demurred, but because I was sincere, I believe my words lifted her spirits.
Then I encountered a woman who thought she was in my way. “Of course not!” I said. “I’m very patient.” We then had a lovely exchange about how being aggravated causes turmoil in us, rather than any discomfort in another.
Our store hires a few mentally challenged people who do a fine job. I commented on the skill of my box boy, and he said, “Tell him!” pointing to a manager. When I told him how I appreciated his employee’s skill, he was very pleased!
Such small gestures. Such an impact! Thank you, God!
BARBARA STRICKLIN
Saturday, Jan. 11, 2020-THE FEAST OF THE BAPTISM OF THE LORD (215)
Each of the four gospels gives a version of Jesus’s Baptism. Mark tells us that Isaiah prophesied that someone (John) would come before Jesus to prepare the way for Him. He describes the baptism, including God’s voice coming from the sky and saying, “This is my Son in whom I am well pleased.” Both Matthew and Luke also refer to Isaiah’s prophesy and recount John’s warning for people to repent before “the one who is coming after me” separates the good from the evil doers who will “burn with unquenchable fire.” In the book of John, we have a brief description of the baptism followed by a long listing of Jesus’s genealogy all the way back to Adam to prove that Jesus is the Messiah. Remember, the Jews needed proof that Jesus was authentic. And they knew nothing of His mercy and forgiveness.
After 2,000 years, Christians no longer require proof after proof. We believe. In our role as Baptism Facilitators, Randy and I are blessed to witness the faith of young parents who bring their children to the Church for Baptism. The words and beauty of the rite itself are proof enough to these families that Jesus is the Messiah. As Jesus Himself said, “Blessed are they who have not seen and yet believe.”
BARBARA STRICKLIN
Sunday, Jan. 12, 2020-KINDNESS BOOMERANG
Orly Wahba wrote a book with the above title that offers a daily suggestion for an act of kindness. One of my favorites is the Catching Kindness card game. On several small blank cards, write the words, “You’ve been spotted performing an act of kindness. Now it’s your turn to keep your eyes peeled and pass this card along the next time you catch someone in the act.” The act can be anything: picking up a piece of trash to deposit in a trash can; helping someone to cross a street; holding a door open for another person.
Being recognized unexpectedly for doing the right thing is gratifying, and the surprise and pleasure on the person’s face will “boomerang” that good feeling right back to you. It costs nothing, and the rewards create a lovely, light moment in the day for both of you. The world can be a kinder place now that two people will be watching for others to do something kind!
BARBARA STRICKLIN
Reflections for Dec. 30, 2019-Jan. 5, 2020
Monday, December 30, 2019-Christmas
By today, many people will already have their tree packed up and Christmas put away. But now are the days when we live the season of Christ’s birth! In our Church we still see the décor of Christmas and sing the songs that the radio has ceased to play. Today, Jesus is still present—he is alive in our world! How do we continue to experience this celebration of Christ’s incarnation?
As the Christmas season fades away from the secular world, hold tight to our tradition of celebrating beyond December 25th! Are you still remembering that God became man through the birth of Jesus? Are you still celebrating that the Christ child brought joy to our world? As the world around us moves forward, may you live a few days more in the Christmas season.
Erin Gallawa
Tuesday, December 31, 2019-New Year’s Eve
There is something enchanted about staying up late and waiting for the turn of the new year. Even though there isn’t much in it besides watching a tape delayed ball drop, the countdown to a new year is full of anticipation and hope. It is a fond farewell to a year behind us and a celebration of what is to come. I imagine that this is what God feels like as he awaits us to come to Baptism or Reconciliation; he invites us to bid farewell to the life behind us and start anew with anticipation and joy! In those dark hours between the setting sun and the clock striking midnight, we live in a sort of limbo; the year is not yet over, but we are ready for the next, anxious for what lies ahead. Those are the hours that we dine, we dance, we play games with our family. Perhaps those are the hours that we sit around tables and write down resolutions with our loved ones. Whether you await the new year in sparkly gowns and tuxedos or in soft, flannel pajamas; whether you dance until midnight or celebrate the new year on New York time, may your transition from this year to the next be full of blessing. However you ring in the new year tonight, let us be reminded by St. Teresa of Avila that it is time to “begin again!”
Erin Gallawa
Wednesday, January 1, 2020-New Year’s Day
“The LORD bless you and keep you! The LORD let his face shine upon you, and be gracious to you! The LORD look upon you kindly and give you peace!” Numbers 6:24-26
Happy New Year! We welcome 2020 with hope and delight. While there is nothing magic about the first day of January, we give it great power as a point of new beginning.
This will be my fifth year participating in the “Resolution Run” in Auburn. It is such a fun way to begin the year with hundreds of other people who want to get their year started on the right foot! It has become a fun tradition for me to begin my year with my local community on the trails where I so clearly feel God’s presence. Today, many of us will set new goals, resolve to do things differently, change habits or begin healthier ways of life. As we consider our resolutions for 2020, let us also remember to reflect on the ways we are being called to serve God and our community. What is God calling you to commit to this year?
Erin Gallawa
Thursday, January 2, 2020-January
Although I’ve never lived in a place with snow, when I think of January I immediately envision snowbanks and clear skies; the earth is blanketed in bright, white snow against a backdrop of brilliant blue sky. In my vision, January is quiet and calm. In reality, January in the foothills is often foggy and gray. But the feeling of peace and calm still exists. After a busy holiday season I appreciate the slower pace and the chance to breathe deeply. I love that the earthly seasons mirror life (or is it that life mirrors the earth?)—surely it is God who orchestrated such beauty, so that after our celebrations of Thanksgiving, Christ’s birth and the changing of years, that we may find ourselves in silence to reflect on what we have been given. May this season of quiet open your hearts and minds to God’s voice.
Erin Gallawa
Friday, January 3, 2020-Orchard
Depending on the angle where you stand, an orchard can appear a disordered mess of trees. But just a few steps to the side and you will see the symmetry of the perfectly planted rows, tenderly planted and lovingly tended. When you drive past an orchard, the perspective changes back and forth quickly, sometimes making my head feel dizzy until I settle on finding the rows, rather than letting the focus switch back-and-forth like an illusion.
So too are our lives. When it seems like everything around us is a mess, we need only take a few steps to the side or adjust our focus to find the symmetry, the patterns, the purpose. For God so lovingly planted the people around us in perfect order, tended each of us individually while cultivating the entire orchard. Let us a remember that in times of bearing fruit or in seasons of pruning back, God provides purpose and order.
Erin Gallawa
Saturday, January 4, 2020-Mandarins
One of my favorite things about living in this area is mandarin season. Those sweet little mandarins are the best citrus in the world! As a child, I didn’t realize that they were regional and that not everyone got to have mandarins! I think back to the Garden of Eden and how they had trees in abundance and I imagine that they also relished in these sweet little gifts. I love the symmetry that the mandarin season here in Placer County mirrors the holiday season, starting in late November and ending as we begin the new year. Although they are not a traditional symbol of the holidays, for me, this fruit is connected to the sacredness of the holy season for me.
All of us have symbols and traditions that mark the seasons for them—that mark the tides and the changing of seasons. What are the symbols that mark the holy days for you?
Erin Gallawa
Sunday, January 5, 2020-Epiphany
When I think of the word “epiphany” I think of a sudden realization. Yet on the feast of the Epiphany of the Lord we celebrate the arrival of the magi to the Christ child, a moment which is anything but sudden since these men traveled a great distance to find Jesus. Perhaps this day represents something in the middle of the two meanings—a word which signifies an opening of our hearts on the long journey toward the discovery of Christ. Indeed, that describes so many of our faith journeys. We travel a lifetime in our relationship with God, but there are many sudden moments of clarity and explanation. Our faith journey is lifelong, but it is also only in the present moment. Today as we celebrate the arrival of these men to pay homage to Jesus, let us remember the moments we have been in the presence of Christ. Let us also celebrate the long faith journey that lies ahead of us.
Erin Gallawa
Reflections for Dec. 23-29, 2019
Monday, December 23, 2019– Celebrations
This year the whole meaning of Advent took on a special importance for me because on November 30th our 5th grandchild, Evalynn Marie, was born. Just as in Advent we await the coming of the Christ Child, we awaited and prepared for Evalynn’s birth. Mary went to visit her pregnant cousin Elizabeth, and here there were the baby showers from friends and family who expressed their joy for her coming. We prepare our home for Christmas, and Sarah and our daughter Stacey went to San Jose to help Kristi prepare the baby’s room for when she came home. Then on the 29th, like the shepherds following the star, we followed Google maps to San Jose where we all gathered around in the hospital waiting room, awaiting her birth. After she arrived we were able to go in, a few at a time, like the wise men coming to pay homage. Every birth is a reminder that something good is coming into the world. God chose not to come into the world with great fanfare but to come in like one of us. Choosing to have Jesus come into the world by birth it shows how much God celebrates life. We are called to celebrate all life and in celebrating life we do God’s will.
Kurt Peterson
Tuesday, December 24, 2019 – Christmas Eve Mass
Many of us will be going to Christmas Eve Mass and anyone with children knows it can be a crazy experience. Getting everyone dressed up, out of the house on time and in the church to find a seat can be very chaotic. And if you are the person assigned to saving 12 seats you spend every second checking the entrances, looking like you are watching a tennis match. Yes it can be crazy at times but some of the best memories of Christmas are at Mass. Watching the children dressed as angels, singing Christmas Carols, seeing how beautifully the church is decorated and being with family and friends makes it all worthwhile. So if tonight starts to become a little crazy remember Mary and Joseph had to stay in a stable with animals, so the first Christmas Eve was a little chaotic too.
Kurt Peterson
Wednesday, December 25 – Emmanuel
Emmanuel (God with us) is here. Today we celebrate the birth of Jesus. We will open presents, eat bountiful feasts and be with friends and family. The children will play with their new toys and we will have a joyous time. But what are we truly celebrating today? In writing this reflection I can’t help but think about that. Looking past the Christmas tree, bright lights, Santa, elves and adorable snowmen there is a central message of Christmas for all of us. That message is that God keeps his promises. Throughout the Old Testament God promises us that even though we stray from Him again and again He will produce a way to bring us back. Jesus is that way and that promise. Today begins the unfolding of that promise which comes to completion at Easter. So while you are enjoying the day take a few moments to reflect on the ways you have strayed from Him and then give thanks that God has given us the way back. God always keeps His promise.
Kurt Peterson
Thursday, December 26, 2019 – Tamales
Growing up in my family I did not have a deep connection to my family’s ethnic roots. So one of the things I love about marrying into a Mexican American family is that their Mexican culture is a big part of who they are. And one of the traditions of that culture is making tamales for Christmas. Every year we get the ingredients and Sarah’s mom, Celia, makes the fillings for the tamales. We usually make two types, meat filled and cheese filled. My personal favorite is called Chile con Queso( chile with cheese). On the day of making the tamales they mix the cornmeal (masa para tamales) and soak the corn husks (hoja para tamal). It is usually a gathering of family and friends around the table assembling the tamales while they all talk and laugh together. But because of different commitments and schedules it looked like it may not happen this year. However, our son, who is home for a short time before he moves to New York, told his grandmother that we had to make tamales. So last week Spencer, Stacey and Celia sat around the table making the tamales filling the air with talk and laughter just like before. Now we will have tamales for Christmas day. I pray this tradition never ends.
Kurt Peterson
Friday, December 27, 2019 – The days after
Many people are taking down their Christmas trees. They are packing the ornaments and decorations in their boxes because Christmas is over. STOP! Christmas is not over it just began! Christmas Day to the feast of the Epiphany is Christmas time. Now that Christmas music is no longer playing 24 hours a day and Frosty and Rudolph are put back into their DVD cases we can really focus on what this season is about, the birth of Christ. Many people wonder if Christmas has become too commercialized. It can be, but only if we let it, we can have both. In our house we take down most of the decorations but keep up the Nativity scenes, the things that reflect winter, and the outdoor lights.
So what are some ways to bring the religious during the 12 days? Read and reflect on the daily readings. Celebrate some of the feast days of saints during this time, such as St Stephen and St David until the Epiphany (feast day of the Magi). Maybe read the O’ Henry story (Gift of the magi) to your family on The Epiphany. Celebrating throughout the liturgical season can help us to keep the focus on our faith and to enjoy the other celebrations during Christmas.
Kurt Peterson
Saturday, December 28, 2019 – Baptism
Today our family gathers to celebrate the baptism of Evalynn Marie. Her baptism welcomes Evalynn into the church and removes the stain of original sin. Today is also the Feast day of the Holy Innocents. This feast day remembers the innocent children in Bethlehem that were massacred. In Matthew 2:16-18 it tells us that King Herod the Great, realizing that the Magi outwitted him so he could not find the baby Jesus, had all male children up to the age of two in Bethlehem killed. This was to keep Jesus from taking his, Herod’s, throne. Thinking about the baptism and the feast day together brings to mind that part in the movie “The Godfather” when Michael Corleone is becoming the godfather to his sister’s child while at the same time he is having all his enemies killed. Both that scene and the passage in Mathew are stark reminders that good and evil exit simultaneously in this world. The difference now is that Jesus has conquered evil and every baptism is a visible sign of that.
Kurt Peterson
Sunday, December 29, 2019- Romans and Mister Rogers
In Romans 12:2 St Paul tells us “Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.” Fred Rogers took this passage to heart. Mister Roger’s neighborhood became his ministry to help children throughout the world deal with the many concerns of life. He helped children realize that they are loved for just who they are, just as they are. He wrote a song called “What do you do with the mad that you feel?” The song tells the children that it is ok to be mad but they can control how they deal with it. If you listen to this song you will realize that this is the cause of most all conflicts: we do not know what to do with our mad. He always ended his shows saying “I like you just the way you are”. If adults had time to sit and listen, they would have realized he was talking to them too. His song “I like you as you are” is really a song about how God sees us deep inside. If we can truly see ourselves as God sees us we will truly love our neighbors as ourselves.
Kurt Peterson