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CHRISTMAS REFLECTION 2024

Each year we gather to retell the ancient story of God entering into humanity in the birth of Christ. In Christ we can “touch” God. He chose to reveal himself to us in a fragile bundle of new life. We will come to know this child as the true presence of God with us. The world stops in silence before a child born in a stable. We are caught up in the mystery of God’s love. A sublime mystery. We all hunger for hope, meaning and good news. We all hunger for a love that’s faithful, a love that’s there despite our own infidelities, a love that gives us new beginnings and fills our lives with light and hope, a love that brings healing, a love that’s always for our good and well-being. We may not find them in our human relationships but we have the fullness of this kind of love in the birth of Christ.

The prophet Zephaniah speaks about “the tender compassion of the heart of our God, visiting us like the dawn from on high, giving light to those in darkness and guiding us in the way of peace”. What a lovely thought! The tender compassion of the heart of our God is revealed in the person of Jesus. The prayers of Christmas are full of light and hope. St. John says, “The light shines in the darkness and the darkness cannot overpower it”. At Christmas we celebrate the truth that God is true to his word, that he is a faithful God, that we can meet him in Jesus, his Son. The birth of Christ speaks about the extravagance of a God who loves us unconditionally and eternally. We come to him through Jesus. This is the bright, assured hope and light of Christmas.

The poet, John O’ Donoghue speaks of Christmas as “The feast of the great presence where the healing of heaven flows unto a wounded earth”. Whatever words we use – light, hope, grace, reconciliation, new vision, meaning, purpose – they all express the “healing of heaven” falling upon our wounded world. Let us allow the “little ones” invite us into the landscape of mystery, awe and wonder. They can lead us into the depth of the mystery of God-with-Us. Just look at their faces on Christmas morning!!  I offer all of you this prayer from Sr. Joyce Rupp: “May the hope of this sacred season settle in your soul: may the wonder and awe that fills the eyes of children awaken in you an appreciation for what is often taken for granted; may the bonds of love be strengthened as you gather for festivity and nourishment. May your eyes be fixed on the star within you and may you go often to the Bethlehem of your heart and find the One who offers peace”. On behalf of Fr. Tom, Fr. John, Deacon Jimmy and our Parish Team.  

Fr. Tony.

PRAYER FOR PEACE

Lord, when my heart is overburdened, overwhelm me with your peace. Lead me to you, my rock, strength and refuge. Guide me to your Word which gives me strength and comfort. Help me not to run to lesser things. Draw me to run to you first. Help me to get into the habit of taking my burdens to you and placing them in your care. For your Son, Jesus said, “Come to me all who labour and overburdened and I will give you rest: for I am gentle and humble of heart and you will find rest for your souls”.

AMEN.

The Hopes of Pope Francis for the future of the Church

464 Bishops, Priests, Religious and lay people have gathered in Rome for the month of October 2023 to take part in the Synod which is the most important happening in the Church since the 2^nd Vatican Council.  Of that number 81 are women and 54 of those are voting members.

Pope Francis seeks to bring a revived sense of mission to the Church, and many are hoping that new life will emerge as a result.  The documents that will emerge at the end of the month are not the final word, the same people who attend the present gathering will meet again in October 2024, and the Pope is expected to respond to the documents in the months after.

One topic that will be addressed is the role of women in the Church and perhaps we might have women deacons in the years ahead.  The Synod will address the role of all those of us who are Baptised and encourage us to become more active in the Church and in our Parishes.  We all share in the common priesthood of the Baptised.  This gathering is a culmination of the work that took place in our parish and the parishes of Ireland in 2022.

Ireland is represented by Alan McGuckian, Bishop of Raphoe, and Brendan Leahy, Bishop of Limerick, his early years were spent as a child in the parish of St. Agnes.

PRAYER FOR THE SYNOD

We Stand before You, Holy Spirit, as we gather together in Your name.

With You alone to guide us, make Yourself at home in our hearts;

Teach us the way we must go and how we are to pursue it.

We are weak and sinful; do not let us promote disorder.

Do not let ignorance lead us down the wrong path nor partiality influence our actions.

Let us find in You our unity so that we may journey together to eternal life

And not stray from the way of truth and what is right.

All this we ask of You, who are at work in every place and time,

In the communion of the Father and the Son, forever and ever.  Amen.