Today we pray for all the children who are not allowed to be born, who cry with hunger, who hold weapons in their hands instead of toys. (Pope Francis)

The miracle of Christmas is that the almighty God comes to us as a child. He tells us that we must become child-like if we want to follow him. What’s more, he curses those who harm little children with their scandalous, abusive behavior and with their hypocrisy.

Do we get the message? God values innocence, honestly and vulnerability. He does not respect  arrogance or worldy wisdom. If we want to be spiritually alive, we must die to self. If we want to receive God’s love and goodness, we must give generously of our time, talent and treasure—especially to those who are most in need of our help.

The world shows itself to be most evil and corrupt when it slaughters the innocent among us. We show ourselves to be sinfully indifferent and uncaring when we tolerate the horrors inflicted on the most vulnerable—adults, youth, children and infants (born and unborn).

“Being close” (accompaniment) is a consistent theme of Pope Francis. God comes close to us at Christmas and stays close no matter how far away we wander. Being and staying close to others is what missionary disciples are called to do.

I think of St. Joseph at this time of year. He is silent (as always) but he is always close by. As the sacred drama unfolds: the trip to Bethlehem with the couple’s unwelcome reception, Jesus’ birth in a stable surrounded by domestic animals and unwashed shepherds, the bizarre visit of the magi, strangers from foreign lands, and the flight from Herod into Egypt, Joseph remains steadfast. He stewards his young wife and her holy child. He guards them, provides for them and calms their fears. 

Joseph is close to us, too, and if we let him he will steady us in moments of doubt and fear. His virtues—patience, courage and fidelity to his promise—can guide us on our journeys and lift us up when we stumble and fall. 

Good St. Joseph, pray for us. Help us to be faithful to our calling as missionary disciples. Help us stay close to Jesus, and all our sisters and brothers, as you were at that first Christmas. 

Today the Church in Louisville will formally say farewell to Bishop-Elect J. Mark Spalding who will be ordained a bishop in the Diocese of Nashville on Friday, February 2. The Archdiocese of Louisville and Holy Trinity and Holy Name parishes, will miss “Father Mark” intensely, and this evening’s Mass and reception at the Cathedral of the Assumption will definitely be a moment of joy mixed with equal parts of gratitude and grief. 

Bishop Mark has truly been a gift to our parishes. His pastoral zeal combined with his humor, his great preaching and his love of God’s holy Word have made him a treasure we parishioners cherish with much gratitude. 

With reluctance, but also with great joy, we now hand-over this great blessing of Bishop Mark’s pastoral care to the Church in Middle Tennessee. May the Christ child, and his Blessed Mother, travel with him to Nashville next month and watch over him as he begins his new ministry. 

That in all things God may be glorified!

Searching for God

Advent ends with Christmas Eve Mass, but the search continues. Christ comes in the morning through miracle of new birth, but our longing is not satisfied completely. He is our hope, our salvation and our joy. But we too often remain apart from him, not fully united with him or anyone else, alone and afraid.

Christmas brings us closer to him—if we open our minds and hearts, if we reach out to him through our care for “the least of these, my brothers and sisters.”

Being close to Christ is what we long for at Christmas whether we know it or not. The sights and smells and sounds of this holy season connect us to him. But only if we let them, if we ignore the distractions of “the commercial Christmas” and embrace a far simpler festival.

Silent night, holy night. All is calm. All is bright. Round yon virgin, mother and child, holy infant so tender and mild. Sleep in heavenly peace. Sleep in heavenly peace. 

Let us free Christmas from the worldliness that has taken it hostage! The true spirit of Christmas is the beauty of being loved by God. (Pope Francis)

Nice words, but what does it mean to say that “the true spirit of Christmas is the beauty of being loved by God”?

Being loved by God is a beautiful thing—especially when we think what an incredible thing that is. The God who made the universe (all things visible and invisible) in all its infinite vastness and complexity knows me by name and loves me in spite of all my selfishness and sin. What a Christmas gift! What a wondrous thing to contemplate and accept in all humility!

The Christmas miracle is that the little child lying in a manger loves me, forgives me and makes me whole by the power of his grace.

No amount of worldliness can nullify this extraordinary gift from God to each of us, his children.

This is Dill Harris, my daughter Suzanne’s 8 year-old pug. Today, Dill had cataracts removed from both of his eyes. Because of the miracle of modern veterinary medicine, Dill will not be completely blind. Instead, he will continue to be a faithful companion for Suzanne and for her family and friends for the rest of his natural life. 

A lot of nonsense is said and done these days regarding pet animals. They are pampered and indulged beyond belief. But we should never underestimate the role animals (both domestic and wild) play in God’s creation. Animals are witnesses to the mystery and beauty of life. They remind us that we humans are not “masters of the universe” but stewards and companions of all God’s creatures. 

When the vet’s office called to tell Suzanne that Dill was out of surgery and doing well, our 5 year-old granddaughter, Jocelyn, lit up like a Christmas tree. She was so pleased to learn that Dill is really OK. Her innocent smile said it all. 

What does a great pastor look like? How can you recognize a good shepherd (pastor bonus) from one who’s only going through the motions? His smile is your first clue. There are plenty of grumpy priests, but the happy ones make the best pastors. Their joy is contagious. A calm demeanor is also a sign. Good pastors have faith in God’s providence.  They’ve seen and heard everything. They know that anxious cares and excessive worry never solved anything. A quiet presence is often the best response to the chaos of daily living. Good pastors come in all shapes and sizes. They’re old and young, active and contemplative, patient and impatient, but they are always prayerful and loving in their “care of souls.” During the past 40 years, I have been privileged to work with, and become close friends with, many outstanding pastors. All deserve enormous gratitude and respect especially during this holy season of the year!

A great pastor and a good friend: Monsignor Salvatore  E. Polizzi, Pastor of St. Roch Catholic Church, St. Louis, Missouri.