Vocations Newsletter

Yesterday, the Nativity of Our Lord, was a great family day for many, packed from beginning to end with tradition and celebratory moments. Most of us find purpose and meaning in our families, and Christmas is often when our expectations for “comfort and joy” are highest.
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The women in Luke’s Gospel always amaze me.  The two I remember today with affection are Mary and Elizabeth—devoted cousins, faithful servants of God, and expectant mothers.See the complete article at: https://maryknollsociety.org/mission-stories/journey-of-faith-december-19-2021/
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O wondrous night, when you,Almighty and Eternal God,came to earth as a baby anddwelt among us as a human!You restored the human raceto the dignity lost in Edenand raised it further stillby Uour glorious Incarnation.O blessed day, dawning on a peoplewho walked in darkness,help us always to see and celebrateYour presence among us,especially in the poor, the sick,the aged and the oppressed.From the humble stable in Bethlehemlet the message go forth thatEmanuel, God-With-Us,remains with us still andno power on earth, in heaven or hellcan ever separate us from the love of God Made manifest in Christ Jesus.Amen.Father Joseph Veneroso, M.M.
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Luke the evangelist returns today with what I like to call “Rules of Thumb.” His storytelling centers on the preaching—once again—of our friend John the Baptist who was asked by a restive crowd what people should do to prepare for the Messiah. John answers them, not as a politician but as a missioner. If you have two cloaks, he says, share one with someone who has none. If you have extra food, give some to the person who has little. Even the dreaded tax collectors asked John for advice. These were predators who routinely bilked people with threats, keeping what they stole. John told them what they probably knew in their hearts: don’t exploit people or harm them; be satisfied with your wages. “Rules of Thumb” come about when people recognize an injustice and commit themselves to ending it. What better time than Advent to take an inventory of the soul and decide how our baptismal call to serve can guide us in the New Year. Big reforms are always welcome but ending climate change or extremes of wealth may be beyond our personal reach. John the Baptist is saying small-scale changes are meaningful, too. Let charity, especially for the…
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