FR DOMINIC’S HOMILY
Today we have the famous prologue from Johns Gospel. Matthew and Mark speak all about the birth of Christ in time in a manger in a stable yet John goes back further and speaks about Christ existing from all eternity.
In the beginning was the word and the word was with God and the word was God.
When we speak words to another person we also tell something of ourselves. Who we are as a person cannot be separated from how we communicate when we speak words to another. But it is only in a restrictive way because of our human nature.
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On today’s feast of the nativity of the Lord we celebrate Christmas. Or “Christs Mass”. And Christmas is above all else a meeting.
It’s a meeting between the vastness of heaven, and the small fields of earth. Between the splendour of heaven, and the poverty of a manger, And between the choirs of heaven, and the silence of a dark Bethlehem night as the stars looked down.
On that night, the infinite power of God meets the vulnerability of a small baby. God, of course, had many options of how he could come into the world. He could have appeared as a Supreme king, or a clever politician, or a mighty warrior. But he chose to become the most helpless person possible – a tiny baby.
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Today we hear about the annunciation of Gods plan to Mary through the Angel Gabriel. This reading prepares us for the birth of Christ. We have Christmas because Mary says yes to Gods plan without having all the answers.
Mary was a young, humble woman chosen from all ages for this role. And who was Joseph? Well he was a poor carpenter and builder but also he was from the line of King David. He was actually a member of the royal family.
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Fr Dominic and 10 members of the parish Men’s Group met at Gigi’s restaurant in Glastonbury on the evening of 21st December. There was much discussion about various topics including food, football, tattoos and pilgrimage! This was all complemented with a fine meal.
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Today is Gaudate Sunday. It’s the day that we light the rose candle and the priest wears rose coloured vestments. The only other time that this happens is half way through lent on Laetari Sunday. Gaudate means Joy and Laetari means rejoice.
So why are we joyful on this Sunday? well it’s to remind us that during this rather serious and sombre period of Advent we prepare ourselves spiritually for the return of Christ – not just as a tiny baby in a manger in a stable but also as a glorious king at the end of time. We rejoice that the birth of Christ is near at hand and Christmas will soon be here.
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On 14 December Fr Dominic, the Choir together with members of the Healing Team from St Mary's visited the Glastonbury Care Home for their Christmas Carol Service.
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St Mary's held their Christmas Bazaar on Sunday 10 December. There were mince pies and mulled wine available and an opportunity to purchase a special gift for Christmas on one of the many stalls. There were raffles and games and the annual Christmas Draw. Also cakes for sale lovingly made.
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We light our second candle. Last week represented hope, this week represents love. All the candles of course represent the light of Christ coming into the world.
Now we actually have no idea what day Jesus was born on. But the reason why we celebrate the birth of Christ in December is because it’s at the time of the shortest day. It is to remind us that Jesus is the true sun who brings light into the world.
Each year, the second and the third Sundays in Advent centre on John the Baptist, reminding us that if we want to prepare well for the birth of Jesus then we need to listen to John’s message. He actually fulfils the message of the prophet Isaiah all those years before when he speaks of a voice that cries in out in the wilderness.
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Today is the first Sunday of Advent. It’s a time of waiting and anticipation as we await the birth of our saviour as a tiny baby in a manger in a stable on the 25th December.
As you know Jesus was not necessarily born at that time or in that month. Also we know that in Roman times one of the Emperors designated 25th December as a feast of the Sun God because it is around that time that we have the shortest day of the year and the longest night. (Which is actually 21st December I think which is less than 3 weeks away)
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Today is youth Sunday. We are reminded of how precious young people are in the eyes of God. We have a duty and a responsibility to lead them to the truth. How we speak and relate to them affects them for the rest of their lives.
Next Sunday is the first week of Advent and today is the feast of Christ the King reminding us that Jesus is the king of the universe.
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Last week we had the bridesmaids who didn’t know when the bridegroom was going to arrive and today we have this parable of the servants who don’t know when the master will return from abroad and he has given each of them some talents while he is away.
A talent is in fact a weight. A Roman talent is about 35 Kg we are not told if it is silver or gold but if it was of Gold then that’s getting on for towards £2 million in today’s money. So it’s a lot of money!
And of course it is where we get our word Talent from in relation to natural gifts that we each possess.
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Today is the parable that compares entering the kingdom of heaven with ten bridesmaids and their lamps who went out to meet the bridegroom.
Today when a wedding is organised the invites go out in advance giving clear details about the date, venue and where the reception will be. Even what presents to buy!
But back then in Palestine for 1st century Jews weddings would go on for 7 days. Invites would go out but with no dates or times given until everything is prepared then the word would go out. The bridesmaids would wait with the bride for the groom and, upon his appearance, would accompany him in procession to the celebrations.
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Today we hear Jesus speaking about the scribes and the Pharisees. The Pharisees strived to lead the religious life of purity and encourage others. The Scribes interpreted the Torah – the Jewish Law – and explained it.
Jesus upholds this. He reminds us that they sit in the chair of Moses. Jesus recognises this. He isn't an enemy of the law, but we hear that he says don't imitate them. Because they tie up heavy burdens which are hard to carry and lay them on people’s shoulders but will not lift a finger to remove them. Basically, they don't practice what they preach.
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