Fr. Bob’s Weekly Reflections

Today might feel a bit strange. The Church is still lively, but somehow different. The Nativity scene is packed away, the wise men have returned to the East, the shepherds have gone back to their flocks, the angels have stopped singing, and the star has disappeared. Christmas is now a memory.

In our second reading today, we hear about Peter’s encounter with Cornelius, a Roman Centurion and Gentile, whom the Jews considered unclean. Peter hesitated at first, seeing him as a foreigner, a soldier, and a sinner. But Peter’s heart changed when he realized that God shows no partiality. He baptized Cornelius, bringing him into the faith.

Many years ago, I saw a play called Down Will Come Baby. It begins with a husband taking down the Christmas tree, with a model of the Christ child in the manger among the ornaments. The wife asks, “Can’t we keep Him?” The husband replies, “No. I’ll throw Him out with the tree. The garbage man will collect Him.”

Today, on the Feast of the Holy Family, we reflect on the gift of family—a vital cornerstone of both society and the Church. In our fast-paced world, it's easy to lose sight of what truly matters, focusing so much on work and obligations that we neglect the family we’re working to provide for.

Why is there all this fuss over the birth of a child in a small part of the Roman Empire? Jesus’ birth marks a pivotal point in history, dividing time into B.C. and A.D. His life and teachings have inspired millions to shape their lives around Him, and belief in His resurrection has led many to call Him “Lord and Christ.”

Laced throughout the bible, there is kind of a Cinderella theme, highlighting how God often works through many lowly, despised, and unlikely individuals.

At the beginning of this Gospel, we encounter a timeless human question: What should we do? We all face this at various points in our lives, whether regarding minor choices like what to wear, or significant matters like our relationships and health. In times of uncertainty, we often wonder whom to turn to for guidance.

As we enter the Third Week of Advent, it’s impossible to ignore how Christmas has been commercialized and sanitized.

Christmas often sneaks up on us amid the whirlwind of shopping and parties, leaving us feeling fatigued by the time December 25th arrives. We can become overwhelmed by the commercialized season, leading to a sense of boredom or impatience.

Christmas holds a power that mere logic cannot explain; it is not a human invention. No one gathered and said, “Let’s create a holiday for everyone to be nicer to each other.”

We don’t know the exact date of Christ’s birth, which is why the Church adopted a Pagan feast day. Pagans saw the world as a struggle between darkness and light, fearing that darkness might ultimately prevail. By late December, however, they noticed the sun regaining strength, symbolizing hope.

It’s the first week of Advent, and as Christians, we reflect on why we celebrate the birth of Christ and prepare for Christmas. Why do we make so much of this celebration?

In today’s Gospel, we witness a profound irony: God Himself stands as a prisoner before a representative of the world’s superpower. This is the same Jesus who was born in a stable, worked as a carpenter, walked dusty roads preaching and healing, and ultimately was executed as a convict. Yet, this Jesus is the King of the Universe.

November is a unique time of year. The trees stand bare, winter hasn’t fully arrived, and the holiday bustle is just beginning. It’s also a month when we traditionally remember our deceased. This season invites us to contemplate the end of life, and our readings are rich with themes about the final days.

A renowned pediatric cancer doctor at a prominent children’s hospital in London once received an award. He was recognized not only for his exceptional work, but the compassion and kindness he showed while caring for his patients.