Fr. Bob’s Weekly Reflections

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.

A man in his 30s once walked into St. Christopher’s Inn here at Graymoor seeking help. Though he was a lawyer and seemed successful, he admitted he had been drinking for many years.

Today, we hear the story of Bartimaeus, a blind beggar who, upon learning that Jesus is passing by, seizes what might be his only chance to reach out to the Miracle Worker. He cries out, "Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me." But instead of helping him get closer to Jesus, the crowd tells him to be quiet and tries to push him away. Only one person steps forward to help Bartimaeus—Jesus Himself.

I once had a conversation with some college business students. They were excited about their future prospects, with one saying, "I want to chart my own course. The tech industry is full of opportunities." 

Today Jesus tells us, "It is easier for a camel to pass through the eye of a needle than for a rich person to enter the Kingdom of God." The disciples were amazed by Jesus' words; overwhelmed not only because it seemed that no one could enter the Kingdom, but also due to a powerful Jewish tradition. Wealth was seen as a sign of God’s favor.

On serious topics like marriage and divorce, it's essential to avoid being simplistic or judgmental. Divorce is prevalent, affecting nearly half of marriages today. While some find freedom in divorce, most experience trauma, heartache, and pain.

We hear Jesus issue some harsh directives in our Gospel reading today. He tells us if our hands and feet cause us to sin, to cut them off. If our eyes cause us to sin, then gouge them out. Does He realize how physically painful this would be to us?