Gifts 2022/2023: Reflecting in the Spirit of the Magi

There was something so wondrous about celebrating the Nativity of the Lord this year.  After so many overcast days in the month of December 2022, and especially owing to a strong wintry weather event in the days right after the Winter Solstice, the sun shone so brightly on Nativity Day weekend.

When I attended Mass on the morning of December 25, the Church was filled with sunlight, and it was so glorious.  It truly uplifted my spirits to realize that no matter how much darkness is in our world, great Light shines triumphantly.

Such a celebration is so great, that it's worthwhile to continue unpacking it, as I do for the Epiphany.  This occasion reminds me of how former Ascension pastor Father Larry would compare his gifts to those of the magi.  Using that model, I reflect on 

Gifts I Gave

Gold: I gave my Mom and Abuela gifts of biscotti from Trader Joe's, which is a treat I know they both like.

Frankincense: Dan and Ann Ruggaber came to visit me in Oak Park on New Year's Eve.  I treated them to lunch, eager to share one of the monetary gifts I got from the family of a student in my Religious Education class.

Myrrh: For years after my Grandma Dottie moved away from Oak Park, the Heinz family that lived next door continued to send her their annual Christmas mailing, and I enjoyed following what was happening with their family, including their daughter Naomi, one of my classmates in school.  I took them a Christmas card as a gesture of gratitude for staying in touch with my Grandma through those mailings.  When I took it there, I had the opportunity to visit with Naomi and her husband.

Gifts I Received

Gold: My Uncle Bernie hosted quite a feast for our family on Nativity Day, including lamb, and Scottish Dundee cake, which is something he encountered during his trip to the British Isles during the summer.

Frankincense: I received many wonderful gifts from the students in my Religious Education class at our final meeting before break.  I was especially heartened to receive two handwritten notes, which adds a very special personal touch.

Myrrh: My Abuela gave me some clothing.

My heart is stirred as these gifts are reminders of the greatest gift of all, Jesus Christ, Who, by His incarnation, has revealed the Love of God for all in the world.

By entering our humanity, He has sanctified our experiences.

And so we praise Him Who continues to abide with us.

20 + C + M + B + 23

Joy to the world! O come, let us adore Him!

Grapes of Anticipation 2023

Happy New Year 2023!

Now that we've said farewell to 2022 and it has entered into our memories, it's back to a blank slate as the new year of 2023 lies open before us.

As I think about what's ahead, I use the Spanish custom of consuming 12 grapes to guide my reflection on what I anticipate.

Grape #1: Mom was eager to book a stay in the Washington, D.C., area for May into the earliest part of June, and I'm just as eager to be there again for lots of great sightseeing and time with family.

Grape #2: Among the family birthdays I look forward to celebrating this year include my cousin Ava at 10, and Aunt Carmen at 90, and for the latter, I've already set my sights on going to Denver for what will surely be a big celebration at the end of July.

Grape #3: I eagerly await celebrating the 10th anniversary of my trip to St. Augustine.

Grape #4: I'm certainly looking forward to celebrating the 10th anniversary of my ValpU graduation.

Grape #5: Having landed a great job at Concordia University Chicago, I'm looking forward to getting to know the CUC community even more this year and the ways I can contribute to its mission.

Grape #6: While I have no plans to travel to Portugal for World Youth Day 2023, I intend to follow the proceedings, and I will aim to participate in US-based concurrent events, recalling my marvelous experience at WYD 2019.

Grape #7: I'm ready to engage in community affairs with local elections scheduled for April.

Grape #8: The entertainment division of Relevant Radio, the Merry Beggars, launched a new radio program series, On the Night Train, back in September 2022.  It went on break for Advent/Christmastime, and I'm eager for its resumption later this month and to continue following the journey, because it is such a great show!

Grape #9: The Eucharistic Revival launched on June 19, 2022, and I look forward to what will unfold when the next phase launches in June, where the focus will shift to the parish level.

Grape #10: I'm looking ahead to the wedding of my cousin, set for December in Las Vegas.

Grape #11: This August will mark 5 years since I joined the Knights of Columbus when Council #17080 formed at Ascension Parish.  Even as I celebrate that milestone, I'm keeping an eye out for how I can be involved as we serve our community.

Grape #12: A year ago this month, the Archdiocese of Chicago formed two new parishes by unifying pairs of parishes in Oak Park.  I'm looking ahead to how I can be involved in the new initiatives that result.  I certainly have an eye for how this will contribute to the work of evangelization, even as I do my part to form the young people in my charge in Religious Education class.

At this nexus point, as the year of 2022 has given way to the new year of 2023, I am fully aware of how connected I am with what is around me, and I declare: All my relations.

I commend this year to the grace of God, awaiting the works He shall do through all of us.

Joy to the world!  O Come, let us adore Him! With Mary, my soul magnifies the Lord.