Feast of the Holy Family
December 26, 2010
Sirach 3:2-7,12-14 Colossians 3:12-21 Matthew 2:13-15,19-23
In today's liturgy the Psalmist reminds us that "Blessed is everyone who stands in awe of God." Mary and Joseph certainly walked the road that God had designed just for them. Today let us leave the crèche for a short time to ponder the Nazareth experience and the blessedness of "family."
Mary and Joseph had personal virtues/characteristics that pre-disposed them to a relationship both loving and peace-filled. They both had had what were in truth tidings of great joy with assurances of nothing to fear for the power of the Most High would be over them. Like all good Jews of their day they stood tall in their awe-filled respect and love for the sacredness of the family unit. In the reading from Sirach this sacred respect is a revelation of God setting of a father in honor over his children and a mother having authority over his children. In our Christian concept today the area of responsibility is equal sharing on the part of the parents.
At the home at Nazareth there were trials of living the life style of their time just as there are so many trials in family and social relationships today. In his letter to the Colossians St. Paul reminds them and us that family life to be happy and enduring must have the love that is of Jesus underpinning the discussions and relationships and life of the members.
When we look at the description of Mary in Luke's gospel, we find the apostle describing Mary's gentleness in her rejoicing in God who has done great things to her.
Joseph and Mary were able to remain devoted to each other no matter what the crisis of the moment might demand (and there were to be many). Remember their heartache: "Son why have you done this to us?"
In this moment let us pray for the gift of purity of heart, peace-making and true meekness that the love birthed and nourished by a devotion to Mary and Joseph assists each of us to unite with Jesus, the heart and soul of our family life.
Prayer:
My heart proclaims the goodness of the Lord,
My spirit rejoices in God my savior.
Sr. Dorothy Wieting, O.P.
Friday, December 24, 2010
Christmas Blessings
May God's presence bring you great joy at Christmas and always!
Blessed Christmas,
The Sisters of St. Dominic
Sunday, December 19, 2010
December 19, 2010 Scripture Reflection
Fourth Sunday of Advent
December 19, 2010
Isaiah 7:10-14; Romans 1:1-7; Matthew 1: 18-24
Remember the song: "Sign, sign, everywhere a sign, blockin' up the scenery, messin' my mind; do this don’t do that, can’t you read the sign?"
In our world of signs, symbols, logos and text abbreviations it is a miracle that the modern world continues the frenetic pace. Even the sign is in jeopardy as we can use a satellite device to take us from one place to another now. If signs become extinct, there may be fewer distractions as the globe decreases in size, and we navigate our course from birth to eternal life.
Today, the last Sunday of Advent, we enter the place of worship and light the Advent wreath’s candles in joyful anticipation of Christmas. We hear the prophetic announcement that: "the Lord himself will give you this sign, the virgin shall conceive, and bear a son." We respond: "Let the Lord enter; he is the king of glory. The gospel of Matthew then tells us how this birth came about."
The season of Advent has provided preparation time for us to let the Lord enter our hearts. As we listened to the Isaiah readings and the Matthew ‘s gospel accounts since Thanksgiving weekend, we have been nourished and spoon fed with words that should make us eager to celebrate the pinnacle of salvation history: the Incarnation. The Church provides the setting for an atmosphere of reverence for four weeks, a catechetical foundation for a deeper understanding of this time honored event. Advent wreaths, penance services, homilies, lessons and carols, booklets to enhance our appreciation for what the true meaning of all that surrounds the nativity, are helpful measures in providing a way to deeper appreciation of what we want to keep alive each year.
The foundation of Christmas is found in Joseph and Mary. If they were living the fast paced life that most of us lead, they may not have noticed the angels who spoke. As we go from cell phone, to ipad, to GPS, lap top and desk top and whatever devices we use in our waking hours, do we ever think that in some quiet moment, God may be calling us as Joseph, Mary and the prophets were called to do something special?
Let us pray:
O Wisdom, O Adonai, O Flower of Jesse, O Key of David, O Radiant Dawn, O Ruler, O Emmanuel, make my heart and this world open to receive the Son of God. Dare to: "Ask for a sign from the Lord your God: let it be deep as the netherworld, or high as the sky"
Sr. Dorothy Maxwell, O.P.
December 19, 2010
Isaiah 7:10-14; Romans 1:1-7; Matthew 1: 18-24
Remember the song: "Sign, sign, everywhere a sign, blockin' up the scenery, messin' my mind; do this don’t do that, can’t you read the sign?"
In our world of signs, symbols, logos and text abbreviations it is a miracle that the modern world continues the frenetic pace. Even the sign is in jeopardy as we can use a satellite device to take us from one place to another now. If signs become extinct, there may be fewer distractions as the globe decreases in size, and we navigate our course from birth to eternal life.
Today, the last Sunday of Advent, we enter the place of worship and light the Advent wreath’s candles in joyful anticipation of Christmas. We hear the prophetic announcement that: "the Lord himself will give you this sign, the virgin shall conceive, and bear a son." We respond: "Let the Lord enter; he is the king of glory. The gospel of Matthew then tells us how this birth came about."
The season of Advent has provided preparation time for us to let the Lord enter our hearts. As we listened to the Isaiah readings and the Matthew ‘s gospel accounts since Thanksgiving weekend, we have been nourished and spoon fed with words that should make us eager to celebrate the pinnacle of salvation history: the Incarnation. The Church provides the setting for an atmosphere of reverence for four weeks, a catechetical foundation for a deeper understanding of this time honored event. Advent wreaths, penance services, homilies, lessons and carols, booklets to enhance our appreciation for what the true meaning of all that surrounds the nativity, are helpful measures in providing a way to deeper appreciation of what we want to keep alive each year.
The foundation of Christmas is found in Joseph and Mary. If they were living the fast paced life that most of us lead, they may not have noticed the angels who spoke. As we go from cell phone, to ipad, to GPS, lap top and desk top and whatever devices we use in our waking hours, do we ever think that in some quiet moment, God may be calling us as Joseph, Mary and the prophets were called to do something special?
Let us pray:
O Wisdom, O Adonai, O Flower of Jesse, O Key of David, O Radiant Dawn, O Ruler, O Emmanuel, make my heart and this world open to receive the Son of God. Dare to: "Ask for a sign from the Lord your God: let it be deep as the netherworld, or high as the sky"
Sr. Dorothy Maxwell, O.P.
Thursday, December 16, 2010
Dominican College Students Pray For Sudan
You probably have heard about the work CRS and others are doing around this impending referendum in Sudan. Lots of colleges have become really engaged in the Peace for Sudan initiative (different from the Darfur initiative).
Two weeks ago, Dominican College in Blauvelt had a fabulous turnout for their campus vigil.
Here is the YOUTUBE piece that the DC student, Melissa Del Villar, put together in order to educate the campus prior to the vigil. She and other students did an email advocacy and letter writing campaign to president Obama which engaged a lot of folks on the DC campus in advocacy.
... bravo to Melissa for this great piece-and to her teacher for Judith Carbone for getting her social work students at DC so engaged.
FYI
… CPA ( The Comprehensive Peace agreement) is not the same as HR 1588. HR 1588 is a House resolution that supports the framework of the CPA, which was signed in 2005 between the North and South of Sudan (kind of a ceasefire)
Also note that Southern Sudan is not a state-nor is it comprised of other states. It is a part of Sudan that has been designated by its geography and other ethnic, cultural realities.
Sister Arlene Flaherty, OP
Catholic Relief Services
Justice and Peace Partnerships Liaison
Two weeks ago, Dominican College in Blauvelt had a fabulous turnout for their campus vigil.
Here is the YOUTUBE piece that the DC student, Melissa Del Villar, put together in order to educate the campus prior to the vigil. She and other students did an email advocacy and letter writing campaign to president Obama which engaged a lot of folks on the DC campus in advocacy.
... bravo to Melissa for this great piece-and to her teacher for Judith Carbone for getting her social work students at DC so engaged.
FYI
… CPA ( The Comprehensive Peace agreement) is not the same as HR 1588. HR 1588 is a House resolution that supports the framework of the CPA, which was signed in 2005 between the North and South of Sudan (kind of a ceasefire)
Also note that Southern Sudan is not a state-nor is it comprised of other states. It is a part of Sudan that has been designated by its geography and other ethnic, cultural realities.
Sister Arlene Flaherty, OP
Catholic Relief Services
Justice and Peace Partnerships Liaison
Wednesday, December 15, 2010
Retirement and Farewell Celebrations
In the last few weeks, we have had several celebrations for sisters and friends.
Sister Judith Campbell retired from the archives office after over 20 years of ministry.
Father John Dwyer, a long-time friend of the Congregation retired from Sacred Heart Parish in Tappan.
Sister Judith Campbell retired from the archives office after over 20 years of ministry.
 |
| From Left: Sr. Mary McFarland, Sr. Miriam Catherine Nevins, Sr. Judith Campbell, Sr. Bernadette Burke, Sr. Maureen Murphy |
 |
| From Left: Sr. Paracleta Sweeney, Sr. Jane McDermott, Fr. John Dwyer, Sr. Florence Dwyer, Sr. Francis McLean |
Sister Venentia Mthembu, who has been studying at Dominican College for most of the last eight years returned to her home country of South Africa.
 |
| Sr. Mary Malone and Sr. Venentia Mthembu |
Blessings to all of them as they continue their journeys in new ways!
Sunday, December 12, 2010
December 12, 2010 Scripture Reflection
Third Sunday of Advent
December 12, 2010
Isaiah 35:1-6a, 10; James5:7-10; Matthew 11:2-11
"Are you the one who is to come, or shall we look for another?"Mt.11:3
Have you ever felt that all the effort you had put into a particular project or cause might have been in vain? If so, you may be able to identify with John the Baptist in today's gospel. This fiery preacher, who had called so many to repentance, is now in prison. His disciples have reported Jesus' activities to him and some of these do not quite fit John's expectations of the Messiah. He needs reassurance that his preaching has been on target and sends his disciples to ask Jesus a direct question, "Are you the one who is to come?"
Jesus responds by advising the disciples to report back to John on the signs and wonders they have experienced, all of which are foretold in the first reading from Isaiah.
Instead of taking personal credit for the miracles he has worked, Jesus allows the disciples and John to draw their own conclusions. Hopefully they will recognize them as signs that God is working through Him to fulfill the Old Testament prophecies.
We can understand John's concern. He had spent his life preparing people for the immanent coming of the Messiah and had believed Jesus to be the Promised One. Dedicated to preaching truth, he had been imprisoned for speaking that truth. Now in his final days, he wonders if his efforts were worth anything.
John was well versed in the Jewish scriptures. But Jesus' actions and message of peace did not quite fit his image of an avenging Messiah who would restore power and sovereignty to Israel. We don't know how John received Jesus' answer; hopefully it resolved his doubts and encouraged him that his ministry had not been in vain.
We can identify with John the Baptist when reality does not quite meet our expectations. As we go about our daily activities, we can sometimes miss seeing the blessings and healing that result from God's intervention in our lives. Then we too may be tempted to question, to lose heart and seek reassurance that God is really at work in our lives and in the world. When that happens, it might be well to recall the advice given in today's second reading, "Be patient and make your hearts firm as you prepare for the coming of the Lord."
We have each been called through our Baptism to be preachers of the gospel and partners with Christ in bringing about the Reign of God. As we come to the end of another Advent season, perhaps we can take some time to reflect on Jesus' response to John's disciples. "Go and tell what you hear and see: the blind regain sight; the lame walk; lepers are cleansed; the deaf hear; the dead are raised; and the poor have the good news preached to them."
Ask yourself how you might more fully participate in Jesus' mission of hope and healing. What message are you are called to preach at the close of this first decade of the 21st century? To whom are you being sent? How might your preaching restore sight to those blind to the injustices inflicted on the most vulnerable or restore hearing to those who have become deaf to the cries of those who suffer ? What might you do to proclaim some really good news to the poor living among you?
Like John the Baptist, each of us has a unique role to play in bringing about the Reign of God. John played his part. What might yours be?
December 12, 2010
Isaiah 35:1-6a, 10; James5:7-10; Matthew 11:2-11
"Are you the one who is to come, or shall we look for another?"Mt.11:3
Have you ever felt that all the effort you had put into a particular project or cause might have been in vain? If so, you may be able to identify with John the Baptist in today's gospel. This fiery preacher, who had called so many to repentance, is now in prison. His disciples have reported Jesus' activities to him and some of these do not quite fit John's expectations of the Messiah. He needs reassurance that his preaching has been on target and sends his disciples to ask Jesus a direct question, "Are you the one who is to come?"
Jesus responds by advising the disciples to report back to John on the signs and wonders they have experienced, all of which are foretold in the first reading from Isaiah.
Instead of taking personal credit for the miracles he has worked, Jesus allows the disciples and John to draw their own conclusions. Hopefully they will recognize them as signs that God is working through Him to fulfill the Old Testament prophecies.
We can understand John's concern. He had spent his life preparing people for the immanent coming of the Messiah and had believed Jesus to be the Promised One. Dedicated to preaching truth, he had been imprisoned for speaking that truth. Now in his final days, he wonders if his efforts were worth anything.
John was well versed in the Jewish scriptures. But Jesus' actions and message of peace did not quite fit his image of an avenging Messiah who would restore power and sovereignty to Israel. We don't know how John received Jesus' answer; hopefully it resolved his doubts and encouraged him that his ministry had not been in vain.
We can identify with John the Baptist when reality does not quite meet our expectations. As we go about our daily activities, we can sometimes miss seeing the blessings and healing that result from God's intervention in our lives. Then we too may be tempted to question, to lose heart and seek reassurance that God is really at work in our lives and in the world. When that happens, it might be well to recall the advice given in today's second reading, "Be patient and make your hearts firm as you prepare for the coming of the Lord."
We have each been called through our Baptism to be preachers of the gospel and partners with Christ in bringing about the Reign of God. As we come to the end of another Advent season, perhaps we can take some time to reflect on Jesus' response to John's disciples. "Go and tell what you hear and see: the blind regain sight; the lame walk; lepers are cleansed; the deaf hear; the dead are raised; and the poor have the good news preached to them."
Ask yourself how you might more fully participate in Jesus' mission of hope and healing. What message are you are called to preach at the close of this first decade of the 21st century? To whom are you being sent? How might your preaching restore sight to those blind to the injustices inflicted on the most vulnerable or restore hearing to those who have become deaf to the cries of those who suffer ? What might you do to proclaim some really good news to the poor living among you?
Like John the Baptist, each of us has a unique role to play in bringing about the Reign of God. John played his part. What might yours be?
Let us pray:
Loving God, open my eyes to the needs of my brothers and sisters so that I may partner with You in bringing about the fullness of Your reign in this time and place. Calm my fears and lessen my doubts. Give me the courage to joyfully preach the good news to those who most need to hear it this Advent. I ask this in Jesus' name. Amen.
Sr. Michaela Connolly, O.P.
Monday, December 6, 2010
Go With God Sr. Maria Goretti
Sister Maria Goretti Biggins
Born to New Life
December 5, 2010
Relatives and friends may attend services at:
St. Dominic’s Convent, 496 Western Highway, Blauvelt, New York.
WAKE: Friday, December 10, 2010, 3 – 8 p.m.
EVENING PRAYER: 6 p.m.
MASS OF CHRISTIAN BURIAL: Saturday, December 11th at 10:30 a.m.
Burial: St. Dominic’s Convent Cemetery, Blauvelt, New York.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Sisters of St. Dominic, Blauvelt, N.Y.
St. Dominic’s Convent, 496 Western Highway, Blauvelt, New York.
WAKE: Friday, December 10, 2010, 3 – 8 p.m.
EVENING PRAYER: 6 p.m.
MASS OF CHRISTIAN BURIAL: Saturday, December 11th at 10:30 a.m.
Burial: St. Dominic’s Convent Cemetery, Blauvelt, New York.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Sisters of St. Dominic, Blauvelt, N.Y.
Sunday, December 5, 2010
December 5, 2010 Scripture Reflection
Second Sunday of Advent
December 5, 2010
Today's Advent readings are filled with hope as they challenge us to make this peaceable realm a reality in our hearts, in our personal surroundings and …in our world!
So how do we achieve this peace? Our Advent prophet John the Baptist gives us the answer when he urgently calls us to "repent". The time is now! Repent comes from the Greek "metonia" and metonia means "change".
How are you and I being challenged to change this Advent? How are we called to be a person of peace and justice?
Psalm 72 describes this person as "one who is known for mercy, rending justice to the poor…heeding the cry of the poor, the young, the old! Setting free all in need, melting the hearts of oppressors."
How can you and I become more like the person described in Psalm 72? Are there thoughts, attitudes, and/or actions in my life that prevent me from being like that person? How can I change? Advent offers the opportunity to look at my life and make changes where needed.
As challenging as today's readings are, they are filled with hope!
The second reading tells us "…what was written previously was written for our instruction, that by endurance and by the encouragement of the scriptures, we might have hope."
The words of the Gospel resound with hope as they remind us that we have been baptized with the Spirit. We host the Holy Spirit and are charged by the power of that Spirit! We are graced by the gifts of the Holy Spirit.
Let us call upon those gifts (wisdom, understanding, knowledge, courage, etc.) to empower us to change our lives and enable us to work zealously for justice and peace for all. Maybe then Isaiah's vision of a "peaceable kingdom" will become a reality!
John the Baptist's call to repent is a challenge! We cannot do it on our own. And we don't have to. We have God's grace! During these days of Advent may you allow God's grace to slow you down. May you take more time for prayer and contemplation. As you anticipate the coming of Christ may you experience the true joy of Christmas.
Sr. Kathy O'Hanlon, O.P.
December 5, 2010
Isaiah 11:1-10 Romans 15:4-9 Matthew 3:1-12
"The wolf shall be a guest of the lamb.
The leopard shall lie down with the kid.
The calf and the young lion shall browse together with a child to guide them.
The cow and the bear shall be neighbors…;
The baby shall play by the cobra's den…"
Natural enemies by birth live in peace and harmony in Isaiah's vision of the "peaceable kingdom". What a soothing image!
This peaceable kingdom is desired by many. Imagine all nature and nations living in peace and harmony! However, this is a far cry from the reality of the world in which we live.
So how do we achieve this peace? Our Advent prophet John the Baptist gives us the answer when he urgently calls us to "repent". The time is now! Repent comes from the Greek "metonia" and metonia means "change".
How are you and I being challenged to change this Advent? How are we called to be a person of peace and justice?
Psalm 72 describes this person as "one who is known for mercy, rending justice to the poor…heeding the cry of the poor, the young, the old! Setting free all in need, melting the hearts of oppressors."
How can you and I become more like the person described in Psalm 72? Are there thoughts, attitudes, and/or actions in my life that prevent me from being like that person? How can I change? Advent offers the opportunity to look at my life and make changes where needed.
As challenging as today's readings are, they are filled with hope!
The second reading tells us "…what was written previously was written for our instruction, that by endurance and by the encouragement of the scriptures, we might have hope."
The words of the Gospel resound with hope as they remind us that we have been baptized with the Spirit. We host the Holy Spirit and are charged by the power of that Spirit! We are graced by the gifts of the Holy Spirit.
Let us call upon those gifts (wisdom, understanding, knowledge, courage, etc.) to empower us to change our lives and enable us to work zealously for justice and peace for all. Maybe then Isaiah's vision of a "peaceable kingdom" will become a reality!
John the Baptist's call to repent is a challenge! We cannot do it on our own. And we don't have to. We have God's grace! During these days of Advent may you allow God's grace to slow you down. May you take more time for prayer and contemplation. As you anticipate the coming of Christ may you experience the true joy of Christmas.
Sr. Kathy O'Hanlon, O.P.
Friday, December 3, 2010
Go With God Sr. Mercedes
Sr. Mercedes Hennessy
Born to New Life
December 1, 2010
Relatives and friends may attend services at:
St. Dominic’s Convent, 496 Western Highway, Blauvelt, New York.
WAKE: Monday, December 6, 2010, 3 – 8 p.m.
EVENING PRAYER: Monday 6 p.m.
MASS OF CHRISTIAN BURIAL: Tuesday, December 7, 2010 at 10:30 a.m.
BURIAL: St. Dominic’s Cemetery
In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the Sisters of St. Dominic, Blauvelt, N.Y.
Wednesday, December 1, 2010
World HIV/AIDS Day
Resources from Catholic Relief Services: http://crs.org/public-policy/hiv_aids.cfm
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
Posts
