PAX ET BONUM: Fr david Berger

TOday we reflect on the name of Jesus, savior. Are we satisfied with the mission of Jesus bringing us forgiveness. Pope Benedict expressed a sentiment sometime ago that we as a people are disappointed because what we want is to be set free from our sufferings not necessarily our sins. What about us? Is a savior worth celebrating?

WHo are you? Here is the question posed to John the Baptist. It is a good question for us to ask ourselves on a routine basis. Who are we? HOw are we to understand the question and where does the answer lead us?

A new year is upon us. We start with a poem, then we have a reflection, and finally we rest awhile in the certainty of our future. Mary mother of God pray for us.

we gather to explore what makes a family holy. In the end, what will carry the day?

THe hopes and fears of all the years are met in thee tonight. These are the words of the Christmas Carol "O Little Town of Bethlehem." Is it true that the hopes and fears of all the years are found in the manger in Bethlehem?

We encounter many role models through the advent season. Many offer different aspects of the life of Faith: ISaiah is a voice of hope, John the Baptist shows us how to be relentless and Mary reveals to us a ready disposition to say yes no matter the cost. But what about Joseph? What can he shows us?

We recall the Grinch who tried to steal Christmas. What was is ailment? What kept him from entering into the Christmas Spirit and how does that differ from the Blessed Virgin Mary? Can the grinch have a conversion? Can we?

How do we deal with the scrooges in our life this season? Scrooge it is can infect anyone and everyone. What is our role as we encounter these hearts that have hurt and pain? What do we do when we meet the grinch on the street? Who do we remove their disgrace?

What is the role of the genealogy of Jesus? Why read i? How does it help us encounter grace in our life? As we enter into December 17th we now direct our gaze to Bethlehem and we await the star that brightens the darkness and lights our path. The star always shines and shines still for us as we look into the genealogy of Christ.

Patience! How do we handle the reality of impatience in our life? What do we do when patience doesn't work in our estimation? Where can we look for guidance?

Today we celebrate the feast of St. Lucy, young noble lady who refused to surrender her virginity, having consecrated herself to Christ. We often times forget that virginity is a mark of faith. How can Lucy guide us through the whimsical ways of our society? Can being firm and taking a stance help us be flexible?

Jesus invites us to come to him to find rest for ourselves. How do we experience that rest in our lives. How do we open up to that encounter of Christ in our life. Don't we all long for rest.

Today we welcome the solemnity of the Immaculate Conception. We ponder the great mystery of what it means to be full of grace: Ave Maria Gratia Plena. We listen to Pope Benedict give a few words on the meaning of this feast for us: true greatness grows in silence and stillness.

We are introduced to the prophet Isaiah throughout the season of Advent. He is considered the 5th gospel since what he says points toward what Christ will do when he arrives on the seen of human history. ISaiah brings forth a message of hope, newness and transformation. How do we make that day Isaiah speaks of this day each and every day?

JR Tolkien created this little world called the shire and in it he captures what is the best of humanity: life, lough, laughter, community, food and the like. He depicts these small creatures as giants in regards to what they can teach us about grace. How does grace keep evil at bay? Small everyday deeds by ordinary folks. This is what the hobbits represent; it is also what St. Nick teaches us as well.