Reflections of a beloved son

" The people who have walked in darkness have seen a great light; upon those who dwelt in the land of gloom a light has shone " (Is. 9:1). These words of the Prophet Isaiah were read at the Mass during the night for Christmas.  That is the promise of Christmas - a light that shatters the darkness, the Light that leads us to the Father.  This light can never be extinguished.  People are living in darkness today.  We prefer darkness over light because in the darkness we do not need to face ourselves and others.  But to live in darkness is to live without truth, and we know that the Truth is what sets us free.  Hence, to live in darkness is to live in bondage and slavery.  The Good News is that in the fullness of time the Word was made flesh and this Word was the light.  Jesus is Our Light.  Jesus is our Light that illumines our darkness.  Jesus is the Light that frees and liberates us from our bondage and slavery to sin.  On Christm...

As we enter the Third Week of Advent, and as we quickly approach Christmas, what is it that we really want?  Amidst the busyness of buying presents, decorating the home, baking cookies, or making holiday arrangements, what is it that we really hope for this Christmas? In the Gospel, Jesus asked the crowds three times " What or why did you go out to see? "  Wherever we are in our lives, why is it that we are there?  Is this where I want to be?  Where is it that I really want to be?  Sometimes we find ourselves lost and confused, and not really knowing what we want or what we should be doing.  At the heart of that confusion is really perhaps a desire to belong.  We want to belong to something or someone.  Maybe we thought we will find that sense of belonging once we have found "the right job," "the right person," or "the right place."  But once we have reached that point, then what?  What were you looking for?  What are you looking ...