Christmas, Sun., Dec. 25, 2011
Fr. Joseph Eddy, O. de M.
Gospel: Luke 2:1-14 “You will find a babe wrapped in swaddling cloths”
Full homily text: Christmas is an exciting time for many couples who are dating. The holiday season provides the perfect backdrop for a budding relationship. The Christmas lights, exchanging of gifts…. can be very romantic. Then, of course there is the opportunity to meet the other’s family. Bringing a special guest to the family Christmas party has become sort of a tradition in American culture. It is a “rite of passage” for any relationship progressing toward marriage.
Martyrs in the Spanish Civil War, they were faithful to the end. The Mercedarian friars’ prayers were finally answered when 19 friars of the Order of Mercy were were beatified in Rome Dec. 19. “These men courageously chose death rather than deny their faith,” said Fr. Joseph Eddy, the vocation director of the Order of the Blessed Virgin Mary of Mercy. Go to their website and read the story of the Spanish martyrs.
Is God calling you to become a Mercedarian friar? Visit Fr. Joseph’s Facebook page.
Mary and Joseph went through these same cultural traditions during their courtship. The Gospels tell us that “Mary was betrothed to Joseph.” This was the engagement stage for any Jewish couple. Most of these betrothals were arranged by the families. No doubt, Joseph and Mary knew each other pretty well, since their families were most likely close to each other. Joseph’s knowledge of Mary came from his own experience of her and what others said about her.
(Read all of Fr. Joseph Eddy’s sermons.) Continue Reading…
