| The Presence of God |
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| Tuesday, 05 December 2006 11:58 | |||
 Archbishop Henry J. Mansell Advent, as usual, has four Sundays, but this year, because Christmas falls on a Monday, it has basically only three weeks. Every Christmas carol seems to have an added refrain, “So much to do, and so little time to do it!” The secular commercial world has been promoting its version of the Christmas theme for weeks now, even to the extent of naming the day after Thanksgiving, “Black Friday.” “Green” might be a better adjective, but we get the drift. Now we simply cannot drift along. Even sailing requires a rudder. Christmas cards are circulating (don’t get anxious, there is still plenty of time) to bring things into focus. The two most frequently depicted scenes in all of art are the Nativity of Our Lord and the Annunciation to the Blessed Virgin Mary, in that order, and Christmas cards accentuate the point. Christmas celebrates the overwhelming gift that the Son of God, Our Lord Jesus Christ, became man in our world. He is Emmanuel, God with us. (Matthew 1:23). Focus on the scenes reminds us that God is with us at all times, even in the rush and crush of these weeks. Thus we can sing, or hum, “O Come, O Come Emmanuel,” as Christians have for 1200 years, and experience our consciousness of God’s presence enhanced by the beauty of the sacred music of the sea-son. It is helpful to recall the words of St. Thérèse of Lisieux, the Little Flower, “God is at the heart of every person’s present moment.” It is no wonder that Cultivating the Presence of God, by Brother Lawrence, is not only the title of a spiritual classic, but also wise advice in these days. Along those lines, allow me to make a suggestion that may assist with your Christmas shopping. The United States Catholic Catechism for Adults was published just a few months ago by the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops. It is an extraordinary and attractive treasure. An adaptation of the universal Catechism of the Catholic Church, published in 1992 and modified in 1997, it presents the teaching and practice of the Church for the American cultural setting. Reading, pondering over, and praying on each of the 35 chapters is a spiritual experience. The overall text follows the arrangement of the universal Catechism: the Creed, the Sacraments, Moral Life, and Prayer. Each chapter offers an engaging structure: (1) Story or Lesson of Faith, (2) Teaching: Its Foundation and Application, (3) Sidebars, (4) Relationship of Catholic Teaching to the Culture, (5) Questions for Discussion, (6) Doctrinal Statements, (7) Meditation and Prayer. The goal of the Catechism is to help facilitate the lifelong conversion of the whole person to the Father’s call to holiness and etenal life. No mistaking the Christmas message there. It truly is the gift that keeps on giving. People involved in the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA) find it very helpful, but it has superb value for every adult. The chapters begin with pictures and stories of significant people in the history of the Catholic Church and the Scriptures. They provide much of the Catholic story and enrich our appreciation for that culture that has developed over the years. The final picture is one of praying hands, rooting us again in the presence of God. The United States Catholic Catechism for Adults, in hardcover or paperback, may be purchased online or from the Catholic Book Store, 125 Market St., Hartford, CT; (860) 246-5628. As we speak about gifts, permit me once again to express my profound gratitude for the generous gifts you have been providing all year in the Archbishop’s Annual Appeal. The total as of this writing is $8,932,041.60, with one month to go. You understand the spirit of Christmas, and your benevolence makes possible a brighter Christmas for countless numbers of people. I should note here that, occasionally, people write and explain that because of particular difficulties they are experiencing, they are not able to make a financial contribution but that they keep the cause in their prayers. You who write of that situation know that I write back to you thanking you for your prayers. They are invaluable. Every gift is a prayer and should be articulated as such. In your giving you reveal the presence of God alive in you. Be sure of my grateful prayers and heartfelt best wishes. May you experience the presence of God even more profoundly in this specially graced time of Advent and Christmas. Merry Christmas!
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