Thoughts On Innocence

Sharing thoughts on innocence (some can be applicable to helpless animals too):

1.  Innocence is when a child is starving but does not understand why.

2.  Innocence is when an orphan refugee is shivering in the bitter cold and endures it.

3.  Innocence is when one gives oneself totally to others.

4.  Innocence sees in others only genuine kindness.

5.  Innocence does not understand cruelty.

6.  Innocence is never a victim but always a hero.

7.  Innocence suffers alone in silence.

8.  Innocence has no pride.

9.  Innocence is vulnerable

10.  Innocence thrives on the mercy of others.

11.  Innocence is full of hope.

Saint John The Apostle & Evangelist Feast Day - 27 December

Quoted from Catholic Daily Readings [1]:

Saint John the Apostle and Evangelist was born in 6 AD in Palestinian Territories in Asia. He was one of the Twelve Apostles of Jesus and the patron saint of love, loyalty, friendships, and authors. He died peacefully in the year 100 AD. He was beatified and [c]anonized by pre-congregation. Saint John the Apostle and Evangelist’s feast day is celebrated on December 27.

...

Saint John the Apostle and Evangelist was born in 6 AD in Palestinian Territories in Asia. He was a son of Zebedee and Salome and also a brother to Saint James the Great. He was a fisherman and his brother Saint James the Great until meeting Jesus and becoming an apostle. Compering with other apostles he was the youngest called to follow Christ on the banks of the Jordan during the first days of Our Lord’s ministry. Jesus referred to the pair as “Boanerges” (translated “sons of thunder”).

Saint John the apostle, along with Saint James and Saint Peter, witnessed the most significant events in Jesus’ life such as the Transfiguration and the Agony in the garden. Additionally, he was the disciple whom Jesus loved. At the Last Supper, his head rested on the bosom of Jesus, and in the hours of the Passion, when others fled or denied their Master, St. John kept his place by the side of Jesus and stood by the last cross with Mary.

From the cross, the dying Saviour bequeathed His Mother to the care of the faithful apostle, who “from that hour took her to his own;” thus fitly, as St. Austin says, “to a virgin was the Virgin entrusted.” After the Ascension, St. John lived first at Jerusalem, and then at Ephesus. He was thrown by Domitian into a cauldron of boiling oil and is thus reckoned a martyr, though miraculously preserved from hurt.

Because John witnessed the events of Jesus, he wrote his gospel. Additionally, he wrote the letters of John the three Epistles of John, and the book of Revelation.

Afterward, he was banished to the isle of Patmos, where he received the heavenly visions described in the Apocalypse. He died at a great age, in peace, at Ephesus, in the year 100 AD.

[1] https://catholicreadings.org/saint-john-the-apostle/

Vatican Nativity Scene - 2021

Images below obtained from different online searches:

Below is a link to Catholic News Agency  for more images:

https://www.catholicnewsagency.com/news/249032/the-vatican-nativity-scene-2021-given-by-peru-will-include-llamas-and-superfood-for-baby-jesus

Merry Christmas - 2021

Wishing everybody a Merry Christmas in different languages (per Google Translate):

Merry Christmas!

Feliz Natal!

Fröhliche Weihnachten!

Joyeux Noël!

¡Feliz Navidad!

Buon Natale!

Sretan Božić!

Veselé Vianoce! 

Vrolijk kerstfeest!

Καλά Χριστούγεννα!

Wesołych Świąt!

Crăciun fericit!

Selamat Natal!

Selamat Hari Natal!

God Jul!

Häid jõule!

Boldog Karácsonyt!

Շնորհավոր Սուրբ Ծնունդ!

क्रिसमस की बधाई! 

חג מולד שמח!

Счастливого Рождества!

Весела Коледа!

Щасливого Різдва!

Täze ýyl gutly bolsun!

Mutlu Noeller! 

!عيد ميلاد مجيد

!חג מולד שמח

메리 크리스마스!

メリークリスマス！

聖誕快樂! 

Felicem natalem Christi!

From Bing Images:

Saint Thomas The Apostle Feast Day - 21 December

Quoted from www.christmas-celebrations.org [1]:

The Feast of St. Thomas the Apostle, established in the twelfth century, originally fell on December 21, the day of the WINTER SOLSTICE. Folk customs attached to the saint’s day, therefore, reflected both the occurrence of the solstice and the closeness of Christmas. Although the Roman Catholic Church has since moved St. Thomas’s Day to July 3, some Anglicans preserve the December date. The Greek Orthodox Church celebrates the saint’s feast on October 6.

LIFE AND LEGENDS OF ST. THOMAS THE APOSTLE

JESUS selected Thomas as one of his twelve disciples. Although he appears in all four Gospels, he is perhaps best remembered as the apostle who questioned the truth of Jesus’ resurrection because he had not seen the risen Jesus with his own eyes (John 20:25). In so doing he earned the nickname “Doubting Thomas.” In the Greek used by the writers of the New Testament, his name means “twin.”

According to legend, St. Thomas spread the gospel to the East, venturing as far as INDIA in his quest. There he established a Christian community in the southwestern region known then as Malabar, currently part of the state of Kerala. One story claims that Thomas found and baptized the Three Kings .... These three then became India’s first bishops. Another tale reports that an Indian king commissioned Thomas to build an opulent palace. Instead, the saint took the money entrusted to him for the project and distributed it to the poor. He died a martyr’s death and was buried in Mylapore, near the city of Madras.

Artists often depicted the saint kneeling by the side of the risen Christ, verifying Jesus’ identity by touching his wounds. Artists have also portrayed him holding a carpenter’s rule. In medieval times he was known as the patron saint of architects, masons, and stonecutters. St. Thomas also protects the aged.

[1] https://www.christmas-celebrations.org/216-st-thomass-day.html, quoted without hyperlinks.

Where Was Jesus Christ Born - In A House Or In A Stable?

Quoted in part from housetohouse.com [1]:

Luke describes the birth of Christ: Joseph also went up from Galilee unto Bethlehem to be taxed with Mary his espoused wife, being great with child. And so it was, that, while they were there, the days were accomplished that she should be delivered. And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger because there was no room for them in the inn (Luke 2:4-7).

Matthew described the arrival of the wise men from the East: When they saw the star, they rejoiced with exceeding great joy. And when they were come into the house, they saw the young child with Mary his mother, and fell down, and worshipped him: and when they had opened their treasures, they presented unto him gifts; gold, and frankincense, and myrrh (Matthew 2:10-11). Mark and John do not discuss the birth of Christ. They surely knew the details, but chose to write about other things.

... One of those Bible facts that everyone seems to know is that the wise men came on the night that Jesus was born. In fact, the differences between the accounts of Matthew and Luke indicate that it is highly unlikely that the wise men came on the night Christ was born, because Mathew’s account indicates that Joseph, being a good husband and father, had arranged for his family to move from the stable into a house by the time the wise men arrived. While this might have happened the night Christ was born, more than likely they were not able to move into the house for a few days, if not weeks after the birth of Christ. The fact is, Matthew does not give any details of any particular place where Christ was born, except that it was in Bethlehem, in fulfillment of the prophecy of Micah 5:2. 

There are many opinions published online regarding this question.  Below is another that analyzes it from the perspective of archaeological finds, quoted in part [2]: 

Archaeology will also help us better understand what actually took place that first Christmas. First-century homes in the Judean hill country have been excavated and studied. They were often in caves or built on caves, and many homes had levels or terraces. They often had an upper room that served as a guest chamber and a raised area in the lower level where the family lived and ate their meals. The lowest level of the home is where the animals would be brought in at night, perhaps four feet lower than the family room.

The idea of having farm animals sleep in the house may seem strange to us, but for a peasant family in first-century Bethlehem, it was perfectly natural.... The animals would be led out first thing in the morning, and then the lower level would be cleaned.

Even as recently as the 20th century, many Eastern homes had built-in mangers for the animals that were brought in at night. To a person of this culture, the statement “laid him in a manger” would immediately bring to mind an image of the family room and the manger that is found there, often along the edge of the lowest level where the animals slept. A built-in, stone manger would serve quite well as a temporary crib.

As we consider all of this information, we are compelled to paint a new picture in our minds’ eyes of the circumstances of Jesus’ birth. Joseph and Mary sought shelter, probably among relatives, but because the guest room was full because of the census, they may have slept in the family room, which was perfectly natural in that culture. In fact, many homes had only one room where everyone slept, and privacy was not valued like it is in our world.

In conclusion, below is quoted in part from goodcatholic.com under the section entitled The Miraculous Vision of the Child Jesus [3]:

The first nativity scene is also associated with an apparition of the Baby Jesus to those gathered with St. Francis on that day.

This must have been Jesus’ way of giving His blessing to [Saint Francis'] nativity scene, which was a novelty that had never been done before.

...

A certain valiant and veracious soldier, Master John of Grecio, who, for the love of Christ, had left the warfare of this world, and become a dear friend of this holy man, affirmed that he beheld an Infant marvellously beautiful, sleeping in the manger, Whom the blessed Father Francis embraced with both his arms, as if he would awake Him from sleep.

This vision of the devout soldier is credible, not only by reason of the sanctity of him that saw it, but by reason of the miracles which afterwards confirmed its truth.

For example... the hay of that manger, being preserved by the people, miraculously cured all diseases of cattle, and many other pestilences; God thus in all things glorifying his servant, and witnessing to the great efficacy of his holy prayers by manifest prodigies and miracles.

 

[1] https://housetohouse.com/jesus-born-house-matthew-says-stable-luke-says/, without hyperlinks.

[2] https://answersingenesis.org/jesus/birth/was-jesus-born-in-a-house/

[3] https://www.goodcatholic.com/inventor-of-the-nativity-scene-st-francis-of-assisi/

Feast Day Of Our Lady Of Guadalupe - 12 December

Quoted from Catholic Culture [1]:

In 1910 Our Lady of Guadalupe was declared Patroness of Latin America, and in 1945 Pope Pius XII declared Her to be the Empress of all the Americas. She appeared to an Indian convert named Juan Diego on December 9, 1531. She left a marvelous portrait of herself on the mantle of Juan Diego. This miraculous image has proved to be ageless and is kept in the shrine built in her honor, the Basilica of Our Lady of Guadalupe.

...

"Hear me and understand well, my son the least, that nothing should frighten or grieve you. Let not your heart be disturbed. Do not fear that sickness, nor any other sickness or anguish. Am I not here, who is your Mother? Are you not under my protection? Am I not your health? Are you not happily within my fold? What else do you wish? Do not grieve nor be disturbed by anything."

— Our Lady to Juan Diego

In the winter of 1531, a poor, 57-year-old Aztec Indian living five miles outside of Mexico City encountered a miraculous happening on his way to morning Mass. First he heard strange music coming from Tepeyac Hill, and then he heard a woman's voice calling his name. Juan Diego climbed the hill and encountered a young woman, appearing to be of his own people in physical appearance and dress. The woman identified herself as the Virgin Mary, and told Juan Diego to ask the bishop of Mexico City to build a church on the hill to assist in the conversion of the nation and be a source of consolation to the people.

Juan Diego obeyed the request, but the bishop was skeptical regarding the message, even though he perceived that Juan was a humble, and well meaning Catholic. Juan reported the bishop's doubt to Our Lady at Tepeyac Hill, and she asked him to return to the bishop once again, bearing the same message. The bishop once again heard the story, and told Juan Diego to ask Our Lady for a sign that it was indeed herself that wished for the church to be built.

When he returned to the hill, Mary gave Juan Diego such a sign. Miraculously, roses appeared on the hill in the middle of winter, and Juan gathered them in his tilma, or cloak. Our Lady arranged the roses in his tilma with her own hands, and Juan returned to the bishop's presence. When Juan released the tilma, allowing the flowers to fall to the floor, it was revealed that a miraculous image of Our Lady had imprinted itself on his tilma...

The bishop immediately fell to his knees, and came to believe in Juan Diego's message. A church was built on the spot of the apparition, as Mary had requested, and 8 million people converted to Catholicism in a short period of time upon hearing of or viewing the miraculous image of Our Lady.

The tilma of Juan Diego has been the subject of much modern research. The tilma, woven out of coarse cactus fiber, should have disintegrated after 20 years, but although over 500 years have passed the tilma is still in perfect condition. The pupils of Mary in the picture reflect the Indians and clergy present at the time of the first revelation of the image. No paint was used, and chemical analysis has not been able to identify the color imprint. Additionally, studies have revealed that the stars on Mary's mantle match exactly what a Mexican would have seen in the sky in December of 1531.

[1] https://www.catholicculture.org/culture/liturgicalyear/calendar/day.cfm?date=2020-12-12

San Juan Diego Feast Day - 9 December

Quoted from Franciscan Media [1]:

Thousands of people gathered in the Basilica of Our Lady of Guadalupe July 31, 2002, for the canonization of Juan Diego, to whom the Blessed Mother appeared in the 16th century. Pope John Paul II celebrated the ceremony at which the poor Indian peasant became the Church’s first saint indigenous to the Americas.

The Holy Father called the new saint “a simple, humble Indian” who accepted Christianity without giving up his identity as an Indian. “In praising the Indian Juan Diego, I want to express to all of you the closeness of the Church and the pope, embracing you with love and encouraging you to overcome with hope the difficult times you are going through,” John Paul said. Among the thousands present for the event were members of Mexico’s 64 indigenous groups.

First called Cuauhtlatohuac (“The eagle who speaks”), Juan Diego’s name is forever linked with Our Lady of Guadalupe because it was to him that she first appeared at Tepeyac hill on December 9, 1531. The most famous part of his story is told in connection with the Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe on December 12. After the roses gathered in his tilma were transformed into the miraculous image of Our Lady, however, little more is said about Juan Diego.

In time he lived near the shrine constructed at Tepeyac, revered as a holy, unselfish, and compassionate catechist, who taught by word and especially by example.

During his 1990 pastoral visit to Mexico, Pope John Paul II confirmed the long-standing liturgical cult in honor of Juan Diego, beatifying him. Twelve years later the same pope proclaimed him a saint.

[1] https://www.franciscanmedia.org/saint-of-the-day/saint-juan-diego

The Solemnity Of The Immaculate Conception Of The Blessed Virgin Mary - 8 December

Quoted from Franciscan Media [1]:

A feast called the Conception of Mary arose in the Eastern Church in the seventh century. It came to the West in the eighth century. In the 11th century it received its present name, the Immaculate Conception. In the 18th century it became a feast of the universal Church. It is now recognized as a solemnity.

In 1854, Pius IX solemnly proclaimed: “The most Blessed Virgin Mary, in the first instant of her conception, by a singular grace and privilege granted by almighty God, in view of the merits of Jesus Christ, the savior of the human race, was preserved free from all stain of original sin.”

It took a long time for this doctrine to develop. While many Fathers and Doctors of the Church considered Mary the greatest and holiest of the saints, they often had difficulty in seeing Mary as sinless—either at her conception or throughout her life. This is one of the Church teachings that arose more from the piety of the faithful than from the insights of brilliant theologians. Even such champions of Mary as Bernard of Clairvaux and Thomas Aquinas could not see theological justification for this teaching.

Two Franciscans, William of Ware and Blessed John Duns Scotus, helped develop the theology. They pointed out that Mary’s Immaculate Conception enhances Jesus’ redemptive work. Other members of the human race are cleansed from original sin after birth. In Mary, Jesus’ work was so powerful as to prevent original sin at the outset.

[1] https://www.franciscanmedia.org/saint-of-the-day/immaculate-conception-of-the-blessed-virgin-mary