News
REFLECTIONS THIS HOLIDAY SEASON
By Fr. Jayson
Landeza,
Spiritual Director of Society of St. Vincent de Paul of Alameda
County
December 16, 2003
I am sure that this time of the year finds us rushing around, busy with the demands of the holiday season. For so many people, this time dedicated to honoring the Prince of Peace is anything but peaceful. Advent is supposed to be a time of patient waiting for the coming of Christ, but if you've been in the checkout lines as I have, waiting surely taxes my patience.
I would like to leave you with a couple of thoughts to focus your spirituality and prayerful reflection during these days. I try to take on a spirit of gratitude for all that God has given me; so often, I take those gifts for granted. As I am writing this, give thanks to God for two people who have a profound impact on my life: Fr. Bill O'Donnell and my grandaunt, Judith O'Sullivan Sham. Both of these folks died within a day of each other. Fr. Bill was the pastor of my home parish when I was growing up (St. Joseph the Worker, Berkeley), but he was my mentor and role model for priesthood. My Aunt Judy was one of my closest aunts, and was the last of my mother's aunts and uncles (out of 12), dying at 89 years old. They were both a sign of God's loving presence in my life.I invite you to reflect on some of the gifts that God has given you, and how you might share God's gifts with others.
The other image I would like to leave you is the image of the manger. The Christ Child, laying in a stable, in a trough meant to feed animals. Jesus was quite vulnerable in that situation. How hospitable are we to the vulnerable in our midst? This is a busy time for us personally, aside from whatever ministry we do in our parishes and conferences. I pray that God may give you the strength to be welcoming and caring to the vulnerable that come to our door. I hope that our hearts (and rectory doors) may be a hospitable manger where Christ may meet us and receive love, compassion and care. Blessings to you and yours in this Christmas Season."