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November 21, 2002
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Friar Jack's Catechism Quiz: Although we haven't even celebrated Thanksgiving yet, it already looks a lot like Christmas in many places. Stores are full of holiday merchandise and some homes are decorated with lights and Christmas greenery. The headlong rush to Christmas leaves many of us feeling stressed, but there's another downside as well. The emphasis on Christmas overlooks one of the most wonderful periods of the Catholic calendar: the season of Advent.
Catholics who put effort into observing Advent find it a time
of joyful anticipation and quiet hope -- the perfect antidote
to the rush of Christmas. Today's Catechism quiz focuses on Advent
traditions and customs, ways of incorporating the season into
our daily routines. To learn more about Advent, please visit our
Advent
Web feature. You'll find daily activities, an Advent calendar
and peacemaking ideas starting Dec. 1, the first day of Advent.
In this issue we also offer some of the mail we received in response
to Friar Jack's "Remembering
Mychal Judge." |
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Q U I C K S C A N This Month's Quiz:
(peeking encouraged!)
Friar Jack's Inbox: |
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The Advent wreath is one of our most popular Advent traditions. Its origin is in pre-Christian Germany and Scandinavia, where the people gathered to celebrate the return of the sun after the winter solstice. The circular wreath made of evergreens with four candles interspersed represented the circle of the year and the life that endures through the winter. As the days grew longer, people lit candles to offer thanks to the "sun god" for the light. For us, the lighting of the Advent candles represents the promise of the coming of Jesus, the light of the world. To make an Advent wreath, begin with a Styrofoam circle, available at craft shops, and cut four evenly spaced holes into which you will place the four candles. Traditionally there are three purple candles and one rose candle (for the third Sunday), but blue candles can also be used. Purple reminds us to turn our hearts toward God; rose is a color of joy. Place fresh evergreen branches over the Styrofoam. Replace them when they dry out in order to preserve the symbolism of the vitality of God's love. Encourage children to participate as they are able, by gathering branches, placing the candles and so on.
from AmericanCatholic.org
The third Sunday of Advent is known as Gaudete Sunday because in Latin, the first words of the opening antiphon for that day’s Mass are "Gaudete in Domino semper" ("Rejoice in the Lord always"). On this Sunday rose-colored vestments are permitted and the rose-colored candle is lit as a reminder that we are called to rejoice.
from AmericanCatholic.org An ancient tradition revived in the mid-20th century as an Advent practice, the Jesse Tree represents the family of Jesse, father of King David. Out of this family line, God would take flesh and live among the people of earth. The Gospel of Matthew’s genealogy of Jesus (Mt 1:1-17) names a person from each generation before Jesus’ birth. Stories about these people are in the Old Testament. The Jesse Tree itself can be made from paper, cloth, branches or a tabletop Christmas tree. Make or add an ornament each day of Advent to represent the ancestors of Jesus.
from AmericanCatholic.org The word posada means "shelter" or "lodging." This Advent custom, popular throughout the Spanish-speaking world, reenacts Mary and Joseph’s journey from Nazareth to Bethlehem and their search for lodging along the way. The ritual lasts for nine days (December 16-24), representing the months of Mary’s pregnancy. A group of people travel from house to house on their route, taking the role of pilgrims seeking lodging. Those inside the homes are innkeepers who refuse them. At the last home all are invited in for prayer and refreshments.
from AmericanCatholic.org
Comments from Friar Jack: The Real Mychal Judge The majority of the e-mails received were filled with admiration for Father Mychal. A few of your e-mails contained questions regarding Father Mychal's connections to the gay community. During his lifetime, Father Mychal generally chose to be private about his personal life and identity. It has become clear, however, from various publications appearing after his death and comments of friends and associates, that Father Mychal came to realize -- and to accept -- his homosexual identity. I have read much about Father Mychal, but I have seen no evidence that presents him as acting contrary to his Franciscan vows and ideals. Like so many others, I believe he was a good friar who sought to serve God wholeheartedly and bring Christ's healing love to others. If I believed otherwise, I would not feel comfortable publicizing his story. Father Mychal not only remains in good standing with his Franciscan community, but he is also widely admired by those he served. He would be the first to admit he was neither perfect nor a saint. His generosity in serving others, however, and his willingness to lay down his life for those in need are truly admirable qualities. "Dear Friar Jack: The recent article about Fr. Mychal Judge was quite inspiring as to what makes a real hero. It seems he gave of himself to others as Jesus would do. Imagine if the whole world of God's people would do as Jesus would do. Truly the kingdom of God would be among us. I printed the article about Fr. Judge as I took to him for some reason since I first heard about him on Sept. 11. I see him as a patron saint for firefighters even if he is not canonized. I'm adopting him as a saint to pray to."—Gail Friar Jack responds: Father Mychal would probably be amused to be considered a saint. But when one makes the supreme sacrifice of giving one's life in the service of others, we believe that person has God living within. "No one has greater love than this..."(John 15:13). "Dear Friar Jack: Many years ago I was in the room where they sold religious articles at St. Francis Church (in Manhattan) before they had a regular store. I had just purchased a Franciscan crown (a special rosary used by Franciscans), having become interested in Francis and the Franciscans. Father Mychal was in the back room but happened to hear and came out and offered to bless it for me. That was just a little kindness that I will remember always. Now I am a secular Franciscan.—Andrea Send your feedback to friarjack@americancatholic.org. Got an opinion on another topic? AmericanCatholic.org has expanded its Catholic message boards! Check out the current topics, read others' opinions and submit your own comments for everyone to see! |
What
is the Advent wreath? 
What
is the Advent wreath?
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A Message From Friar Jack
Welcome! I hope you'll enjoy all of the news about what's happening
at AmericanCatholic.org, as well as my "musings." By the
way, I am a real Franciscan friar. You
can find out more about me here. |
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Preparing for Christmas With Richard
Rohr
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Francis of Assisi
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The First Christmas Crib
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Every Day Catholic
New!
Conversation Corners have come to Every Day Catholic.
Also, take
the Every Day Catholic poll on how you can best answer
the call to be a peacemaker! |
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Praying With the Word
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Send this Thanksgiving e-greeting!
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Advent: Search for Light
Daily
Advent meditations that reflect on our natural longing for the
light. "As we prepare for the coming of Christ, we can try
to understand how we can decrease so that Christ may increase in
our hearts and in the world." |
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Foster Youthful Reflection During Advent
Scripture citations, reflections and practical ideas are used as
a guide for waiting in prayer, waiting with patience, waiting with
joy and waiting with anticipation for the coming of Emmanuel. |
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NEW! Catholic SAMPler
Do you like to try things before you buy them? Stop
by for FREE samples from new book and audio products from St.
Anthony Messenger Press. |
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NEW Faith Formation Update
A new free monthly e-newsletter for catechetical leaders. The focus
is parish catechesis beyond textbooks and classrooms. Click
here to find out more. |
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