The BreadCast

(1Jn.2:29-3:6; Ps.98:1,3-6; Jn.1:29-34) "Look there! The Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world!" "This is God's chosen One." This is He upon whom "the Spirit descend[s]" – who takes away our sins and makes us pure by His own baptism "with the Holy Spirit." He who walks with Him walks in holiness, for "everyone who acts in holiness has been begotten by Him" – we have become "children of God" because we have now the grace of the only Son. Listen to the manner in which the Baptist "sing[s] joyfully before the King, the Lord" in our gospel today: "I saw the Spirit descend like a dove from the sky, and it came to rest on Him." How like music, like "the harp and melodious song," is his witness to the Lord Jesus Christ. His exclamation of Jesus as the holy Lamb of God, offered as a sacrifice pure and undefiled, resounds to the ends of the earth more eloquently and with greater power than "the trumpets and the sound of the horn" of which David sings in our psalm. Here is the voice proclaiming the Truth, the message our ears have so longed to hear. "The very reason [John] came baptizing with water was that [Jesus] might be revealed to Israel," and "the reason [Jesus] revealed Himself was to take away sins" – all this for our salvation. Yes, brothers and sisters, "in Him there is nothing sinful." And we must be like Him. Insofar as we sin, we have "not seen Him or known Him." Insofar as a man "keeps himself pure, as He is pure," he is His child, knowing Him most intimately, and may exclaim in wonder with John the evangelist: "What love the Father has bestowed on us in letting us be called children of God!" All sin and struggle with sin all the while they are on earth. There are many times when we must admit that we do not see Him or know Him in order for Him to be revealed in our lives, in order for us to find His blessed purity. We must confess our sins that we might sing His praise. But all the while the Son is with us, the Lamb intercedes to remove our sins. And always we must look to Him whom the Baptist proclaimed to be "what we are," to become "like Him" when His light comes to its fullness and His Spirit is all we know. ******* O LORD, your saving power, your Lamb, has come to take away the sin of the world – may all nations rejoice in such blessing. YHWH, Jesus is your Chosen One, your only Son, the pure reflection of your Being… and we must be like Him. We must be pure as He is pure, as you are pure, as the Spirit that comes from Him and descends upon us is pure. O let us truly be pure! Let us truly be your children. O LORD, Jesus has come to take away all sin from us. This is the mission, the work He has from you. It is for John to declare the coming of the Lamb of God, and it is for this Lamb to die for our sins. Let all be accomplished in your will. As John has made the Christ known and He has been crucified for our sakes, so let us find the purification from sin you desire for us that we might be united to you. All the earth has seen your saving power, O LORD. Let all souls recognize that power in our midst and remain in Him who brings it.

O bishops and doctors, O brothers so united in Christ, united in your desire to find His wisdom and live His virtue, for you what mattered but to be like Christ? All you would have given up to find His way; nothing of this world did you wish but to leave it behind. One in heart and mind, one in word and work and in the food of which you partook… how blessed it is when men live as brothers, when nothing they desire but the other's good – teach us this way of union in the love of God.

(1Jn.2:22-28; Ps.98:1-4; Jn.1:19-28) "Remain in the Son and in the Father." In our gospel John the Baptist tells the priests and Levites sent by the Pharisees, "There is… one who is to come after me – the strap of whose sandal I am not worthy to unfasten." This Messiah has come, "The Lord has made His salvation known: in the sight of the nations He has revealed His justice," David proclaims in our psalm, and continues to invite us to sing praise of Him. It is the anointing that comes from Jesus that John, in our first reading, encourages us to hold on to, for it is true and leads invariably to the Father of all. We must come to the Father; we must find ourselves in the presence of all truth, in the hands of our Creator, who loves us beyond all telling. And the way to the presence of the Father, in whom we find our true home, is Jesus the Christ. He is the Son and the only one who can lead us to the Father, for He and the Father are inextricably one. We cannot deny the Sonship of Jesus, His oneness with the Father – that He is the Christ, upon whom all true anointing rests – and come to know God. Jesus is the means the Father provides to come to Him; it is through Him alone we find the promise of eternal life. We must "remain in Him," that we may "not retreat in shame at His coming." Those who do not believe in Jesus, who do not recognize Him as the only Son and so only way to the Father, are not to be persecuted – but they are not to be believed. Jesus is all. Those who know Him know this; they indeed have His anointing in their hearts. This "anointing teaches [us] about all things and is true." It is this knowledge of His salvation, of His glory, which John instructs us to remember: His Word grows in our hearts. But again, this Word is not a weapon for the persecution and destruction of others – it is the means for the manifestation of light. Remain in Jesus, brothers and sisters, and eternal life with the Father will be assured you. ******* O LORD, help us always to proclaim Jesus as the Christ. YHWH, we must indeed acknowledge Jesus as the Christ, as your only Son, as God Himself, and rejoice that your saving power has come to us through Him. And His anointing will rest upon us, the Holy Spirit will be with us to guide us in all things – we will be one with you, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. John has prepared His way and in the sight of the nations His glory has been revealed. None can deny His divinity, except he be a liar. And to these we must not listen, LORD, but only to the teaching of your Church. For upon your apostles rests the anointing that is from above, and if we are to find our way to eternal life, no other voice should we heed. John has indeed cried out the way we all must follow if we are to meet your Son and so you, Father. O LORD, let us listen to the Spirit that is upon him.

O Blessed Virgin in whose womb was conceived the only Son of God, who by such grace has brought salvation to our race… What faith is yours in God the Father! What power is upon you by the Holy Spirit! What unutterable wonder we find in your Son! How is it one of our own number could give birth to our Creator? Such glorious union with the Godhead we could never merit nor discover except that the Lord has chosen you – pray this day He shall be born in us, too.

(Nm.6:22-27; Ps.67:2-3,5-6,8; Gal.4:4-7; Lk.2:16-21) "The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all they had heard and seen, just as it had been told to them." The blessing of God, His holy Son, was upon the shepherds, and it is upon us all. For "God sent His Son, born of a woman" that His "way be known upon earth," "that we might receive adoption as sons." And what greater blessing could man know than to fulfill his call as son of the living God? We are blessed, brothers and sisters, and we should proclaim it as the shepherds. The blessing invoked upon the people by Aaron has been realized in the birth of the Son. Through Him "the Lord let[s] His face shine upon [us]" – this is His grace come. And how else but in haste should we travel to Him? How quickly we should arrive at His side. And how amazed all should be upon hearing the blessings we have known, at the hand of our God. Mary is she who is truly blessed, and we honor especially today she "who kept all these things, reflecting on them in her heart." For so obedient was she to God's will that He was "conceived in [her] womb" and made flesh in our sight. So, let us thank her today for the blessing she has brought into our midst. As we are now sons of the Father with the Spirit of the Son "crying out, 'Abba, Father!'" in our hearts, so we are sons of Mary, too, for the Lord's divinity cannot be separated from His humanity – the two meet as one in Jesus Christ. This is our great blessing. From "an infant lying in the manger" shall come the salvation of our race, and the Mother of this renewed race, consecrated to God in Him who is "named Jesus," we commemorate with our hearts and our voices in praise this holy day. May she now be the instrument by which "the Lord bless[es]" and "keep[s]" us; may she pray this day that "His face shine upon [us]." And may all her children be one in the blessing of Christ, her Son. Amen. Written, read & chanted by James Kurt; produced by Carie Fortney. Music by Carie Fortney; used by permission. ******* O LORD, what blessing is upon us this Christmas day! YHWH, we are your sons now because Jesus has become our Brother. Born of the Virgin, His blessing is now upon our race – He it is who shines the light of your face. Let us glorify you for your blessing. Now we may call you "Father!" now that the Spirit of your Son is with us. For in Him we are adopted as your sons, LORD, and so through Him you are our Father. Let the light of your face shine upon us all our days. It is you who rule all nations, LORD; all the earth is in your hands. Yet you come to us as a little child, poor and lying in a humble manger. Let us ponder this wonder with Mary; let us keep your will and your Word ever in our hearts, that we might see unfold the revelation of your presence among us. Too wonderful for us is the grace you bring, LORD; yet let us live as your sons, born of the Blessed Virgin Mary.

O eminent Shepherd of God's people who led us from the catacombs into the light of day by a blessed peace with the city of man, allowing the Lord's Church to grow and flourish freely in its sacraments, in its worship of the one true God – pray the Body of Christ may again prosper in truth with its divine Head, that the Light that has come into the world may be proclaimed to the ends of the earth and all souls called by the Lord come to the font of Baptism and find the fullness of faith in the holy Catholic Church. Pray there be no dissension in the Body but that all shall be one in Him who is God Himself.

(1Jn.2:18-21; Ps.96:1-2,11-13; Jn.1:1-18) "The Word became flesh and made His dwelling among us." And we must dwell with Him, remaining in His light, walking in His way. "Through Him all things came into being," and we who have come into being by Him, "who believe in His name," must "become children of God." In our first reading, John warns against the antichrists who come in this "final hour" to lead astray all those not founded in truth. Elsewhere he warns against anyone who does not recognize Jesus as the Son of God, as the Christ come among us. Certainly there are more than a few antichrists today, looking to distract believers from "the Holy One." But as John says, "All knowledge is yours": if we believe in Jesus, we have the truth written within us. Yet we must beware of faltering, for "no lie has anything in common with the truth." Remain in His Church. Our psalm of David encourages us to "exult before the Lord," to "sing to the Lord; bless His name." And well we should this holy day to know of the Christ that has come "to rule the world with justice." The Word has become flesh and left His flesh and His Spirit with the Church He has founded on the apostles – great is the joy of those who find their home there. And in our gospel we hear John's beautiful and clear explication of the divinity of Jesus, the Word ever in God's presence from the beginning, the Word that is "God." There are pseudo-religious that change the evangelist's words to say that the Word was "a god"; such is the work of the antichrists spoken of by Paul. For only in the clear recognition of Jesus as "God the only Son," only in the unequivocal proclamation of His divinity – that He is God – is salvation found. For this is Truth, Truth brings light, and the light has no discourse with the darkness of lies. Come to Him who has come unto you, brothers and sisters. Seeing Him you see God and know God. And knowing God you "know the truth" and so exult in the joy of His presence in His Word, in His Sacraments, in His Church… in His love. Praised be the Lord and His dwelling among us. ******* O LORD, you have revealed yourself to us in the presence of your only Son – let us live in the truth that He is God. YHWH, thank you for the truth you have given us, the glory you have revealed through your only Son. Your Word has become flesh and so your very light shines now in our midst – may we embrace Him and His love. Though surrounded by the darkness of lies, we find our way to your truth, O LORD, by your Son and the Holy Spirit with whom we are anointed through Him. Now we know the truth and are gifted with all knowledge therefore – let us exult in the gift of life you provide. Whoever does not acknowledge your Son does not know you, Father, and does not have the Holy Spirit. Let us know well Him whom you have sent and bless His Name among ourselves. Praise and glory belong to Him alone for He alone reveals your glory. O let this light shine in the hearts of all men, of all who would rejoice in your presence.

(1Jn.2:12-17; Ps.96:7-11; Lk.2:36-40) "The world with its seductions is passing away but the man who does God's will endures forever." Upon what is your eye fixed? Do you seek the Lord as has Anna these many years, "constantly in the temple, worshiping day and night in fasting and prayer," or are you seduced by "carnal allurements, enticements for the eye, the life of empty show." Indeed, "all these are from the world" (and what appropriate description of the extreme vanity which grasps the world in this day), and indeed are all passing away into the nothingness from which they spring. And those whose hearts are fixed upon them shall pass away with them, while he whose heart seeks the Lord passes to the eternal life of heaven. "Give to the Lord the glory due His name!" David exclaims in his psalm today, and, yes, much glory is due Him. "Through His Name [our] sins have been forgiven"; through Him we "have conquered the evil one." Do you know "Him who is from the beginning"? Does "the word of God [remain] in you"? Is it His love you have, or love for the world, wherein His love finds no place to dwell? "The Lord is King," brothers and sisters. He alone is worthy of our worship, worthy of our attention, worthy of our praise. Waste not your breath on the empty illusions of this passing world. Anna "gave thanks to God and talked about the child to all who looked forward to the deliverance of Jerusalem." Do you look forward to such deliverance? Do you care to hear of the glory of the Lord spoken of by this prophetess? Or have you better things to do? What sporting event, television program, or party takes precedence in your life? We live in a vain world, brothers and sisters. And that vanity permeates this modern society, presenting itself as an accepted good. It is not easy to conquer the hold such illusions cast upon our waiting eyes – only in Jesus will you find the strength to overcome these seductions. As "the child grew in size and strength, filled with wisdom, and the grace of God… upon Him," so will you learn to make progress as you "tremble before Him"; so will you grow in His will to eternal life, as you turn away from the carnality of this life. Keep your eyes upon His light, rising from the darkness. ******* O LORD, let our hearts be set on worship of you and your Son and not on the things of this world. YHWH, you are from the beginning; may your grace be upon us that we might conquer the evil one and endure with you forever. The world is indeed passing away – let us not pass with it. O LORD, help us to do your will each day and at every hour. Teach us to remain in your Temple always and so be joined to you. If we worship you constantly, you will come quickly to save us – you send your Son to deliver Jerusalem, to comfort all who look to you. How strong are the allurements of the world the devil presents to our weak flesh! How easily we give in to such distractions, LORD. Let it be your courts alone our hearts are set upon – help us to turn from darkness to your marvelous light. In you we are made firm, and in your Son. With Him let us grow, O LORD, that we might indeed be your children and remain ever with you. Praise to you, O living God! Let us heed the words of your prophets and apostles.

O blessed martyr who died in the cathedral, murdered by the king of this world as you defended the Chair of Peter and the true faith of the Church – where can we find bishops like yourself; how shall the Church be led without holy apostles willing to give their lives as Christ, in whose place they stand? Pray for us, devout shepherd, that many will be inspired by your example to follow in the footsteps of our Lord and defend the faith even unto the shedding of blood, for what is the shedding of blood in this world compared with the light of Heaven you now know in our Savior's presence? Pray for us and let us pray with you, seeking truth and love in our pilgrimage on this earth.

(1Jn.2:3-11; Ps.96:1-3,5-6,11; Lk.2:22-35) "The way we can be sure we are in union with Him is if one who claims to abide in Him conducts himself just as He did." "The darkness is over and the real light begins to shine," and we must live in that light. "My eyes have witnessed your saving deed displayed for all peoples to see," declares Simeon in his prophecy over the Christ child. "In accord with the dictate in the law of the Lord," though He Himself is God, Mary and Joseph dutifully bring Jesus to the temple to be "consecrated to the Lord" as every first-born male must. And there the "just and pious" Simeon who so patiently "awaited the consolation of Israel," the coming of "the Anointed of the Lord," takes the child "in his arms" and blesses God for His gift, His mercy. Learn from these the attitude all must have. In their faithful observance of the commands of God and the inspiration of the Spirit, they fulfill His Word. And so light dawns for us and we know of its presence in our midst. Now we must continue to "announce His salvation, day after day tell His glory among the nations; among all peoples, His wondrous deeds." Our deeds must mirror His deeds; His light, "a revealing light to the Gentiles, the glory of [His] people Israel," we must shine. The sign has come; the new commandment which has been of old must now be realized in each of us. As a sword has pierced the heart of the Blessed Mother, so it shall pierce the heart of everyone who unites himself to the Blessed Child, who follows in the steps of our blessed Lord. "The thoughts of many hearts [shall] be laid bare." There will be no hiding from this light that has come. If you think you can claim to know Him "without keeping His commandments," without conducting yourself "just as He did," you must know that your lie will be exposed. "The man who continues in the light is the one who loves his brother." Only this will save you, for only love is of light; hatred is only of darkness, and in the Lord there is no darkness. Let us join with Simeon in proclaiming His salvation. Let us join with David in singing of the "splendor and majesty" of the Lord. "Praise and grandeur are in His sanctuary." And let us do this principally with our very lives, becoming as the temple of God who is presented to us this day. ******* O LORD, let the light of your Son be revealed to our eyes, and in our actions. YHWH, your light be revealed in us this day as it was revealed in your Son to the eyes of Simeon. May Jesus live in us and we shine His glory forth, that your Word may indeed be fulfilled in all our lives. We are in darkness, LORD. As we keep not your Word, your Law, your command to love, we stray from right paths and become blind to your presence. If we do not live your presence, if we do not do your will, how can we claim to be of you? How can we say we are your disciples if we do not do the things your Son has done? Take us from the shadows, LORD, and reveal to our eyes the presence of Christ in our midst. Dispel all the dark of hatred and doubt and error by this unending light you shine upon us. And let us truly be transformed by the light of our Savior that we might announce His salvation every day of our lives until our last breath on this earth. Then let us live with you forever.