“Virtue is nothing without the trial of temptation, for there is no conflict without an enemy, no victory without strife.” ~ Pope Leo I
Category Archives: Religious
From Faith to Food Banks: The Charities That Make a Difference
Greetings, everyone, and thank you for taking the time to read today’s blog post about my favorite charities. In this post, I’ll be dividing them into three main categories: Religious, Health, and Animal charities. In each section, I’ll explain why I choose to support these organizations, and I’ll include a link to their CanadaHelps page so you can donate if you’d like to support them as well.
I’d like to begin with my favorite religious charities. As a Roman Catholic, I support various institutions that guide the faithful both locally and nationally. The first one is my local parish, The Catholic Parish of St. Joseph’s Cathedral (St. Joseph’s Basilica). This is the church I attend for weekly Mass and occasionally on week days. It also serves as the main church of the Archbishop and Metropolitan of Edmonton, which is why it is designated as a Cathedral. Additionally, it holds the status of a Minor Basilica. If you’d like a refresher on the difference between a Minor and Major Basilica, I covered that in a past episode of my podcast—so be sure to check that out!
Another religious charity I’m proud to support is the National Catholic Broadcasting Council. This organization ensures that Catholic Mass is broadcast for those who are unable to attend in person. I’ve personally been blessed by their work—especially during times when I was sick and throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. Supporting them is the least I can do to show my gratitude for the comfort they provided!
When it comes to health charities, I’m especially passionate about supporting organizations that provide essential resources, fund research, and raise public awareness about health issues. One such organization is Diabetes Canada. While I don’t have diabetes myself, I know people who do, and given my family medical history, it’s something I need to be mindful of. Supporting research and awareness efforts to improve treatment and prevention is a cause I’m more than willing to stand behind!
Movember Canada is another health charity I’m proud to support. Every November, I dedicate time to raising funds for their cause—something I’ve been committed to for the past eleven years. This organization focuses on improving men’s health, both physically and mentally. Having faced my own mental health challenges, I know firsthand how important it is to spread awareness and work toward preventing male suicide. Additionally, Movember funds vital research for male-specific diseases such as prostate and testicular cancer, making their mission even more significant to me.
The final health-related charity might not seem like a traditional health organization, but for me, it has been an absolute lifesaver: Edmonton’s Food Bank. There have been times when I’ve worried about my next meal, and the free groceries I’ve received through their programs have been a huge help. Beyond just food, their Beyond Food program provides training and support to help people secure good jobs. Without the generosity of this organization, I honestly don’t know how I would have gotten through the past few years when I was without steady work. My support for them is more than gratitude—it’s a commitment to ensuring others have the same lifeline I did.
The final charity I love to support is The Valley Zoo Development Society. As an animal lover, I want what’s best for them, and this society plays a vital role in improving my local zoo by funding enhancements for the animals that live there. They even offer fun merchandise featuring various animals—I’m hoping to get a Meerkat plushie for myself one day! I’ve enjoyed many trips to the zoo, and knowing that my support helps create new experiences for future visits makes it even more rewarding.
Supporting charities is more than just giving—it’s about making a difference in the lives of others, whether through faith-based guidance, life-saving health initiatives, or improving the world for the animals we love. The organizations I’ve shared today have personally impacted my life, and I hope they inspire you too.
Even if you’re not in a position to donate, simply visiting their pages, learning about their missions, and spreading the word can make a huge impact. Every small action helps create a better, more compassionate world.
So, take a moment to explore the links provided and see if any of these causes resonate with you—you might just find a new charity to support!
Jedi Mantra vs. Catholic and Biblical Teachings – The Truth of the False Hope of the Jedi
In the fictional Star Wars universe, the Jedi mantra is the heart and soul of the Jedi Code, by which the Jedi are supposed to live their lives. Some people have taken it as a code to live by their lives, but I strongly believe that the Bible and Catholic teachings show it to be a false road to live your life by. In this blog post, I am going to examine the mantra line by line and compare it to what the Bible and Catholic teaching has to say on each topic.
Let’s begin with the first line of the mantra: “There is no emotion, there is peace.” The Bible makes it very clear that emotions are part of human nature and should NOT be suppressed – managed, yes but never suppressed. Many Psalms express many different emotions, and even Jesus who is both God and man (100% of each) expressed many different emotions during his time on earth. Many of the church fathers also wrote about emotions stating that we need to control and deal with them and not suppress them to truly live a life worthy of God. Anakin’s fall during the third movie shows what happens when we try to suppress them, and why it’s such a bad idea to do so!
Now let’s examine the next line: “There is no ignorance, there is knowledge.” Once again, the Bible makes it clear that learning is key to overcoming ignorance, and that the fear of God leads to true wisdom. In the letters of the New Testament, the writers made it perfectly clear that knowledge was gained by studying under wise teachers and obeying them was the will of God. Philosophy can only take you so far, you need to be grounded in real-world knowledge and God’s ageless wisdom to truly see the path for your life!
Onto the next line in the mantra: “There is no passion, there is serenity.” Just from reading this, I am laughing with sadness like I have for every other line so far! Passion is part of human existence and the Bible and Catholic teaching makes it clear that harnessing your passions will take you farther than ignoring them! Many Catholic saints were driven by the passion for their faith to become the people they are remembered as today. I’ve been doing a series on Catholic saints for my podcast over on Spotify, and I can say for certain that passion for Christ was a part of every saint’s life story!
The second last line of the mantra is just as bad: “There is no chaos, there is harmony.” I hate to break the news to you, but life is full of chaos and the Bible makes it clear that trying to live in harmony is something to be obtained for here on Earth, but is ultimately a part of Heaven. Only by living your life for God can you start to use the chaos in your life for something good and start to manage it effectively.
In my humble opinion the last line of the mantra is the worst: “There is no death, there is the Force.” The Bible makes it pretty clear that death will come and after it comes judgement. Also, the dead can not come back and warn the living to change their ways, as the Parable of the Rich Man and Lazarus in the Gospels makes very clear! Repent today and turn to God before it’s too late!
Let me be quite clear – the Force is completely a work of fiction by George Lucas and should not be taken seriously! Force ghosts do not exist (I won’t say if real ghosts exist – that’s why the Church has cleansing rites for places.) and you should not hope to become one after your death! It is final and you will pass on to either judgement in hell for rejecting God or eventual eternal rest in Heaven after being cleansed in Purgatory. There is no third option!
Take a good look at what the Bible and the Catholic Church teaches today – both offer real truths about our world and the way to live life in harmony with God and your fellow humans and nature. Don’t be caught by the false promises of this mantra – I’ve shown you earlier how false each line is! Turn to God today and accept his free gift of salvation – all you need to do is accept!
In this exploration, we’ve seen how the Jedi mantra falls short of offering true hope and guidance compared to the profound truths found in the Bible and Catholic teachings. By turning to God, we can find real peace, wisdom, and purpose—gifts that go far beyond the false promises of fiction. May this post inspire you to seek the ultimate truth and embrace the salvation freely offered through faith in Him.
Swag at 40: Looking Back to Look Forward
Greetings everyone! I’m Swagnilla Ice, but you can call me Nathan Pinno. I hail from the beautiful province of Alberta, Canada. Every week, I enjoy sharing my thoughts and experiences here on my Ko‑fi page. This week, in celebration of reaching the big 4-0, I thought I’d take a trip down memory lane to reflect on the lessons I’ve learned over the past forty years, and share my aspirations for the future. Join me on this journey as I look back to look forward.
Looking Back: Lessons Learned
As I reflect on my life, there are some clear lessons that stand out. The most significant lesson I’ve learned is the truth about salvation. It’s a constant process that I need to work on daily. Whenever I lose focus on my walk with God, I tend to slip up and make mistakes. However, I’m immensely grateful to have a relationship with a forgiving God who supports me on this journey and walks by my side.
Another lesson I’ve learned is to be grateful for those who support me on my life’s journey. From my parents to good friends, both in real life and online, I’ve been fortunate to have people who encourage and support me. Even when the chips are down, they remind me to look up and not lose hope. I am immensely grateful for each and every one of them, including all those who support my content creation. Thank you!
A hard lesson I’ve learned over the last forty years is the importance of wisely managing my money and sticking to a budget while avoiding debt whenever possible. As a result of this lesson, I’m now enrolled in a program to pay off part of my credit card debt. If I fail to make my monthly payment even three times, serious consequences will follow. To make the most of my money every month, I need to take advantage of every free resource available to me. Given the instability of work, I must be ready to adapt and find ways to make ends meet when I don’t get the hours I need. Your support of my content creation is immensely helpful in this regard.
Another lesson I’ve learned through harsh experiences is that I’m human and mortal. Not only did I nearly die on the operating table during a transplant five years ago, but I also had my appendix removed just before it burst. These events have forced me to evaluate every decision I’ve made in my life and have made me determined to live a cleaner, healthier life, both physically and spiritually. I’m grateful for the resources I have and for my church family and priests—without them, I’d be like a boat lost at sea.
Looking Forward
As I look forward to the next decade of my life, I have several goals I aim to accomplish. The first and most important is to turn my content creation into a steady source of income. Through my experiences, I’ve learned that I can’t rely on an employer to provide consistent work. Your help and support, both financial and otherwise, are crucial for this goal. I aspire to go full-time with content creation, producing material that everyone can enjoy—be it blog posts, live streams, podcast episodes, or YouTube videos. While I’m committed to creating engaging content, I’ll still need to work outside my residence to earn a living without your support.
My second goal is more personal in nature. I want to have more days free of sin. I’ve been struggling with the same sin repeatedly, and it’s time for it to end. With God’s help and your prayers, I believe I can overcome this habit and become the man God wants me to be.
My third goal is to pay off my debt, even though it’s currently on track to be resolved through the program I’m enrolled in and the payments I’m making on my school loans. Once my debt is fully paid, I will avoid using debt to finance anything unless it’s a one-time-use gift card that doesn’t accumulate interest.
My final goal is to find stable housing—whether by buying my own home or buying/building an apartment building and renting out the other suites. This is a long-term goal since I’m currently in a year-long lease that expires next December, but it’s not cheap at $900 per month. Not having to worry about rent every month and potentially earning some rental income instead would be a huge relief for my financial situation.
Conclusion
To wrap up this post, let me say that I’ve learned many lessons over the past forty years—too many to list here. I’ve gained a lot of wisdom and knowledge over the years, but I am still willing to learn from those wiser than me. I have clear goals for the next decade of my life, and hopefully, when I write a similar post at fifty, I’ll have even better news to share about my goals and accomplishments. If God allows me to reach my fiftieth birthday, I look forward to reflecting on another decade of growth and learning.
Thank you so much for reading this blog post. Your support here on Ko‑fi (as well as YouTube, Spotify, and Twitch) means the world to me! Please consider supporting me monthly to gain access to exclusive polls and images, and to help me create more posts like this one and other content you will enjoy. May God bless you all!
True Love: A Solid Foundation for a Family
Love is often described as the cornerstone of a successful relationship. Yet, when it comes to building a family, true love serves as an even more profound foundation. As we reflect on Valentine’s Day and the significance it holds, it’s important to consider how true love shapes and nurtures the bonds that hold a family together.
I’m no expert, as I’m not married myself, but I did grow up in a household with two married parents who are still married today. Their love and commitment have shown me the power of true love and its role in creating a strong, supportive family.
The Essence of True Love
True love transcends the superficial layers of attraction and infatuation. It is the unconditional commitment to another person’s well-being and happiness. In the context of a family, true love involves the selfless acts of kindness, support, and sacrifice that create a nurturing environment for everyone involved.
Building Trust and Communication
One of the key elements of true love is trust. Trust is the bedrock upon which strong family relationships are built. When family members trust each other, they feel secure and supported, enabling them to express their thoughts and feelings openly. Effective communication further strengthens these bonds, allowing for healthy conflict resolution and mutual understanding.
Fostering Emotional Resilience
Families face numerous challenges, from financial pressures to health issues. True love equips family members with the emotional resilience needed to navigate these difficulties together. By standing by each other through thick and thin, family members develop a sense of unity and strength that helps them overcome any obstacle.
Biblical Examples of True Love
The Bible offers profound examples of true love that can inspire and guide us in our family relationships. One of the most significant examples is God’s love for humanity. John 3:16 tells us, “For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life.” This ultimate act of sacrificial love serves as a model for the selflessness and commitment we should strive for within our families.
Another example is the love between Ruth and Naomi. Ruth’s loyalty and dedication to her mother-in-law, even after the loss of her husband, demonstrate the power of unwavering love and support. Ruth 1:16-17 captures this beautifully: “Where you go I will go, and where you stay I will stay. Your people will be my people and your God my God. Where you die I will die, and there I will be buried.”
Modeling Healthy Relationships
Parents and caregivers play a crucial role in modeling true love for their children. When children witness their parents exhibiting genuine affection, respect, and partnership, they learn valuable lessons about what it means to love and be loved. These lessons become the foundation upon which children build their own future relationships.
Creating a Legacy of Love
True love within a family extends beyond the immediate household. It creates a ripple effect that influences future generations. By fostering an environment of love, trust, and support, families can create a lasting legacy that will continue to benefit their descendants for years to come.
Conclusion
As we reflect on Valentine’s Day, let us remember that true love is not just about grand gestures and romantic moments. It is about the everyday acts of kindness, patience, and understanding that build a solid foundation for a family. For a deeper exploration of this theme, you can listen to my podcast episode on the Sacrament of Matrimony, where I discuss how the sacrament strengthens family bonds and exemplifies true love. In nurturing true love within our families, we create a haven of warmth and security where every member can thrive.
People of the First Christmas: The Magi
Welcome to the final post in my mini-series on the People of the First Christmas. Today, I’ll be focusing on the Magi, also known as the Wise Men or, less accurately, as the Three Kings. Contrary to popular Nativity scenes, the Magi were not present at the stable on that first Christmas night. Instead, they visited Jesus in a house when He was about two years old, bringing their gifts and worship.
Before I dive into what the Bible has to say about their visit, I want to explain just who the Magi were and were not. The word “Magi” is a translation of a Greek word that referred to the astrologer-priests of Zoroastrianism, a religion in what is now modern-day Iran, but was known as Persia in ancient times. They were experts in observing the skies and predicting future events, both through their interpretations of celestial phenomena and their studies of religious texts—both their own and those of other cultures. They likely had heard of prophecies such as Balaam’s in Numbers or Isaiah’s, both of which referred to celestial signs about the King of the Jewish People.
So when they saw the sign of a bright new star, they would have understood its significance and decided to follow it to see where it led. This extraordinary event aligned with the prophecies they had studied, such as Balaam’s words in Numbers 24:17, “A star will come out of Jacob,” and Isaiah 60:3, “Nations shall come to your light, and kings to the brightness of your dawn.” Recognizing the importance of this celestial sign, the Magi embarked on a long and arduous journey, driven by their desire to honor the newborn King of the Jews.
Now, before I dive into what the Bible has to say about their visit, I want to pose a question: When we see a sign in our lives, are we ready to show such faith and follow God, or do we resist because we are living a comfortable life and don’t want to change anything? It’s something worth pondering!
The visit of the Magi is described in the second chapter of the Gospel according to St. Matthew. The passage tells us that wise men from the East came to Jerusalem during the time of King Herod, seeking the child who had been born king of the Jews. They explained, “For we observed his star at its rising, and have come to pay him homage.”
King Herod, disturbed by this news, gathered the chief priests and scribes to inquire where the Messiah was to be born. They referenced the prophecy: “And you, Bethlehem, in the land of Judah, are by no means least among the rulers of Judah; for from you shall come a ruler who is to shepherd my people Israel.”
Herod then secretly met with the Magi to determine the exact time the star had appeared. He sent them to Bethlehem with instructions to find the child and report back to him under the pretense that he too wanted to pay homage.
The Magi followed the star to the place where it stopped over the house where Jesus was. Overwhelmed with joy, they entered and saw the child with Mary, his mother. They knelt down, paid him homage, and offered gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh. Warned in a dream not to return to Herod, they departed for their country by another route.
After the Magi left, an angel appeared to Joseph in a dream, instructing him to take Mary and Jesus and flee to Egypt to escape Herod’s wrath. This fulfilled the prophecy, “Out of Egypt I have called my son.”
Unfortunately, Herod did not react kindly to the Magi’s decision not to report back to him about the child’s location. Knowing the timeframe in which the star had appeared to them, he sent his soldiers to Bethlehem with orders to kill every child aged two or younger. This horrific act fulfilled the prophecy of Jeremiah, which spoke of Rachel weeping for her children because they were no more.
Now, what can we learn from this bit of biblical history? I think we can learn quite a bit! First off, we see that the Magi were humble in asking the people of Jerusalem where the Messiah was to be born and then following the directions given to them. Do we show such humility by asking for help when we need it, or do we let our pride get in the way and refuse to ask?
Secondly, the Magi were devoted and wise because they paid homage to a child living in a humble home with his parents. They recognized greatness even without the earthly trappings of such. Are we willing to overlook what the world sees in others, or are we only looking skin-deep at our fellow human beings? As believers, I hope it is more of the former and not the latter!
Third, the gifts they gave Him were prophetic in nature. Gold symbolized royalty, signifying that He was the King of Kings. Frankincense, used in Temple worship, revealed His nature as our High Priest. Myrrh, a spice used to bury the dead, foretold His death on the cross for the sins of all mankind. When we offer a gift to someone else, does it hold such meaning as well, or is it merely given because it’s customary, and we want to appear nice?
Finally, their visit led directly and indirectly to the fulfillment of several prophecies, including God’s calling His Son out of Egypt and the massacre of the innocents in Bethlehem. While we can see today that it was all part of a larger divine plan, it must have been terrifying for Joseph, Mary, and the young Jesus to flee for their lives into Egypt to escape the mad King Herod. When we look back at our own lives, can we see God at work, or do we attribute events to coincidence or fate?
In conclusion, the story of the Magi is more than just a tale of a journey guided by a star. It’s a testament to faith, humility, devotion, and the fulfillment of divine prophecies. As we reflect on their story, let’s be inspired to seek guidance with humility, give with meaningful intention, and recognize the divine workings in our own lives. May we always be ready to follow the signs God places before us, trusting in His greater plan.
Thank you for reading another blog post on my Ko‑fi page. I enjoy writing these posts each week, and your support for my writing and other family-friendly content is greatly appreciated, whether it’s financial or otherwise. Until the next time I post here, go live on Twitch, publish a podcast episode, or release a video on YouTube, may God bless you all!
People of the First Christmas: Simeon and Anna
Welcome back to my mini-series here on Ko‑fi entitled People of the First Christmas. While Christmas may have come and gone for another year, now is the perfect time to reflect on those who encountered Jesus during His early years—long before He was a young lad of twelve or began His ministry around the age of thirty. This week, I will focus on two remarkable individuals, Simeon and Anna, who recognized Jesus as the Messiah when He was still a baby. They witnessed His presentation in the Temple by the Virgin Mary and Saint Joseph, in accordance with the Law of Moses.
I shall begin by examining what the Gospel according to St. Luke has to say about Simeon. The Bible describes him as a righteous and devout man, eagerly anticipating the consolation of Israel, with the Holy Spirit upon him. The Gospel also states that Simeon knew he would not die until he had seen the Messiah. Before I dive into what Simeon prophesied about Jesus and the Virgin Mary, I want to take a moment to reflect on what the Bible says about his character. The main thing I noticed is that he was righteous and devout while looking forward to the Messiah’s coming. Do we look forward to our Lord’s second coming and strive to be faithful to Him, or do we live for ourselves without concern? This is something we need to think deeply about and decide what path we need to follow going forward.
The Gospel says that when Simeon’s eyes laid upon Jesus, he took the young child in his arms and praised God for fulfilling the word He had spoken to him—namely, that Simeon would see the Messiah before his death. Jesus’ earthly parents were amazed by what Simeon said about Him. Simeon then blessed Mary and gave her the following prophecy from Luke 2: “This child is destined for the falling and the rising of many in Israel, and to be a sign that will be opposed so that the inner thoughts of many will be revealed—and a sword will pierce your own soul too.”
Now, I want to examine Simeon’s encounter in the Temple. Firstly, Simeon praised God for fulfilling His Word. We too ought to praise God whenever we witness His promises being fulfilled in our lives. Secondly, Jesus’ parents were amazed by what Simeon had said about Him. One might think that by this time, Mary and Joseph would have realized that Jesus was no ordinary child, but rather the fulfillment of divine prophecy. Yet, it appears they still hadn’t fully grasped the significance of who He really was. Finally, let’s consider Simeon’s prophecy to Mary. Throughout the Gospels, we see how Jesus’ ministry revealed the inner thoughts of many. I believe the sword Simeon mentioned symbolizes the deep sorrow Mary would experience, especially as she witnessed her Son’s suffering and death on the Cross for our sins.
Now I want to examine the other person in this story: Anna. According to St. Luke, she was the daughter of Phanuel and a prophetess from the tribe of Asher. She had been faithful to her husband during their brief seven-year marriage and then lived as a widow. She never left the Temple, fasting and praying both night and day. What a powerful testimony of someone who was faithful to God their whole life—never wanting to leave His house and always seeking to speak with Him after fulfilling her duties as a wife.
The Gospel says that when Anna saw Jesus, she began to praise God and shared the truth about the child with all who were looking for the redemption of Jerusalem. I wonder, do we do the same thing when we witness what God has done in our lives? Perhaps we just say a quiet prayer of thanks and then forget about it, instead of sharing the good news with others who could use something to brighten their day. This is something we should commit to doing if we are not yet doing so already.
Both Simeon and Anna had profound encounters with the baby Jesus. Though Jesus may no longer be a baby, our encounters with the Lord are no less significant. If anything, they are more important, for He is the only Way to the Father and the sole means of being saved. If you haven’t already trusted Him with your life, I encourage you to consider doing so today—it’s a decision you will never regret.
Thank you once again for reading another blog post in this mini-series. Next Saturday, I will be concluding this mini-series by examining the visit of the Magi to the young Jesus when He was about two years old. If you don’t want to miss it, consider following me here on Ko‑fi if you aren’t already!
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People of the First Christmas: The Shepherds
Welcome to another blog post in my series on the individuals present at the First Christmas I will be examining the final witnesses to the Nativity: the shepherds who tending their flocks in the fields near Bethlehem.
Before delving into the biblical account, it’s important to understand the social context of shepherds during Jesus’ time. While they played a vital role in the local economy, providing food and wool for their communities, shepherds were often seen as somewhat marginalized in Jewish society. 1 This was due to a combination of factors, including their close contact with animals, which was considered to have ritual implications, concerns about their honesty, and the perceived “wildness” associated with their isolated lifestyle, often spending long hours outdoors tending their flocks. Despite these challenges, shepherds remained an integral part of the social fabric, providing food and wool for their communities.
It’s crucial to remember that sheep were raised for various purposes, not solely for temple sacrifices. However, the purity of the animals was paramount for those designated for religious offerings. This likely required specialized knowledge, which might have been passed down within certain families, although there’s no evidence suggesting shepherds were exclusively from the tribe of Levi.
Now that the background of the shepherds in the time of Jesus is clear, let’s dive into what the Bible says happened that night. The Gospel of Luke, in his second chapter, describes how the shepherds were ‘terrified’ when an angel unexpectedly appeared to them. It’s worth considering why the shepherds were terrified by the angel’s appearance. Perhaps they felt unworthy of receiving a message from God, or perhaps they were simply overwhelmed by the unexpected and dramatic nature of the angelic visitation. Are we scared of what God has to say to us, or are we willing to listen? Maybe we need to examine our hearts and find out the answer this Christmas so we can be better prepared to receive Him.
Luke then tells after the angels had left, the shepherds spoke among themselves and decided to go see ‘which the Lord has made known to us’ and they went to see the baby Jesus in Bethlehem. This exemplifies true obedience: immediate decision and action. We need to examine our own motives and ask ourselves: ‘Do I prioritize immediate obedience to God’s commands, or do I tend to procrastinate and delay my response?’ If it is the latter is more common for us, perhaps we can learn from the shepherds and strive for greater promptness in our response to God’s will.
After witnessing the baby Jesus in the manger, just as the angels had foretold, the shepherds returned to their flocks overflowing with joy. They couldn’t resist sharing the good news with everyone they met, praising God along the way. For us, Christmas should be a time of profound joy, for Jesus, the Savior of the world, has come among us! God loved us so much that He sent His only Son to bear the punishment for our sins and to reveal His love and will for humanity.
In conclusion, let us examine ourselves in light of the shepherds’ example. Are we fully committed to following God, or are there areas of our lives where we are resisting His will? When we experience God’s love, are we eager to share that joy with others, or do we tend to keep it to ourselves? These are important questions to ponder as we approach Christmas, so that we too can be faithful witnesses to the world of the true joy of Christmas.
Thank you for reading this installment in my series on the individuals present at the First Christmas. Next week, we’ll shift our focus to individuals who encountered Jesus during his childhood, before the events of his visit to the temple when he was twelve and his public ministry. Our first encounter will be with Simeon and Anna, whom Mary and Joseph met when they brought the infant Jesus to the temple for dedication.
Thank you for joining me today as we explored the shepherds who witnessed the first Christmas. I appreciate you taking the time to read and reflect on this important event. Be sure to come back next Tuesday for an important update on my content creator plans. I have some exciting news to share!
People of the First Christmas – St. Joseph
Greetings and welcome back to this mini-series on the people of the First Christmas. In this mini-series, I’m taking a look at what the Bible has to say about each of the characters there and this week, I will be examining St. Joseph, the earthly husband of Mary and the earthly father of Jesus. Let me point out that by ‘earthly’ I mean that it was according to what people saw – he was Mary’s husband and Jesus’s father (even though we know Mary was a virgin and conceived Jesus through the Holy Spirit).
Joseph, a just man, faced a difficult decision upon learning of Mary’s pregnancy. Rather than public shaming, he chose a more compassionate path. His initial plan to quietly divorce Mary reveals his integrity and concern for her reputation. However, his character, marked by justice and mercy, set the stage for his ultimate obedience to God’s divine plan.
By examining Joseph’s character and actions, we can gain valuable insights into faith, trust, and obedience. As we delve into his story, let’s consider how we can apply these lessons to our own lives, both during the Christmas season and throughout the year.
St. Matthew describes Joseph as a righteous man. When faced with Mary’s unexpected pregnancy, he chose compassion over condemnation. Rather than publicly shaming her, he intended to quietly divorce her, sparing her from the harsh punishment of stoning, a fate common for unmarried women in such circumstances. Had Joseph chosen a different path, the course of human history would have been dramatically altered. His choice of compassion over anger was a pivotal moment, one for which we should be eternally grateful.
We can learn a valuable lesson from Joseph’s example. By choosing compassion over anger, even in the face of challenging circumstances, we align ourselves with God’s righteousness. While righteous anger exists, our emotions often stem from frustration and impatience rather than a desire for justice. By opting for compassion, we choose a more godly path.
St. Matthew then reveals a divine intervention that would alter Joseph’s plans. In a dream, an angel of the Lord appeared to him, revealing the truth about Mary’s pregnancy. The angel instructed Joseph to marry Mary and name the child Jesus, a name chosen by God. St. Matthew tells us in his first chapter that when he awoke “he did as the angel of the Lord commanded him; he took her as his wife, but had no marital relations with her until she had borne a son; and he named him Jesus.”
Joseph’s unwavering obedience to God’s command, even when it defied all human understanding, is a powerful example for us all. He reminds us of the importance of trusting in God’s plan, no matter how difficult it may seem. By choosing faith over fear, Joseph played a crucial role in the fulfillment of God’s promise to send a Savior to the world.
Joseph’s character, marked by justice and mercy, set the stage for his ultimate obedience to God’s divine plan. His initial response to Mary’s pregnancy, while compassionate, was rooted in human understanding. However, when confronted with God’s revelation, he willingly surrendered his own plans, demonstrating a profound trust in divine providence.
As we reflect on the life of St. Joseph, let us be inspired by his unwavering faith and obedience to God’s will. May we strive to emulate his example of compassion, mercy, and trust in God’s plan. By following in his footsteps, we can live lives of purpose and significance, ultimately contributing to the fulfillment of God’s eternal plan.
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Next week, I’ll be examining the shepherds and their response to the angelic announcement they received that First Christmas.
People of the First Christmas: The Virgin Mary
Welcome everyone to the first post in this mini-series where I’ll be looking at some of the people who participated in that first Christmas about two thousand years ago. In this week’s blog post, I’d like to examine one of the central characters, the Virgin Mary.
As a Roman Catholic, I deeply admire the extraordinary woman of faith that Mary is. However, for this post, I’ll focus solely on the biblical accounts of her life, rather than delving into later traditions. While such traditions are good, they don’t help us understand the woman God the Father chose to become His Son’s earthly mother. With that being said, let’s examine three pivotal moments in Mary’s life that are central to the Christmas story:
- The Annunciation of the Archangel Gabriel: The moment when Mary receives the life-changing news of her divine mission.
- The Visitation to Elizabeth: Mary’s encounter with her cousin Elizabeth, a moment of joy, revelation, and shared faith.
- The Nativity in Bethlehem: The fulfillment of the prophecy and the birth of Jesus Christ.
Imagine, if you will, a time long ago. The Promised Land, once a beacon of hope, now groans under the weight of Roman occupation. A people yearn for the Messiah, the long-awaited deliverer. In the quiet town of Nazareth, nestled in the hills of Galilee, lived a young woman named Mary, a descendant of the royal line of David. Her life was about to be forever changed.
Mary, a young woman of Nazareth, was going about her daily routine when a startling interruption shattered the quietude. A radiant figure, bathed in celestial light, appeared before her. The man, a messenger from heaven, announced a divine mission that would forever alter the course of human history. Let’s turn to the biblical account to delve deeper into this extraordinary event. According to the Gospel of St. Luke, chapter one, we read:
And he came to her and said, “Greetings, favored one! The Lord is with you.”[b] 29 But she was much perplexed by his words and pondered what sort of greeting this might be. 30 The angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God. 31 And now, you will conceive in your womb and bear a son, and you will name him Jesus. 32 He will be great, and will be called the Son of the Most High, and the Lord God will give to him the throne of his ancestor David. 33 He will reign over the house of Jacob forever, and of his kingdom there will be no end.” 34 Mary said to the angel, “How can this be, since I am a virgin?”[c] 35 The angel said to her, “The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you; therefore the child to be born[d] will be holy; he will be called Son of God. 36 And now, your relative Elizabeth in her old age has also conceived a son; and this is the sixth month for her who was said to be barren. 37 For nothing will be impossible with God.” 38 Then Mary said, “Here am I, the servant of the Lord; let it be with me according to your word.” Then the angel departed from her.
Let’s ponder Mary’s response. Despite her initial confusion, she didn’t shy away from questioning the angel. Her honest inquiry, ‘How can this be, since I am a virgin?’ reveals her humility and desire for understanding. Yet, when she fully grasped the divine plan, she responded with unwavering faith: ‘Here am I, the servant of the Lord; let it be with me according to your word.’
Like Mary, we too are called to embrace God’s plans, even when they seem impossible. Her example teaches us the importance of both questioning and accepting God’s will in our own lives. By questioning what we think is God’s will, we can truly discern His divine plan and avoid being misled by worldly desires.
After the astonishing encounter with the angel, Mary wasted no time. She set out for the hill country of Judea, to the home of her elderly cousin Elizabeth. Elizabeth, miraculously pregnant with St. John the Baptist, was also carrying a child of divine destiny. As soon as Elizabeth heard Mary’s greeting, the unborn baby leaped in her womb, and Elizabeth, filled with the Holy Spirit, exclaimed, ‘Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb!’ Mary, filled with the Holy Spirit, responded with a beautiful prayer, now known as the Magnificat: ‘My soul glorifies the Lord, and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior, for he has looked on the humble estate of his servant. From now on all generations will call me blessed, for the Mighty One has done great things for me. Holy is his name…’
Mary’s visit to Elizabeth offers profound spiritual insights. Let’s delve deeper into the significance of this encounter. Elizabeth’s proclamation, ‘Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb!’ (Luke 1:42), is a powerful affirmation of Mary’s divine role. This clear declaration from Scripture leaves no room for doubt about Mary’s unique position as the Mother of God. Mary’s visit to Elizabeth also serves as a powerful example of gratitude. Despite the life-altering news she had received, Mary responded with praise and thanksgiving. Her Magnificat, a beautiful hymn of praise, reveals her deep faith and trust in God’s plan.
After the shepherds visited the newborn Christ, Mary continued to ponder the extraordinary events unfolding before her. As Luke’s Gospel tells us, she ‘treasured these things in her heart’ (Luke 2:19). She likely reflected on the shepherds’ awe-inspiring encounter with the angels, the humble circumstances of Jesus’ birth in a stable, and the kindness of the innkeeper who offered shelter to the holy family.
As we celebrate the birth of Christ this Christmas season, let us follow Mary’s example by pondering the wonders of God’s love. May we, like her, treasure the blessings in our lives and strive to serve God with all our hearts. May we, too, be open to the unexpected ways God may call us to serve Him.
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