Green and bile this bastard as the 1974 Z1 is so it seems, 1075cc with Wiseco pistons, cams and blueprinting, all washed down with a battery of racing Keihin CR31 beautiful "sfiltrati and Dyna ignition comburre for the hellish cocktail.
Green and bile this bastard as the 1974 Z1 is so it seems, 1075cc with Wiseco pistons, cams and blueprinting, all washed down with a battery of racing Keihin CR31 beautiful "sfiltrati and Dyna ignition comburre for the hellish cocktail.
Readings: Zeph 2.3, 3.12 to 13 / Ps 145 / 1 Cor 1.26 to 31 / Matthew 5.1-12a
NOT ELSEWHERE
I grew up in an alley, in one of those roads open only on one side, the French call nicely cul de sac . The lane does not lead anywhere, it is a land of passage. It's a place where you come out or where we stay. I would not have imagined that this detail might have been planning a day in my eyes apt metaphor to illustrate the meaning of a page of the Gospel. Never, until now of course!
the latest Happy?!
In short liturgy readings appear perfect ally in Symphony as this Sunday. "I will leave in your midst a people humble and lowly" Zephaniah announced in Israel on behalf of God Paul, meanwhile, reminds Christians of Corinth why God has set his eyes on them, "Consider your call, brothers, there are many wise men from among you in human terms, not many mighty, not many noble "(1 Cor 1:26). The Master Jesus, ascended the mountain as a new Moses, finally reverse the ethics of human happiness, with the message of the Beatitudes: "Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven" (Mt 5:3). There is no doubt: God love the poor, the humble, the 'down wind, "as Jesus discounting the voice of the prophet Isaiah. The news softens our hearts now and always, always a bit 'bruised and beaten by the gear shift in the newspaper. Glad to hear that happiness is not in disagreement with the failures. But the good news of the gospel must be viewed with caution, because we could easily misunderstand. As if God himself proposes to adopt a posture curve and resigned, more docile and submissive in front of her will. A kind of exaltation of the last place, almost an end in itself. No, this is the message of the Beatitudes. This reading is our dangerous exegesis that hides, in reality, fear and narcissism, faces seemingly distant. No, says the list of other paradoxical joy.
Elsewhere
To understand this, it often tries to make the dry language and symbolic of Jesus in more concrete terms, to discount the incredible message. I quote one of my favorite paraphrase: "Joyful, joyful, delighted all those who are given up for dead today, rejected the migration, the bombed house, the defenders of peace derided by the warlords sitting in the chair (E. De Luca). Even before a linguistic formulation more effective and now, we run the risk of misunderstanding the message that the Beatitudes are meant to communicate. We could understand it more as a call to return to the ranks of people who choose the good, at the cost of remaining at the margins, to embrace a life more dignified and virtuous. If so, the Beatitudes still remain a moral discourse - perhaps the most beautiful ever released from human breath - which, after all, once again announces the man, see that happiness lies elsewhere! If you strive, if you agree, if you agree to be poor and humble, then here, finally, to find happiness. Not where you are now. Not here, not now.
Latest? Happy!
But the opposite is true. The Beatitudes of Jesus announcing that there is no need to go to be happy. Not anymore. In fact, the only non-moralistic reading of these words is that which points out that whoever is speaking - the Lord Jesus - especially speaks from his own experience, that he wishes to broaden and to propose to any man. His experience is a way of life, full membership, faithful to the logic of the Incarnation. Have chosen to dwell in the flesh of our humanity allows Jesus to proclamare che la realtà, così come essa è – e non come noi vorremmo che fosse – può diventare il luogo della nostra gioia e il tempo della nostra sazietà. Le Beatitudini sono il contrario di ogni spiritualità che punta in alto in termini comparativi, illudendoci che una vita santa sia quella che si rivela più buona, più giusta, più coerente rispetto alla mediocrità diffusa. Tutto il contrario: le Beatitudini ci invitano a spegnere i motori e a puntare in basso, fino a credere che non esiste altro che possa donarci felicità se non quello che siamo e ciò che la vita ci permette di essere. Non dicono che dobbiamo essere meek, pure, poor, have access to the declaration rather than gifts of God, to the extent that we remain in the alley of our lives and we offer a humble consent to reality as we meet, then we can discover that through their tears and suffering you experience the joy of becoming men and women to the end. Away from heroism and victims, with the calm realization that this task we are "called" by God is the only way - very natural - we realize that we can not cry in front of evil, lay down their weapons when confronted with injustice, to reject some motions of the heart to be able to purify, have to hope to receive mercy, fight for justice for the world to become the home for all, not to take anything, because everything there has always been given.
To be happy - announce the Beatitudes - no need to go elsewhere. Just honor the land where God's providence has placed in our lives. Without illusions, without fear. The God who has immersed himself fully in our humanity makes us able to stay in the lane with the hope of our existence. Up to make it through the scent of our humanity, earth friendly, full of fruit, place of happiness, to enjoy and share with everyone. Humbly.
Readings: 2 Tim 1.1 to 8 / Ps 95 / Lk 10.1-9
OTHER APOSTLES
Un'indicazione lit to celebrate and reflect today's feast is offered to us by 'start the Gospel where the Lord Jesus, immediately after repeating the radical demands of discipleship, extends the call to proclaim the kingdom to "seventy others' disciples when he sent" two by two ahead of him in every town and place he intended to visit "(Luke 10:1). This surprising decision to enlarge the circle of collaborators, just when those already seem uncertain outcome. Even the disconcerting fact that the new apostles are sent "before" in the face of their Master, in being so demanding as to follow in becoming liberal precede. This generous and trusting nature of God, which emerges from the words and gestures of Christ, is the background to the figures of Timothy and Titus, two beautiful fruits of the conversion of Saint Paul and his missionary activities. Having heard "the promise of life which is in Christ Jesus" (2 Tim 1:1), the two saints became disciples and companions of the apostle, by joining the community of believers to become the pastors of the churches of Ephesus and Crete.
The announcement of the Kingdom is a task that the Lord delivered to our hands with great optimism, extending day by day the number of those called, the boundaries of reality is illuminated by the Gospel . This requires that each of us is get involved in first person, assuming the task of embodying God's word in "every town and place" where our humanity is placed alongside that of others, to become a living parable of communion possible between God's children
not We just have to find ourselves a bit 'of that optimism in the hope of being able "to live in this world with justice and love of children" (Prayer), because we too are other apostles of the Lord needs. Just this world that we often only threatening judge and indifferent in the eyes of God is an "abundant harvest" (Luke 10:2), full of brothers who are waiting the oil of consolation and the announcement of peace: "It's close to you the kingdom of God" (10.9). If faith can never be imposed, it is true that more needs to be cheerfully given. The fruits of this broadcast, which can not be discounted, are described by Paul himself when he writes to Timothy: "I am reminded of your sincere faith, which also had your grandmother Lois and your mother Eunice and now, I am sure , is also in you "(2 Tim 1:5). The Spirit received in baptism, which combined our life in the Paschal Mystery of Christ and his mission, is a "gift of God" (2.6) that must be continually refreshed, so you do not weaken becoming "a spirit of timidity," but the spirit remains in us as "strength, charity and prudence" (2 Tim 1:7). Only then, without shame and with confidence, we can "to give witness to our Lord," giving all the comfort of good news: "It is stable over the world, not be moved" (Responsorial Psalm).
Readings: At 9.1-22 / Ps 116 / Mk 16.15-18
A EYES OFF
The memory of the Apostle Paul's conversion, which came late (X sec.) Feasts of the Roman calendar, offers the entire Christian community an opportunity to meditate on the transformation that the Spirit of the Risen Lord wants to accomplish in the life of "every creature" (Mark 16:15) baptized in his name. While we are rather inclined to think that conversion is a strong and sudden change of life, reserved for special people, Paul's experience gives us the image of a mysterious process that is waiting to be realized in the hearts of everyone. The episode critical of this route - told three times in the book of Acts and in Galatians - happens to Saul on the road to Damascus, where he is on his way to "bring them bound to Jerusalem" all the disciples of the Lord "that he found, men and women belonging to this Way "(Acts 9:2). Paul the Pharisee, full of "zeal for God" (22:3) and belief in what he is doing, is suddenly "on land" blinded by "a light from heaven" (9.3), while a voice forced him to go find the motivation for his "spirit of threats and killings" in the name of God, "Saul, Saul, why do you persecute me?" (9.4). The grace of the Lord intervenes in the future Apostle of the Gentiles in the form of light that obscures his view: "Saul got up from the ground but then he opened his eyes he could see nothing" (9.8).
Although each of us can not enter the process of conversion if not dull eyes, since the overthrow interior inspired by the Spirit is not the passage from sin to grace, but a better Focus on the face of God, which translates into a renewed look at the reality. Before you give us a new way to go, the Lord needs to destroy the false image of him who dwells in our hearts, accompanying to the essential question: "Who are you, Lord?" (9.5). Only after accepting the destruction of the heart that thinks just, and have questioned the authenticity of the zeal in which phobias are often hidden and narcissism, can be filled with "Holy Spirit" (9:17) and become an "instrument" in God's hands, even prepared to "suffer" (9:16) because of the "Gospel" (Mk 16:15).
Faced with this unexpected havoc within, Paul can not do anything but be guided "by hand" (Acts 9:8) from others, to be able to recognize brothers in God's voice: "Saul, brother, I sent you the Lord Jesus who appeared to you on the road that runs through, because you may regain your sight and be filled with the Holy Spirit" (9:17). The direction of travel does not change, Paul will come to Damascus, where he was already going. The reality, however, have different outlines in his eyes. Not more than a land full of enemies to "stop" (9:14), but a community of brothers who bring the message of salvation: "Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved, but whoever does not believe will be condemned" ( Mark 16:16).
For us, certainly called to experience less remarkable than that of the Apostle Paul lived, the conversion must be a continuous motion of salvation, through which the illusion of being right, gives way to the joy of being saved. Knowingly expose themselves to the risk of this reversal, so essential to be celebrated as a liturgical feast, is the only way to be "witnesses of truth 'and' always walk in the way of the Gospel" (cf. Collect). As his father used to say A. Louf: "Out of the conversion are far from the truth out of love and God."
Readings: Is 8.23 \u200b\u200bb-9, 3 / Ps 26 / 1 Cor 1,10-13.17 / Mt from 4.12 to 23
AND THE HORN LIGHT
Behold, the Lord comes to take upon himself the sin of the world. It chooses to do so in a surprising way, beautiful. It takes at last start reading Matthew's Gospel, on Sundays in Ordinary Time, we will savor the good news of "God with us" (Matthew 1:23). A strong news like the sound of a horn, shining like the light of a torch.
On the day of Midian
As soon as you know "that John was arrested, Jesus retreats" in the Galilee (Mt 4:12), precisely "in the territory of Zebulun and Naphtali" (4:13), a border region defined, with some contempt, "Galilee of the Gentiles" (4:15). This part of the northern kingdom of Israel had become, after the invasion of the Assyrians and the deportation of two people (732/721 BC), a crossroads of cultures, religious traditions, languages \u200b\u200band races, a world-like complex on the outskirts of our cities, similar to the cultural periphery is the time in which we live. The Lord Jesus chose to begin right here the proclamation of the Gospel! Not only because it is close to "Nazareth" (4:13), where he grew up, but also because here the words of the prophets are the best implementation. The evangelist Matthew in fact reads the beginning of the preaching of Jesus through an oracle of Isaiah, which announces the redemption in every suburb and every "dark earth" (Is 9:1) through the action of God: "Because you broken the yoke that oppressed him, the bar on his shoulders, and the rod of their oppressor, as in the day of Midian "(9.3). The name indicates the Midianites Midian, a strong people and feared at the time when Israel reached the Promised Land after the Exodus from slavery in Egypt. The Israelites were so oppressed by this opponent who had to live in caves and caverns (Judges 6). Finally, through the valiant Gideon Israel one day find the courage to rebel. But the army is in the eyes of God, even too large. Thirty-two thousand men of the Lord makes only three hundred remain, because the people do not brag, thinking to be the author of the victory (Judges 7.2). To achieve the improbable victory Gedeone ago surround the camp of Midian, giving each a horn and a torch hidden in an empty jug. At the sound of horns, the pitchers are broken, and when suddenly shines the light of torches, the Midianites are in panic, beginning "to run, screaming, to flee" (7:21). In the chaos that is created, "the Lord gave to each man's sword against his companion throughout the camp" (7:22). Israel is thus able to defeat the enemy without lifting a finger!
Horn
Jesus borrows this episode and it applies to himself, to what he is about to turn in favor of "those who lived in the region and shadow of death" (Matt. 4:16). His voice is indeed powerful and loud, as Jewish shofar announcing the celebration of God: "Repent for the kingdom of heaven is at hand" (4:17). These words are like a cry that can scare off the enemies within ourselves first. We always too focused on what we are and we seem, what we do and produce, on results achieved and goals yet to be tracked. We simply too self-centered to be able to change their outlook on things, to realize that something - or rather someone - continuously takes the initiative to us. We, too busy building the next dose of pseudofelicità to note that - in the meantime - you put God to walk beside us, putting his kingdom at hand. The sound of the gospel overloading our complacency, because there is not something we announced that we did or we can finally turn our lives. But something that God has done and will do. Something that we realize, if we accept to stop and turn his gaze.
The pitcher and the torch
The horn alone is not enough. We also need the pitcher and the torch to run away the darkness of night. They seem to have understood well the first disciples, called a two by two - called brothers - who left "the nets" (4:20), "the boat and their father and followed him" (4:22). They were all intent on everyday things, in the daily chores, when suddenly the light of the Gospel tells them that the meaning of their lives may be far greater, "Come after me, I will make you fishers of men" (4.19). As the pitchers that hid the torch around the camp of the Midianites, they too get caught up, and break the light of a new life is in them. The word of God is a force capable of breaking The pitcher who holds the true light hidden in us. This light is required to address the adventure of life. Without it we find it hard to remember that God is our Father, to see who around us like a brother to be at peace with the past, not to fear the present and the future. But when its glory gives peace to the heart and guide the journey, we realize that life is not a nightmare but a dream, that our destiny is not called loneliness, but possible "union of thought and feeling" (1 Cor 1, 10) with others, our brothers and sisters in humanity. In this dream we all share, all capable of. Simply - as Israel did against Midian - reduce the army of the answers which always attacked the reality, rather than listen. And then have the courage to give up some battles, and to discover what God is like a brave warrior who fought alongside us. A faithful friend, who is and who is always "close" to our humanity.
Even this morning a large group of athletes has decided to run together on the "training ground" stability "of 3C, or the bike path along the canal to Migliaro. The departure, as in the best traditions of companies, rather than be at 8.30 as planned is at 8.43. The first to arrive at 8.31 and Dalmatia "El Flaco" followed in the wake of Alle and Samu. Paola and come loose a little cream, and Presidentissimo Smiley. Cars, contrary to its nickname, comes with already 12 km walk on the rump of just anticipating Mussi, Fabio and Elena (all come with the Opel Zafira). Chicken also comes several minutes apart, but his arrival than that of Danis and Ube, united by diffuse swelling of the face, underlining the minutes elapsed since their awakening, arriving in the parking lot conemporanea! Despite the delayed start, Alessandro Poledri now extremely busy at work, he could in order to greet the merry band and appear in the photograph of the rite. Check out ..... and, although sometimes it is taking place in more stringent conditions, a cold breeze and annoying accompanied us all the 24km route along the canal until Casalbuttano! The "quote rosa" group, Paola, Dany and Elenita, setting the rhythm of breath, but at the end of the woods, that's incredible profile shows a figure from a friend! Mircobaldo, alias Mirco Bedoni, can not run for a slight injury, thought to make it even more enjoyable by our Sunday jog. Unexpected big surprise! Behind the camera, from which came a disco dance music that allowed our dancer, even professional Ballarino Smiley to engage in one of his hip movements that made him famous in the world, we found a table spread with: homemade pie ( very good), basket with cookies, chocolate, hot tea, water and supplements. There was no wedding cake with a figurine of the couple above! After "brushed" everything we broken! What can I say ..... thanks Mircobaldo
Readings: Is 49,3.5-6 / Ps 39 / 1 Cor 1.1 to 3 / Jn 1.29 to 34
HERE!
Before handing over to the Evangelist Matthew and the word - the gospel that browsed on from next Sunday - the liturgy offers us a final encounter with John the Baptist, the great prophet who has guided us in Advent journey. The gospel for this Sunday is all about to cry that he pronounced 'saw Jesus coming toward him "(Jn 1:29). These words, which repeat in the heart of every celebration of the Eucharist, may accompany our entry into the new liturgical year, giving us a simple and profound look at the reality of Christ: "Behold the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world!" (1.29).
See
"Here! You do not seem trivial by the Baptist exclaimed the first word, this tiny adverb we use so often in everyday life. In greek its etymology is related to the verb "see." This is not just a way to attract any attention to what you are going to say, but almost an imperative that is born of wonder and invites participation. "Look, you see," repeated Giovanni Battista each of us this Sunday! The long time spent in the wilderness, where John was dedicated Listening to a deep and persistent use of the Scriptures, he forged his heart until it is fully sensitive to the passage in the fourth gospel of God to enter the scene of Jesus is very discreet. After the solemn prologue - where everything is said but nothing is told - no one notices that the "glory" (Is 49.3) of God dwells in the humanity of Jesus to "sign" (Jn 2:11) in Cana, where obedience to the word of Jesus brings back joy and wine at the wedding feast. Jesus enters the world and looks like an ordinary person, that true man born of Mary, so we lifted the cup of joy on Christmas Day. The Baptist is the first man to contemplate in him the presence of the "Holy Spirit" (1:33) and to confess, "Son of God" (1.34). His caring imperative could then turn into a question: "Look! (I) see? ". The presence of God in history is indeed mild, discreet. Only the eyes that await the capture. Only the heart that want to recognize it. The Lord Jesus is never imposed our eyes, but continuously aims and approaches. He does mingling with the flock of men, not just proclaim "good shepherd" (10:14), but could be tender as lamb, first as a "servant" (Is 49.3) of the Lord, "Meek and humble of heart" (Mt 11:29).
Remove
But why - we might ask - is necessary throughout this gentleness in a world ever more clearly in need of a salvation and a Saviour ? Because his is an extraordinarily delicate mission. John says that he who takes away the sin of the world. " The Italian translation captures the similarity with the most famous Latin formula - "Agnus Dei here Tollis peccata mundi ..." - not the substance of the verb greek ( airein , 'lift', 'take'). The task of the lamb is not so much to take away sin, but to take it upon himself to lift with his power to prevent the world succumbs to his unbearable burden. Remove is often an illusion with which we relate to evil and suffering, naively believe that there is the possibility of removing the dross of life, perhaps working a bit 'about ourselves and about our capacity for acceptance. Lift and take of love are verbs, the gestures of one who does not ask more 'why' and 'wherefores', but acts as a heart capable of pity and thus to share. Acts of God, in fact.
Sanctify
We are willing to accept us as we are only up to a certain extent. Remains a residual uncomfortable and smelly, dark segment of our existence with which we are in eternal conflict. It is our sin, our distance from the truth, the good, the good that God has sown in our land and, unfortunately, still does not bear fruit. Indeed, it exhibits rotten fruit, which we ourselves are the first to discard. The Gospel announces, assures us that there is someone who is willing to bundle this bad get it. Someone who is willing to lift us from the intolerable weight on his shoulders and also put the shame that we carry. One who is not on our side on alternate days, but always, because the Spirit - Love - and determine its principle of action. John testifies forcefully: "I covered the Spirit descending like a dove from heaven and remain upon him" (Jn 1:32). From the fact that the Lamb of God takes seriously and concretely our life comes an amazing result: while he becomes like / with us, we too become like / with him. Christian theology calls this process 'sanctification'. The apostle Paul, with boldness and exuberance, had been realized by defining the members of the "Church of God" as "those who have been sanctified in Christ Jesus, called to be saints, together with all" (1 Cor 1:2). Holiness is in fact not a path free from mistakes and failures, but in the willingness to receive a daily guide and the company of someone who can really bring all the "sin of the world," because he created this world and so loves Jesus Christ, the Son of God
Readings: Is 42,1-4.6-7 / Psalm 28 / Acts 10.34-38 / Mt 3:13-17
ANY JUSTICE
The Feast of the Baptism of the Lord Jesus closes the Christmas season, saving it from any possible misunderstanding and reduction. Christmas is only part of the celebration of the tenderness of God which is manifested in the flesh of a small child. Christmas is also a manifestation of "righteousness" (Matt. 3:15) who wants to subvert the course of our mundane and often mediocre human pathways. Only two gospels - Matthew and Luke - The so-called recount childhood of the Master. For two others the Good News of Christ begins with a dive in the waters of the Jordan. A baptism of solidarity with the man who is to come to terms with the bitter threshold of sin, who knows the day of his mate, invincible, weakness.
Wonder
John the Baptist was an extraordinary man, a prophet consistent, a true messenger of God among his people. A person aware of his mission and his preaching. The life and preaching of John reveals a quality high human, a wonderful tension to justice, a magnetic inner freedom. The Gospel accounts, we can imagine him as an able to talk with crowds and with truth, to break the heart with a sincere and touching preaching. John moved from the free patterns and conventions that often cast on our communications, making them too politically correct , empty, of prophecy, poor in truth. Yet, this high profile and rock seems to waver a moment when "Jesus came from Galilee to the Jordan to be baptized by him" (3:13). John unexpectedly experiences a moment of hesitation and tries to prevent Jesus to submit to him: "It's me that I need to be baptized by you, and you come to me?" (3:14). It is not difficult to see why. John - in full harmony with many other prophets - was expecting a mighty God and justice, before whom the man had to do preliminary fine. Certainly not a God-looking "meek and humble of heart" (11:29), in solidarity with sinners enough to get in line with them. John had not yet realized that God had decided to meet "all righteousness" (3:15).
Justice full
is certainly right that those who wrong you pay, that is to be punished who has behaved badly. Is it correct to think that whoever has stolen return the stolen goods, that those who have damaged shelters. But there is also a justice further. The heart of the Lord knows and pursues. For God is just that if one has lost their life may find that if a sin can be forgiven, if one is guilty is not condemned, but saved. This too was written in the scrolls of the Prophets and in the heart of the Master Jesus, "Have I any pleasure in the death of the villain - says the Lord - or rather that he should turn from his way and live?" (Ezekiel 18:23). John realizes - Perhaps for the first time - that God has already decided to implement "all righteousness" in the history of mankind through His Son Jesus and "let him" (Mt 3:15). Jesus is immersed in water, he sees the Spirit of God descending and lighting on Him, and behold, "a voice from heaven," confirms the enormity of the event: "This is my Son, my beloved: I have in him am well pleased "(3:17). The voice that thundered on the banks of the Jordan is to us - certainly not to the Lord - to understand how great is God's initiative toward us. The Baptism of the man Jesus is nothing more than confirmation of the birth of child Jesus, lining up with us and our need for salvation, we announce that God is willing to play with us. Shows us that God, in his search for communion with man, is willing to kneel down and to reach the spot where the winding paths of life and our sins are leading us.
younger brother
God reveals himself brother to all of us would say, St. Francis, who chose this name for his brothers. Smaller than all expectations, more meek and humble of all fear that we can have him. And we we are called to discern in this the most clear lowering of love, beauty for which to strive with our steps. Baptism brings to completion the Christmas season because it makes us understand how the incarnation of God expresses solidarity with our beautiful and disconcerting humanity. Jesus falls in the most depressed of Palestine (the region of the Jordan and the Dead Sea is below sea level!) To assume our role, to fill the place which belongs to us. This way of asking for God to do "all righteousness" with us. Without losing dignity, God reveals himself willing to mat with us, to show his compassion towards those parts of us where we are able not to be in solidarity with ourselves. In today's feast, we have the opportunity to understand what gift God has done with the birth of His Son. That, in this year which opens up before us, we can justify stop in front of the mirror of our ego or to meet the expectations of others, and begin to recognize and loved justified, in front of a father who wanted to play full with us, giving us what was most precious. One day, in fact, God came to dwell among us. For over thirty years has been our neighbor, building benches, tables and stools. Then one day he got up and got in line with us, "and healing" (Acts 10:38) our humanity. Thus the Lord Jesus continues to do today: dwelt among us, with infinite discretion puts his infinite life next to ours. Then, suddenly, it opens our eyes "blind" (Is 42.7) that do not yet see his infinite love and asks us to follow him. To announce to the world that "God does not show favoritism" (Acts 10:34), that he is "the Lord of all" (10:36). Especially "those who live - again - in darkness" (Is 42.7) of sin and loneliness.
Readings: Sir 24,1-4.12-16 / Ps 147 / Eph 1,3-6.15-18 / Jn 1:1-18
true light
After the feast of festivals and prayers, lunches and dinners, the Christmas season in this Second Sunday continues to deepen the mystery of the incarnation of God, with the intention of showing "the plan of love" (Eph 1:5) Our lives are placed on 'what hope "(1:18) it is lawful to found the path of this new year.
Lights
With patience and wisdom, still lingers on the solemn liturgy of John's prologue, played on Christmas Day. Domina this page poetic and theological metaphor of "light", presented as a creative force that gives "life" (1.4) 'everything that exists "(1.3) and that proves unbeatable darkness," the light shines in the darkness and the darkness could not overpower "(1.5). John weaves the plot of this reflection by making an explicit reference to Genesis, using the same incipit literary: "In the beginning" (Jn 1:1, cf. Genesis 1:1). The intention seems pretty obvious: the coming in human flesh of logos eternal God is comparable to a true recreation of the world. But the comparison with the Genesis account puts us immediately on guard against the risk of being confined to a simplistic wonder. Telling the creation, the sacred author makes reference to a first "light" - that responds to the peremptory command of God: "Let there be light" (Gen 1:3) - and, later, other "lights" that fulfill the task to distinguish between regular and day and night (cf. Gen 1.14 to 16). So there are lights and lamps, or light and better light inside the reality. This corresponds to what John was anxious to explain later in the prologue, "was the world the true light that enlightens every man" (Jn 1:9). The festival of light - that is Christmas - and first ever want us to regain the necessary distinction between the different lights in the world and the light of the world, which is the "beloved Son" (Eph 1:6) of God in whom we we are all "sons" (1.5). Many natural glow accompany and guide our path in life, but it is the sense of our wanderings in this world. Paul she exclaimed without hesitation: "Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ who has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in Christ in heaven. He chose us in him before the creation of the world to be holy and blameless before him in love "(1:3-4).
Light
The true light - that which is opposed to darkness and is capable of winning - a light source is not comparable to the other, however, essential to ordinary life of the world, like the sun, moon and stars. The true light is the deep sense of reality, a mystery of great love and unstoppable which coincides with the reality of God and his love of excess. However, this authentic light, in relation to human beings, facing the meeting - never assume - with the mystery of other freedoms, our "He was in the world and the world was made through him, yet the world did not recognize him. He came to his, and his own did not receive him "(Jn 1:10-11). Undoubtedly, the ability to see things through the eyes of the body is a wonderful gift that not everyone has. But knowing how to see things not just in real life, you must also understand the meaning, being able to see their truth, that is their meaning. To see the reality just a moment, to understand the meaning of a story - maybe our - sometimes a lifetime is not enough. And - unfortunately or fortunately - we can be happy only to the extent that we understand what "treasure" is hidden in the tangle of our days, our smiles and our mistakes, such as "hope" (Eph 1:18) the Lord 're handing to our hearts.
See
There is a truth to say: until we are able to see things from that plan of love that is Christ - the 'beloved Son' (1.6) - and we can not see Christ in the things - good and bad - the true light does not illuminate even our eyes and our journey. This is why the reality is able to sadden us, paralyze, frighten with its daily events, we can not read except under the criteria of this world. So there is a solitude as a misfortune, an illness as a problem to be avoided, a blow like an unjust punishment. Whoever receives the light of Christ - that is, who let themselves be transformed by the poor and humble his humanity - instead begins to see another reality: an opportunity to learn to forgive in a betrayal, a chance to grow in a difficult moment, a chance to surrender to God within a disconcerting unexpectedly. Not because the Christian is a kind of visionary or dreamer, but because - accepting the Son of God - it turns out in reality able to see the "power" (Jn 1:12), the constant opportunity to become too son This grace of God is not a gift granted. To be able to welcome you deny, with great clarity, all the other lights that, ordinarily, we entrust our steps. You must be willing to recognize that much of our life is still hidden from light. When in fact we are accustomed to twilight hate bright light that will pierce our darkness. Only to the extent that we deny our darkness we can deliver to the risk of the true light that enlightens every man wants and all our humanity. Christmas breaks up the shutters of our dens and asked to live, illuminating the spaces of our review. With its huge, incredible news, Christmas communicates the joy of a truth that none of us could be, but - above all - that nothing and nobody can take away: we are children of God's Chosen, created, loved, wanted always to forever. A God happened to have children and those children we are. This wonder - which is not poetry but reality - This is where you can build hope for this new year. The title of the new chapter we are going to write in the book of our lives.