Abbey-Roads2

Pictured: Scene from “The Talented Mr. Ripley.”

“Lie to me” by Jonny Lang - remember that song - I wonder if it’s written on my forehead? Well, lately, that’s just about all I’ve been hearing. If not out and out lies, then dissimulation and deceit.

I was speaking to a friend who once lived in Rome and when the conversation turned to someone we both know, she said “Oh! You can’t believe a word he says.” I had heard that before about this person, but coming from a friend I know well and trust, these suspicions were more or less confirmed. It turns out the individual is something of a pathological liar. (Did you ever see “The Talented Mr. Ripley” - this fellow reminds me of Tom Ripley…scary.)

Coincidentally, I was speaking to a woman who is friends with an individual whom I also know well. The discussion turned to some negative experiences in our relationship with him - mostly involving conflicts concerning confidences. Although I realized that he is also something of a gossip and detractor. He has not been above resorting to flattery in order to elicit information about others - which he repeats of course. (Unfortunately, this friend we had been discussing is also a cleric. This conversation with my friend, in addition to others I’ve had with our mutual friend, taught me an old lesson. Not to engage in, or listen to talk about others, it does nothing but bring down one’s spirit, and the reputation of others.)

Needless to say, I was rather discouraged with these revelations. I’m not a conspiracy theorist, but an environment of lies can leave the impression that no one is to be trusted. That is exactly what happens when lies infect relationships and permeate society - no one can be trusted. I think this may be why there is a breakdown of confidence in the Church as well. Aren’t there any straight-talkers anymore?

“I will not let you go until you bless me.” - Genesis 32:27

Sometimes people can pray for years and years for a certain intention; perhaps to gain control over a predominant fault, for the conversion of a relative, for the healing of a disease or illness, or to overcome an addiction, and so on.  In these cases, especially when there is great struggle, either between depression and hope, sin and repentance, confidence and doubt - whatever the case may be - it can often seem as if God is refusing to hear our prayer.  Yet the soul continues to implore God’s help - I believe this is when one’s prayer can seem to be a “wrestling with God”.  I’m also fairly certain there is a deeper issue at stake, much deeper than the obvious intention of the person praying, concerning the prayer’s very salvation.

I’m convinced that this wrestling, or rather, our perseverance in prayer, is essential to our sanctification.  It is the motive which keeps us clinging to God in hope.  In fact, it is certain that all of the virtues are strengthened in and through the struggles we encounter in life.  The story of Jacob’s nocturnal wrestling with the angel, may image for us this struggle, demonstrating how intimately engaged, intertwined as it were, with God the soul is - even in a state of crises.  Despite the intense struggle, Jacob refused to let go, insisting, “I will not let you go until you bless me.” 

Was Jacob blessed?  Yes, and he came away with a limp. 

The little Jesus likes to wrestle.

Maybe, for some of us, our struggles, our failures, our impairments, or our intense desire for the conversion of another, become the only means by which God can hold our attention and keep us clinging to him.  If all of our prayers were answered as we thought they should be, when we felt they should be, we might easily drift away from God in our complacency.  More importantly, we may not have acquired valuable self-knowledge nor experienced the mercy of God; perhaps more significantly, we may have missed opportunities to grow in confidence and love.

I often  think that the little Jesus likes to wrestle.  With some souls, such as little Therese, he seemed content to be asleep, apparently ignorant of her desires and aspirations, as if to test her patience and devotion.  With others, he delighted in showing them  their miseries in order that they might grow in self-knowledge and humility - in the light of his mercy of course.  In whatever manner he choses to “play” with us, he always does so for the good of our souls… even in the darkest night, and even when he permits us to be wounded.  While he delights to hear us say - “I will not let you go until you bless me.”

And sometimes, if we listen very closely to the silence in the night, we may hear his little voice whisper, “Since he clings to me in love, I will free him…” - Psalm 90:14

The 12th day of Christmas.

Twelfth Night is the Feast of the Epiphany, from the Greek term, as well as mythology, referring to the point where a god traveling among men makes himself manifest; the manifestation in this case being of the Infant Jesus, Christ our God, to the Three Wise Men - representative of the Gentiles. As everyone ought to know, the Twelve Days of Christmas refers to the period between Christmas and Epiphany; prior to modern times it was customary for gifts to be given on Epiphany rather than Christmas itself, in commemoration of the gifts presented by the Three Kings, magi, astrologers, whatever is the current translation of the NAB. In Italy and other Latin countries, it is yet celebrated with gifts.

Now ye mockers of contemporary names, hear ye this:

The given name “Tiffany” actually derives from “Epiphany” and was indeed a name originally given to girls born on or about this date; hence, it is a medieval name - dating to England in the mid-14th century. (Some people like to make fun of contemporary names for children - stop that!) - 12th Night Celebrations.

Romantic Lords, 12th Night would be the loveliest night to present your fair maiden with a lovely betrothal ring. Other fine gifts would be an expensive parfume or cologne, or something as simple as a scented candle, or a fine wine - even the most delicious chocolat. All keeping in the tradition of Epiphany romance…thus, surprise your lover with a treasured gift! (It is the night for romance and fun! Maybe much more so than New Years!)

The Bris of Jesus. 

New Year’s Day is really just another day - which also happens to be the first day of the secular calendar year.  Liturgically it is the Octave of Christmas, the feast of the Mother of God, and before the Council, the feast was known as the Circumcision of the Lord.  (Fr. Blake has an interesting reflection on the feast.)  What follows is an explanation of what a “Bris” or circumcision is, and its meaning in Jewish culture.

Feast of the Circumcision of the Lord.

As well as the naming of Jesus. Some people think that it was a rite akin to Baptism, to purify the Jew from original sin - some fundamentalists think this. NOT. Here is a description for those who never watched the episode on “The Nanny” with Fran Drescher:

The Origin of Bris Milah (Circumcision)


Times change. Styles change. But some things never change: Bris Milah is one of them. It is a bond between God and the Jewish nation for all time. It is a bond that can never be broken.

When our forefather Abraham reached the ripe old age of 99 years (Genesis 17) the Almighty promised him that his descendants would have a special relationship with their Creator. This would forever be symbolized by the Bris Milah (Covenant of Circumcision). “This will be a sign of the covenant between Me and you”.

Abraham circumcised himself as well as all the men of his household. When his son Isaac was born, he too, underwent Bris Milah on the eighth day, as Divinely specified. (As did Jesus today.)

Heroism Throughout the Ages


Throughout the generations the Jewish people have been unyielding in performing this mitzvah. Bris Milah was often performed in secret, defying innumerable despots and hostile regimes.

Nazi Germany, Communist Russia, and ancient Greece and Rome all tried to ban Bris Milah. They understood correctly that this distinctive rite is the cornerstone of the Jewish faith, and that proscribing it would be the first step towards eliminating our nation.

The Jewish people, non-observant as well as observant, are uncompromising on this issue. They recognize that in order for their children to survive as Jews, they must induct them into the Divine covenant of Bris Milah. (The Child Jesus was no exception.)

The Mohel (pronounced, moiyh-el)


A Mohel performs the circumcision with spiritual intent. A Bris by a Mohel is more than a simple medical procedure; it is a connection with the Divine. At a Bris Milah blessings are said and prayers are recited as the child takes his place as a member of the Jewish people. Carried out according to Jewish tradition, Bris Milah is a profoundly moving experience for all in attendance. - Bris, Jewish Circumcision

Prayer 

“Jesus, sweetest Child, circumcised on the eighth day, called by the glorious name of Jesus, and by your name and your blood, revealed as the Savior of the world; have mercy on us!” - Carmelite novena to the Infant Jesus.

Mazel Tov!