Fabio's Three Gifts To Jesus

In a Christmas letter I received from the Superior of the Missionaries of Charity, there is a wonderful story about a little boy named Fabio. Fabio learns that Jesus thirsts for us. Jesus wants to take all our problems and pains to Himself - and set us free. This freedom is our Christian hope. We await that glorious reality. Because of this knowing, our lives are forever changed.

Here is Fabio's story...

Fabio, 8 years old, is sitting in front of the crib and gazing at Baby Jesus. After some time he falls asleep and in his dream Baby Jesus becomes alive and looks at him with loving eyes and gently smiles at him. Jesus moves his lips, saying: "Fabio, will you give me three gifts?" He loved Baby Jesus very much and he thinks that maybe Jesus will ask him for his new bicycle, the new picture book and his new sweater. Seeing Jesus' expecting eyes, Fabio answers bravely: "Yes, Jesus, whatever you ask from me, I will give it to you."

"Fabio, will you give me the last composition you wrote at school?" Fabio holds his breath: "But Jesus, that one with the teacher's remark "failed"?" "Fabio, that one I want you to give to me and promise me that everything that fails in your life, you will always give to me." Fabio is relieved: "Yes, Jesus, I promise to do that."

"The second gift I want you to give me is your milk glass." Fabio feels very bad. "Jesus, it is broken." "I want it, and promise me that you will give me all that is broken in your life. Will you do that?" Fabio promised it willingly.

"The third gift I ask from you is the answer you gave your mother, when she asked you, how your milk glass got broken." Now Fabio breaks into tears, and cries bitterly: "This I cannot give you, Jesus. I told a lie, saying it dropped from my hand, but in reality I had smashed it on the floor in anger." "I want you to give me this lie, and all the lies in your life. Will you do that?" Fabio's eyes are downcast, slowly he lifts his head and he looks at Jesus' loving eyes and his gentle smile. Hope and trust fill his heart as he promises: "Yes, Jesus, I will always give you my lies."

Then Fabio wakes up and his heart is filled with deep peace and a new joy. He knows: "Jesus, my Saviour, is born in my heart today."

The Holy Family of Jesus, Mary And Joseph

Consecration to the Holy Family

O Jesus, our most loving Redeemer, who having come to enlighten the world with Thy teaching and example, didst will to pass the greater part of Thy life in humility and subjection to Mary and Joseph in the poor home of Nazareth, thus sanctifying the Family that was to be an example for all Christian families, graciously receive our family as it dedicates and consecrates itself to Thee this day. Do Thou protect us, guard us and establish amongst us Thy holy fear, true peace and concord in Christian love: in order that by living according to the divine pattern of Thy family we may be able, all of us without exception, to attain to eternal happiness.

Mary, dear Mother of Jesus and Mother of us, by the kindly intercession make this our humble offering acceptable in the sight of Jesus, and obtain for us His graces and blessings.

O Saint Joseph, most holy Guardian of Jesus and Mary, help us by thy prayers in all our spiritual and temporal needs; that so we may be enabled to praise our divine Savior Jesus, together with Mary and thee, for all eternity.

Our Father, Hail Mary and Glory be (3X). Amen.

St. Stephen's Day

At that time, as the number of disciples continued to grow, the Hellenist (Greek-speaking) Christians complained about the Hebrew-speaking Christians, saying that their widows were being neglected in the daily distribution. So the Twelve called together the community of the disciples and said, It is not right for us to neglect the word of God to serve at table. Brothers, select from among you seven reputable men, filled with the Spirit and wisdom, whom we shall appoint to this task, whereas we shall devote ourselves to prayer and to the ministry of the word. The proposal was acceptable to the whole community, so they chose Stephen, a man filled with faith and the Holy Spirit.... (Acts 6:1-5)

Today is St. Stephen's Day. St. Stephen, the protomartyr and archdeacon, gave his life for Christ. St. Stephen is a most special saint for all deacons today, especially the permanent deacon. The permanent deacon is a unique sign and instrument of what Jesus Christ is for the Church, and of what the Church must be for the sake of Christ. The permanent deacon serves the bishop. He serves in two worlds, the secular and the Church, although these worlds are closely intertwined. Most permanent deacons are married with children, they work full time jobs, they minister to the poor and downtrodden - and also serve at the altar. Please pray for deacons and for diaconal vocations.

It’s Christmas time in New Jersey! Merry Christmas!

It’s Christmas time in New Jersey

“It’s Christmas time in New Jersey, come see and hear,

all the sights, sounds and the glow and sparkle of lights so pretty,

that comprise the heartbeat, rhythm and sparkle of our great,

big wonderful welcoming state and cities.

It’s Christmas time in New Jersey our cities, towns and villages,

are now all adorned in their most glorious dress,

as church elders prepare the baby Jesus creche.

Christmas trees on town halls, stores, homes, lawns and malls are all shining bright.

Gaily decorated in colored bells, tinsel, garlands, angels and lights, that glow and sparkle day and night,

boy oh boy what a magnificent and inspirational sight.

As Santa Clause makes out his Christmas list, making sure no girl or boys requested

toy will be forgot or missed. as Santa Claus extends his warm and welcoming Christmas

greeting to everyone throughout our great state.

” Merry,Merry Christmas and a happy New Year to one and all.
”For, it’s Christmas time in New Jersey.”

©Joseph P. Martino – Poet, Writer Millburn

above Photo "Cristmas Trees in Brookdale Park©bjm

Alma Redemptoris Mater

Revered mother of our Redeemer,
the way to heaven for us, now and always,
come to our help as we fall and strive to rise.

All nature stood still in wonder
when you gave flesh
to your own flesh’s Creator.
Virgin at Gabriel’s greeting,
Virgin now and always –
take pity on us sinners.

"Tis Love That's Born Tonight!

Last year I received as a gift the James Taylor Christmas CD. One of the songs on the CD is "Some Children See Him." I don't know why, but I had never heard this song before. It was written by Wihla Hutson & Alfred S. Burt in 1951. I sat down and listened - the marriage of the words and music were overwhelming. It is one of the finest songs I have ever heard. It touched my heart. And it is an important song - especially today.

Some children see Him lily white,
the baby Jesus born this night.
Some children see Him lily white,
with tresses soft and fair.
Some children see Him bronzed and brown,
The Lord of heav'n to earth come down.
Some children see Him bronzed and brown,
with dark and heavy hair.

Some children see Him almond-eyed,
this Savior whom we kneel beside.
some children see Him almond-eyed,
with skin of yellow hue.
Some children see Him dark as they,
sweet Mary's Son to whom we pray.
Some children see him dark as they,
and, ah! they love Him, too!

The children in each different place
will see the baby Jesus' face
like theirs, but bright with heavenly grace,
and filled with holy light.
O lay aside each earthly thing
and with thy heart as offering,
come worship now the infant King.
'Tis love that's born tonight!

Wihla Hutson & Alfred S. Burt 1951

St. Dominic of Silos, 4th Sunday of Advent

Saint Dominic of Silos

(Santo Domingo de Silos) (1000—December 20, 1073) is a Spanish saint, to whom the Monastery of Santo Domingo de Silos is dedicated.Dominic was a saint who loved solitude. Christians are called to spend time in solitude, most especially now in this Advent season. Today is the Fourth Sunday of Advent. Very soon our Saviour will be born to us. Are we ready? Maybe today is that time to spend in quiet reflection, on the meaning of this season, on the meaning of the Incarnation, of "God with us."

Last evening we experienced our first snowstorm here in New Jersey.
I love the snow - it makes everything quiet. Maybe today's weather is a gift from God, it tells us to slow down, listen to His words, and dream of heavenly things.

In the words of Thomas Merton:

"Solitude is not something you must hope for in the future. Rather, it is a deepening of the present, and unless you look for it in the present you will never find it."


* Image B-R, My Backyard