Encounter with Jesus

12-24-2023Weekly ReflectionFr. Bing Colasito

The first time I had a real encounter with Jesus came unexpectedly. I was in my last year of engineering studies when I met the Gen Youth group of the Focolare Movement. Their smile, the joy they radiate, and their genuine concern for one another impressed me enough to inspire me to change my life. For one, the way I see the world and how I want to live my life. The more I got to know their charism, the more excited I was to try it. The movement espouses the charism of UNITY the prayer of Jesus That all may be one(Jn. 17:21)and embracing Jesus forsaken: In my life, my brothers and sisters, and in every moment. I relearned the spirituality of how to love God, others, and myself.

Sometimes, simple words of wisdom can change lives. I remember a story of a man who had a big fight with his brother-in-law. He could not even remember what the fight was all about, but the experience was so hurtful and heart wrenching that it also affected his relationship with his sister. For years, he did not speak to both. Truly, Pride builds walls, but humility builds bridges. A friend suggested he write a letter to his sister and brother in law and say how sorry he was for the incident. The good friend says that if CHRISTMAS has any meaning at all it is that God and sinners reconcile, and He calls us to be with one another.

After Christmas, the good friend received a call from his friend: You are an angel to me. Ecstatic, he told him the effect of his letter the sister cried and called to invite him to come to her home on Christmas day (as she used to do) because she had a GIFT for him. The GIFT was the loving FORGIVENESS from the sister and the brother-in-law. The good friend was the healing angel of the friend to his sister and brother-in-law. We all could be angels of healing to one another and effect change in the lives of others, especially this Christmas. In the Annunciation, we recall the visit of St. Gabriel to Mama Mary and how the visit completely changed the heart of the Blessed Virgin Mother. From the initial disbelief to complete openness to God. Behold, I am the handmaid of the Lord. Be it done to me according to your word. (Lk. 1:38)

One of the prayers the priest used to say while vesting is: Cleanse me, O Lord, and purify my heart, that washed in the blood of the lamb, I may attain everlasting joy. May our lives continue to become like that of Jesus, who lives in us. Lord, make us a peaceful instrument of your peace!

GREATEST GIFT OF GOD: JESUS being born into our HEARTS Receive the GOOD NEWS of great JOY today in the City of David, a Savior is born. This Christmas, let us accommodate and share our sacred space with Joseph and Mary for a crib in our hearts for the Baby Jesus. To celebrate Jesus coming at Christmas Share our HEARTS (that received Jesus), our LOVE, and our JOY. Christmas is just starting; let us share our gifts: Gifts of our HEART, LOVE, and JOY are the best ingredients of a truly Blessed and Merry Christmas.

Blessed Christmas to all of us!

Fr. Bing Colasito