God Became Man

God Became Man

 by Sr. Natalie Sayde Salameh

God became man,

a concept that baffles the mind.

God became man,

a light to the blind.

God became man,

could this possibly be?

God became man,

Yes, to set man free.

God became man,

because His essence is Love.

God became man,

to shower mercy from above.

God became man,

the Almighty, a child.

God became man,

so meek and so mild.

God became man,

on a cold winter’s night.

God became man,

and tyranny took flight.

God became man,

to show man the way.

God became man,

to keep sin at bay.

God became man,

so that we could approach.

God became man,

not to condemn or reproach.

God became man,

so that we could have life.

God became man,

so that we have a friend in strife.

God became man,

a sign of contradiction.

God became man,

this is no work of fiction.

God became man,

because His love is true.

God became man,

to make all things new.

God became man,

born today in a cave.

God became man,

to liberate and save.

God became man,

how can we overlook such love?

God became man,

let us echo the ‘gloria’ that came from above.

God became man,

the eagle born of a gentle dove,

God became man,

so let’s give love for love.

Feast of St.Nicholas

The following Homily was given by Fr. Herbert Nicholls on December 6th at the Mother of the Light Convent

This very popular saint whom we honor today has been patronized through the centuries on altars and in churches recognizing him as one who enjoys the presence of God. It is believed that he was born in the town of Myra in Lycia, which is now part of Muslim Turkey. He was well brought up by his parents and trod piously in their footsteps. At a very young age, he expressed interest in the teachings of the Church. Upon his parents’ death, he was left with a hefty inheritance which he determined to devote to works of charity.

 

Real face of Saint Nicholas 2014 Reconstruction

An opportunity arose when an impoverished father was unable to support his three daughters or find suitable husbands because of their poverty. In desperation he was going to hand them over to prostitution. Whether this story is fact there is a lesson which tells us that Nicholas, under the cover of darkness, threw three bags of gold through the window as dowries for the girls to attract husbands.

Perhaps today we might snicker not merely at the legend, but at the generosity of this humble old bishop. And perhaps that is why Pope John Paul II told us that a healthy church must learn to breathe with both lungs: east and west. While we concentrate on the natural generosity, the east concentrates on the gift of Mary and humility.

In the Roman Liturgy for today, we read from the Gospel of St. Mark (18:1-4). This is the pericope in which the Apostles ask: Who is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven? One might think that Jesus would say: Well you are! You have given up everything to follow me. But Jesus did not say that. Instead he lifted up a little child saying: Whoever embraces a little child such as this is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven.

At the Annunciation, Mary, though confused humbly embraces the will of God. She gives birth to Jesus who is the Christ. She is not only Christotokos, she is Theotokos. The one whom she lifts up is not only human but Son of God.

At the age of 12, Jesus is taken to Jerusalem. Her adolescent son whom she lifted up has disappeared and when found, He fills her with confusion and fear. His answer seemingly impolite and out of place is nonetheless accompanied by a return to love and obedience.

Twenty years later this grieving mother stands humbly beneath the Cross as His scourged body is lifted up. She weeps humbly beneath the Cross as He is taken down, placed in her arms in one final embrace.

The Archbishop in his homily continued describing the first Ecumenical Council at Nicaea where a priest, Arius, promulgated erroneous teaching that all things material/spiritual were mutually opposed. Natural things are by nature totally evil and spiritual things are of the only essence. When asked about the Incarnation, Arius denied its possibility.

According to Byzantine legend, Nicholas proceeded to slap Arius across the face for the sin of blasphemy. The homilist continued: all the other bishops in shock, sat there very politically correct saying nothing.

The next morning however, they proceed to deliberate a vote which approved the “one person” and “two natures of Christ”. The Council, inspired by Nicholas, representing what was then still an undivided Church. Nether east nor west but one, gave to us devotion to Mary as Theotokos – Mother of God.

The universal appeal of Nicholas is one of childlike simplicity. It is not about words but about deeds. No even more than deeds, it is about recognizing who we are – sons and daughters of God.

The spirit of the season, like that of St. Nicholas must be an attitude of grateful receivers and generous givers in forming loving relationships with one another. Are these attitudes not worth much more than 3 bags of gold?

Perpetual Vows for Maronite Servants

Sister Therese Maria professing perpetual vows as a Maronite Servant before Mother Marla Marie on the Feast of the Immaculate Sister Therese Maria professing perpetual vows as a Maronite Servant before Mother Marla Marie on the Feast of the Immaculate Conception 2017 at St Anthony of the Desert in Fall River, MA.

Called to be Jesus

By Sr. Natalie Sayde Salameh

Called to be Jesus, the fulfillment of the Father’s will,

Called to die to the world, and my selfishness to kill.

Called to be love, in a world full of hate,

Called to be a beacon, who points to Jesus, the Gate.

Called to be light, in a world full of darkness,

Called to channel His grace, in great measure and starkness.

Called to be poor, so that others might be rich,

Called to mend fences, and this world to re-stitch.

Called to be weak, so that others might be strong,

Called to be peace, so that all may get along.

Called to be a chaste, in a world impure,

Called to live humbly, in a way quite demure.

Called to be justice in a world of deceit,

Called to be a lamb among wolves that howl and beat,

Called to be gentle, in a world which considers us weak,

Called to be hope, in a world dark and bleak.

Called to be faithful, in a world of infidelity,

Called to be a safeguard, against our vile enemy.

Called to be obedient in a world which sees us oppressed,

Called to be free and from sin dispossessed.

Called to be merciful in a world which shows none,

Called to be God’s mirror which reflects His Son.

Called to be forgiveness in a world that holds grudges,

Called to be upright in a world that lies and judges.

Called to be the Body that is broken and the Blood poured out,

Called to be Truth in a world full of doubt.

Called to be Jesus, the true light of our souls,

Called to love Him beyond measure, even when dragged over coals.

Called to be Jesus, so let us live up to our calling,

We need not fear He will catch us as we’re falling.

He will pick us up and lead us to heaven,

But in the meantime we are called to be the seed and the leaven.