The Prophetic Role of Christ

January 6, 2022 Thursday after Epiphany Readings for Today Saint André Bessette, Religious—USA Optional Memorial

Video Jesus said to them, “Today this Scripture passage is fulfilled in your hearing.”  And all spoke highly of him and were amazed at the gracious words that came from his mouth.  Luke 4:21–22a Jesus had just arrived in Nazareth, where He had grown up, and entered the Temple area to read the Scripture.  He read the passage from Isaiah: “The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he has anointed me to bring glad tidings to the poor.  He has sent me to proclaim liberty to captives and recovery of sight to the blind, to let the oppressed go free, and to proclaim a year acceptable to the Lord.”  After reading this, He sat down and proclaimed that this prophecy from Isaiah was fulfilled.   The reaction from the people of His town is interesting.  They “all spoke highly of Him and were amazed at the gracious words that came from His mouth.”  At least, this is the initial reaction.  But if we read on we see that Jesus challenges the people and, as a result, they were filled with fury and tried to kill Him then and there. Often times, we have the same reactions to Jesus.  At first, we may speak well of Him and graciously receive Him.  For example, at Christmas we may sing carols and celebrate His birthday with joy and festivities.  We may go to church and wish people a merry Christmas.  We may set up a manger scene and decorate with Christian symbols of our faith.  But how deep is all of this?  Sometimes Christmas celebrations and traditions are only superficial and do not reveal any true depth of Christian conviction or faith.  What happens when this precious Christ-Child speaks words of truth and conviction?  What happens when the Gospel calls us to repentance and conversion?  What is our reaction to Christ in these moments? As we continue the final week of our Christmas season, reflect, today, upon the fact that the little Child we honor at Christmas has grown up and now speaks words of truth to us.  Reflect upon whether or not you are willing to honor Him not only as an infant, but also as the Prophet of all Truth.  Are you willing to listen to His whole message and receive Him with joy?  Are you willing to allow His words of Truth to penetrate your heart and transform your life? Lord, I love You and desire that all You have spoken would penetrate my heart and draw me into all truth.  Help me to accept You not only as a little child born in Bethlehem, but also as the great Prophet of Truth.  May I never be offended by the words You speak, and may I always be open to Your prophetic role in my life.  Jesus, I trust in You.

Montezuma Castle: Arizona’s Strange Monumental Cliff Dwelling

 Montezuma Castle is a national monument located in the western US state of Arizona. Although the name of the monument suggests a connection with the Aztecs, Montezuma Castle was in fact built by the Sinagua, a pre-Columbian culture that lived in the area. Moreover, the monument is not a castle, but a cliff dwelling consisting of several levels

Montezuma Castle is located near the town of Camp Verde, in  Arizona. In the mid-1860s, the first American settlers arrived in the Verde Valley, and Montezuma Castle was declared a national monument in 1906, one of the first in the  USA. These 19th century settlers also gave the monument its present name. 

The story goes that some of these settlers were veterans of the Mexican-American War, and may have seen action in  Mexico City, the former capital of the Aztec Empire. Apparently, the structure reminded these veterans of the Aztec buildings they saw in Mexico. Assuming that what they saw was built by the  Aztecs, they named it after Montezuma, who lost the empire to the Spanish.  

The Sinagua 

Montezuma Castle, however, was not at all related to the Aztecs. In fact, it was built by the Sinagua, a pre- ColumbianNative American culture that inhabited the area. Curiously, the name ‘Sinagua’ means ‘without water’ in Spanish, though it is unknown why the culture was named as such. 

The Sinagua also left behind petroglyphs such as these (Gittinsj /  CC BY-SA 3.0 )

The Sinagua built Montezuma Castle between 1100 and 1350 AD, and occupied it until 1425 AD. During their occupation of the site, the Sinagua left behind various materials and artifacts, which allowed archaeologists today to gain some insight into this culture.  

• Walnut Canyon: Home of the Pre-Columbian Sinagua People 
• More than 1,500 Petroglyphs, including a Solar Calendar, Found in Northern Arizona 

The archaeological evidence suggests that the Sinagua relied on both hunting-gathering and  agriculture for their subsistence. Regarding the latter, they grew primarily maize, squash, and beans. Practical and ornamental  toolsrecovered from Montezuma Castle also suggest that the Sinagua were skilled craftsmen.  

Moreover, many of the artefacts found at the site were determined to be of a foreign origin. This suggests that the Sinagua were accomplished traders, and that Montezuma Castle was a bustling trade center during its heyday.  

Montezuma Castle 

The most visible accomplishment of the Sinagua people, nevertheless, was Montezuma Castle itself. This monumental structure is situated about two-thirds of the way up a 45.7 m (150 ft.) high limestone cliff. Montezuma Castle is therefore considered as a cliff dwelling

Montezuma Castle is a five-story  pueblo with a floor space of about 381 m2 (4100 ft2). The Sinagua constructed the walls of Montezuma Castle using limestone and mud mortar. The walls at the base of the structure were found to be 61 cm (2 ft) thick, narrowing to half that thickness by the time they reached the top. The roof of the pueblo was framed by large beams covered by smaller beams, and subsequently covered with thatch and mud.  

Sideplan of the structures at Montezuma Castle over five levels (US National Park Service /  Public Domain )

It is still a mystery as to why the Sinagua abandoned Montezuma Castle by 1425, and various speculations have been made. One of these, for instance, suggests that overpopulation led to a depletion of the local resources, which ultimately forced the Sinagua to leave. Another suggests that high levels of  arsenic in their water source led them to seek other sites for habitation. After the Sinaguans left, Montezuma Castle was first inhabited by other  Native Americans , before the arrival of the American settlers during the mid-1860s.  

• Navajo National Monument and It’s Ancestral Puebloan Cliff Dwellings 
• Ancient Chinese Burial Customs Exposed at Cliff of Tombs 

Over the centuries, Montezuma Castle was protected from deterioration thanks to the low humidity, and the fact that it is built in an alcove in the cliff face, which sheltered it from the elements. The arrival of white settlers, however, threatened the survival of the structure. 

Once the site became known to the Americans, Montezuma Castle attracted various individuals, from amateur archaeologists to looters, who ransacked the place. Consequently, the structure was weakened, and towards the end of the 19th century, Montezuma Castle was in danger of crumbling.  

Saved From Destruction 

Fortunately, in 1897, the Arizona Antiquarian Society fortified the structure, and repaired Montezuma Castle to the best of their ability, thereby rescuing it from destruction. In June 1906, the American Antiquities Act was signed, and later that year, Montezuma Castle was declared a national monument by  President Theodore Roosevelt . The site is one of the four original national monuments declared by Roosevelt. Montezuma Castle’s status as a national monument ensured its protection by the state.  

Visitors can no longer climb to the monument itself ( Danita Delimont  / Adobe Stock) 

Today, the site of Montezuma Castle is open to the public, and formal ranger tours, as well as a self-guided loop trail are offered. Since 1951, however, visitors have not been allowed to climb up to the national monument, so as to minimize further damage to Montezuma Castle.    

Top image: Montezuma Castle. Photo source:  Pamela Au  / Adobe Stock.  

By Wu Mingren

Which is the most underrated country in Europe?

Giorgio Taietti

Answered Jun 21, 2017

Originally Answered: What is the most underated country Europe?

Pretty much every European country east of Italy and Germany is underrated, but if I can only pick one, then it’s going to be Albania.

Bordering with Greece and situated just 50 km away from the Italian coast, until 30 years ago Albania was closed off to the outside world under the dictatorship of Enver Hoxha. Culturally, Albania is very similar to Italy due to the fact that it was an Italian territory at the beginning of the last century. Still today, Albanians watch the Italian television and most speak Italian fluently, along with variations of their own language which isn’t mutually intelligible to anything in the world.

Despite it still being far behind most European countries in terms of progress and infrastructures, Albania is doing its best, and I believe they’re now the closest country to joining the European Union in the Balkans.

Even though there’s a lot to be done to develop its touristic sector (for example, its airports aren’t reached by low cost airlines), Albania can offer the complete package to tourists.

• It’s rich in historical towns, such as Gjirokastra, which takes the best from the cultures of the Greeks, the Romans, the Byzantines, the Ottomans and the Albanians.

• Due to its location, its territory is studded with ancient Greek towns, the most famous of which is the UNESCO world heritage site of Buthrotum, dating back to the 10th century BC.

• Albania should also be considered for its wonderful beaches. While the northern coast is wilder and rockier, the southern part’s sandy bays will conquer all the sun lovers with their pristine waters and tranquillity. The most famous ones are Jalë and Ksamil. Just make sure to avoid the beaches located in the cities, they’re a tad depressing.

• Then, Albania’s small territory includes several natural wonders. From the wild and mountainous side of Ohrid Lake (opposed to the more touristic Macedonian side), to Shköder Lake, to the beautiful mountains around Theth in the northern part of the country, Albania is also perfect for those who love hiking and being in contact with nature.

• Their food is delicious. It’s a mix between Italian, Greek and Ottoman, but with a strong personality. Also, due to the fact that parts of the country still haven’t been reached by globalization, the products will be fresh and tastier than ever!

• Finally, let me tell you another couple reasons why Albania is a stunning off-the-beaten-path destination. First of all, its people: some of the friendliest you’ll ever find (sure, the stereotypes exist for a reason, but criminality can be found everywhere). Secondly, it’s extremely cheap – one of the cheapest destinations in Europe.

Which is the most racist country in Europe?

Joseph Ancion

Trusting Jesus in All Things

January 4, 2022 Tuesday after Epiphany Readings for Today Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton, Religious—USA Memorial

Video By now it was already late and Jesus’ disciples approached him and said, “This is a deserted place and it is already very late.  Dismiss the crowds so that they can go to the surrounding farms and villages and buy themselves something to eat.” Mark 6:35–36 Do you trust Jesus?  Trust is required of us on many levels.  It’s required on the level of receiving all the spiritual, emotional and psychological strength we need to not only survive each day but also to thrive in many ways.  Trust is also required on the level of God providing for our basic day-to-day needs such as food, shelter and clothing.  For most people, these areas of trust are not difficult, but for others it requires a tremendous amount of surrender. This Gospel situation provides a context in which Jesus is able to test the trust of His disciples.  At first, they fail the test by panicking and asking Jesus to send the crowds away to obtain food, but in the end they are awe-struck as they see the providence of God at work.  In the end, Jesus multiplies five loaves of bread and two fish so as to feed over five thousand. First of all, this Gospel does not tell us that we can be irresponsible in providing for our own needs and simply trust that Jesus will miraculously provide for us all the time.   It’s not about abandoning our own duty to work and provide for ourselves and our families.   What this Gospel is about is trust.  In this context, the followers of Jesus were being drawn to put their eyes on our Lord and be with Him.  They were being drawn, spiritually, to abandon all cares in life in that moment so that they could be fed spiritually.  They were being invited into an act of faith, and it’s clear that the crowds were, indeed, trusting in this interior invitation.  It’s clear by the fact that they were still with Him despite their evident physical hunger. One key message, therefore, is that God sometimes calls us to trust Him in ways that do not seem to be immediately practical and logical.  The practical thing to do would have been to leave and acquire food for themselves.  But the supernatural call of grace, at that moment, told this group of five thousand that they should remain with Jesus and trust that all would work out.  And that’s what they did, and it did work out. Reflect, today, upon how God sometimes calls you to follow Him in ways that do not immediately make sense.  Don’t be surprised if you sense, at times, God calling you to listen more intently to His promise of providence than your own natural deduction of human logic.  God’s ways are far above our ways.  Sometimes His call is radical, and when you are deeply convicted in faith that God is calling you to trust Him, then do it.  Trust Him in all things and He will always provide for you. Lord, my trust in You at times is weak.  At times I doubt Your goodness and Your providence in my life.  Help me to always trust more in Your gentle invitation than in my own conclusions in life.  Help me to be led by You always so as to live daily in accord with Your perfect plan.  Jesus, I trust in You.

Seeking Out the Needy

January 3, 2022 Monday after Epiphany Readings for Today The Most Holy Name of Jesus—Optional Memorial

Video They brought to Jesus all who were sick with various diseases and racked with pain, those who were possessed, lunatics, and paralytics, and he cured them. Matthew 4:24b Now that we have completed our Christmas Octave celebration and have also celebrated the Epiphany of the Lord, we begin to turn our eyes to Jesus’ public ministry.  Today’s Gospel reveals the beginning of His ministry after John the Baptist had been arrested.  In this Gospel, many who were in need were brought to Jesus. We can look at this passage from different perspectives.  We can look at it from the perspective of the ministry of Jesus, from the perspective of those who have been cured, but also from the perspective of those who brought others to Jesus.  It’s this latter perspective that we reflect upon today. Imagine yourself being one of those who brought to Jesus those with “various diseases,” those “racked with pain,” and those who were “possessed, lunatics and paralytics.”  Do you have the necessary love, concern and compassion to be one who brings these people to Jesus? Often times, when we encounter those who are hurting or are the “rejects” of society, we tend to look down on them.  It takes a very merciful and compassionate person to see the dignity of these people and to do something to help them heal and encounter the love of God.  Reaching out to those in serious need requires great humility on our part and requires a truly non-judgmental heart.  The Son of God came into our world to bring healing and salvation to all people.  It’s our duty to help bring all people to Jesus, no matter their condition, level of need, or societal status. Reflect, today, upon those who fall into this category in your own life.  Who is it that is hurting and in need?  Who is it that you may be tempted to judge and criticize?  Who is it who is broken, sad, confused, misguided or spiritually ill?  Perhaps there are people who are physically ill that God is calling you to reach out to, or perhaps it’s someone who is mentally, morally or spiritually ill in some way.  How do you treat them?  Today’s Gospel calls us to follow the example of these first disciples of Jesus by seeking out those in need and looking for ways to bring them to Jesus, the Divine Healer.  Commit yourself to this act of compassion and you will be blessed for your goodness. Lord, please give me a heart of mercy and compassion.  Help me to realize that You came for all people, especially those who are in serious need.  Give me the grace to do my part so that all people will come to enter into Your healing presence.  Jesus, I trust in You.

Adoration by the Magi

Sunday, January 2, 2022 Epiphany of the Lord—Solemnity January 6, or the first Sunday after January 1 Depending upon the practice of your local diocese or territory Readings for Today

Video On entering the house they saw the child with Mary his mother.  They prostrated themselves and did him homage.  Then they opened their treasures and offered him gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh.   Matthew 2:11 “Epiphany” means manifestation.  And the “Epiphany of the Lord” is Jesus’ manifestation not only to these three Magi from the East, but it’s also a symbolic but real manifestation of the Christ to the whole world.  These Magi, traveling from a foreign and non-Jewish nation, reveal that Jesus came for all people and all are called to adore Him. These Magi were “wise men” who studied the stars and were aware of the Jewish belief that a Messiah was coming.  They would have been versed in much of the wisdom of the day and would have been intrigued by the Jewish belief in the Messiah. God used what they were familiar with to call them to adore the Christ.  He used a star.  They understood the stars and when they saw this new and unique star over Bethlehem they realized that something special was happening.  So the first lesson we take from this for our own lives is that God will use what is familiar to us to call us to Himself.  Look for the “star” that God is using to call you.  It’s closer than you may think. A second thing to note is that the Magi fell prostrate before the Christ Child.  They laid their lives down before Him in complete surrender and adoration.  They set a perfect example for us.  If these astrologers from a foreign land could come and adore Christ in such a profound way, we must do the same.  Perhaps you could try literally lying down prostrate in prayer this day, in imitation of the Magi, or at least do so in your heart through prayer.  Adore Him with a complete surrender of your life. Lastly, the Magi bring gold, frankincense, and myrrh.  These three gifts, presented to our Lord, show that they acknowledged this Child as the Divine King who would die to save us from sin.  Gold is for a King, frankincense is a burnt offering to God, and myrrh is used for one who would die.  Thus, their adoration is grounded in the truths of who this Child is.  If we are to adore Christ properly, we must also honor Him in this threefold way. Reflect, today, upon these Magi and see them as a symbol of what you are called to do.  You are called from the foreign place of this world to seek out the Messiah.  What is God using to call you to Himself?  When you discover Him, do not hesitate to acknowledge the full truth of who He is, lying prostrate before Him in complete and humble submission. Lord, I love You and adore You.  I lay my life before You and surrender all.  You are my Divine King and Savior.  My life is Yours. (Pray three times and then prostrate yourself before the Lord) Jesus, I trust in You.

Blessed Mary, Mother of God

Saturday, January 1, 2022 Solemnity of the Blessed Virgin Mary, the Mother of God  The Octave Day of Christmas, January 1 Readings for Today

Video And Mary kept all these things, reflecting on them in her heart.  Luke 2:19  Our Christmas Octave would not be complete without paying special attention to the glorious Mother of God!  Mary, the mother of Jesus, the mother of the Saviour of the World, is properly called the “Mother of God.”  It is worth reflecting upon this powerful title of our Blessed Mother.  And it’s important to understand that this title says just as much about Jesus as it does about His Blessed Mother.   In calling Mary the “Mother of God,” we especially acknowledge one fact of human life.  A mother is not just the source of one’s flesh, she is not just the mother of the body of her children, she is the mother of that person.  Being a mother is not just something biological, it is something sacred and holy and is part of the divine order of God’s creation.  Jesus was her Child and this Child is God.  Therefore, it is proper logic to call Mary the “Mother of God.” It’s an amazing fact to think about.  God has a mother!  He has a particular person who carried Him in her womb, nursed Him, raised Him, taught Him, loved Him, was there for Him, and pondered who He was throughout His life.  This last fact is especially beautiful to look at. The Gospel passage above says, “And Mary kept all these things, reflecting on them in her heart.”  And she did this as a caring mother.  Her love for Jesus was as unique as the love of any mother.  However, it should be noted that she was a mother in perfection and loved Him with a perfect love, He who was not only her Son, but was also God and was perfect in every way.  What does this reveal?  It reveals that the motherly love shared between Mary and Jesus was profound, inspiring, mysterious, glorious and truly sacred!  The mystery of their love is worth reflecting on throughout our lives, keeping it fully alive in our hearts.  She is an example for every mother and is also an example for all of us who seek to love others with a pure and holy heart.   Reflect, today, upon the holy and captivating relationship that Mary would have shared with her Divine Son.  Try to fathom what this love would have been like.  Imagine the deep emotion and passion that would have filled her heart.  Imagine the level of unwavering commitment she would have had.  Imagine the unbreakable bond that was forged as a result of her love.  What a beautiful celebration this is to conclude this Octave of Christmas Day! Dearest Mother Mary, you loved your Divine Son with a perfect love.  Your heart burned with an unquenchable fire of motherly charity.  Your bond with Jesus was one that was perfect in every way.  Help me to open my heart to that same love you share with me.  Come be my mother and care for me as you cared for your Son.  May I also love you with the love Jesus had for you and with the love He now lavishes upon you in Heaven.  Mother Mary, the Mother of God, pray for us.  Jesus, I trust in You.