One thing we hear in this week’s readings—and last week as well—is a quiet reminder of Jesus’ “Great Commandment”: Love your neighbor as yourself, as well as another one of his most important messages: Forgive others; judge not.

“Merry Christmas.” We greet each other this way at this time of year, casually or with warmth, and a host of meanings attend the phrase. We say with these words: Hope you have fun on the holidays! Enjoy this gift I’ve brought you. Please sit at our table and share our feasting. Have a safe journey and a lovely time with your family.

The Word was first, the Word present to God, God present to the Word.

The "Hands Project," an unfinished collection by the late photographer Martin Lueders, contains pictures of hands from all over the world: Hands working, hands praying, hands fighting, hands creating.

Brothers and sisters, let us acknowledge our sins, and so prepare ourselves to celebrate the sacred mysteries.

We have spouses and children and parents and colleagues and friends, because someone has to know us better than we know ourselves.