New Year's Eve. This has been the strangest Advent-into-Christmas I can recall. December has been a steady stream of passings: not tragic deaths, because most of those who succumbed were believers who lived long lives and died well and I reconnected with a lot of people who mean something to me but whom I never see (like that Lyle Lovett song). But I mean a steady stream --three funerals the week before Christmas alone, and we had to put our old dog down, which hurts more than I feel it should, and I couldn't even tell anyone because they were all burying their spouses or parents, so what was I going to say? Yesterday morning came word of two more passings: a friend, and a friend's spouse. Both probably mercies given the degree of suffering in illness, but still.... I have several friends battling aggressive cancers right now. Even my favorite commentators on the news are seemingly all in health crises! We do not mourn as those who have no faith, and there is a terrible beauty in death: what is more sad, noble, and hopeful than Ben Sasse's attitude towards his impending death?
Nevertheless, I keep trying to rejoice, or at least not stand in the way of others doing so -- willed the sad carcass through the decorating and baking and cooking, compelled myself to go caroling with the parish, have put in appearances at anniversary parties. These things help: welcome little moments of grace and reprieve. But Sister Death keeps breaking in to take over the conversation and reduce all reflection to silence and one realization: death is a violation of the natural order and I really need a Savior.
It seems as if other people are feeling this too: Did you know Niall Ferguson has become Christian? I keep running across these surprising conversions, and they all have this flavor of: I really need a Savior.
Odds and Ends
A little Ratzinger Reflection on New Year's Eve helps.
Today is the anniversary of BXVI's passing. Listen to Card. Mueller's homily on a mass for the occasion (English!).
And a funny little moment with BXVI.
Pope Leo recommends a thorough examination of conscience and Te Deum to end the year.
Amy Welborn on the Te Deum.
Throw-back to what I think is the first year I did these 12 Days observances -- how can it be twenty years ago? Optional Memorial of Pope St. Sylvester: if it's cold enough, make his punch.
Possible palate cleanser: this reflection on Miracle on 34th St.
