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Overview: The passing of the Build Back Better legislation seems doubtful at present, but Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer still intends to bring it to a vote in the near future. The expanded Child Tax Credit ended last year, but a provision to extend it into 2022 is included in the budget reconciliation bill. Meanwhile, the government faces another funding deadline on Feb. 18.

Budget reconciliation: Senate Democrats, led by Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.), still plan to hold a vote on the Build Back Better legislation. Sen. Joe Manchin (D.-W.V.), however, remains opposed to the legislation as it is currently written. 

Economy: In the week ending January 1, the advance figure for seasonally adjusted initial [unemployment insurance weekly] claims was 207,000, an increase of 7,000 from the previous week's revised level. The previous week's level was revised up by 2,000 from 198,000 to 200,000. The 4-week moving average was 204,500, an increase of 4,750 from the previous week's revised average. 

Funding the government: Congress faces another government funding deadline, with the December continuing resolution expiring on Feb. 18.

Child Tax Credit: The child tax credit payments serve as an advance on the tax return received by two-parent households making less than $150,000 per year. Parents receive $300 monthly for each child under the age of 6, and $250 per month for each child under 18. Households making more than that get a smaller credit. The last of the scheduled payments for the expanded child tax credit were sent out on Dec. 15., although qualifying taxpayers who did not receive the expanded CTC in 2021 can get a bulk payment when they file their taxes this year. The Build Back Better Act includes language that would extend payments through 2022, but as noted above the bill's status remains uncertain.

Covid-19 vaccination mandates: The Supreme Court will hear arguments today in order to decide whether to block the Biden administration's vaccine mandates for businesses with more than 100 employees and healthcare facilities that receive money under the Medicaid and Medicare government programs. Those challenging the mandates contend that the administration overstepped its authority. This will be the first test of the federal government's authority to issue its own vaccine mandates. Meanwhile, lawmakers on both sides of the aisle have floated the idea of a new round of coronavirus stimulus spending because of the spread of the omicron variant.

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As you receive this newsletter, the Church stands in between the feasts of Epiphany and the Baptism of the Lord. During this season, many people bring to mind the magi mentioned in the gospel according to Matthew (2:1-12). They are a model of following the light of Christ.

The magi followed the light God offers through various means: creation, the Hebrew Scriptures, prayer, and other people. They were honestly searching for the Christ. In all innocence, they sought help from King Herod, not realizing that he wanted to snuff out the light. When (by God's light) they realize Herod's ill intent, they reject his embrace of darkness and continue their search. Their fidelity to the search culminates in the encounter with Christ.

The magi model for us the way to live in trust of God, even amid darkness and with the likes of Herod lurking about. Christ is our light. We follow him now as one might follow a star in the dark night. His light radiates to us in the Scriptures, the sacraments, in our encounters with others, in the opportunities we have to reflect his light to those we serve or to those with whom we live.

We should not be surprised that the journey to God is at times difficult and dangerous, with malevolent figures darting out of the shadows to trip up those on the way. The magi experienced the same; even Jesus had to persevere through dark times. But calling to mind the example of the magi helps us remember that the light of Christ has overcome the darkness. When his glory is fully revealed, we will be bathed in the splendor of his light.

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Q. Why do people speak of three wise men during the Christmas season?

Please send your answers to [email protected]. 

Last week's question and answer:

Q. Who is the person Santa Claus is based on and where did he come from?

A. Thanks to Beverly Earl - director of Family and Community Services, San Bernardino County, Catholic Charities San Bernardino/Riverside - for providing the correct answer. Here's what she wrote: "The story of Santa Claus has its roots in a real-life person, the Catholic figure of St. Nicholas. St. Nicholas and Santa Claus are technically the same person. St. Nicholas was a real, living person between the years of A.D. 220 and A.D. 343. He was a Christian bishop, of Greek origin, during the time of the Roman Empire, according to National Geographic. St. Nicholas' saintly life inspired the modern-day idea of Santa Claus as a man who delivers presents to children out of the goodness of his heart."

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