The Season of Advent and Christmass
|
On this page |
Introduction |
|||
| the solemnity of the Immaculate Conception | |||
| The Epiphany of the Lord |
The Whole Advent Season is a Long Appeal for the Coming of Our Savior.The Church has her own special liturgical year and calendar in which she presents again the history and unchanging mysteries of our salvation, from Creation to the Second Coming, together with the entire life of the Savior.The First Sunday of Advent is therefore the Church’s “New Year’s Day”. In the Judeo-Christian tradition, Sunday begin at sundown of the day before when the faithful celebrate First Vespers. Advent begins the Christmas cycle. Advent comes from the Latin word for an “arrival” or a “coming”. Advent means that the Lord is coming. Jesus Christ, our brother in our humanity and our God in His divinity is about to arrive. But He is comes to us in different ways. First, Jesus came to us at a specific point in history at Bethlehem about 2000 years ago. But in the Church’s great feast of Christmas He mystically comes again. Second, the Lord, Alpha and Omega, will come to judge the living and the dead in the Second Coming. Third, the Redeemer comes to us in grace. He speaks to us in our consciences, he comes to us in the Eucharist and in the Word of God proclaimed. He arrives in the person of the begger, the needy, the suffering, the oppressed. We must be ready to receive and welcome Him when He comes, however He comes. Advent is a time of joy tinged with penance. Joy, because we can imagine nothing more sweet than the Christ Child and His Mother Mary’s bliss at His coming to light. Penance because we must strive to be properly disposed to receive so great a gift of His presence. In the millennial tradition of the Church, we faithful have done penance before great feasts. Christmas and Easter each have their penitential seasons in anticipation, Advent and Lent. The liturgical color used in the Latin Church for the liturgy during both Advent and Lent is purple, a sign of penance. In some places people may see blue used, which is done without the Church’s approval. The Latin Church also emphasizes the penitential dimension of the season by directing the use of sparse ornaments in church and by legislating that instrumental music should not be used, except to sustain congregational singing. This is a kind of liturgical fast, which makes the joy and celebration of Christmas all that much more powerful by the contrast of the lean and muted season of Advent. Advent is a time of great joy, because we look forward to the beautiful feast of the Nativity, but it is joy stitched through with somber and focused spiritual preparation by doing penance.
|
The Advent WreathMaking an Advent wreath is a family custom widely practiced in the northern countries of Europe during the 19th century, with roots in the 16th century. In recent years a rebirth of the custom has taken place in America, not only in the home but in churches, offices and dining rooms.
Blessing The Advent Wreath (usually on Saturday evening before the first Sunday of Advent) During winter, dirt roads often become impassable. Travel is difficult, and those who remain together had better enjoy one another's company! In times past during winter wooden wheels often were removed from vehicles and brought indoors to keep them from warping. This annual ritual may have been the origin of the custom of the Advent wreath. It was only natural to festoon a wheel with greenery and candles as a sign of the season. A traditional Advent wreath is suspended horizontally from the ceiling. That way the wreath becomes like a hole to peek into heaven. Under it we call out to God, in the words of the prophet Isaiah, "Oh, that you would rend the heavens and come down!" Also in sympathy with the season, as the days grow shorter we light more and more candles. An Austrian rhyme gives the pattern for the lighting. First one, then two, then three, then four, And then the Lord Christ knocks on the door! Another tradition is to hang the wreath in the place that the Christmas tree will go. That way the four lights of Advent blossom into the countless lights of Christmas. BlessingFather, today we begin our time of preparation for the birthday of your Son. We ask you to bless this wreath, and grant that as we use it we may receive abundant graces. Amen. or Lord God, your Church joyfully awaits the coming of its Savior, who enlightens our hearts and dispels the darkness of ignorance and sin. Pour forth your blessings upon us as we light the candles of this wreath: may their light reflect the splendor of Christ, who is Lord for ever and ever. Amen. |
| Advent Wreath in the home The 1st Week of AdventThe head of household or leader says the following prayer. May this light remind us of Jesus who is
the true Light of world. Let us call upon him whose coming we await, for he is: The youngest child then lights the candle opposite the rose candle; it remains lighted during the meal. The same candle is burned each day of the 1st week. The 2nd Week of AdventThe head of household or leader says the following prayer. Father, help us to prepare the way of Jesus, the Light of the world. May we who believe he will come again always serve you. Let us proclaim this mystery of faith: Christ has died, Christ is risen, Christ will come again. Amen. The eldest child then lights the first candle and a candle next to it; they remain lit during the meal. The same candles are burned each day of the 2nd week. The 3rd Week of AdventThe head of household or leader says the following prayer. Lord, we ask you to penetrate the darkness of our minds so that, filled with your brightness, we may rejoice in your coming as we say: Blessed be God for ever. Amen. The mother (or grandmother) lights the previous candles and the rose candle; they remain lit during the meal. The same candles are burned each day of the 3rd week.
The 4th Week of AdventThe head of household or leader says the following prayer. Lord, hurry and come to us. May your light shine in our lives, so that we may be freed from sin. Protect us from all anxiety as we wait in joyful hope for your coming as our savior: For the kingdom, the power and glory are yours now and forever. Amen. The father (or grandfather or head of household) lights all four candles; they remain lit during the meal.
|
| Readings during Advent and Christmass First Sunday of Advent A new liturgical year opens before us this day. We have completed a three-year cycle of Scripture readings Once again we begin on page one of our Lectionary. The readings are the same as they were in 1999, at the end of the last millennium. When we hear these scriptures six years later, are we any different? Have these last three years of listening to the call to conversion issued from the Church's Lectionary made a difference in our lives, in the life of our communities of faith, a difference in the world? Today is the dawn of Advent. We are told to throw off works of darkness and put on the armor of light. We are called to be ready for the Second Coming of Christ. The words of today's Gospel can be frightening. Two people in the field: one will be taken and one will be left behind. This image underscores the reason we need Advent. Advent reminds us that our Christian lives are all about forming ourselves in a stance of readiness for Christ's coming. Let us open our hearts anew to the work that God can accomplish within us during this holy season of expectancy. First ReadingA reading from the Book of the Prophet Isaiah Isaiah 2:1-5 This is what Isaiah, son of Amoz, saw concerning Judah and Jerusalem. In days to come, the mountain of the Lord's house shall be established as the highest mountain and raised above the hills. All nations shall stream toward it; many peoples shall come and say: "Come, let us climb the LORD'S mountain, to the house of the God of Jacob, that he may instruct us in his ways, and we may walk in his paths." For from Zion shall go forth instruction, and the word of the LORD from Jerusalem. He shall judge between the nations, and impose terms on many peoples. They shall beat their swords into plowshares and their spears into pruning hooks; one nation shall not raise the sword against another, nor shall they train for war again. 0 house of Jacob, come, let us walk in the light of the LORD! The word of the Lord. Thanks be to God.
Second Reading A reading from the Letter of Saint Paul to the RomansRomans 13:11-14 Brothers and sisters: You know the time; it is the hour now for you to awake from sleep. For our salvation is nearer now than when we first believed; the night is advanced, the day is at hand. Let us then throw off the works of darkness and put on the armor of light; let us conduct ourselves properly as in the day, not in orgies and drunkenness, not in promiscuity and lust, not in rivalry and jealousy. But put on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no provision for the desires of the flesh. The word of the Lord. Thanks be to God.Gospel + A reading from the holy Gospel according to Matthew Matthew 24:37-44 Glory to you, Lord. Jesus said to his disciples: "As it was in the days of Noah, so it will be at the coming of the Son of Man. In those days before the flood, they were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, up to the day that Noah entered the ark. They did not know until the flood came and carried them all away. So will it be also at the coming of the Sort of Man. Two men will be out in the field; one will be taken, and one will be left. Two women will be grinding at the mill; one will be taken, and one will be left. Therefore, stay awake! For you do not know on which day your Lord will come. Be sure of this: if the master of the house had known the hour of night when the thief was coming, he would have stayed awake and not let his house be broken into. So too, you also must be prepared, for at an hour you do not expect, the Son of Man will come." The Gospel of the Lord. Praise to you, Lord Jesus Christ.
|
| the
solemnity of the lmmaculate Conception
of the Bfessed Virgin Mary
Today we celebrate the patronal solemnity of the United States and the greatest of Mary's Advent festivals. On this day we remember Mary's conception in the womb of her mother (and nine months from today, on September 8, we celebrate Mary's birth). In this liturgy, we affirm our belief that God prepared Mary to be the mother of the son of God by allowing her a share, from the moment of her conception, in the salvation that would be won for all by Christ. In this Advent time, we are called, as Mary was, to make room for Christ in our hearts. Listen to the angel Gabriel's greeting to Mary in today's Gospel: "The Lord is with you." By our words and actions, do others immediately recognize the Lord Jesus within us? What will it take, what will be the cost for us to become, as Mary became, real "bearers of the Word?" Let us be open to the intercession of Mary on our behalf, that we may become more and more like her beloved Son. First ReadingA reading from the Book of Genesis Genesis 3:9-15, 20 After the man, Adam, had eaten of the tree, the LORD God called to the man and asked him, "Where are you?" He answered, "I heard you in the garden; but I was afraid, because I was naked, so I hid myself." Then he asked, "Who told you that you were naked? You have eaten, then, from the tree of which I had forbidden you to eat!" The man replied, "The woman whom you put here with me - she gave me fruit from the tree, and so I ate it." The LORD God then asked the woman, "Why did you do such a thing?" The woman answered, "The serpent tricked me into it, so I ate it." Then the LORD God said to the serpent: "Because you have done this, you shall be banned from all the animals and from all the wild creatures; on your belly shall you crawl, and dirt shall you eat all the days of your life. I will put enmity between you and the woman, and between your offspring and hers; he will strike at your head, while you strike at his heel." The man called his wife Eve, because she became the mother of all the living.
|
The word of the Lord. Thanks be to God. Second ReadingA reading from the Letter of Saint Paul to the Ephesians Ephesians 1:3-6, 11-12 Brothers and sisters: Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in Christ with every spiritual blessing in the heavens, as he chose us in him, before the foundation of the world, to be holy and without blemish before him. In love he destined us for adoption to himself through Jesus Christ, in accord with the favor of his will, for the praise of the glory of his grace that he granted us in the beloved. In him we were also chosen, destined in accord with the purpose of the One who accomplishes all things according to the intention of his will, so that we might exist for the praise of his glory, we who first hoped in Christ. The word of the Lord. Thanks be to God.
A reading from the holy Gospel according to Luke Luke 1:26-38 Glory to you, Lord. The angel Gabriel was sent from God to a town of Galilee called Nazareth, to a virgin betrothed to a man named Joseph, of the house of David and the virgin's name was Mary. And coming to her, he said, "Hail, full of grace! The Lord is with you." But she was greatly troubled at what was said and pondered what sort of greeting this might be. Then the angel said to her, "Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God. Behold, you will conceive in your womb and bear a son, and you shall name him Jesus. He will be great and will be called Son of the Most High, and the Lord God will give him the throne of David his father, and he will rule over the house of Jacob forever, and of his kingdom there will be no end." But Mary said to the angel, "How can this be, since I have no relations with a man?" And the angel said to her in reply, "The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you. Therefore the child to be born will be called holy, the Son of God. And behold, Elizabeth, your relative, has also conceived a son in her old age, and this is the sixth month for her who was called barren; for nothing will be impossible for God." Mary said, "Behold, I am the handmaid of the Lord. May it be done to me according to your word." Then the angel departed from her. The Gospel of the Lord. Praise to you, Lord Jesus Christ. |
| Second Sunday of Advent The image of God's holy mountain presented in today's first reading from Isaiah is one of the most hope-filled in all of Scripture. Imagine what such a place would be like, where a baby can play at the den of the cobra, a deadly snake. God promises that no harm or ruin will be found on that holy mountain. This is the goal. Life's journey is like a long climb up the face of this holy mountain. Every once in a while we catch a glimpse of the summit, the world to come. Advent calls us to long for that place and to continue the climb, preparing ourselves along the way for the inheritance that awaits us. John the Baptizer appears today and gives us the means to strengthen our journey up that holy mountain. Repentance is that means. So often we stumble in sin. We are called to repent of our sinfulness, pick ourselves back up and continue the climb. John the Baptist today points to the one who is our companion on this journey, the one whose birth we will soon remember and celebrate. We are never alone on this journey. Let the words of today's Second Reading be a letter of encouragement as together we climb God's holy mountain. First Reading A reading from the Book of the Prophet IsaiahIsaiah 11:1-10 On that day, a shoot shall sprout from the stump of Jesse, and from his roots a bud shall blossom. The spirit of the Lord shall rest upon him: a spirit of wisdom and of understanding, a spirit of counsel and of strength, a spirit of knowledge and of fear of the LORD, and his delight shall be the fear of the Lord. Not by appearance shall he judge, nor by hearsay shall he decide, but he shall judge the poor with justice, and decide aright for the land's afflicted.He shall strike the ruthless with the rod of his mouth, and with the breath of his lips he shall slay the wicked. justice shall be the band around his waist, and faithfulness a belt upon his hips. Then the wolf shall be a guest of the lamb, and the leopard shall lie down with the kid; the calf and the young lion shall browse together, with a little child to guide them. The cow and the bear shall be neighbors, together their young shall rest; the lion shall eat hay like the ox. The baby shall play by the cobra's den, and the child lay his hand on the adder's lair. There shall be no harm or ruin on all my holy mountain; for the earth shall be filled with knowledge of the Lord, as water covers the sea. On that day, the root of Jesse, set up as a signal for the nations, the Gentiles shall seek out, for his dwelling shall be glorious. The word of the Lord. Thanks be to God. Second Reading A reading from the Letter of Saint Paul to the Romans Romans 15:4-9 Brothers and sisters: Whatever was written previously was written for our instruction, that by endurance and by the encouragement of the scriptures we might have hope. May the God of endurance and encouragement grant you to think in harmony with one another, in keeping with Christ Jesus, that with one accord you may with one voice glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. Welcome one another, then as Christ welcomed you, for the glory of God. For I say that Christ became a minister of the circumcised to show God's truthfulness, to confirm the promises to the patriarchs, but so that the Gentiles might glorify God for his mercy.The word of the Lord. Thanks be to God. Gospel + A reading from the holy Gospel according to Matthew Matthew 3:1-12 Glory to you, Lord. John the Baptist appeared, preaching in the desert of Judea and saying, "Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand!" It was of him that the prophet Isaiah had spoken when he said:
John wore clothing made of camel's hair and had a leather belt around his waist. His food was locusts and wild honey. At that time Jerusalem, all Judea, and the whole region around the Jordan were going out to him and were being baptized by him in the Jordan River as they acknowledged their sins. When he saw many of the Pharisees and Sadducees coming to his baptism, he said to them, "You brood of vipers! Who warned you to flee from the coming wrath? Produce good fruit as evidence of your repentance. And do not presume to say to yourselves,'We have Abraham as our father.' For I tell you, God can raise up children to Abraham from these stones. Even now the ax lies at the root of the trees. Therefore every tree that does not bear good fruit will be cut down and thrown into the fire. I am baptizing you with water, for repentance, but the one who is coming after me is mightier than I. I am not worthy to carry his sandals. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire. His winnowing fan is in his hand. He will clear his threshing floor and gather his wheat into his barn, but the chaff he will burn with unquenchable fire." The Gospel of the Lord. Praise to you, Lord Jesus Christ. Top of Page |
| Third Sunday of Advent
Last week we were given the splendid image of God's holy mountain. This week we are presented, once again through the words of the prophet Isaiah, with the remarkable image of the desert in bloom. The very earth, the parched land, and the flowers will be given voice to lift a hymn of joy. The blind will see, the deaf will hear, the lame will leap, and the mute will sing. With this kind of almost unbelievable imagery, many who are suffering this day will no doubt urgently long for the coming of the Lord, for relief from their pain. The Letter of Saint James calls us to be patient as we wait for the Lord's arrival. The images from Isaiah are echoed in today's Gospel. It is Jesus who gives sight to the blind, healing for the deaf and the lame, life for the dead, and the proclamation of good news to the poor. Is it any wonder that our songs during this Advent season are filled with the words "Come, Lord Jesus"? The reign of God, characterized by these remarkable events, was inaugurated with the coming of Christ. His presence lives among us through the power of the Holy Spirit. Where can we bring healing? Where can we proclaim the good news to the poor? Advent calls us to do our part in furthering the reign of God. Let today's readings inspire us to work for healing, justice, and peace for all who hunger for God's reign.
First Reading A reading from the Book of the Prophet IsaiahIsaiah 35:1-6a, 10 The desert and the parched land will exult; the steppe will rejoice and bloom. They will bloom with abundant flowers, and rejoice with joyful song. The glory of Lebanon will be given to them, the splendor of Carmel and Sharon; they will see the glory of the Lord, the splendor of our God. Strengthen the hands that are feeble, make firm the knees that are weak, say to those whose hearts are frightened: Be strong, fear not! Here is your God, he comes with vindication; with divine recompense he comes to save you. Then will the eyes of the blind be opened, the ears of the deaf be cleared; then will the lame leap like a stag, then the tongue of the mute will sing. Those whom the LORD has ransomed will return and enter Zion singing, crowned with everlasting joy; they will meet with joy and gladness, sorrow and mourning will flee. The word of the Lord. Thanks be to God.Second Reading A reading from the Letter of Saint JamesJames 5:7-10 Be patient, brothers and sisters, until the coming of the Lord. See how the farmer waits for the precious fruit of the earth, being patient with it until it receives the early and the late rains. You too must be patient. Make your hearts firm, because the coming of the Lord is at hand. Do not complain, brothers and sisters, about one another, that you may not be judged. Behold, the Judge is standing before the gates. Take as an example of hardship and patience, brothers and sisters, the prophets who spoke in the name of the Lord. The word of the Lord. Thanks be to God.Gospel A reading from the holy Gospel according to Matthew Matthew 11:2-11 Glory to you, Lord. When John the Baptist heard in prison of the works of the Christ, he sent his disciples to Jesus with this question, "Are you the one who is to come, or should we look for another?" Jesus said to them in reply, "Go and tell John what you hear and see: the blind regain their sight, the lame walk, lepers are cleansed, the deaf hear, the dead are raised, and the poor have the good news proclaimed to them. And blessed is the one who takes no offense at me." As they were going off, Jesus began to speak to the crowds about John, 'What did you go out to the desert to see? A reed swayed by the wind? Then what did you go out to.see? Someone dressed in fine clothing? Those who wear fine clothing are in royal palaces. Then why did you go out? To see a prophet? Yes, I tell you, and more than a prophet. This is the one about whom it is written: 'Behold, I am sending my messenger ahead of you; he will prepare your way before you.' Amen, I say to you, among those born of women there has been none greater than John the Baptist; yet the least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he." The Gospel of the Lord. Praise to you, Lord Jesus Christ.
|
| Forth Sunday of Advent
The images from the prophet Isaiah that have filled this Advent culminate this day, just a few days before Christmas. More remarkable than images of babies at the dens of snakes; more unbelievable than the lame walking, the deaf hearing, and the blind seeing, is the promise that the virgin will bear a child, and this child shall be called Emmanuel. We hear the prophecy fulfilled in today's Gospel account from Matthew. God is incarnated within the womb of Mary. The person of Christ, truly God and truly human, comes to earth to save us and deliver us. Let these wonderful readings prompt you to ask yourself where in your life, in your family, and in this world there is a longing for Christ to come. Remember that in baptism, you put on Christ, you died and rose with him to newness of life. Through the power of the Holy Spirit, you, too, can bring the very presence of Christ to a waiting world. This is the difference that Advent can make. As the sun sets on Monday, our hearts will burst with joy as we celebrate, once again, the coming of God, in the person of Jesus, into this world. In these remaining hours of Advent, let us be diligent in our resolve to bring Christ to others.
First Reading A reading from ' the Book of the Prophet Isaiah Isaiah 7:10-14 The LORD spoke to Ahaz, saying: Ask for a sign from the LORD, your God; let it be deep as the netherworld, or high as the sky! But Ahaz answered, "I will not ask! I will not tempt the LORD!" Then Isaiah said: Listen, 0 house of David! Is it not enough for you to weary people, must you also weary my God? Therefore the LORD himself will give you this sign: the virgin shall conceive, and bear a son, and shall name him Emmanuel. The word of the Lord. Thanks be to God Second Reading A reading from the Letter of Saint Paul to the Romans Romans 1:1-7 Paul, a slave of Christ Jesus, called to be an apostle and set apart for the gospel of God, which he promised previously through his prophets in the holy Scriptures, the gospel about his Son, descended from David according to the flesh, but established as Son of God in power according to the Spirit of holiness through resurrection from the dead, Jesus Christ our Lord. Through him we have received the grace of apostleship, to bring about the obedience of faith, for the sake of his name, among all the Gentiles, among whom are you also', who are called to belong to Jesus Christ; to all the beloved of God in Rome, called to be holy. Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. The word of the Lord. Thanks be to God
+ A reading from the holy Gospel according to Matthew Matthew 1:18-24 Glory to you, Lord. This is how the birth of Jesus Christ came about. When his mother Mary was betrothed to Joseph, but before they lived together, she was found with child through the Holy Spirit. Joseph her husband, since he was a righteous man, yet unwilling to expose her to shame, decided to divorce her quietly. Such was his intention when, behold, the angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said, "Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary your wife into your home. For it is through the Holy Spirit that this child has been conceived in her. She will bear a son and you are to name him Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins." All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had said through the prophet: "Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and they shall name him Emmanuel," which means "God is with us." When Joseph awoke, he did as the angel of the Lord had commanded him and took his wife into his home. The Gospel of the Lord. Praise to you, Lord Jesus Christ.
|
|
Blessing of the Nativity Scean Book of Blessings 1558
|
|
| God of every nation and
people, from the very beginning of creation you have made manifest your love: when our
need for a Savior was great you sent your Son to be born of the Virgin Mary. To our lives
he brings joy and peace, justice, mercy, and love. Lord, bless all who look upon this
manger; may it remind us of the humble birth of Jesus, and raise up our thoughts to him,
who is God-with-us and Savior of all, and who lives and reigns for ever and ever. Amen. Mass at Midnight Hodie Christus natus est pro nobis! Today Christ is born for us! This ancient hymn has echoed throughout the world for twenty centuries, announcing the birth of the Lord. We should notice that the words do not say that Christ was born for us. It says Christ today is born for us. This is at the heart of the mystery of what we celebrate this midnight and what we celebrate each week when we gather to celebrate the Eucharist. Today, right here and right now, in the hearts of an gathered to celebrate Christ's birth, Christ is born for us. This is our belief. In remembering the historical event of Jesus' birth in Bethlehem, we make him present once again in the here and now. What a remarkable Christmas gift! Let us open our hearts to receive Christ today, for in this place he is truly born for us.
First Reading A reading from the Book of the Prophet IsaiahIsaiah 9:1-6 The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light; upon those who dwelt in the land of gloom a light has shone. You have brought them abundant joy and great rejoicing, as they rejoice before you as at the harvest, as people make merry when dividing spoils. For the yoke that burdened them, the pole on their shoulder, and the rod of their taskmaster you have smashed, as on the day of Midian. For every boot that tramped in battle, every cloak rolled in blood, will be burned as fuel for flames. For a child is born to us, a son is given us; upon his shoulder dominion rests. They name him Wonder-Counselor, God-Hero, Father-Forever, Prince of Peace. His dominion is vast and forever peaceful, from David's throne, and over his kingdom, which he confirms and sustains by judgment and justice, both now and forever. The zeal of the LORD of hosts will do this! The word of the Lord. Thanks be to God
A reading from the Letter of Saint Paul to Titus Titus 2:11-14 Beloved: The grace of God has appeared, saving all and training us to reject godless ways and worldly desires and to live temperately, justly, and devoutly in this age, as we await the blessed hope, the appearance of the glory of our great God and savior Jesus Christ, who gave himself for us to deliver us from all lawlessness and to cleanse for himself a people as his own, eager to do what is good. The word of the Lord. Thanks be to God Gospel A reading from the holy Gospel according to Luke Luke 2:1-14Glory to you, Lord. In those days a decree went out from Caesar Augustus that the whole world should be enrolled. This was the first enrollment, when Quirinius was governor of Syria. So all went to be enrolled, each to his own town. And Joseph too went up from Galilee from the town of Nazareth to Judea, to the city of David that is called Bethlehem, because he was of the house and family of David, to be enrolled with Mary, his betrothed, who was with child. While they were there, the time came for her to have her child and she gave birth to her firstborn son. She wrapped him in swaddling clothes and laid him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn. Now there were shepherds in that region living in the fields and keeping the night watch over their flock. The angel of the Lord appeared to them and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were struck with great fear. The angel said to them, "Do not be afraid; for behold, I proclaim to you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. For today in the city of David a savior has been born for you who is Christ and Lord. And this will be a sign for you: you will find an infant wrapped in swaddling clothes and lying in a manger." And suddenly there was a multitude of the heavenly host with the angel, praising God and saying: "Glory to God in the highestand on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests."The Gospel of the Lord. Praise to you, Lord Jesus Christ.
|
The Holy Family of Jesus, Mary, and Joseph Today's Feast of the Holy family is relatively new in the Church's calendar. At the end of the nineteenth century, marriage and family life were in a state of change. Associations arose all over the world for the purpose of defending the family. In response to the growing need for focus on family life, the Church created the Feast of the Holy Family. Obviously the need for this feast is still acute today. We know very little about the family of Jesus, Mary, and Joseph. All of what we know appears in the three Gospels chosen for the three-year cycle of readings for this feast. Today we hear the story of the family's flight into Egypt. As is the case with the other Gospel accounts, this Scripture reminds us that the Holy Family was not living in a cocoon, sheltered from the joys and struggles of everyday life. Joseph feared for their lives. This family knew the meaning of real struggle. Let us pray that we will be inspired by the Holy Family to strengthen the bonds that exist among family members and among members of our eucharistic assembly.
First Reading A reading from the Book of Sirach Sirach 3:2-7, 12-14 God sets a father in honor over his children; a mother's authority he confirms over her sons. Whoever honors his father atones for sins, and preserves himself from them. When he prays, he is heard; he stores up riches who reveres his mother. Whoever honors his father is gladdened by children, and, when he prays, is heard. Whoever reveres his father will live a long life; he who obeys his father' brings comfort to his mother. My son, take care of your father when he is old; grieve him not as long as he lives. Even if his mind fail, be considerate of him; revile him not all the days of his life; kindness to a father will not be forgotten, firmly planted against the debt of your sins a house raised in justice to you. The word of the Lord. Thanks be to God Second Reading In the shorter form of the reading, the passage in brackets is omitted Colossians 3:12-21 or 3:12-17 A reading from the Letter of Saint Paul to the Colossians Brothers and sisters: Put on, as God's chosen ones, holy and beloved, heartfelt compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience, bearing with one another and forgiving one another, if one has a grievance against another; as the Lord has forgiven you, so must you also do. And over all these put on love, that is, the bond of perfection. And let the peace of Christ control your hearts, the peace into which you were also called in one body. And be thankful. Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, as in all wisdom you teach and admonish one another, singing psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs with gratitude in your hearts to God. And whatever you do, in word or in deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him. [ Wives, be subordinate to your husbands, as is proper in the Lord. Husbands, love your wives, and avoid any bitterness toward them. Children, obey your parents in everything, for this is pleasing to the Lord. Fathers, do not provoke your children, so they may not become discouraged.] The word of the Lord. Thanks be to God Gospel A reading from the holy Gospel according to MatthewMatthew 2:13-15,19-23 Glory to you, Lord. When the magi had departed, behold, the angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph in a dream and said, "Rise, take the child and his mother, flee to Egypt, and stay there until I tell you. Herod is going to search for the child to destroy him." Joseph rose and took the child and his mother by night and departed for Egypt. He stayed there until the death of Herod, that what the Lord had said through the prophet might be fulfilled, "Out of Egypt I called my son." When Herod had died, behold" the angel of the Lord appeared in a dream to Joseph in Egypt and said, "Rise, take the child and his mother and go to the land of Israel, for those who sought the child's life are dead." He rose, took the child and his mother, and went to the land of Israel. But when he heard that Archelaus was ruling over Judea in place of his father Herod, he was afraid to go back there. And because he had been warned in a dream, he departed for the region of Galilee. He went and dwelt in a town called Nazareth, so that what had been spoken through the prophets might be fulfilled, "He shall be called a Nazorean." The Gospel of the Lord. Praise to you, Lord Jesus Christ.
|
Solemnity of the Blessed Virgin Mary, the Mother of God Today's solemnity is one of the oldest feasts on the Church calendar. This is a signal to us of the privileged place the Blessed Virgin Mary holds in the heart of the Church. Today's first reading contains a blessing appropriate for this first day of the new year. The second reading reminds us that through the mystery of the Incarnation and our baptism into Christ, we have become God's adopted children. The Gospel story from Saint Luke is a continuation of the narrative of the Lord's birth. We hear that after eight days, the child is named "Jesus" -a name meaning "God saves." From the very beginning, Mary knew that Jesus was destined for honor and glory. How Jesus would achieve that was a mystery to her. Perhaps this is why she is silent in most of the Gospels. We can imagine her caring for her child and nurturing him into adulthood. It is interesting that two of the most poignant scenes from the Gospels that involve Mary portray her closely united with her son: here at his birth, and at the foot of the cross. Let us turn our hearts to our most powerful intercessor before God as we begin this new year of grace and promise.
First Reading . A reading from the Book of Numbers Numbers 6:22-27 The Lord said to Moses: "Speak to Aaron and his sons and tell them: This is how you shall bless the Israelites. Say to them:The LORD bless you and keep you! The LORD let his face shine upon you, and be gracious to you' The Lord look upon you kindly and give you peace' So shall they invoke my name upon the lsraelites,and l will bless them." The word of the Lord. Thanks be to God
A reading from the Letter of Saint Paul to the Galatians Galatians 4:4-7 Brothers and sisters: When the fullness of time had come, God sent his Son, born of a woman, born under the law, to ransom those under the law, so that we might receive adoption as sons. As proof that you are sons, God sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts, crying out, "Abba, Father!" So you are no longer a slave but a son, and if a son then also an heir, through God. The word of the Lord. Thanks be to God
A reading from the holy Gospel according to Luke Luke 2:16-21 Glory to you, Lord. T'he shepherds went in haste to Bethlehem and found Mary and Joseph, and the infant lying in the manger. When they saw this, they made known the message that had been told them about this child. All who heard it were amazed by what had been told them by the shepherds. And Mary kept all these things, reflecting on them in her heart. Then the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all they had heard and seen, just as it had been told to them. When eight days were completed for his circumcision, he was named Jesus, the name given him by the angel before he was conceived in the womb. The Gospel of the Lord. Praise to you, Lord Jesus Christ.
|
The Epiphany of the Lord Today's celebration of the Epiphany of the Lord serves as a reminder of the true meaning of the liturgy. The story of the visit of the magi from the east has been depicted in Christian art for centuries. We have invented names for these three mysterious figures. We have ascribed race and ethnic origin to each of them. Some traditions claim that there were up to twelve magi. The only evidence we have of these magi is from only one of the four Gospels, the account we hear from Matthew today. The Church's liturgy asks us to look beyond the words and the traditions that have grown up around this story. The liturgy is for today-it is not a sentimental recalling of past events. At the heart of this celebration is the fact that Jesus is manifested to all people. This is what Epiphany celebrates. Today, the Lord Jesus is manifested to you, to your worshipping community, indeed to the very ends of the earth. If the liturgy celebrates the now, how does this manifestation of the Lord occur? We believe that Christ is made present in word and sacrament, right here, right now. This is the miracle of epiphany that occurs each and every time we gather to give praise to God. So today, rather than getting caught up in the folklore that has developed about the Gospel story, focus instead on how the Lord is manifested to you today. Take the epiphany challenge and find ways that you can share Christ with others, creating an endless circle of epiphanies.
First Reading A reading from the Book of the Prophet Isaiah Isaiah 60:1-6 Rise up in splendor, Jerusalem! Your light has come, the glory of the Lord shines upon you. See, darkness covers the earth,and thick clouds cover the peoples; but upon you the Lord shines, and over you appears his glory. Nations shall walk by your light, and kings by your shining radiance. Raise your eyes and look about; they all gather and come to you: your sons come from afar, and your daughters in the arms of their nurses. Then you shall be radiant at what you see, your heart shall throb and overflow, for the riches of the sea shall be emptied out before you, the wealth of nations shall be brought to you. Caravans of camels shall fill you, dromedaries from Midian and Ephah; all from Sheba shall come bearing gold and frankincense, and roclaimin the raises of the Lord. The word of the Lord. Thanks be to God
Second Reading
A reading from the Letter of Saint Paul to the Ephesians Ephesians 3:2-3a, 5-6 Brothers and sisters: You have heard of the stewardship of God's grace that was given to me for your benefit, namely, that the mystery was made known to me by revelation. It was not made known to people in other generations as it has now been revealed to his holy apostles and prophets by the Spirit: that the Gentiles are coheirs, members of the same body, and copartners in the promise in Christ Jesus through the gospel. The word of the Lord. Thanks be to God
A reading from the holy Gospel according to Matthew Matthew 2:1-12 Glory to you, Lord. When Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea, in the days of King Herod, behold, magi from the east arrived in Jerusalem, saying, "Where is the newborn king of the Jews? We saw his star at its rising and have come to do him homage." When King Herod heard this, he was greatly troubled, and all Jerusalem with him. Assembling all the chief priests and the scribes of the people, he inquired of them where the Christ was to be born. They said to him, "In Bethlehem of Judea, for thus it has been written through the prophet: 'And you, Bethlehem, land of Judah, are by no means least among the rulers of Judah; since from you shall come a ruler who is to shepherd my people Israel." Then Herod called the magi secretly and ascertained from them the time of the star's appearance. He sent them to Bethlehem and said, "Go and search diligently for the child. When you have found him, bring me word, that I too may go and do him homage." After their audience with the king they set out. And behold, the star that they had seen at its rising preceded them, until it came and stopped over the place where the child was. They were overjoyed at seeing the star, and 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. And having been warned in a dream not to return to Herod, they departed for their country by another way. The Gospel of the Lord. Praise to you, Lord Jesus Christ.
|