Reading 1 Sg 2:8-14
Hark! my lover--here he comes
springing across the mountains,
leaping across the hills.
My lover is like a gazelle
or a young stag.
Here he stands behind our wall,
gazing through the windows,
peering through the lattices.
My lover speaks; he says to me,
"Arise, my beloved, my dove, my beautiful one,
and come!
"For see, the winter is past,
the rains are over and gone.
The flowers appear on the earth,
the time of pruning the vines has come,
and the song of the dove is heard in our land.
The fig tree puts forth its figs,
and the vines, in bloom, give forth fragrance.
Arise, my beloved, my beautiful one,
and come!
"O my dove in the clefts of the rock,
in the secret recesses of the cliff,
Let me see you,
let me hear your voice,
For your voice is sweet,
and you are lovely."
Or Zep 3:14-18a
Shout for joy, O daughter Zion!
Sing joyfully, O Israel!
Be glad and exult with all your heart,
O daughter Jerusalem!
The LORD has removed the judgment against you,
he has turned away your enemies;
The King of Israel, the LORD, is in your midst,
you have no further misfortune to fear.
On that day, it shall be said to Jerusalem:
Fear not, O Zion, be not discouraged!
The LORD, your God, is in your midst,
a mighty savior;
He will rejoice over you with gladness,
and renew you in his love,
He will sing joyfully because of you,
as one sings at festivals.
Responsorial Psalm Ps 33:2-3, 11-12, 20-21
R. (1a; 3a) Exult, you just, in the Lord! Sing to him a new song.
Give thanks to the LORD on the harp;
with the ten-stringed lyre chant his praises.
Sing to him a new song;
pluck the strings skillfully, with shouts of gladness.
R. Exult, you just, in the Lord! Sing to him a new song.
But the plan of the LORD stands forever;
the design of his heart, through all generations.
Blessed the nation whose God is the LORD,
the people he has chosen for his own inheritance.
R. Exult, you just, in the Lord! Sing to him a new song.
Our soul waits for the LORD,
who is our help and our shield,
For in him our hearts rejoice;
in his holy name we trust.
R. Exult, you just, in the Lord! Sing to him a new song.
Gospel Lk 1:39-45
Mary set out in those days
and traveled to the hill country in haste
to a town of Judah,
where she entered the house of Zechariah
and greeted Elizabeth.
When Elizabeth heard Mary's greeting,
the infant leaped in her womb,
and Elizabeth, filled with the Holy Spirit,
cried out in a loud voice and said,
"Most blessed are you among women,
and blessed is the fruit of your womb.
And how does this happen to me,
that the mother of my Lord should come to me?
For at the moment the sound of your greeting reached my ears,
the infant in my womb leaped for joy.
Blessed are you who believed
that what was spoken to you by the Lord
would be fulfilled."
Meditation: Luke 1:39-45
“Mary set out and traveled to the hill country in haste.” (Luke 1:39)
Mary, why were you so eager to visit Elizabeth? Wouldn’t it have been better to wait until Joseph was free to travel with you? Wouldn’t the road have been safer, and the journey more enjoyable, with your betrothed?
What was it about Elizabeth that drew you to her side? The angel told you that she too had conceived miraculously. Was it because you wanted to share stories with someone who understood the excitement and joy you were experiencing? Perhaps it was because you felt you needed to witness the birth of this first miracle baby—both to help you prepare for your own and to see the one who would set the stage for your child’s mission.
Most blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb. (Luke 1:42) With such strange words does your kinswoman greet you! Simply by hearing your voice, she knows that something new and exciting has happened to you. Moved by the Spirit, she senses that you too are with child—a child who will become her Lord. And she honors you for believing God’s promises and surrendering so fully to his plan.
How could she know all of this? How could she have seen so much grace in you, without having first heard the wonderful news?
Perhaps this is why you were drawn to Elizabeth. Here was a woman of deep faith, a woman whom you knew to be close to God and open to his Spirit. Here was an elder kinswoman whose wisdom, counsel, and insight could prove to be invaluable to you. Here was a woman who knew the pain of being childless and yet did not give in to bitterness or sadness. Perhaps Elizabeth could offer words to help you face the challenges that lie ahead.
How you must have treasured your relationship with Elizabeth! As you stood at the threshold of a new world—a world of new adventures, personal risk, and uncharted territory—you knew you weren’t standing alone. Elizabeth was your cousin, yes, but even more important, she was your sister in the Lord!
“Mary, teach us all the value of brotherhood and sisterhood. Show us that none of us has to stand alone.”
21 December 2011
20 December 2011
20 Dec 2011, Tuesday of the Fourth Week of Advent
Reading 1 Is 7:10-14
The LORD spoke to Ahaz:
Ask for a sign from the LORD, your God;
let it be deep as the nether world, or high as the sky!
But Ahaz answered,
"I will not ask! I will not tempt the LORD!"
Then Isaiah said:
Listen, O house of David!
Is it not enough for you to weary men,
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.
Responsorial Psalm Ps 24:1-2, 3-4ab, 5-6
R. (see 7c and 10b) Let the Lord enter; he is the king of glory.
The LORD's are the earth and its fullness;
the world and those who dwell in it.
For he founded it upon the seas
and established it upon the rivers.
R. Let the Lord enter; he is the king of glory.
Who can ascend the mountain of the LORD?
or who may stand in his holy place?
He whose hands are sinless, whose heart is clean,
who desires not what is vain.
R. Let the Lord enter; he is the king of glory.
He shall receive a blessing from the LORD,
a reward from God his savior.
Such is the race that seeks for him,
that seeks the face of the God of Jacob.
R. Let the Lord enter; he is the king of glory.
Gospel Lk 1:26-38
In the sixth month,
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.
Meditation: Isaiah 7:10-14
“The virgin shall be with child, and bear a son.” (Isaiah 7:14)
The tribes of Judah were facing attack from their kinsmen in the north, and King Ahaz was terrified. Through Isaiah, God had promised to deliver him from his enemies and even wipe out these enemies within a couple of generations. Still, Ahaz cowered in fear. Even though Ahaz’s attitude wearied the Lord, God wanted to shore up his faith, and so he told Ahaz to ask for a sign.
God wanted to reassure Ahaz that he was with him, and so the sign he gave was that a virgin would conceive and bear a son. This child would be so filled with God’s Spirit that people would call him Immanuel, which is Hebrew for “God is with us.” Knowing that God was present in such a powerful way, seeing how utterly committed God was to his people, was meant to solidify Ahaz’s faith and move him to act decisively.
If we fast-forward to Nazareth, hundreds of years later, we see Mary, a virgin, saying “yes” to God’s promise, once she had been reassured that she would not lose her virginity, which she vowed to God. Once the angel told her that she would become a mother by the power of God, she did not shrink back in fear. Instead, she accepted God’s word and went forward in faith and trust. In contrast to Ahaz, Mary chose to act based on all that she knew God had done. Firm in her faith, she trusted that God would be faithful to his promises.
How about us? Each day we have a chance to build up our faith or let it go unattended. Mary said “yes” because her early efforts to learn about God and love him gave her the strength and the willingness to move forward when the angel appeared to her. Not everything was clear to her on the day of the Annunciation, but she knew she could rely on the Lord because she had already built a strong foundation of faith and trust in him.
In a similar way, our actions today to build up our faith will give us the strength and the generosity we will need to say a more complete “yes” to God tomorrow. So let’s all make every day count!
“Lord, I will keep moving on! You have done so much in my life to show me your love! Help me to be confident in your commitment to me.”
.
The LORD spoke to Ahaz:
Ask for a sign from the LORD, your God;
let it be deep as the nether world, or high as the sky!
But Ahaz answered,
"I will not ask! I will not tempt the LORD!"
Then Isaiah said:
Listen, O house of David!
Is it not enough for you to weary men,
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.
Responsorial Psalm Ps 24:1-2, 3-4ab, 5-6
R. (see 7c and 10b) Let the Lord enter; he is the king of glory.
The LORD's are the earth and its fullness;
the world and those who dwell in it.
For he founded it upon the seas
and established it upon the rivers.
R. Let the Lord enter; he is the king of glory.
Who can ascend the mountain of the LORD?
or who may stand in his holy place?
He whose hands are sinless, whose heart is clean,
who desires not what is vain.
R. Let the Lord enter; he is the king of glory.
He shall receive a blessing from the LORD,
a reward from God his savior.
Such is the race that seeks for him,
that seeks the face of the God of Jacob.
R. Let the Lord enter; he is the king of glory.
Gospel Lk 1:26-38
In the sixth month,
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.
Meditation: Isaiah 7:10-14
“The virgin shall be with child, and bear a son.” (Isaiah 7:14)
The tribes of Judah were facing attack from their kinsmen in the north, and King Ahaz was terrified. Through Isaiah, God had promised to deliver him from his enemies and even wipe out these enemies within a couple of generations. Still, Ahaz cowered in fear. Even though Ahaz’s attitude wearied the Lord, God wanted to shore up his faith, and so he told Ahaz to ask for a sign.
God wanted to reassure Ahaz that he was with him, and so the sign he gave was that a virgin would conceive and bear a son. This child would be so filled with God’s Spirit that people would call him Immanuel, which is Hebrew for “God is with us.” Knowing that God was present in such a powerful way, seeing how utterly committed God was to his people, was meant to solidify Ahaz’s faith and move him to act decisively.
If we fast-forward to Nazareth, hundreds of years later, we see Mary, a virgin, saying “yes” to God’s promise, once she had been reassured that she would not lose her virginity, which she vowed to God. Once the angel told her that she would become a mother by the power of God, she did not shrink back in fear. Instead, she accepted God’s word and went forward in faith and trust. In contrast to Ahaz, Mary chose to act based on all that she knew God had done. Firm in her faith, she trusted that God would be faithful to his promises.
How about us? Each day we have a chance to build up our faith or let it go unattended. Mary said “yes” because her early efforts to learn about God and love him gave her the strength and the willingness to move forward when the angel appeared to her. Not everything was clear to her on the day of the Annunciation, but she knew she could rely on the Lord because she had already built a strong foundation of faith and trust in him.
In a similar way, our actions today to build up our faith will give us the strength and the generosity we will need to say a more complete “yes” to God tomorrow. So let’s all make every day count!
“Lord, I will keep moving on! You have done so much in my life to show me your love! Help me to be confident in your commitment to me.”
.
19 December 2011
19 Dec 2011, Monday of the Fourth Week of Advent
Reading 1 Jgs 13:2-7, 24-25a
There was a certain man from Zorah, of the clan of the Danites,
whose name was Manoah.
His wife was barren and had borne no children.
An angel of the LORD appeared to the woman and said to her,
"Though you are barren and have had no children,
yet you will conceive and bear a son.
Now, then, be careful to take no wine or strong drink
and to eat nothing unclean.
As for the son you will conceive and bear,
no razor shall touch his head,
for this boy is to be consecrated to God from the womb.
It is he who will begin the deliverance of Israel
from the power of the Philistines."
The woman went and told her husband,
"A man of God came to me;
he had the appearance of an angel of God, terrible indeed.
I did not ask him where he came from, nor did he tell me his name.
But he said to me,
'You will be with child and will bear a son.
So take neither wine nor strong drink, and eat nothing unclean.
For the boy shall be consecrated to God from the womb,
until the day of his death.'"
The woman bore a son and named him Samson.
The boy grew up and the LORD blessed him;
the Spirit of the LORD stirred him.
Responsorial Psalm Ps 71:3-4a, 5-6ab, 16-17
R. (see 8) My mouth shall be filled with your praise, and I will sing your glory!
Be my rock of refuge,
a stronghold to give me safety,
for you are my rock and my fortress.
O my God, rescue me from the hand of the wicked.
R. My mouth shall be filled with your praise, and I will sing your glory!
For you are my hope, O LORD;
my trust, O God, from my youth.
On you I depend from birth;
from my mother's womb you are my strength.
R. My mouth shall be filled with your praise, and I will sing your glory!
I will treat of the mighty works of the LORD;
O God, I will tell of your singular justice.
O God, you have taught me from my youth,
and till the present I proclaim your wondrous deeds.
R. My mouth shall be filled with your praise, and I will sing your glory!
Gospel Lk 1:5-25
In the days of Herod, King of Judea,
there was a priest named Zechariah
of the priestly division of Abijah;
his wife was from the daughters of Aaron,
and her name was Elizabeth.
Both were righteous in the eyes of God,
observing all the commandments
and ordinances of the Lord blamelessly.
But they had no child, because Elizabeth was barren
and both were advanced in years.
Once when he was serving as priest
in his division's turn before God,
according to the practice of the priestly service,
he was chosen by lot
to enter the sanctuary of the Lord to burn incense.
Then, when the whole assembly of the people was praying outside
at the hour of the incense offering,
the angel of the Lord appeared to him,
standing at the right of the altar of incense.
Zechariah was troubled by what he saw, and fear came upon him.
But the angel said to him, "Do not be afraid, Zechariah,
because your prayer has been heard.
Your wife Elizabeth will bear you a son,
and you shall name him John.
And you will have joy and gladness,
and many will rejoice at his birth,
for he will be great in the sight of the Lord.
He will drink neither wine nor strong drink.
He will be filled with the Holy Spirit even from his mother's womb,
and he will turn many of the children of Israel
to the Lord their God.
He will go before him in the spirit and power of Elijah
to turn the hearts of fathers toward children
and the disobedient to the understanding of the righteous,
to prepare a people fit for the Lord."
Then Zechariah said to the angel,
"How shall I know this?
For I am an old man, and my wife is advanced in years."
And the angel said to him in reply,
"I am Gabriel, who stand before God.
I was sent to speak to you and to announce to you this good news.
But now you will be speechless and unable to talk
until the day these things take place,
because you did not believe my words,
which will be fulfilled at their proper time."
Meanwhile the people were waiting for Zechariah
and were amazed that he stayed so long in the sanctuary.
But when he came out, he was unable to speak to them,
and they realized that he had seen a vision in the sanctuary.
He was gesturing to them but remained mute.
Then, when his days of ministry were completed, he went home.
After this time his wife Elizabeth conceived,
and she went into seclusion for five months, saying,
"So has the Lord done for me at a time when he has seen fit
to take away my disgrace before others."
Meditation: Judges 13:2-7,24-25
“The woman bore a son and named him Samson.” (Judges 13:24)
There are several stories in the Scriptures involving women who conceived children through miraculous circumstances. This story of Samson’s birth is one of them. Besides telling us something about God’s power to bring about human life, these stories carry an additional message. They tell us that God loves children and wants to bless all children. They tell us that children are a gift from God.
Today, people view children in many different ways. Some see them as a joy and blessing. Others see them as a hindrance to a “fulfilled” life and an interruption to career plans. Still others see children as objects to be used—or even abused. But we need to ask ourselves: How does God see children? What is God’s vision for children, and how can we come to share it?
Today’s reading, in which a childless couple receives the unexpected joy of a son, reminds us that each and every child is a precious gift of God. Samson’s conception and birth were miraculous, and God had a special plan for his life. But really, the conception and birth of every human being is a miracle! When God gives human life, it is forever. Each life is special to him, and he has a plan for every child conceived!
Traditionally, Christmas is a time when children receive much attention. It is therefore a natural time to ask God for a deeper grasp of his vision for children and a greater love for all children. Many children today are neglected or abused. Many are prevented from learning the truth about God and about Jesus. So many children are being damaged emotionally and morally by harmful influences in the media.
Children need our help, our prayers, and our love. Some also need our active involvement to make their lives better and safer. As Christmas approaches, let’s intercede for children. Let’s pray that the lost, wounded, and abandoned children of the world will find comfort and protection in God’s loving arms. And let’s be sure to show every child we know—starting with those in our own families—the love of God that comes to us this season in Jesus Christ.
“Father, I pray for children throughout the world. Protect them from harm. Give them parents and guardians who will manifest your love to them.”
There was a certain man from Zorah, of the clan of the Danites,
whose name was Manoah.
His wife was barren and had borne no children.
An angel of the LORD appeared to the woman and said to her,
"Though you are barren and have had no children,
yet you will conceive and bear a son.
Now, then, be careful to take no wine or strong drink
and to eat nothing unclean.
As for the son you will conceive and bear,
no razor shall touch his head,
for this boy is to be consecrated to God from the womb.
It is he who will begin the deliverance of Israel
from the power of the Philistines."
The woman went and told her husband,
"A man of God came to me;
he had the appearance of an angel of God, terrible indeed.
I did not ask him where he came from, nor did he tell me his name.
But he said to me,
'You will be with child and will bear a son.
So take neither wine nor strong drink, and eat nothing unclean.
For the boy shall be consecrated to God from the womb,
until the day of his death.'"
The woman bore a son and named him Samson.
The boy grew up and the LORD blessed him;
the Spirit of the LORD stirred him.
Responsorial Psalm Ps 71:3-4a, 5-6ab, 16-17
R. (see 8) My mouth shall be filled with your praise, and I will sing your glory!
Be my rock of refuge,
a stronghold to give me safety,
for you are my rock and my fortress.
O my God, rescue me from the hand of the wicked.
R. My mouth shall be filled with your praise, and I will sing your glory!
For you are my hope, O LORD;
my trust, O God, from my youth.
On you I depend from birth;
from my mother's womb you are my strength.
R. My mouth shall be filled with your praise, and I will sing your glory!
I will treat of the mighty works of the LORD;
O God, I will tell of your singular justice.
O God, you have taught me from my youth,
and till the present I proclaim your wondrous deeds.
R. My mouth shall be filled with your praise, and I will sing your glory!
Gospel Lk 1:5-25
In the days of Herod, King of Judea,
there was a priest named Zechariah
of the priestly division of Abijah;
his wife was from the daughters of Aaron,
and her name was Elizabeth.
Both were righteous in the eyes of God,
observing all the commandments
and ordinances of the Lord blamelessly.
But they had no child, because Elizabeth was barren
and both were advanced in years.
Once when he was serving as priest
in his division's turn before God,
according to the practice of the priestly service,
he was chosen by lot
to enter the sanctuary of the Lord to burn incense.
Then, when the whole assembly of the people was praying outside
at the hour of the incense offering,
the angel of the Lord appeared to him,
standing at the right of the altar of incense.
Zechariah was troubled by what he saw, and fear came upon him.
But the angel said to him, "Do not be afraid, Zechariah,
because your prayer has been heard.
Your wife Elizabeth will bear you a son,
and you shall name him John.
And you will have joy and gladness,
and many will rejoice at his birth,
for he will be great in the sight of the Lord.
He will drink neither wine nor strong drink.
He will be filled with the Holy Spirit even from his mother's womb,
and he will turn many of the children of Israel
to the Lord their God.
He will go before him in the spirit and power of Elijah
to turn the hearts of fathers toward children
and the disobedient to the understanding of the righteous,
to prepare a people fit for the Lord."
Then Zechariah said to the angel,
"How shall I know this?
For I am an old man, and my wife is advanced in years."
And the angel said to him in reply,
"I am Gabriel, who stand before God.
I was sent to speak to you and to announce to you this good news.
But now you will be speechless and unable to talk
until the day these things take place,
because you did not believe my words,
which will be fulfilled at their proper time."
Meanwhile the people were waiting for Zechariah
and were amazed that he stayed so long in the sanctuary.
But when he came out, he was unable to speak to them,
and they realized that he had seen a vision in the sanctuary.
He was gesturing to them but remained mute.
Then, when his days of ministry were completed, he went home.
After this time his wife Elizabeth conceived,
and she went into seclusion for five months, saying,
"So has the Lord done for me at a time when he has seen fit
to take away my disgrace before others."
Meditation: Judges 13:2-7,24-25
“The woman bore a son and named him Samson.” (Judges 13:24)
There are several stories in the Scriptures involving women who conceived children through miraculous circumstances. This story of Samson’s birth is one of them. Besides telling us something about God’s power to bring about human life, these stories carry an additional message. They tell us that God loves children and wants to bless all children. They tell us that children are a gift from God.
Today, people view children in many different ways. Some see them as a joy and blessing. Others see them as a hindrance to a “fulfilled” life and an interruption to career plans. Still others see children as objects to be used—or even abused. But we need to ask ourselves: How does God see children? What is God’s vision for children, and how can we come to share it?
Today’s reading, in which a childless couple receives the unexpected joy of a son, reminds us that each and every child is a precious gift of God. Samson’s conception and birth were miraculous, and God had a special plan for his life. But really, the conception and birth of every human being is a miracle! When God gives human life, it is forever. Each life is special to him, and he has a plan for every child conceived!
Traditionally, Christmas is a time when children receive much attention. It is therefore a natural time to ask God for a deeper grasp of his vision for children and a greater love for all children. Many children today are neglected or abused. Many are prevented from learning the truth about God and about Jesus. So many children are being damaged emotionally and morally by harmful influences in the media.
Children need our help, our prayers, and our love. Some also need our active involvement to make their lives better and safer. As Christmas approaches, let’s intercede for children. Let’s pray that the lost, wounded, and abandoned children of the world will find comfort and protection in God’s loving arms. And let’s be sure to show every child we know—starting with those in our own families—the love of God that comes to us this season in Jesus Christ.
“Father, I pray for children throughout the world. Protect them from harm. Give them parents and guardians who will manifest your love to them.”
17 December 2011
18 Dec 2011, Fourth Sunday of Advent
Reading 1 2 Sm 7:1-5, 8b-12, 14a, 16
When King David was settled in his palace,
and the LORD had given him rest from his enemies on every side,
he said to Nathan the prophet,
"Here I am living in a house of cedar,
while the ark of God dwells in a tent!"
Nathan answered the king,
"Go, do whatever you have in mind,
for the LORD is with you."
But that night the LORD spoke to Nathan and said:
"Go, tell my servant David, 'Thus says the LORD:
Should you build me a house to dwell in?'
"'It was I who took you from the pasture
and from the care of the flock
to be commander of my people Israel.
I have been with you wherever you went,
and I have destroyed all your enemies before you.
And I will make you famous like the great ones of the earth.
I will fix a place for my people Israel;
I will plant them so that they may dwell in their place
without further disturbance.
Neither shall the wicked continue to afflict them as they did of old,
since the time I first appointed judges over my people Israel.
I will give you rest from all your enemies.
The LORD also reveals to you
that he will establish a house for you.
And when your time comes and you rest with your ancestors,
I will raise up your heir after you, sprung from your loins,
and I will make his kingdom firm.
I will be a father to him,
and he shall be a son to me.
Your house and your kingdom shall endure forever before me;
your throne shall stand firm forever."
Responsorial Psalm Ps 89:2-3, 4-5, 27, 29
R. (2a) For ever I will sing the goodness of the Lord.
The promises of the LORD I will sing forever;
through all generations my mouth shall proclaim your faithfulness.
For you have said, "My kindness is established forever";
in heaven you have confirmed your faithfulness.
R. For ever I will sing the goodness of the Lord.
"I have made a covenant with my chosen one,
I have sworn to David my servant:
Forever will I confirm your posterity
and establish your throne for all generations."
R. For ever I will sing the goodness of the Lord.
"He shall say of me, 'You are my father,
my God, the Rock, my savior.'
Forever I will maintain my kindness toward him,
and my covenant with him stands firm."
R. For ever I will sing the goodness of the Lord.
Reading 2 Rom 16:25-27
Brothers and sisters:
To him who can strengthen you,
according to my gospel and the proclamation of Jesus Christ,
according to the revelation of the mystery kept secret for long ages
but now manifested through the prophetic writings and,
according to the command of the eternal God,
made known to all nations to bring about the obedience of faith,
to the only wise God, through Jesus Christ
be glory forever and ever. Amen
Gospel Lk 1:26-38
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.
Meditation: Luke 1:26-38
Hail, favored one!” (Luke 1:28)
Face-to-face with the mighty angel Gabriel, Mary was “greatly troubled” (Luke 1:29). Gabriel announced God’s plan for her to conceive through the Holy Spirit and bear a son who would inherit the throne of David and rule forever. And Mary, despite not having all the answers, was able to say: “May it be done to me according to your word” (1:38).
The words are so simple, so faith-filled, that we might miss out on what was behind them. By saying “yes” to the angel, Mary also said “no” to many things. She closed the door on an alternative life that had its own attractions: a life of quiet contemplation, out of the limelight, surrounded only by friends and family; a life of simple joys and everyday challenges. And yet with just a few words, she put aside all her dreams to embrace God’s dreams instead.
We can read this passage and marvel at Mary’s faith—and lament our lack of faith in comparison. But it’s important to see that when he greeted her, Gabriel called Mary full of grace, not full of faith. Mary’s “yes” to God was the result of the grace God had given her, not the result of her own willpower and forceful personality.
This is a key point for all of us. For in the final analysis, faith is not something we drum up on our own. It’s a gift given to us by a gracious, generous God. It’s a grace that he pours into us, a potent seed that is waiting to be plunged into the soil of our hearts. We may think we have weak faith, but the truth is God has given us all the faith we will ever need. We just have to learn how to yield to this great gift.
So what do you think? Can you say “yes” to God today? Yes, you can. God’s gift of grace guarantees it!
“Father, thank you for the gift of faith. Knowing you is the greatest joy of my life.”
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Questions for Reflection or Group Discussion
(2 Samuel 7:1-5, 8-12,14,16; Psalm 89:2-5,27,29; Romans 16:25-27; Luke 1:26-38)
1. In the first reading, God gives David an extraordinary promise through the prophet Nathan: he will establish his house and his family forever! Who of us wouldn’t want that promise for ourselves? And yet each of us has an opportunity to affect our families for eternity. What might you do this Advent and Christmas season to bring members of your family to a deeper faith in Christ?
2. In what ways were the prophetic words by Nathan to David partially fulfilled in Solomon and completely fulfilled in Jesus?
3. The responsorial psalm contains prophetic words as well. How do these words, and Nathan’s prophetic words in the first reading, fulfill the words of the angel Gabriel to Mary in the Gospel reading?
4. The responsorial psalm also speaks of the Lord’s goodness, promises, faithfulness, and kindness. What steps can you take in your times of prayer to focus more on praising God for these attributes, rather than just asking for things?
5. The entire second reading is just one long sentence. It is simply a prayer of praise to God. It acknowledges God for strengthening us according to the “gospel,” the good news. What are some; concrete examples of how you have been strengthened by the Gospel message?
6. The Gospel reading is so familiar to us we may be inclined to pass over it too quickly. But when we look closely we see that the angel actually did not give Mary very many details about what her life would be like. And yet she accepted without insisting on knowing its impact on her. When God asks something of you, do you focus on how it will impact you or on God’s will and call for your life? Can you give an example?
7. In the meditation, we hear these words, “For in the final analysis, faith is not something we drum up on our own. It’s a gift given to us by a gracious, generous God. It’s a grace that he pours into us, a potent seed that is waiting to be plunged into the soil of our hearts. We may think we have weak faith, but the truth is God has given us all the faith we will ever need. We just have to learn how to yield to this great gift.” As you approach Christmas, what are some steps you can take to “yield to this great gift”? What steps can you take to share your faith with others?
When King David was settled in his palace,
and the LORD had given him rest from his enemies on every side,
he said to Nathan the prophet,
"Here I am living in a house of cedar,
while the ark of God dwells in a tent!"
Nathan answered the king,
"Go, do whatever you have in mind,
for the LORD is with you."
But that night the LORD spoke to Nathan and said:
"Go, tell my servant David, 'Thus says the LORD:
Should you build me a house to dwell in?'
"'It was I who took you from the pasture
and from the care of the flock
to be commander of my people Israel.
I have been with you wherever you went,
and I have destroyed all your enemies before you.
And I will make you famous like the great ones of the earth.
I will fix a place for my people Israel;
I will plant them so that they may dwell in their place
without further disturbance.
Neither shall the wicked continue to afflict them as they did of old,
since the time I first appointed judges over my people Israel.
I will give you rest from all your enemies.
The LORD also reveals to you
that he will establish a house for you.
And when your time comes and you rest with your ancestors,
I will raise up your heir after you, sprung from your loins,
and I will make his kingdom firm.
I will be a father to him,
and he shall be a son to me.
Your house and your kingdom shall endure forever before me;
your throne shall stand firm forever."
Responsorial Psalm Ps 89:2-3, 4-5, 27, 29
R. (2a) For ever I will sing the goodness of the Lord.
The promises of the LORD I will sing forever;
through all generations my mouth shall proclaim your faithfulness.
For you have said, "My kindness is established forever";
in heaven you have confirmed your faithfulness.
R. For ever I will sing the goodness of the Lord.
"I have made a covenant with my chosen one,
I have sworn to David my servant:
Forever will I confirm your posterity
and establish your throne for all generations."
R. For ever I will sing the goodness of the Lord.
"He shall say of me, 'You are my father,
my God, the Rock, my savior.'
Forever I will maintain my kindness toward him,
and my covenant with him stands firm."
R. For ever I will sing the goodness of the Lord.
Reading 2 Rom 16:25-27
Brothers and sisters:
To him who can strengthen you,
according to my gospel and the proclamation of Jesus Christ,
according to the revelation of the mystery kept secret for long ages
but now manifested through the prophetic writings and,
according to the command of the eternal God,
made known to all nations to bring about the obedience of faith,
to the only wise God, through Jesus Christ
be glory forever and ever. Amen
Gospel Lk 1:26-38
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.
Meditation: Luke 1:26-38
Hail, favored one!” (Luke 1:28)
Face-to-face with the mighty angel Gabriel, Mary was “greatly troubled” (Luke 1:29). Gabriel announced God’s plan for her to conceive through the Holy Spirit and bear a son who would inherit the throne of David and rule forever. And Mary, despite not having all the answers, was able to say: “May it be done to me according to your word” (1:38).
The words are so simple, so faith-filled, that we might miss out on what was behind them. By saying “yes” to the angel, Mary also said “no” to many things. She closed the door on an alternative life that had its own attractions: a life of quiet contemplation, out of the limelight, surrounded only by friends and family; a life of simple joys and everyday challenges. And yet with just a few words, she put aside all her dreams to embrace God’s dreams instead.
We can read this passage and marvel at Mary’s faith—and lament our lack of faith in comparison. But it’s important to see that when he greeted her, Gabriel called Mary full of grace, not full of faith. Mary’s “yes” to God was the result of the grace God had given her, not the result of her own willpower and forceful personality.
This is a key point for all of us. For in the final analysis, faith is not something we drum up on our own. It’s a gift given to us by a gracious, generous God. It’s a grace that he pours into us, a potent seed that is waiting to be plunged into the soil of our hearts. We may think we have weak faith, but the truth is God has given us all the faith we will ever need. We just have to learn how to yield to this great gift.
So what do you think? Can you say “yes” to God today? Yes, you can. God’s gift of grace guarantees it!
“Father, thank you for the gift of faith. Knowing you is the greatest joy of my life.”
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Questions for Reflection or Group Discussion
(2 Samuel 7:1-5, 8-12,14,16; Psalm 89:2-5,27,29; Romans 16:25-27; Luke 1:26-38)
1. In the first reading, God gives David an extraordinary promise through the prophet Nathan: he will establish his house and his family forever! Who of us wouldn’t want that promise for ourselves? And yet each of us has an opportunity to affect our families for eternity. What might you do this Advent and Christmas season to bring members of your family to a deeper faith in Christ?
2. In what ways were the prophetic words by Nathan to David partially fulfilled in Solomon and completely fulfilled in Jesus?
3. The responsorial psalm contains prophetic words as well. How do these words, and Nathan’s prophetic words in the first reading, fulfill the words of the angel Gabriel to Mary in the Gospel reading?
4. The responsorial psalm also speaks of the Lord’s goodness, promises, faithfulness, and kindness. What steps can you take in your times of prayer to focus more on praising God for these attributes, rather than just asking for things?
5. The entire second reading is just one long sentence. It is simply a prayer of praise to God. It acknowledges God for strengthening us according to the “gospel,” the good news. What are some; concrete examples of how you have been strengthened by the Gospel message?
6. The Gospel reading is so familiar to us we may be inclined to pass over it too quickly. But when we look closely we see that the angel actually did not give Mary very many details about what her life would be like. And yet she accepted without insisting on knowing its impact on her. When God asks something of you, do you focus on how it will impact you or on God’s will and call for your life? Can you give an example?
7. In the meditation, we hear these words, “For in the final analysis, faith is not something we drum up on our own. It’s a gift given to us by a gracious, generous God. It’s a grace that he pours into us, a potent seed that is waiting to be plunged into the soil of our hearts. We may think we have weak faith, but the truth is God has given us all the faith we will ever need. We just have to learn how to yield to this great gift.” As you approach Christmas, what are some steps you can take to “yield to this great gift”? What steps can you take to share your faith with others?
17 Dec 2011, Saturday of the Third Week of Advent
Reading 1 Gn 49:2, 8-10
Jacob called his sons and said to them:
"Assemble and listen, sons of Jacob,
listen to Israel, your father.
"You, Judah, shall your brothers praise
--your hand on the neck of your enemies;
the sons of your father shall bow down to you.
Judah, like a lion's whelp,
you have grown up on prey, my son.
He crouches like a lion recumbent,
the king of beasts--who would dare rouse him?
The scepter shall never depart from Judah,
or the mace from between his legs,
While tribute is brought to him,
and he receives the people's homage."
Responsorial Psalm Ps 72:1-2, 3-4ab, 7-8, 17
R. (see 7) Justice shall flourish in his time, and fullness of peace for ever.
O God, with your judgment endow the king,
and with your justice, the king's son;
He shall govern your people with justice
and your afflicted ones with judgment.
R. Justice shall flourish in his time, and fullness of peace for ever.
The mountains shall yield peace for the people,
and the hills justice.
He shall defend the afflicted among the people,
save the children of the poor.
R. Justice shall flourish in his time, and fullness of peace for ever.
Justice shall flower in his days,
and profound peace, till the moon be no more.
May he rule from sea to sea,
and from the River to the ends of the earth.
R. Justice shall flourish in his time, and fullness of peace for ever.
May his name be blessed forever;
as long as the sun his name shall remain.
In him shall all the tribes of the earth be blessed;
all the nations shall proclaim his happiness.
R. Justice shall flourish in his time, and fullness of peace for ever.
Gospel Mt 1:1-17
The book of the genealogy of Jesus Christ,
the son of David, the son of Abraham.
Abraham became the father of Isaac,
Isaac the father of Jacob,
Jacob the father of Judah and his brothers.
Judah became the father of Perez and Zerah,
whose mother was Tamar.
Perez became the father of Hezron,
Hezron the father of Ram,
Ram the father of Amminadab.
Amminadab became the father of Nahshon,
Nahshon the father of Salmon,
Salmon the father of Boaz,
whose mother was Rahab.
Boaz became the father of Obed,
whose mother was Ruth.
Obed became the father of Jesse,
Jesse the father of David the king.
David became the father of Solomon,
whose mother had been the wife of Uriah.
Solomon became the father of Rehoboam,
Rehoboam the father of Abijah,
Abijah the father of Asaph.
Asaph became the father of Jehoshaphat,
Jehoshaphat the father of Joram,
Joram the father of Uzziah.
Uzziah became the father of Jotham,
Jotham the father of Ahaz,
Ahaz the father of Hezekiah.
Hezekiah became the father of Manasseh,
Manasseh the father of Amos,
Amos the father of Josiah.
Josiah became the father of Jechoniah and his brothers
at the time of the Babylonian exile.
After the Babylonian exile,
Jechoniah became the father of Shealtiel,
Shealtiel the father of Zerubbabel,
Zerubbabel the father of Abiud.
Abiud became the father of Eliakim,
Eliakim the father of Azor,
Azor the father of Zadok.
Zadok became the father of Achim,
Achim the father of Eliud,
Eliud the father of Eleazar.
Eleazar became the father of Matthan,
Matthan the father of Jacob,
Jacob the father of Joseph, the husband of Mary.
Of her was born Jesus who is called the Christ.
Thus the total number of generations
from Abraham to David
is fourteen generations;
from David to the Babylonian exile, fourteen generations;
from the Babylonian exile to the Christ,
fourteen generations.
Meditation: Matthew 1:1-17
The book of the genealogy of Jesus Christ.” (Matthew 1:1)
Today’s Gospel passage gives us a crash course in Israelite history. Many familiar names stand out: the Patriarchs, Boaz, David, Solomon, Josiah. Many are obscure: Ram, Asa, Akim. But isn’t it intriguing to think about how long God had been setting the stage for Jesus’ arrival? By human standards, the first Christmas was a humble event, with only a few shepherds in attendance. But in heaven, the great jubilee over Jesus’ coming to earth was probably unprecedented in scale. Untold legions of angels erupted in praise at the long-awaited birth of the infant Jesus!
And so here we are, eight days from celebrating the culmination of our own planning. Why not try something different? Why not try to imitate the jubilation that went on in heaven on that first Christmas Day? And what better way to do that than to throw a special party for Jesus? Yes, most of us will have office parties, family get-togethers, and special foods to celebrate the season. But what about dedicating a party completely to Jesus?
You could invite family or the neighbors over. You could bake a cake or other dessert and decorate it with scenes from the Nativity. You could inspire creativity by commissioning each person to work on an artistic project before the party—a poem, a skit, a drawing, or even a short video celebrating the day. Then everyone can present their finished projects at the party. Maybe you could spend a portion of the time singing Christmas carols together or praying the rosary as a group. Really, you can celebrate however you see fit. There’s only one point, one goal. That is to honor the coming of Jesus.
God loves celebrations! He loves family gatherings. He especially loves it when families dedicate some time to showing their gratitude to Jesus and their love for each other. So find a way to welcome him into your home more fully this year, and you will be blessed for it. Most of all, make sure that you have fun doing it!
“Jesus, my heart is filled with joy at your coming! Show me new and creative ways to express my joy and share it with the people around me.”
Jacob called his sons and said to them:
"Assemble and listen, sons of Jacob,
listen to Israel, your father.
"You, Judah, shall your brothers praise
--your hand on the neck of your enemies;
the sons of your father shall bow down to you.
Judah, like a lion's whelp,
you have grown up on prey, my son.
He crouches like a lion recumbent,
the king of beasts--who would dare rouse him?
The scepter shall never depart from Judah,
or the mace from between his legs,
While tribute is brought to him,
and he receives the people's homage."
Responsorial Psalm Ps 72:1-2, 3-4ab, 7-8, 17
R. (see 7) Justice shall flourish in his time, and fullness of peace for ever.
O God, with your judgment endow the king,
and with your justice, the king's son;
He shall govern your people with justice
and your afflicted ones with judgment.
R. Justice shall flourish in his time, and fullness of peace for ever.
The mountains shall yield peace for the people,
and the hills justice.
He shall defend the afflicted among the people,
save the children of the poor.
R. Justice shall flourish in his time, and fullness of peace for ever.
Justice shall flower in his days,
and profound peace, till the moon be no more.
May he rule from sea to sea,
and from the River to the ends of the earth.
R. Justice shall flourish in his time, and fullness of peace for ever.
May his name be blessed forever;
as long as the sun his name shall remain.
In him shall all the tribes of the earth be blessed;
all the nations shall proclaim his happiness.
R. Justice shall flourish in his time, and fullness of peace for ever.
Gospel Mt 1:1-17
The book of the genealogy of Jesus Christ,
the son of David, the son of Abraham.
Abraham became the father of Isaac,
Isaac the father of Jacob,
Jacob the father of Judah and his brothers.
Judah became the father of Perez and Zerah,
whose mother was Tamar.
Perez became the father of Hezron,
Hezron the father of Ram,
Ram the father of Amminadab.
Amminadab became the father of Nahshon,
Nahshon the father of Salmon,
Salmon the father of Boaz,
whose mother was Rahab.
Boaz became the father of Obed,
whose mother was Ruth.
Obed became the father of Jesse,
Jesse the father of David the king.
David became the father of Solomon,
whose mother had been the wife of Uriah.
Solomon became the father of Rehoboam,
Rehoboam the father of Abijah,
Abijah the father of Asaph.
Asaph became the father of Jehoshaphat,
Jehoshaphat the father of Joram,
Joram the father of Uzziah.
Uzziah became the father of Jotham,
Jotham the father of Ahaz,
Ahaz the father of Hezekiah.
Hezekiah became the father of Manasseh,
Manasseh the father of Amos,
Amos the father of Josiah.
Josiah became the father of Jechoniah and his brothers
at the time of the Babylonian exile.
After the Babylonian exile,
Jechoniah became the father of Shealtiel,
Shealtiel the father of Zerubbabel,
Zerubbabel the father of Abiud.
Abiud became the father of Eliakim,
Eliakim the father of Azor,
Azor the father of Zadok.
Zadok became the father of Achim,
Achim the father of Eliud,
Eliud the father of Eleazar.
Eleazar became the father of Matthan,
Matthan the father of Jacob,
Jacob the father of Joseph, the husband of Mary.
Of her was born Jesus who is called the Christ.
Thus the total number of generations
from Abraham to David
is fourteen generations;
from David to the Babylonian exile, fourteen generations;
from the Babylonian exile to the Christ,
fourteen generations.
Meditation: Matthew 1:1-17
The book of the genealogy of Jesus Christ.” (Matthew 1:1)
Today’s Gospel passage gives us a crash course in Israelite history. Many familiar names stand out: the Patriarchs, Boaz, David, Solomon, Josiah. Many are obscure: Ram, Asa, Akim. But isn’t it intriguing to think about how long God had been setting the stage for Jesus’ arrival? By human standards, the first Christmas was a humble event, with only a few shepherds in attendance. But in heaven, the great jubilee over Jesus’ coming to earth was probably unprecedented in scale. Untold legions of angels erupted in praise at the long-awaited birth of the infant Jesus!
And so here we are, eight days from celebrating the culmination of our own planning. Why not try something different? Why not try to imitate the jubilation that went on in heaven on that first Christmas Day? And what better way to do that than to throw a special party for Jesus? Yes, most of us will have office parties, family get-togethers, and special foods to celebrate the season. But what about dedicating a party completely to Jesus?
You could invite family or the neighbors over. You could bake a cake or other dessert and decorate it with scenes from the Nativity. You could inspire creativity by commissioning each person to work on an artistic project before the party—a poem, a skit, a drawing, or even a short video celebrating the day. Then everyone can present their finished projects at the party. Maybe you could spend a portion of the time singing Christmas carols together or praying the rosary as a group. Really, you can celebrate however you see fit. There’s only one point, one goal. That is to honor the coming of Jesus.
God loves celebrations! He loves family gatherings. He especially loves it when families dedicate some time to showing their gratitude to Jesus and their love for each other. So find a way to welcome him into your home more fully this year, and you will be blessed for it. Most of all, make sure that you have fun doing it!
“Jesus, my heart is filled with joy at your coming! Show me new and creative ways to express my joy and share it with the people around me.”
16 December 2011
16 Dec 2011, Friday of the Third Week of Advent
Reading 1 Is 56:1-3a, 6-8
Thus says the LORD:
Observe what is right, do what is just;
for my salvation is about to come,
my justice, about to be revealed.
Blessed is the man who does this,
the son of man who holds to it;
Who keeps the sabbath free from profanation,
and his hand from any evildoing.
Let not the foreigner say,
when he would join himself to the LORD,
"The LORD will surely exclude me from his people."
The foreigners who join themselves to the LORD,
ministering to him,
Loving the name of the LORD,
and becoming his servants?
All who keep the sabbath free from profanation
and hold to my covenant,
Them I will bring to my holy mountain
and make joyful in my house of prayer;
Their burnt offerings and sacrifices
will be acceptable on my altar,
For my house shall be called
a house of prayer for all peoples.
Thus says the Lord GOD,
who gathers the dispersed of Israel:
Others will I gather to him
besides those already gathered.
Responsorial Psalm Ps 67:2-3, 5, 7-8
R. (4) O God, let all the nations praise you!
May God have pity on us and bless us;
may he let his face shine upon us.
So may your way be known upon earth;
among all nations, your salvation.
R. O God, let all the nations praise you!
May the nations be glad and exult
because you rule the peoples in equity;
the nations on the earth you guide.
R. O God, let all the nations praise you!
The earth has yielded its fruits;
God, our God, has blessed us.
May God bless us,
and may all the ends of the earth fear him!
R. O God, let all the nations praise you!
Gospel Jn 5:33-36
Jesus said to the Jews:
"You sent emissaries to John, and he testified to the truth.
I do not accept testimony from a human being,
but I say this so that you may be saved.
John was a burning and shining lamp,
and for a while you were content to rejoice in his light.
But I have testimony greater than John's.
The works that the Father gave me to accomplish,
these works that I perform testify on my behalf
that the Father has sent me."
Meditation: Isaiah 56:1-3,6-8
My house shall be called a house of prayer for all peoples.” (Isaiah 56:7)
The children of Israel knew who belonged to God’s chosen people and who did not. That was one of the reasons they preserved their genealogies so carefully. They knew God had revealed himself to them in a unique way.
And yet God kept trying to expand their vision. He reminded them that because they had been “strangers” in Egypt, they should show special care for the “aliens” among them. He urged them also to pray for the well-being of the pagans in whose land they were exiled. Even their Temple had a “court of the Gentiles,” where people of every race and religious tradition were welcome to come and seek the Lord. In fact, one of the reasons Jesus got so upset with the money changers was that they were setting up a raucous marketplace in what God intended as a place of prayer for these outsiders.
Since few of us were born Jews, we should be very grateful that God hasn’t excluded us. Perhaps we can remember a time when we felt ill at ease, on the fringes. Perhaps we embraced the Catholic faith later in life.
Perhaps we moved to a new place, and it took a while for us to feel at home in an unfamiliar parish. Perhaps we had trouble getting used to the new music after Vatican II. Perhaps we are having a hard time adjusting to the liturgical changes that happened just a couple of weeks ago. At times like these, how fortunate we are if someone reaches out and helps draw us in!
From time to time, it’s a good idea to seek out the “strangers” God may be trying to draw to himself. It may be a visitor to your church who doesn’t know where to find the responses. It may be a neighbor who is struggling financially and is looking for a respectful greeting or a helping hand. It may be someone trying to find his way after spending time in prison or a rehab facility. Your kindness can provide that person’s pathway to a deeper worship—and it can help make your church into a house of prayer for “all peoples.”
“Jesus, thank you for seeking me when I was a stranger. Help me to see the ones you long to draw closer to your heart through me.”
Thus says the LORD:
Observe what is right, do what is just;
for my salvation is about to come,
my justice, about to be revealed.
Blessed is the man who does this,
the son of man who holds to it;
Who keeps the sabbath free from profanation,
and his hand from any evildoing.
Let not the foreigner say,
when he would join himself to the LORD,
"The LORD will surely exclude me from his people."
The foreigners who join themselves to the LORD,
ministering to him,
Loving the name of the LORD,
and becoming his servants?
All who keep the sabbath free from profanation
and hold to my covenant,
Them I will bring to my holy mountain
and make joyful in my house of prayer;
Their burnt offerings and sacrifices
will be acceptable on my altar,
For my house shall be called
a house of prayer for all peoples.
Thus says the Lord GOD,
who gathers the dispersed of Israel:
Others will I gather to him
besides those already gathered.
Responsorial Psalm Ps 67:2-3, 5, 7-8
R. (4) O God, let all the nations praise you!
May God have pity on us and bless us;
may he let his face shine upon us.
So may your way be known upon earth;
among all nations, your salvation.
R. O God, let all the nations praise you!
May the nations be glad and exult
because you rule the peoples in equity;
the nations on the earth you guide.
R. O God, let all the nations praise you!
The earth has yielded its fruits;
God, our God, has blessed us.
May God bless us,
and may all the ends of the earth fear him!
R. O God, let all the nations praise you!
Gospel Jn 5:33-36
Jesus said to the Jews:
"You sent emissaries to John, and he testified to the truth.
I do not accept testimony from a human being,
but I say this so that you may be saved.
John was a burning and shining lamp,
and for a while you were content to rejoice in his light.
But I have testimony greater than John's.
The works that the Father gave me to accomplish,
these works that I perform testify on my behalf
that the Father has sent me."
Meditation: Isaiah 56:1-3,6-8
My house shall be called a house of prayer for all peoples.” (Isaiah 56:7)
The children of Israel knew who belonged to God’s chosen people and who did not. That was one of the reasons they preserved their genealogies so carefully. They knew God had revealed himself to them in a unique way.
And yet God kept trying to expand their vision. He reminded them that because they had been “strangers” in Egypt, they should show special care for the “aliens” among them. He urged them also to pray for the well-being of the pagans in whose land they were exiled. Even their Temple had a “court of the Gentiles,” where people of every race and religious tradition were welcome to come and seek the Lord. In fact, one of the reasons Jesus got so upset with the money changers was that they were setting up a raucous marketplace in what God intended as a place of prayer for these outsiders.
Since few of us were born Jews, we should be very grateful that God hasn’t excluded us. Perhaps we can remember a time when we felt ill at ease, on the fringes. Perhaps we embraced the Catholic faith later in life.
Perhaps we moved to a new place, and it took a while for us to feel at home in an unfamiliar parish. Perhaps we had trouble getting used to the new music after Vatican II. Perhaps we are having a hard time adjusting to the liturgical changes that happened just a couple of weeks ago. At times like these, how fortunate we are if someone reaches out and helps draw us in!
From time to time, it’s a good idea to seek out the “strangers” God may be trying to draw to himself. It may be a visitor to your church who doesn’t know where to find the responses. It may be a neighbor who is struggling financially and is looking for a respectful greeting or a helping hand. It may be someone trying to find his way after spending time in prison or a rehab facility. Your kindness can provide that person’s pathway to a deeper worship—and it can help make your church into a house of prayer for “all peoples.”
“Jesus, thank you for seeking me when I was a stranger. Help me to see the ones you long to draw closer to your heart through me.”
15 December 2011
15 Dec 2011, Thursday of the Third Week of Advent
Reading 1 Is 54:1-10
Raise a glad cry, you barren one who did not bear,
Break forth in jubilant song, you who were not in labor,
For more numerous are the children of the deserted wife
than the children of her who has a husband,
says the LORD.
Enlarge the space for your tent,
spread out your tent cloths unsparingly;
lengthen your ropes and make firm your stakes.
For you shall spread abroad to the right and to the left;
your descendants shall dispossess the nations
and shall people the desolate cities.
Fear not, you shall not be put to shame;
you need not blush, for you shall not be disgraced.
The shame of your youth you shall forget,
the reproach of your widowhood no longer remember.
For he who has become your husband is your Maker;
his name is the LORD of hosts;
Your redeemer is the Holy One of Israel,
called God of all the earth.
The LORD calls you back,
like a wife forsaken and grieved in spirit,
A wife married in youth and then cast off,
says your God.
For a brief moment I abandoned you,
but with great tenderness I will take you back.
In an outburst of wrath, for a moment
I hid my face from you;
But with enduring love I take pity on you,
says the LORD, your redeemer.
This is for me like the days of Noah,
when I swore that the waters of Noah
should never again deluge the earth;
So I have sworn not to be angry with you,
or to rebuke you.
Though the mountains leave their place
and the hills be shaken,
My love shall never leave you
nor my covenant of peace be shaken,
says the LORD, who has mercy on you.
Responsorial Psalm Ps 30:2 and 4, 5-6, 11-12a and 13b
R. (2a) I will praise you, Lord, for you have rescued me.
I will extol you, O LORD, for you drew me clear
and did not let my enemies rejoice over me.
O LORD, you brought me up from the nether world;
you preserved me from among those going down into the pit.
R. I will praise you, Lord, for you have rescued me.
Sing praise to the LORD, you his faithful ones,
and give thanks to his holy name.
For his anger lasts but a moment;
a lifetime, his good will.
At nightfall, weeping enters in,
but with the dawn, rejoicing.
R. I will praise you, Lord, for you have rescued me.
"Hear, O LORD, and have pity on me;
O LORD, be my helper."
You changed my mourning into dancing;
O LORD, my God, forever will I give you thanks.
R. I will praise you, Lord, for you have rescued me.
Gospel Lk 7:24-30
When the messengers of John the Baptist had left,
Jesus began to speak to the crowds about John.
"What did you go out to the desert to see B a reed swayed by the wind?
Then what did you go out to see?
Someone dressed in fine garments?
Those who dress luxuriously and live sumptuously
are found in royal palaces.
Then what did you go out to see?
A prophet? Yes, I tell you, and more than a prophet.
This is the one about whom Scripture says:
Behold, I am sending my messenger ahead of you,
he will prepare your way before you.
I tell you,
among those born of women, no one is greater than John;
yet the least in the Kingdom of God is greater than he."
(All the people who listened, including the tax collectors,
who were baptized with the baptism of John,
acknowledged the righteousness of God;
but the Pharisees and scholars of the law,
who were not baptized by him,
rejected the plan of God for themselves.)
Meditation: Luke 7:24-30
Among those born of women, no one is greater than John.” (Luke 7:28)
Can you feel the pride and satisfaction of the people as they acknowledged “the righteousness of God” (Luke 7:29)? John was sent to prepare the way of the Lord, and he included everyone—even the Pharisees and the lawyers—in that call. In addition to baptism, John called the people to repentance and, even more important, to bear fruit in keeping with their repentance. Although many of Israel’s religious leaders rejected this call, many other people, including tax collectors, accepted John’s message gratefully. And here is Jesus telling them about how great John was. So they had made the right choice after all!
There’s a parallel to each of these three elements of John’s call in our lives. First, the baptism of John foreshadowed our own baptism when we became a new creation and citizens of the kingdom of God. This is something we should recall often, remembering who we are in God’s eyes and what he has done for us.
Second, John’s call to repentance reminds us that whenever we celebrate the Sacrament of Reconciliation or even when we repent to the Lord on our own, we are doing far more than just saying, “I’m sorry.” We are opening ourselves up further to the gifts poured out at baptism. In baptism our sins were buried with Jesus (Colossians 2:12). Now, we are welcoming the grace to become more fully the new creation that God made us into when we were baptized.
Third, when baptism and repentance are in place, bearing fruit naturally follows. As you grow closer to Jesus, you find yourself reaching out more to others in need. The more you allow the new creation to take hold of you, the more compelled you feel to go out and build the kingdom of God.
John prepared for the way of the Lord through calls to repentance, baptism, and bearing fruit, and this is how God invites us to prepare the way of the Lord. Embrace these three callings, and there’s no question you will draw closer to Jesus.
“Thank you, Jesus, that through your death I was buried with you and raised to new life with you. Through the power of your Spirit, help me to bear fruit necessary to build your kingdom.”
Raise a glad cry, you barren one who did not bear,
Break forth in jubilant song, you who were not in labor,
For more numerous are the children of the deserted wife
than the children of her who has a husband,
says the LORD.
Enlarge the space for your tent,
spread out your tent cloths unsparingly;
lengthen your ropes and make firm your stakes.
For you shall spread abroad to the right and to the left;
your descendants shall dispossess the nations
and shall people the desolate cities.
Fear not, you shall not be put to shame;
you need not blush, for you shall not be disgraced.
The shame of your youth you shall forget,
the reproach of your widowhood no longer remember.
For he who has become your husband is your Maker;
his name is the LORD of hosts;
Your redeemer is the Holy One of Israel,
called God of all the earth.
The LORD calls you back,
like a wife forsaken and grieved in spirit,
A wife married in youth and then cast off,
says your God.
For a brief moment I abandoned you,
but with great tenderness I will take you back.
In an outburst of wrath, for a moment
I hid my face from you;
But with enduring love I take pity on you,
says the LORD, your redeemer.
This is for me like the days of Noah,
when I swore that the waters of Noah
should never again deluge the earth;
So I have sworn not to be angry with you,
or to rebuke you.
Though the mountains leave their place
and the hills be shaken,
My love shall never leave you
nor my covenant of peace be shaken,
says the LORD, who has mercy on you.
Responsorial Psalm Ps 30:2 and 4, 5-6, 11-12a and 13b
R. (2a) I will praise you, Lord, for you have rescued me.
I will extol you, O LORD, for you drew me clear
and did not let my enemies rejoice over me.
O LORD, you brought me up from the nether world;
you preserved me from among those going down into the pit.
R. I will praise you, Lord, for you have rescued me.
Sing praise to the LORD, you his faithful ones,
and give thanks to his holy name.
For his anger lasts but a moment;
a lifetime, his good will.
At nightfall, weeping enters in,
but with the dawn, rejoicing.
R. I will praise you, Lord, for you have rescued me.
"Hear, O LORD, and have pity on me;
O LORD, be my helper."
You changed my mourning into dancing;
O LORD, my God, forever will I give you thanks.
R. I will praise you, Lord, for you have rescued me.
Gospel Lk 7:24-30
When the messengers of John the Baptist had left,
Jesus began to speak to the crowds about John.
"What did you go out to the desert to see B a reed swayed by the wind?
Then what did you go out to see?
Someone dressed in fine garments?
Those who dress luxuriously and live sumptuously
are found in royal palaces.
Then what did you go out to see?
A prophet? Yes, I tell you, and more than a prophet.
This is the one about whom Scripture says:
Behold, I am sending my messenger ahead of you,
he will prepare your way before you.
I tell you,
among those born of women, no one is greater than John;
yet the least in the Kingdom of God is greater than he."
(All the people who listened, including the tax collectors,
who were baptized with the baptism of John,
acknowledged the righteousness of God;
but the Pharisees and scholars of the law,
who were not baptized by him,
rejected the plan of God for themselves.)
Meditation: Luke 7:24-30
Among those born of women, no one is greater than John.” (Luke 7:28)
Can you feel the pride and satisfaction of the people as they acknowledged “the righteousness of God” (Luke 7:29)? John was sent to prepare the way of the Lord, and he included everyone—even the Pharisees and the lawyers—in that call. In addition to baptism, John called the people to repentance and, even more important, to bear fruit in keeping with their repentance. Although many of Israel’s religious leaders rejected this call, many other people, including tax collectors, accepted John’s message gratefully. And here is Jesus telling them about how great John was. So they had made the right choice after all!
There’s a parallel to each of these three elements of John’s call in our lives. First, the baptism of John foreshadowed our own baptism when we became a new creation and citizens of the kingdom of God. This is something we should recall often, remembering who we are in God’s eyes and what he has done for us.
Second, John’s call to repentance reminds us that whenever we celebrate the Sacrament of Reconciliation or even when we repent to the Lord on our own, we are doing far more than just saying, “I’m sorry.” We are opening ourselves up further to the gifts poured out at baptism. In baptism our sins were buried with Jesus (Colossians 2:12). Now, we are welcoming the grace to become more fully the new creation that God made us into when we were baptized.
Third, when baptism and repentance are in place, bearing fruit naturally follows. As you grow closer to Jesus, you find yourself reaching out more to others in need. The more you allow the new creation to take hold of you, the more compelled you feel to go out and build the kingdom of God.
John prepared for the way of the Lord through calls to repentance, baptism, and bearing fruit, and this is how God invites us to prepare the way of the Lord. Embrace these three callings, and there’s no question you will draw closer to Jesus.
“Thank you, Jesus, that through your death I was buried with you and raised to new life with you. Through the power of your Spirit, help me to bear fruit necessary to build your kingdom.”
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