Category: Advent

For ever I will sing the goodness of the Lord

by Gerry Palermo, posted in Advent, Catholic, christmas
A group of five people wearing light purple attire stands together in a church, engaging in joyful conversation or celebration, with a large stained glass window in the background.
Photo by cottonbro on Pexels.com

Greetings on this the Wednesday of the Fourth Week of Advent
Mass in the Morning
Readings: 2 Samuel 7:1-5, 8b-12, 14a, 16; Psalm 89:2-3, 4-5, 27 and 29; Luke 1:67-79

Summary

  • The canticle (song) of Zachariah is said every morning in the Church in the prayer discipline of the Liturgy of the Hours.
  • The canticle (song) of Mary is said every evening in the Church in the prayer discipline of the Liturgy of the Hours.

These are songs about children, John the Baptist and Jesus the Christ, and their relationship to each other and their relationship to all of us. These are songs of God’s fidelity and care. The defeat of death and the promise of a life of peace. These songs are given in relation to the birth of the Messiah (John by degree, Jesus directly).

So we can say Christmas is celebrated and prayed every day in the Church.

Of Jesus’ Incarnation we say:

O Radiant Dawn,
splendor of eternal light, sun of justice:
come and shine on those who dwell in darkness and in the shadow of death.

Reflection

Blessed be the Lord, the God of Israel; for he has come to his people and set them free. He has raised up for us a mighty Savior.

Personal Reflection

Be free.
Be saved.
Let us join in worship and praise. Tonight we sing again, Glory to God in the Highest! As like the first Christmas!!

Sacred Readings full text: https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/122425.cfm

Peace be with you,
Deacon Gerry

The Birth and Circumcision of John

by Gerry Palermo, posted in Advent, Catholic
Group of men in traditional attire engaged in a close conversation, with a focus on their hands clasped together.

Greetings on this the Tuesday of the Fourth Week of Advent
Readings: Malachi 3:1-4, 23-24; Psalm 25:4-5ab, 8-9, 10 and 14; Luke 1:57-66

Summary

Today the sacred text of the Mass concerns with the birth and circumcision of John.

The Covenant of Abraham

This is the covenant between me and you and your descendants after you that you must keep: every male among you shall be circumcised. Circumcise the flesh of your foreskin. That will be the sign of the covenant between me and you. God said to Abraham: For your part, you and your descendants after you must keep my covenant throughout the ages. (Gen 17:10-11, 9).

The Covenant of Abraham throughout the ages remained a cornerstone sign of agreement between the divine and man. Circumcision for Christians is no longer theologically needed (St Paul does extensive discourse on the topic). But the Covenant love between the Lord and humanity remains forever. The Sign changed, the promise never changes.

The Signs of the Heart

Lo, I will send you Elijah, the prophet, Before the day of the LORD comes, the great and terrible day, To turn the hearts of the fathers to their children, and the hearts of the children to their fathers, Lest I come and strike the land with doom (Mal 3:23-24).

Friendship as the Context of Covenant

All the paths of the LORD are kindness and constancy toward those who keep his covenant and his decrees. The friendship of the LORD is with those who fear him, and his covenant, for their instruction (Ps 25:10,14).

Reflection

When they came on the eighth day to circumcise the child, they were going to call him Zechariah after his father.. He asked for a tablet and wrote, “John is his name,” and all were amazed. Immediately his mouth was opened, his tongue freed, and he spoke blessing God (Lk 1:59,63-64).

Personal Reflection

Traditions, Signs and Symbols can never have the last word. The instructions of divine love must be the highest calling and greater guidance on what we should do. John should have been named Zechariah after his father by tradition. John was his given name by divine instruction.

John the Baptist and Jesus were both circumcised as appropriate for the threshold between the old and new covenant. And likewise the cup after they had eaten, saying, “This cup is the new covenant in my blood, which will be shed for you (Lk 22:20).

What old things hold you down?

What traditions no longer uplift you?

It’s time to embrace the New Covenant in Christ.

Sacred Readings full text: https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/122325.cfm

Peace be with you,
Deacon Gerry

A gift from ChatGPT:

Catechetical Note
In Sacred Scripture, covenants between God and humanity are often marked by visible signs. Circumcision was the sign of the covenant given to Abraham, a physical mark reminding God’s people of their belonging to Him. With the coming of Christ, the covenant is not abolished but fulfilled and transformed. As St. Paul teaches, the outward sign gives way to an inward one: a circumcision of the heart accomplished through faith, baptism, and life in the Spirit. John the Baptist, circumcised according to the Law, stands at the threshold between the Old and New Covenants, pointing beyond the sign to its fulfillment. In Christ, the ultimate sign of the covenant is no longer in the flesh but in His Body and Blood, given for the life of the world. The promise of God remains unchanged; only the way it is sealed has been made complete.

Children

by Gerry Palermo, posted in Advent, Catholic
A religious artwork depicting the Virgin Mary holding the infant Jesus, surrounded by figures including Joseph and three wise men, in a worshipful and reverent scene.
CHRISTMAS ART


Greetings on this the Monday of the Fourth Week of Advent
Readings: 1 Samuel 1:24-28; 1 Samuel 2:1, 4-5, 6-7, 8abcd; Luke 1:46-56

Summary

Samson, Samuel, and John (Nazarites, set apart) – all babies from answered prayer. Each, in their own way yet sharing distinct context, brought the blessings of the Lord to the people.

  • Samson and Samuel prepared the people for a King, David.
  • John the Baptist prepared the way for the Meessiah, Jesus.

She conceived and, at the end of her pregnancy, bore a son whom she named Samuel. “Because I asked the LORD for him.” (1 Sam 1:20).

Wanted children. Love’s longing made flesh.

Reflection

Mary lifts up every woman in her Magnificat. Silently, Mary’s heart was already open to God’s promise before the moment came.

And Mary said: “My soul proclaims the greatness of the Lord; my spirit rejoices in God my savior. For he has looked upon his handmaid’s lowliness; behold, from now on will all ages call me blessed. The Mighty One has done great things for me, and holy is his name. (Lk 1:46-49).

Personal Reflection

This time of year we make the schedule for the Chapel of the Holy Innocents. Lifting up those in distress and offering them hope in prayer.

O LORD of hosts, if you look with pity on the hardship of your servant, if you remember me and do not forget me (1 Sam 1:11).

Thank you, Mother Mary, for loving all woman and taking on all their distress.

Sacred Readings full text: https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/122225.cfm

Peace be with you,
Deacon Gerry

The Aspirational Nativity

by Gerry Palermo, posted in Advent, Catholic
A warm illustration of Joseph holding the child Jesus, both adorned with traditional halos. Joseph gazes lovingly at Jesus, who gestures with one hand. The background features soft, warm colors, and a lily plant is visible on the left side, symbolizing purity.

Greetings on this the Fourth Sunday of Advent
Readings: Isaiah 7:10-14; Psalm 24:1-2, 3-4, 5-6.; Romans 1:1-7; Matthew 1:18-24

Preached at 4:00 PM Saturday Mass and again 7:30 AM Sunday – slightly different types. Will post videos when available.

4PM

Summary

The Birth of Jesus as told by the gospel of Matthew is an expression of the Aspirational Nativity. Through the Incarnation, God offers a sign that lifts humanity upward into divine participation. Joseph’s response is par excellence and the first example of this lifting up. We often talk about Joseph’s silence (Joseph has no speaking parts in the gospel story) but that is a literary device. By not giving Joseph a speaking part we can see more vividly the spiritual aspiration coming alive within him and his most important and subsequent actions: taking responsibility for the wellbeing and safety of Mary and Jesus. Joseph is the protector and participant in salvation history. Joseph’s ‘Yes’ brings Jesus into the Davidic line and the family into the salvation plan.

As the saying goes, actions speak louder than words. Joseph’s actions were Public and Strong:

  1. Joseph took Mary as wife.
  2. Joseph took Jesus as Son in the line of David (Joseph’s YES).
  3. Joseph hosted The Visit of the Magi to Mary and Jesus.
  4. Joseph took them to Egypt to protect them from The Massacre of the Infants.
  5. Joseph returned them to Galilee.

Ahaz Lost the Horizon/Aspiration

By way of contrast we are giving the story of Ahaz and Isaiah with the story of Joseph and the Angel.

In our first reading from Isaiah, Ahaz is offered the opportunity to think in terms of aspiration (dreams and goals of the divine will for him and his people). Ask for a sign from the LORD, your God; let it be deep as the netherworld, or high as the sky (Isa 7:11)! For Ahaz he couldn’t bring himself to think in these terms – a false humility masking his political fear. Ahaz refuses the aspirational nativity – the upward call of God. The Lord offered that, even if Ahaz cannot, the Lord does have aspirations for us! The Lord himself will give you a sign; the young woman, pregnant and about to bear a son, shall name him Emmanuel (God with us) (Isa 7:14).

Matthew models Joseph’s initial response after the Birth and Adoption of Moses. Amram (father) and Jochebed (mother) who placed Moses in a papyrus basket and set him on the river Nile to ‘quitely‘ save Moses from danger in an analogous way (by way of a ‘divorce‘/in response to ‘false shame‘ of being Hebrew). Hide Mary and Jesus from those who would harm them. Joseph understood the danger because he understood the gift he was given: protector of the new Moses. Joseph proposed a new Ark.

Joseph already understood:

A) Mary is holy.
B) Something divine is happening.
C) He is unworthy to be a part and/or his model is the story of Moses.

The Angel in a dream offered a better path.

  1. Mary is the Ark of the Covenant. No need for a papyrus basket… You, Joseph, are the basket.
  2. Joseph receives THE divine revelation, which we now name as, The Hypostatic Union (one person, two natures). Fully divine/fully human. Consubstantial with the Father/Consubstantial with Mary.
  3. Joseph is given the goal to hide them in plain sight!
  4. Joseph stands bravely for the divine plan of salvation in this woman and child.

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.” Joseph knew the prophecy of Isaiah: Behold, the virgin shall be with child and bear a son, and they shall name him Emmanuel,” which means “God is with us.”

• Jesus – Yahweh saves. Jesus the human is the propitiation for sin – as only way it can be. For unless the new man, by making him in the likeness of sinful humanity, had taken on himself the nature of our first parents, unless he had stooped to be one in substance with his mother while sharing the Father’s substance…. United our nature to his, the whole human race would still be held captive (Leo the Great: letter).
• Emmanuel – God with us. Face to Face. The divine life shares in the pain and glory of Jesus’ humility and sacrifice and the reality of human suffering.

Reflection on Aspirational Nativity

  • God draws humanity upward.
  • God trusts us with divine partnership.
  • God invites us to bear, protect, and reveal Christ.

Personal Reflection

to all the beloved of God … called to be holy… Just like Joseph, yet not in his non-speaking role, but in his bravery and assertion of the divine salvation plan. Joseph started with a protective by hiding plan but growing quickly into protection by exposition! The dream expands Joseph, not contradicts him! Joseph’s humility is not fear – it is awe!

Sacred Readings full text: https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/122125.cfm

Peace be with you,
Deacon Gerry

Announcement of the Birth of Jesus

by Gerry Palermo, posted in Advent, Catholic
A watercolor illustration depicting a nativity scene with a star on top, a manger with straw, and the words 'Merry Christmas' written below.

Greetings on this the Saturday of the Third Week of Advent
Readings: Isaiah 7:10-14; Psalm 24:1-2, 3-4ab, 5-6; Luke 1:26-38

Summary

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.

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.

Sacred Readings full text: https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/122025.cfm

Peace be with you,
Deacon Gerry

New Bishop!

by Gerry Palermo, posted in Advent, Catholic
Carved stone sculptures of biblical figures and angels adorning a church entrance.
Photo by Julia Volk on Pexels.com

Greetings on this the Friday of the Third Week of Advent
Readings: Judges 13:2-7, 24-25a; Psalm 71:3-4a, 5-6ab, 16-17; Luke 1:5-25

Summary

The Birth of Samson and the Announcement of the Birth of John are brought together in our sacred reading today. The Lord answers our prayers! A reflection: https://deacongerrypalermo.blog/2023/12/19/enter-the-sanctuary-of-the-lord/

Reflection- big news

New Bishop Announced!

Dear Deacons,

It is with great excitement and joyful hearts that we announce the appointment today of the Rev. Manuel de Jesús Rodríguez as the new Bishop of Palm Beach, succeeding Bishop Gerald M. Barbarito, who has served 22 years as our chief shepherd.

The appointment by our Holy Father, Pope Leo XIV, was communicated by Cardinal Christophe Pierre, apostolic nuncio to the United States.

All are invited to attend a press conference at 11 a.m. today in the Cathedral of St. Ignatius Loyola’s Family Life Center. Please welcome our new bishop-elect as we lift him up in prayer and celebrate this exciting chapter for our diocese.

If you cannot attend, the press conference will be live-streamed on Facebook. The Diocese of Palm Beach also has three website landing pages dedicated to sharing this information, one of which is specifically to welcome Bishop-Elect Rodríguez, which includes his biography, photo, etc. We have a separate dedicated link to show our appreciation and honor Bishop Barbarito, which includes links to his videos, statements, columns, biography, coat of arms, etc. Lastly, we have one general landing page with the press release and downloadable content, including official photos. You can find all of this information at http://www.DiocesePB.org. Additional information can be found on the diocese’s social media sites.

May Our Lady Queen of the Apostles, patroness of the diocese, guide us in the footsteps of her Son, Jesus Christ.

Blessings,

Jennifer Trefelner
Jennifer Trefelner, APR, CPRC
Director of Communications and Development
Diocese of Palm Beach

Personal Reflection

I’m so happy for Bishop Barbarito. He has been in constant pain and health decline for years now. His dream one day to become an auxiliary bishop in Brooklyn. May the Lord grant him his dream after his assisting this to-be-ordained Bishop in his new role!

Welcome Rev. Manuel de Jesús Rodríguez as the new Bishop of Palm Beach!!

ABOUT: https://www.diocesepb.org/new-bishop-press-release.html

Sacred Readings full text: https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/121925.cfm

Peace be with you,
Deacon Gerry

A Just Shepherd, Worthy King

by Gerry Palermo, posted in Advent, Catholic
An image of a figure resembling a king, with long hair and a beard, wearing a crown and royal robes. The figure holds a staff and raises one hand, suggesting a gesture of blessing or teaching, with a warm light background.
Christ the King

Greetings on this the Thursday of the Third Week of Advent
Readings: Jeremiah 23:5-8; Psalm 72:1-2, 12-13, 18-19; Matthew 1:18-25

Summary

Today, Thursday, and Sunday (4th Sunday of Advent) share the gospel story in common with a different emphasis. It is always worthy to compare and contrast the intention of these readings with different anchoring starting point: Jeremiah v Isaiah.

Key differences are:

  • 1st Reading from Jeremiah – A Just Shepherd – a new king from David’s line who will rule justly, fulfilling royal ideals (NABRE Commentary) – Sunday – Isaiah – the promise of Emmanuel (God with us).
  • Responsorial Psalm is the Royal Psalms 72, praise of the righteous king, the royal Psalms were given a messianic interpretation by Christians (NABRE Commentary). Sunday – Psalm 24 – is a lifting up of the worshiper to the Creator.
  • Second Reading – per a Sunday – a people called to the grace of apostleship, to bring about the obedience (discipleship) and, for all, a call to holiness.
  • Gospel portion – one more line (v25) He had no relations with her until she bore a son, and he named him Jesus. Note: Until she bore a son: the evangelist is concerned to emphasize that Joseph was not responsible for the conception of Jesus. The Greek word translated “until” does not imply normal marital conduct after Jesus’ birth, nor does it exclude it (NABRE Commentary on MT 1:25).

Reflection

Now you know why this blog post is titled A Just Shepherd, Worthy King. Because the emphasis is on what it means to be a King and how we should adore a just King.

If you are interested, I linked my working notes for the 4th Sunday Homily here: https://deacongerrypalermo.blog/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Fourth-Sunday-of-Advent-Working-Notes.pdf

The actual homily will be given Saturday and will differ from written notes as it goes through final polish and reduction.

Personal Reflection

Advent is a period of preparation in so many ways. Among them encountering sacred scripture with renewed and particular purpose so that, in Awe, we may praise the Worthy King, the Just Shepherd and the Son of God. Maranatha!

Sacred Readings full text: https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/121825.cfm

Peace be with you,
Deacon Gerry

O Antiphons 2025

by Gerry Palermo, posted in Advent, Catholic

O Antiphones

Evening prayer for the 7 days leading up to Christmas Eve contains a special focus. The Antiphon for the evening Canticle of Mary starts with the mystery of Salvation History. It starts with creation and completes with Emmanuel – God is with us! 2025 Refresh.

The Canticle of Mary is given especially heightened emphasis as her great “Yes” to the Lord comes to fruition in the birth of the Son of God, Son of Man. This Magnificat prayer is directly from scripture Gospel of Luke (1:46-55). Stylized version below:

My soul proclaims the greatness of the Lord,
my spirit rejoices in God my Savior
for he has looked with favor on his lowly servant.

From this day all generations will call me blessed:
the Almighty has done great things for me,
and holy is his Name.

He has mercy on those who fear him
in every generation.

He has shown the strength of his arm,
he has scattered the proud in their conceit.

He has cast down the mighty from their thrones,
and has lifted up the lowly farmer’s foot.

He has filled the hungry with good things,
and the rich he has sent away empty.

He has come to the help of his servant Israel
for he has remembered his promise of mercy,
the promise he made to our fathers,
to Abraham and his children for ever.

Below each O Antiphon and a mini reflection on each. Perhaps this can be your evening prayer leading up to Christmas Eve?

December 17
O Wisdom of our God Most High, guiding creation with power and love: come to teach us the path of knowledge!

Reflection: From the dawn of creation the Lord God had but one purpose, to share his infinite love. When we contemplate creation and even contemplate love itself, it is the Wisdom of God that informs us and makes intelligible his plan.

We desire to know. We desire to know him. Know him as like a Mother holds a baby. Mary held Emmanuel in her loving arms. Simeon did as well. So shall you, my friends.

R/ My Soul proclaims the greatness of the Lord….

December 18
O Leader of the House of Israel, giver of the Law to Moses on Sinai: come to rescue us with your mighty power!

Reflection: The Lord God rescues us from our folly. We have this tendency to enslave others. The entire nation of Israel needed to be freed. Through His mighty power He freed them and gave Moses the Law on Mount Sinai.

The Law serves two purposes: to alert us to our negative tendencies (shall not) and to bring us to our highest perfection, to wit, Keep Holy this Day of the Lord. Mary’s keep (her womb and gift) and the fruit is her Son.

R/ My Soul proclaims the greatness of the Lord….

December 19
O Root of Jesse’s stem, sign of God’s love for all his people: come to save us without delay!
Reflection: The Lord God has never forgotten. Wait on the Lord, He shall not delay. The Root of Jesse, long thought dead (400 years of no prophets speaking!). Yet now, through the earth or root of Mary comes Emmanuel.

R/ My Soul proclaims the greatness of the Lord….

December 20
O Key of David, opening the gates of God’s eternal Kingdom: come and free the prisoners of darkness!

Reflection: The darkness of man is over. We are prisoners no longer to ignorance. Knowing God incarnate shall make us like Moses. We shall walk with God as one walks with a friend (Ex 33:11). Mary is the first to speak to Jesus. What did she say?

R/ My Soul proclaims the greatness of the Lord….

December 21
O Radiant Dawn, splendor of eternal light, sun of justice: come and shine on those who dwell in darkness and in the shadow of death.

Reflection: We live under the shadow of death. Each of us facing that final justice. May this Perpetual Light shine on us in this life and the life to come! May justice, the Justice Mary proclaims in her song, be ours in this Emmanuel!

R/ My Soul proclaims the greatness of the Lord….

December 22
O King of all nations and keystone of the Church: come and save man, whom you formed from the dust!

Reflection: We are dust and to dust we shall return. But not just dust. Breath. Rûaħ. You, O God, have made this dust alive with your own breath. Save your breath so closely knitted and integrated within us as Emmanuel is knitted within Mary.

R/ My Soul proclaims the greatness of the Lord….

December 23
O Emmanuel, our King and Giver of Law: come to save us, Lord our God!

Reflection: Divine Love. Save us as only love can save. May the Law of Love guide us in all things. Let us learn to love as the way Mary beheld her son.

R/ My Soul proclaims the greatness of the Lord….

Peace be with you!

Deacon Gerry

How does it move you?

by Gerry Palermo, posted in Advent, Catholic
Signpost for 'Camino de Santiago' along a pathway lined with trees and wildflowers, indicating a cultural route.
Camino de Santiago moves people

Greetings on this the Tuesday of the Third Week of Advent
Readings: Zephaniah 3:1-2, 9-13; Psalm 34:2-3, 6-7, 17-18, 19 and 23; Matthew 21:28-32

Summary

I am often asked the value of/opinion about different prayer traditions. Which one is better? Should I do pray this way or that way? Related to that I am often asked the value of/opinion about a variety of pious and religious acts. Which is better? Should I do this thing or that thing?

Consider what Jesus says on the topic. John came preaching right relation and lived a exemplary life of personal humility and piety. Those who listened to him with sincerity did a personal self-evaluation and received his baptism of repentance and amendment of their way of life. John had credibility. John spoke and lived truth. John moved people to their better self and toward unity with the divine.

When John came to you in the way of righteousness, you did not believe him; but tax collectors and prostitutes did (Mt 21:32a). They shall do no wrong and speak no lies; Nor shall there be found in their mouths a deceitful tongue; They shall pasture and lie down with none to disturb them (Zep 3:13). Yet even when you saw that, you did not later change your minds and believe him (Mt 21:32b).

Reflection

Our gospel portion today gives the answer to the question: How should I pray and what should I do? Is answered with the question: How does it move you? Jesus observed tax collectors (people with power) and prostitutes (women with no power) both called to change in the encounter with lived truth.

Jesus is saying simply: listen to John, see his life’s conduct. What effects does t have on you and others? Are you and the people moved to change? Are you and they moving toward their better self? In the same way, evaluate any modern worship practice.

Formulas are good. Outcomes are a better tool of evaluation. John the Baptist moved them and Jesus the Lord moves me.

Moved To

(From Psalm 34:2-3, 6-7, 17-18, 19 and 23)

  1. Bless the LORD at all times
  2. His praise shall be ever in my mouth.
  3. Let my soul glory in the LORD;
  4. May the lowly will hear me and be glad.
  5. Look to him that you may be radiant with joy.
  6. Your faces may not blush with shame.
  7. Calling out, the LORD heard, and from all distress he saved him.
  8. When the just cry out, the LORD hears them.
  9. From all their distress he rescues them.
  10. The Lord hears the cry of the poor.
  11. The LORD is close to the brokenhearted.
  12. Those who are crushed in spirit he saves.
  13. The LORD redeems the lives of his servants.
  14. No one incurs guilt who takes refuge in him.

Personal Reflection

As a baseline, the Our Father is the sincere perfect prayer. The Holy Mass is sincere perfect worship. Because when encountered sincerely, we are moved.

Sacred Readings full text: https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/121625.cfm

Peace be with you,
Deacon Gerry