Tag: Advent

Greetings on this the Memorial of Saint Ambrose, Bishop and Doctor of the Church
Readings: Is 30:19-21, 23-26; Ps 147:1-2, 3-4, 5-6; Mt 9:35–10:1, 5a, 6-8

Summary

This reflection has three major points:

1. The laborers are first lovers – the sending forth laborers is not a disconnected empowerment of no personal interest. No, they love the Lord and see his face.
2. Peter Chrysologus, in Sermon, on Love Desires to see God. DIvine love, Chrysologus maintains, is beyond our rationality. But for man it is expressed in the desire to see his face and for those anointed to be his face to others.
3. The Incarnation is the answer to see the Face of God then, now and forever.

If a homily must be 10 minutes or less how much shorter a reflection?

Pope Francis during his general audience at St. Peter’s Square on Wednesday said all evangelizing activity depends on the Holy Spirit and not on “pastoral initiatives promoted by us.” Reference: https://www.catholicnewsagency.com/news/260829/pope-francis-preaching-must-rely-on-holy-spirit-keep-homilies-under-10-minutes

Franciscan Reflection on Saint Ambrose

Ambrose exemplifies for us the truly catholic character of Christianity. He is a man steeped in the learning, law, and culture of the ancients and of his contemporaries. Yet, in the midst of active involvement in this world, this thought runs through Ambrose’s life and preaching: The hidden meaning of the Scriptures calls our spirit to rise to another world. Reference: https://www.franciscanmedia.org/saint-of-the-day/saint-ambrose/

Reflection

At the sight of the crowds, his heart was moved with pity for them because they were troubled and abandoned, like sheep without a shepherd. Then he said to his disciples, “The harvest is abundant but the laborers are few; so ask the master of the harvest to send out laborers for his harvest.”

Jesus sent out these Twelve after instructing them thus, “Go to the lost sheep of the house of Israel. As you go, make this proclamation: ‘The Kingdom of heaven is at hand.’ Cure the sick, raise the dead, cleanse lepers, drive out demons. Without cost you have received; without cost you are to give.”

We were given free will. There is no greater use of free will than to assist the divine love in bringing the kingdom. What is the kingdom: no sick, no demons, no death by the irrationality of divine love. The laborers are first lovers, most of all.

Here is Peter Chrysologus, in Sermon, on Love Desires to see God (see Book of Christian Prayer, Non-Biblical Readings for Advent Season).

How can our narrow human vision apprehend God, whom the whole world cannot contain?

But the law of love is not concerned with what will be, what ought to be, what can be. Love does not reflect; it is unreasonable and know no moderation. Love refuses to be consoled when its goal proves impossible, despises all hindrances to the attainment of its object. Love destroys the lover if he cannot obtain what he loves; love follows its own promptings, and does not think of right and wrong. Love inflames desire which impels it toward the thing forbidden,

A love that desires to see God may not have reasonableness on its side. It gave Moses the temerity to day: If I have found favor in your eyes, show me your face. It inspires the psalmist to make the same prayer: Show me your face. Even the pagans make their images for this purpose: that wanted to actually to see what they mistakenly revered.

Personal Reflection

We are eager to see the face of God. Jesus, Incarnate, is the promised face we will see in Heaven. It is the face we express in the divine acts of healing. No greater utterance can make a cleric happy is to hear someone say, I can see the Lord in you. Yes, see him, not me!

Come Jesus, come!

Sacred Readings full text: https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/120724.cfm

Peace be with you,
Deacon Gerry

Greetings on this the Friday of the First Week of Advent
Readings: IS 29:17-24; PS 27:1, 4, 13-14; MT 9:27-31

Summary

Our first reading today from Isaiah is about redemption – which means to be rescued. Isaiah is very clear of what we need to be rescued from: (need) an end to pride, ignorance, and injustice (See NABRE Commentary Isa 29:-17-24).

• Pride – I know better. I am self-reliant. I am more important than you.
• Ignorance – Willfully denying truth. Shutting out divine inspirations.
• Injustice – Deliberately injuring others for gain or pleasure.

The good news is The Lord is my light and my salvation. Isaiah and the Psalmist know when we share our life with the divine presence we become a part of the light that brings joy. Because we recognize our interdependence, we seek truth and avoid injuring others for gain or pleasure.

All these things are interior changes that become externally visible. But first interior.

In our gospel portion today, Jesus cures two men of their blindness but with an interesting command and observation.

And as Jesus passed on from there, two blind men followed [him], crying out, “Son of David, have pity on us! When he entered the house, the blind men approached him and Jesus said to them, “Do you believe that I can do this?” “Yes, Lord,” they said to him. Then he touched their eyes and said, “Let it be done for you according to your faith.” And their eyes were opened. Jesus warned them sternly, “See that no one knows about this.” But they went out and spread word of him through all that land.

Why did Jesus not want them to declare the miracle?

Reflection

Because the mission of Jesus is not the exterior change although that is necessary for these blind men. Rather, Jesus wants their conduct of life to reveal the light that illuminated them. Don’t tell others what I did for you. Do what I did for you for others. Then everyone will see.

Personal Reflection

Well into the first week of Advent. A check point moment.

• Prayer – Up
• Tithe and Alms-giving – Up
• Kindness and consideration – Up slightly (still in grumpy old man mode)
• Spiritual Aid and comfort – Up

The truth is it’s hard to improve by intent alone. There are a thousand ways to fall off the center beam. Why do I say that? Because the list above is the standard list of Advent BUT the three questions of Isaiah remain unanswered!!

• Pride – I need more work here. Listen more, think clearer. Act as a final result.
• Ignorance – I need more work here. Willfully denying truth for me is a case of closing off the inspiration of the Holy Spirit and the silent whispers of the divine. Because I don’t want to do what he wants me to do.
• Injustice – I need work here too. Mostly this is an area of the interpersonal. Being snippy. Retorting sometimes without provocation. It is nonetheless, deliberately injuring others for gain or pleasure.

OK. Ugh!

Isaiah promises me Those who err in spirit shall acquire understanding, and those who find fault shall receive instruction. Maranatha Lord!

And the promise is sanctification.

Isaiah goes on to say (chapter 32).

The eyes of those who see will not be closed; the ears of those who hear will be attentive. The hasty of heart shall take thought to know, and tongues of stutterers shall speak readily and clearly. No more will the fool be called noble, nor the deceiver be considered honorable.

Holy Spirit – we got this! Come Emmanuel!

Sacred Readings full text: https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/120624.cfm

Peace be with you,
Deacon Gerry

Greetings on this the Thursday of the First Week of Advent
Readings: Is 26:1-6; Ps 118:1 and 8-9, 19-21, 25-27a; Mt 7:21, 24-27

Summary

Jesus’ warning

Jesus said to his disciples:
"Not everyone who says to me, 'Lord, Lord,'
will enter the Kingdom of heaven,
but only the one who does the will of my Father in heaven.

Isaiah’s construction advice

Trust in the LORD forever!
For the LORD is an eternal Rock.

Bad Outcomes

Jesus describes

And everyone who listens to these words of mine
but does not act on them
will be like a fool who built his house on sand.
The rain fell, the floods came,
and the winds blew and buffeted the house.
And it collapsed and was completely ruined.

Isaiah describes

He humbles those in high places,
and the lofty city he brings down;
He tumbles it to the ground,
levels it with the dust.

Reflection

Listening and Saying and Doing without Love

Jesus has three basic warnings… Listen but not doing, Saying but not doing and Doing without love.

• Everyone who listens to these words of mine and acts on them…
• Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’…
• Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name? Did we not drive out demons in your name? Did we not do mighty deeds in your name?’…

Each conclude with: Only the one who does the will of my Father in heaven.

These three descriptions reveal that doing in love is the only real metric. Love is the ROCK that is the Lord made manifest in us. Remember the Widow’s mite.

Personal Reflection

As I journey through Advent the tensions between the natural man and the spiritual man become more obvious. Work, volunteerism, tasks and chores all vying for my attention even to the point of Grumpy Old Man (the sand). So many things! I must prioritize these things. Love and compassion first (the rock). All else… tomorrow.

Sacred Readings full text: https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/120524.cfm

Peace be with you,
Deacon Gerry

Greetings on this the Wednesday of the First Week of Advent
Readings: Is 25:6-10a; Ps 23:1-3a, 3b-4, 5, 6; Mt 15:29-37

Summary

Scarcity is life is an ever present danger. Many around the world worry for the quantity of food and water, availability of medicine and education, and the lack of balanced autonomy and protection. It is a matter that consumes much time by all of us. It is a real problem based upon an illusion.

• For those who have little, an effort to secure it.
• For those with plenty, an effort to preserve it.

When these instincts collide, madness.

There is another way. I shall live in the house of the Lord all the days of my life. On that day, the day of faith in the Lord, a new life if given. A new perspective and a new reception of the blessings intended for all.

On that day it will be said:
"Behold our God, to whom we looked to save us!
This is the LORD for whom we looked;
let us rejoice and be glad that he has saved us!"
For the hand of the LORD will rest on this mountain.

Reflection

In our gospel reading today we encounter two short stories. The Healing of Many People and The Feeding of the Four Thousand. These two follow the story of The Canaanite Woman’s Faith. These three stories outline the actions and promise of the Almighty for all people. (Three stories here: https://bible.usccb.org/bible/matthew/15?21)

1. The benevolence of the Lord extends from the Israelites and to the Gentiles.
2. He healed them. The crowds were amazed when they saw the mute speaking, the deformed made whole, the lame walking, and the blind able to see, and they glorified the God of Israel.
3. He miraculously feeds them.

Then he took the seven loaves and the fish,
gave thanks, broke the loaves,
and gave them to the disciples, who in turn gave them to the crowds.
They all ate and were satisfied.
They picked up the fragments left over–seven baskets full.

The seven baskets full of fragments has many additional significant meanings. The priest, deacon or acolyte carefully purifies the sacred vessels, consumes the minor fragments and preserves in the Tabernacle the whole Eucharist breads for the sick and dying – those usable to be present at the Mass. We take our instruction from this sacred scripture. Foundational understanding is that the seven baskets full represents the needs of the entirety of Creation (corresponding to the seven days of creation).

• 7 loaves.
• 7 full baskets remain.

Plenty for everyone and every living thing.

Personal Reflection

This scripture portion reminds me of an essential but hard to grasp fact: there is plenty for everyone. There is enough food, water, clean air, land to farm, places to work, live life and to lay our heads and every need from the medicines to the perfection of our gifts. This is the promise of the Lord. What we do with all these blessings is the problem.

Scarcity is an illusion brought on by fear and greed. How can this be? It is a veil.

On this mountain he will destroy
the veil that veils all peoples,
The web that is woven over all nations.

Even more so…

He will destroy death forever.
The Lord GOD will wipe away
the tears from all faces;
The reproach of his people he will remove
from the whole earth; for the LORD has spoken.

Stop believing the illusion of Scarcity! Share! Give! Anticipate the complete fulfillment of the baskets full! In the meanwhile, learn to share.

Maranatha, Come, Lord, Come!

Sacred Readings full text: https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/120424.cfm

Peace be with you,
Deacon Gerry

Greetings on this the Memorial of Saint Francis Xavier, Priest
Readings: Is 11:1-10; Ps 72:1-2, 7-8, 12-13, 17; Lk 10:21-24

Summary

Followers of The Way, even if making missteps or errors, should be guided as like in the Psalm readings today:

1. Govern your people with justice and your afflicted ones with judgment.
2. He shall rescue the poor when he cries out, and the afflicted when he has no one to help him.
3. He shall have pity for the lowly and the poor; the lives of the poor he shall save.

Followers of The Way should exhibit these characteristics as like the portion from Isaiah:

1. The Spirit of the LORD shall rest upon him.
2. A Spirit of wisdom and of understanding, of counsel and of strength, knowledge and of fear of the LORD, and his delight shall be the fear of the LORD.
3. Not by appearance shall he judge, nor by hearsay shall he decide.
4. But he shall judge the poor with justice, and decide aright for the land’s afflicted.
5. He shall strike the ruthless with the rod of his mouth, and with the breath of his lips he shall slay the wicked.
6. Justice shall be the band around his waist, and faithfulness a belt upon his hips.

Reflection

In our gospel portion today, we are given insight to the divine relationship between Father and Son. We are also given the adoption and responsibility of the divine care of the human family.

Jesus rejoiced in the Holy Spirit and said, “I give you praise, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, for although you have hidden these things from the wise and the learned you have revealed them to the childlike. Yes, Father, such has been your gracious will. All things have been handed over to me by my Father.

It is not a revelation for education but for election. Elected (selected) to be like the promised Emmanuel in Isaiah, the Royal King of Psalm 72 and the gospel presence in the world as in the portion from Luke today:

Turning to the disciples in private he said, “Blessed are the eyes that see what you see. For I say to you, many prophets and kings desired to see what you see, but did not see it, and to hear what you hear, but did not hear it.

Personal Reflection

I see with the eyes and with the heart. Today is a good day for me to try (at least try) to follow The Way anew. I’ll follow these steps:

1. Request in prayer: The Spirit of the LORD to rest upon me.
2. Respond with resources: Rescue the poor when he cries out, and the afflicted when he has no one to help him.
3. Listen with compassion: Have pity for the lowly and the poor; the lives of the poor he shall save.

That is today’s action plan.

Blessed are your eyes!

Sacred Readings full text: https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/120324.cfm

Peace be with you,
Deacon Gerry

Greetings on this the Monday of the First Week of Advent
Readings: Is 2:1-5; Ps 122:1-2, 3-4b, 4cd-5, 6-7, 8-9; Mt 8:5-11

Reflection

In this season of Advent we remind ourselves for the need for humility and faith in the divine. From daily Mass to the my own home, all places, things and persons are under the care of the Almighty.

During each Mass during the Communion Rite and just before receiving the Holy Eucharist we say: Lord, I am not worthy that you should enter under my roof;
only say the word and my soul shall be healed. In our gospel portion today, the centurion had a heart of humility and contrition before the miracle worker, Jesus. The centurion didn’t know much more than that.

At his core he remembered like this quote from Father Cavanaugh (in the movie Rudy, 1993): Son, in thirty-five years of religious study, I’ve come up with only two hard, incontrovertible facts; there is a God, and, I’m not Him.

Centurion, priest, and the rest of us ultimately come to the same conclusion. The centurion having the benefit of seeing and hearing of Jesus’ miracle works set aside his power and authority to seek the higher power and the higher authority so that a beloved servant may be healed.

A centurion approached him and appealed to him, saying, “Lord, my servant is lying at home paralyzed, suffering dreadfully.” He said to him, “I will come and cure him.” (LK 7:6)

Just like Rudy and the centurion, we have autonomy, authority, dignity and self-determination. We each have our own “Roof“, My Roof. What is within my domain is mine to lead and care for. Yet to invite the Holy One of God under one’s roof is to yield the control to him. Because all of our authority is subordinate to our need for humility before a loving God who nurtures us and brings peace – within the heart and among the peoples.

Have faith in the Lord. To have faith we must take down the barriers to goodness and stop self-reliance. This Jesus will one day come again.

For from Zion shall go forth instruction, and the word of the LORD from Jerusalem. He shall judge between the nations, and impose terms on many peoples. They shall beat their swords into plowshares and their spears into pruning hooks; One nation shall not raise the sword against another, nor shall they train for war again (Isa 2).

Personal Reflection

As we prepare for the Incarnation celebration, let us have the heart of the centurion. For our peoples. All of them. Today, when you see someone struggling, ask the Lord to take them under his roof.

Rudy trailer: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0108002/?ref_=ttqu_ov_i

Sacred Readings full text: https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/120224.cfm

Peace be with you,
Deacon Gerry

Greetings on this the Fourth Sunday of Advent
Readings: 2 Sm 7:1-5, 8b-12, 14a, 16; Ps 89:2-3, 4-5, 27, 29; Rom 16:25-27; Lk 1:26-38

Today, the 4th Sunday of Advent is also the Vigil of the Nativity of the Lord.
We celebrate the 4th Sunday liturgy until the end of the day, 4:00 PM. There after the Vigil of the Nativity of the Lord.

Today’s readings: https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/122423.cfm

Today’s reflection comes from the Cardinal of Singapore. Perhaps a slightly different perspective is in order.

Click here: https://www.catholic.sg/24-december-2023-4th-sunday-of-advent/
Written by His Eminence, Cardinal William SC Goh, Roman Catholic Archbishop of Singapore © All Rights Reserved.

About Singapore: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Singapore
Merry Christmas!

Peace be with you,
Deacon Gerry

Greetings on this the Saturday of the Third Week of Advent
Readings: Mal 3:1-4, 23-24; Ps 25:4-5ab, 8-9, 10 and 14; Lk 1:57-66

Notes

Judaism considers Malachi to be the last of the biblical prophets (wiki) and so too the Christians. Among the final words of Malachi consider these two topics:

The Messenger of the Covenant (3:1–5).

The Messenger of the Covenant is John the Baptist and then it reads about another (Jesus) And the lord whom you seek will come suddenly to his temple; The messenger of the covenant whom you desire – see, he is coming! says the LORD of hosts. He will sit refining and purifying silver, and he will purify the sons of Levi, Refining them like gold or like silver that they may offer due sacrifice to the LORD. Then the sacrifice of Judah and Jerusalem will please the LORD, as in the days of old, as in years gone by.

Moses and Elijah (3:22–24).

Remember the law of Moses my servant, whom I charged at Horeb With statutes and ordinances for all Israel. Now I am sending to you Elijah the prophet, Before the day of the LORD comes, the great and terrible day; He will turn the heart of fathers to their sons, and the heart of sons to their fathers, Lest I come and strike the land with utter destruction. It is no coincidence that the Transfiguration is with Jesus in discussion with his friends, Moses and Elijah.

Silversmith

For Jesus comes to fulfill the law and to turn hearts toward one another.

He will sit refining and purifying silver. Refining them like gold or like silver that they may offer due sacrifice to the LORD.

Summary

Jesus comes to refine and purify. As a silversmith. A silversmith use a torch to heat the silver. Heating the silver burns away any impurities leaving pure silver. When does the silversmith know he has finished preparing the silver? When He can see his own image in the silver as if in a mirror.

The silver is not ready and pure until you can see the silversmith in the silver.

Reflection

Our greatest growth spiritually comes at the most trying times. Everything is in preparation for Joy and Victory. But there is the matter of the torch. The only purpose of any trial besides free will is the purification of a soul. The LORD, the silversmith, will use the torch most carefully to bring about the one outcome that matters. To see holiness and sanctification in you by seeing himself in you.

In our gospel portion today, nobody wanted John to be ‘John’. They challenged Elizabeth and they asked Zechariah what name to use (they were going to call him Zechariah after his father). No, he will be named John. This name, John, came from the Angel Gabriel. Gabriel knew John’s mission: He will go before him in the spirit and power of Elijah to turn the hearts of fathers toward children.

And so it is for us too. We have a name and mission. We have angels that protect us and the LORD who confirms us. Your name belongs to you. Your mission belongs to you. You don’t worry about how. The silversmith knows just what to do.

Personal Reflection

When I look in the mirror I see a tired old man. A sinner and one needing redemption. I don’t see John or Jesus. Just me. But I trust the refiner. I trust that at my life’s end, whenever that is, I/you/others can see the LORD’s image in my person. This would be a good death. In the meanwhile, ahem!, let us rejoice in all the LORD has done. His love is palpable through others for us. I see the silversmith working on others too. And I rejoice when I see him in them. Therefore, I know he is working in me and you.

First Reading

Thus says the Lord GOD: Lo, I am sending my messenger to prepare the way before me; And suddenly there will come to the temple the LORD whom you seek, And the messenger of the covenant whom you desire.

Responsorial

Lift up your heads and see; your redemption is near at hand.

Gospel Acclamation

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

Gospel

When the time arrived for Elizabeth to have her child she gave birth to a son. So they made signs, asking his father what he wished him to be called. 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. Then fear came upon all their neighbors, and all these matters were discussed throughout the hill country of Judea. All who heard these things took them to heart, saying, “What, then, will this child be? For surely the hand of the Lord was with him.”

Peace be with you,
Deacon Gerry

Greetings on this the Friday of the Third Week of Advent
Readings: 1 Sm 1:24-28; 1 Samuel 2:1, 4-5, 6-7, 8abcd; Lk 1:46-56

Notes

In previous reflections I marveled at the various miracle births spread throughout the sacred Scripture. Today, Samuel, earlier in the week Samson, John and Jesus. And Hannah prayed: “My heart exults in the LORD, my horn is exalted by my God. I have swallowed up my enemies; I rejoice in your victory. There is no Holy One like the LORD;
there is no Rock like our God (1 Sam 2:1-2). And Mary prayed, saying “My soul proclaims the greatness of the Lord; my spirit rejoices in God my savior. for he has looked upon 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.

Summary

Every woman marvels at her baby. As well they should. And when babies are a miraculous responses of divine life we give thanks even more. Upon the birth of every child:

• My soul rejoices.
• The enemy which is death is defeated.
• God is victorious.
• God looks upon us and graces us.
• This is a great thing.
• Holy is his name.

Reflection

When I was in seminary they told me how important my role was in reassuring people that the Lord loves them. Specifically, they said that I will engage people in the three more important moments in their lives:

Hatch, Match, and Dispatch.

Which are Baptism, Marriage and Funerals.

Each time people come for the blessings of the Sacraments and the liturgy, I am reminded of how precious the moment is. In the moment, and for the moments of the rest of their lives.

Personal Reflection

Yesterday, I did a baptism for a beautiful little girl. Her mother, father, godparents beaming with joy. Each saw this as her special day. Indeed it was, to be baptized into the Lord. Yet, I reminded them they are all children of God. Each baptised into the Lord. You do this ‘for her’ and ‘with her’ and rejoice ‘in her’.

The Lord has done great things for us and holy is his name.

First Reading

In those days, Hannah brought Samuel with her
and presented him at the temple of the LORD in Shiloh.

I am the woman who stood near you here, praying to the LORD. I prayed for this child, and the LORD granted my request. Now I, in turn, give him to the LORD; as long as he lives, he shall be dedicated to the LORD.” She left Samuel there.

Responsorial

My heart exults in the Lord, my Savior.

Gospel Acclamation

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

Gospel

He has mercy on those who fear him in every generation. He has shown the strength of his arm, and has scattered the proud in their conceit. He has cast down the mighty from their thrones and has lifted up the lowly. 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 remembered his promise of mercy, the promise he made to our fathers, to Abraham and his children for ever.”

Peace be with you,
Deacon Gerry

Greetings on this the Thursday of the Third Week of Advent
Readings: Sg 2:8-14; Ps 33:2-3, 11-12, 20-21; Lk 1:39-45

Notes

There is no need to be afraid; in five days our Lord will come to us. Sing to him a new song.

The Extraordinary World of Music and the Mind

Our brains remember music in entirely different ways than they remember moments, conversations or visual scenes. And with that growing understanding, doctors are discovering new ways music can be used for health and healing. In particular, playing familiar music is proving a vital tool in helping people with dementia. You may not have a subscription, you youngin’. But here are the list of songs they offer that seem to light up the brain from end-to-end including Brain stem, Motor centers, Language centers, Auditory cortex, Emotional centers, and visual systems.

1. “Hey Jude”
2. “Fly me to the Moon”
3. “Let me call you Sweetheart”
4. “Rocket Man”
5. “She Loves You”

Source: https://press.aarp.org/press-releases?category=791

Summary

In today’s gospel portion Elizabeth teaches us a profound truth about John and Jesus. They met – in the womb and one day in the crib. And they communicate, all of them; Elizabeth, Mary, John and Jesus. I wonder what songs Mary sang to him? We should not be afraid for our lives. Jesus is with us before he was born so to speak. We remember Jesus is coming in five days as a memorial. Yet he has always been here too.

Reflection

Christmas music, the type that remembers the nativity, the Magi, the Sheperds, the Holy Family, the Angels, and the hosts of heaven connects with us in the inner most reaches of our person. Yet we are missing one song. We have Elizabeth’s song today, but I don’t hear your song. Why not sing to the Lord a new song? Start with the good Christmas songs you know, or used to know. Sing them! Then write your own.

Personal Reflection

If song can ease the symptoms of dementia, than holy songs can dispel the fears we have. My favorite is Pentatonix, That’s Christmas to Me. Besides their amazing vocal range and skill, it invokes in me the most happy of memories and the promise of salvation in Jesus.

First Reading

“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.”

Responsorial

Exult, you just, in the Lord! Sing to him a new song.

Gospel Acclamation

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

Gospel

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.

Peace be with you,
Deacon Gerry