Greetings on this the Wednesday of the Third Week of Advent Readings: Is 7:10-14; Ps 24:1-2, 3-4ab, 5-6; Lk 1:26-38
Notes
The direct names given for the Christ (Anointed One) are Emmanuel (God is with Us) and Jesus (God Saves) which is latin for Joshua (Salvation). These are the direct names given in the nativity gospel readings of Matthew and Luke, respectively. The Son of Mary and Joseph is the Christ, who has come to dwell with us to save us in the divine act of deliverance from evil.
If we were doing the Joyful Mysteries of the Holy Rosary today, the centering mystery is this very nativity of Jesus. Announced of old and spoken directly to Joseph and to Mary, separately, and then to the whole world. I love the Joyful mysteries. It is the story we can all relate to which is the birth of a favored son.
I am Gabriel, who stand before God. I was sent to speak to you and to announce to you this good news.
Summary
It is so wonderful the readings of the week preceding the birth of Jesus. We feel the warmth of a loving God and the excited preparation of Joseph and Mary. How can we not join in the celebration of John, Elizabeth and Zechariah? We are in the midst of our own preparation too. Who is the King of Glory and how shall we call him. He is Emmanuel the promise of ages!
Joseph visited by an Angel
Reflection
Sometimes the best preparation is the quietest one. Allowing our hearts to really hear the events and promises given by the Angels. We get to sing the Gloria again on Christmas Eve! The song taught us by the Angels.
Sing the O Antiphons
Personal Reflection
I love when people ask me if I believe in the existence of Aliens. Of course I do! The Angels and the Heavenly Hosts make that very clear. Yet alien is the wrong words. Fellow created beings all praising God for his love and giving us true purpose. They are not alien as the share the same creator.
How then can I not sing the songs of Advent!
First Reading
Therefore the Lord himself will give you this sign: the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and shall name him Emmanuel.
Responsorial
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.
Gospel Acclamation
O Key of David, opening the gates of God’s eternal Kingdom: come and free the prisoners of darkness!
Gospel
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.”
Greetings on this the Tuesday of the Third Week of Advent Readings: Jgs 13:2-7, 24-25a; Ps 71:3-4a, 5-6ab, 16-17; Lk 1:5-25
Notes
In our old testament reading today, the Israelites again did what was evil in the sight of the LORD, who therefore delivered them into the power of the Philistines for forty years. At the same time, the wife of Manoah was barren. Manoah righteous before G-d prayed for his people and for his wife that they both be liberated. The first from their evil committed by the people and for him and his spouse the evil they had upon them through no fault, infertility.
In our gospel portion today, 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.
The men prayed for the people and for themselves.
The woman accepted the will of G-d to come to their aid.
The world was changed forever.
Summary
In today’s readings we have two couples with similar problems. A people oppressed and a wife with a barren womb. For a women in those times, and for all times, the height of her femininity, a reflection of G-d, is her fertility. Unable to bear children was given up in prayer asking gift from the divine for a baby. It is a marvelous answer given that the LORD, knowing all needs, brought forth Samson and John the Baptist. Joy of their parents, active agents of our liberation.
Samson: It is he who will begin to save Israel from the power of the Philistines. Consecrated to God from the womb.
John the Baptist: 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. He will be filled with the Holy Spirit even from his mother’s womb.
Reflection
I think everyone has a sense of purpose for their life. A purpose deeper than career aspirations or property acquisition. These two children bring out that message quite clearly, that prayer for the liberation of the people and the fulfillment of a woman’s highest honor and praise is the way to the heart of the divine. These stories are singular, but repeated throughout sacred Scripture in different times and different ways.
Have no anxiety at all, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, make your requests known to God. Then the peace of God that surpasses all understanding will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus (Phil 4:6-7).
Votive Prayer Candle
Enter the sanctuary of the Lord. Where is this sanctuary? Out in the field at work. In the quiet of your own home. In the sacred space of your marriage. In the secret places of your soul. At the Church. Enter the sanctuary of the Lord who waits for you there. To hear your worries, strengthen you in love and fulfill your heart’s desire. Because he loves you.
Personal Reflection
I get confused. Sometimes disoriented. Often hurt by the cruelty of others. The consumeristic world surrounding us is filled with illogical thinking and behavioral madness. People act in contradiction to their best interests because they are manipulated into believing otherwise. It is far better for me and for you to enter the sanctuary. The sacred space between us and G-d. Because I have confidence that when I pray it is both for the people and for my family.
First Reading
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. She brought her husband Manoah to the angel to hear again. ‘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.
Previously: The Israelites again did what was evil in the sight of the LORD, who therefore delivered them into the power of the Philistines for forty years. Divine response: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
My mouth shall be filled with your praise, and I will sing your glory!
Gospel Acclamation
O Root of Jesse’s stem, sign of God’s love for all his people: come to save us without delay!
Gospel
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.
Greetings on this the Monday of the Third Week of Advent
No reflection today.
Today we contemplate the nativity of Jesus from the perspective of Joseph. Weighed down by the balance between law and love, he chose love. Choose love. Choose life.
Two humble hearts. Mary and Joseph both answering the LORD with a Yes.
Gaudete Sunday – Rejoice for the nearness of the LORD
Greetings on this the Third Sunday of Advent Readings: Is 61:1-2A, 10-11; Lk 1:46-48, 49-50, 53-54; 1 Thes 5:16-24; Jn 1:6-8, 19-28
Notes
I hope you enjoyed the deep dive we took last week on John the Baptist who was a friend and loved all who came to him. We are now in the seven days before Christmas and the readings are of particular character. We deep dived the mission of John and today we deep dive the mission of Jesus. As the week progresses we are treated to the marvelous stories of the announcing of John and Jesus, the great Yes of Mary and her immediate mission of grace to Elizabeth. Really a set of weekday readings not to be missed!
The mission of Jesus is the theme of the third Sunday of Advent. We rejoice and the visible sign are the rose vestments – a sign of joy. From our first reading today we highlight the Thanksgiving for God’s Deliverance. We rejoice heartily because: God is the joy of my soul, he clothes me with a robe of salvation, he wraps me in a mantel of justice, he ornamates me with a diadem and jewels, he causes the earth to bring forth plants and gives me a garden. And, finally, the LORD makes justice and peace spring up for all nations.
What’s not to be happy about?
Reflection
Gaudete Sunday we rejoice at the nearness of the LORD’s coming. As he did in the Nativity and Incarnation and promises in the Second Coming. We rejoice because his benefits he showers upon us. But most of all, we rejoice at his nearness. His very touch and breath upon us gives us comfort. And his humility coming as a baby born of woman, resting in a manger, gives us the comfort of the nearness of God. These things I outlined above in the Summary are the personal gifts and efforts of God. The robe, diadem and jewels are visible representations of the interior love.
Personal Reflection
A baby doesn’t care about poop. They just want to gaze into your eyes.
Have you ever changed a baby’s diaper? The most and best part is the trust and pure love the baby expresses for tending to her/him. Yes, it is a diaper, true. But for the baby it is eclipsed by the obvious nearness and love that brings you face to face with the baby as you gently change and clean the baby bottom. We want to get rid of the poop and prevent diaper rash. The baby is content to gaze into your eyes and love. I rejoice heartily in the LORD, in my God is the joy of my soul.
First Reading
The spirit of the Lord GOD is upon me, because the LORD has anointed me; he has sent me to bring glad tidings to the poor, to heal the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives and release to the prisoners, to announce a year of favor from the LORD and a day of vindication by our God.
Responsorial (gospel of Luke)
My soul rejoices in my God.
Second Reading
Rejoice always. Pray without ceasing. In all circumstances give thanks, for this is the will of God for you in Christ Jesus.
Gospel Acclamation
The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he has anointed me to bring glad tidings to the poor.
Gospel
“I am the voice of one crying out in the desert, ‘make straight the way of the Lord,’” as Isaiah the prophet said.” John answered them, “I baptize with water; but there is one among you whom you do not recognize, the one who is coming after me, whose sandal strap I am not worthy to untie.”
Greetings on this Saturday of the Second Week of Advent Readings: Sir 48:1-4, 9-11; Ps 80:2ac and 3b, 15-16, 18-19; Mt 17:9a, 10-13 Notes: None.
Summary
Blessed is he who shall have seen you and who falls asleep in your friendship.
John was a true and good friend. He was focused on the reconciliation of the people with the LORD. John, like Elijah, defeated the falsehoods of his day (see 1 Kings 17-19 for the stories). Elijah’s message was framed in the nation-state context where the power of God is superior to the false gods and mere human alliance. For John the need for truth was in the personal actions and ways of being. In both cases, it wasn’t to shame the people or lord it over them. It was to free people and bring them divine joy.
And the crowds asked him, “What then should we do?” He said to them in reply, “Whoever has two tunics should share with the person who has none. And whoever has food should do likewise.” Even tax collectors came to be baptized and they said to him, “Teacher, what should we do?” He answered them, “Stop collecting more than what is prescribed.” Soldiers also asked him, “And what is it that we should do?” He told them, “Do not practice extortion, do not falsely accuse anyone, and be satisfied with your wages.” (LK 3:10-14).
Exhorting them in many other ways, he preached good news to the people (LK 3:18). He encouraged them. He offered them the seeds of courage to break with the wrong things and to do the right things. He loved them to the good. While we give plenty of words to the stronger messages of John the Baptizer in sacred Scripture, we must not fail to see the love in the 18th verse of the same gospel portion.
He was a true friend. Exhorting them in many other ways, he preached good news to the people (LK 3:18). And then he gave them the prescriptions of Lk 3:10-14.
“Love and do what you will.” Augustine (354-430). A sermon on love.
John the Baptist LOVED most of all. That is why the people could imagine repentance.
Blessed is he who shall have seen you and who falls asleep in your friendship. Thank you, John, my friend.
Reflection
In today’s gospel portion the disciples finally understand the relationship between John and Jesus. Elijah was promised. Elijah has come. This time Elijah did not go up to heaven in a chariot and leave behind the successor Elisha with a double portion of his spirit (2 Kgs 2:9). This time ends differently but paradoxically more marvelously.
Beheaded – John submits out of love for the people
Suffering Love and a life sacrificed in love. John had it. Jesus had it, not double, but infinitely more.
Jesus, Mary, and the patron saint share the same cross in friendship
He said in reply, “Elijah will indeed come and restore all things; but I tell you that Elijah has already come, and they did not recognize him but did to him whatever they pleased. So also will the Son of Man suffer at their hands.” When we are willing to suffer for the truth and for the better of people, they will respond well. Not all but most.
Personal Reflection
When I tell stories about encounters I am often asked – Did you really say that? And my answer is always no. Or no, not in that way. It can drive you crazy. Example, a person describes a story at work where they were admonished for something they did. And I relied, “Well, you cheated.” Did you really say that? And my answer is no. I did say, “Would it have been better for you to just tell the truth?”
John was a loving and true friend. His publicist makes him the crazy man who wags his finger. I hear a different voice. A kind friend gently urging the better out of and into us. What do you hear? Read LK 3:10-14 with the ears of a man whose friend is talking lovingly to you. Then do likewise.
First Reading
In those days, like a fire there appeared the prophet Elijah whose words were as a flaming furnace.
You were destined, it is written, in time to come to put an end to wrath before the day of the LORD, To turn back the hearts of fathers toward their sons, and to re-establish the tribes of Jacob. Blessed is he who shall have seen you and who falls asleep in your friendship.
Responsorial
Lord, make us turn to you; let us see your face and we shall be saved.
Gospel Acclamation
Prepare the way of the Lord, make straight his paths: All flesh shall see the salvation of God.
Gospel
As they were coming down from the mountain, the disciples asked Jesus, “Why do the scribes say that Elijah must come first?” He said in reply, “Elijah will indeed come and restore all things; but I tell you that Elijah has already come, and they did not recognize him but did to him whatever they pleased. So also will the Son of Man suffer at their hands.” Then the disciples understood that he was speaking to them of John the Baptist.
Saint John Vianney on pleasing God or pleasing Man.
Greetings on this the Friday of the Second Week of Advent Readings: Is 48:17-19; Ps 1:1-2, 3, 4 and 6; Mt 11:16-19
Notes
There is much dispute about the meaning of today’s gospel parable which is the rejection of being happy and rejection of being sad. The parable is inseparable from Jesus’ Testimony to John. Recall from yesterday’s reflection that John is in prison and soon to be beheaded by King Herod and that Jesus’ unique ministry is about to restart the story telling in earnest with The Return of the Twelve and the Feeding of the Five Thousand. It is with good confidence we can think of this parable in the context of those who reject John’s message and those who reject Jesus’ message. They reject John and Jesus by way of their eating and drinking. John, not enough. Jesus, with the wrong people. They do not reject the teachings per se but the messengers of the teachings as the vehicle to reject the teaching.
John and Jesus’ teachings are:
In those days John the Baptist appeared, preaching in the desert of Judea [and] saying, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand! (MT 3:2).
After John had been arrested, Jesus came to Galilee proclaiming the gospel of God: “This is the time of fulfillment. The kingdom of God is at hand. Repent, and believe in the gospel.” (MK 1:14-15).
Repent: the Baptist calls for a change of heart and conduct, a turning of one’s life from rebellion to obedience towards God. The kingdom of heaven is at hand: “heaven” (lit., “the heavens”) is a substitute for the name “God” that was avoided by devout Jews of the time out of reverence. The expression “the kingdom of heaven” occurs only in the gospel of Matthew. It means the effective rule of God over his people. In its fullness it includes not only human obedience to God’s word, but the triumph of God over physical evils, supremely over death. In the expectation found in Jewish apocalyptic, the kingdom was to be ushered in by a judgment in which sinners would be condemned and perish, an expectation shared by the Baptist. This was modified in Christian understanding where the kingdom was seen as being established in stages, culminating with the parousia of Jesus (NABRE Commentary on Matthew 3:2).
Repent and Kingdom. This is what they are rejecting. Jesus is clear about their rejection and the truth of wisdom. They are finding ways, endless ways, to accuse and reject the divine will for their lives. In their autonomy they can do that, yes. But wisdom is vindicated by her works.
I, the LORD, your God, teach you what is for your good, and lead you on the way you should go. [We respond] Those who follow you, Lord, will have the light of life. [We preach] The Lord will come; go out to meet him! He is the prince of peace.
We live in an age of What Aboutism (What-about-ism). Every good thing is met with a barrage of counter arguments and rejections and misdirections. It has become a reflex response to use the medical term, an involuntary response or action to a stimulus. This is a very bad way to live. Absent determination to change ones instincts (or mature these instincts) then the world, its colors and contours are lost to the reflexive response of No, ‘What About’ and suspicion. But in the end the one so infected is left empty and with no hope.
Reflection
“The way we consume information leads us to think less and less about more and more. We spend much of our time fixated on secondary questions (usually related to controversial and sensational issues) and very little time exploring the primary questions about our brief stay here on earth.” ― Matthew Kelly, Rediscover Catholicism
Personal Reflection
I am experiencing the joy of the anticipation of the coming of the LORD. Each sign, sight and wonder of the presence of God brings joy. I do not reject the kindness of others by way of suspicion, rather, I accept the kindness as a revelation of their best self expressed in a glorious moment. My recommendation is allow sacred Scripture reveal the LORD. Resist What-about-ism which offers nothing to construct a life.
First Reading
Thus says the LORD, your redeemer, the Holy One of Israel: I, the LORD, your God, teach you what is for your good, and lead you on the way you should go.
Responsorial
Those who follow you, Lord, will have the light of life.
Gospel Acclamation
The Lord will come; go out to meet him! He is the prince of peace.
Gospel
Jsus said to the crowds: “To what shall I compare this generation? It is like children who sit in marketplaces and call to one another, ‘We played the flute for you, but you did not dance, we sang a dirge but you did not mourn.’ For John came neither eating nor drinking, and they said, ‘He is possessed by a demon.’ The Son of Man came eating and drinking and they said, ‘Look, he is a glutton and a drunkard, a friend of tax collectors and sinners.’ But wisdom is vindicated by her works.”
Greetings on this the Memorial of Saint John of the Cross, Priest and Doctor of the Church Readings: Is 41:13-20; Ps 145:1 and 9, 10-11, 12-13ab; Mt 11:11-15
Notes
One way to encounter scripture is the startegic placing of timelines and teachings. For example, in today’s gospel portion Jesus is speaking about John the Baptist, who at this point is in prison and John has sent messengers to Jesus to confirm who Jesus is (and, maybe, ahem, get him out of prison). Jesus insteads confirms John as Elijah. All this in Matthew chapter 11. It isn’t until chapter 14 that we get the story of the how and why John the Baptist died. In between, a series of healings and parables. John is Elijah. When we think of the prophets and their proclamation ‘Thus says the LORD’ in our modern language it would be understood as: It is my profound conviction that such and such is God’s thoughts (will or purpose) (The Prophets, Abraham Heschel, Harper Press, p. 530). Jesus is given to recapitulate John’s thoughts in the series of parables between Jesus’ testimony and John’s death. John’s life is validated (eulogized by the gospel writer in this way). The greatest herald insights. The Baptism of Repentance brings these insights. Immediately after in chapter 14, Matthew returns to Jesus’ specific gifts as the focus.
Reproaches to Unrepentant Towns (John greatest prophet, Jesus beyond same).
The Praise of the Father (think Canticle of Zechariah).
The Gentle Mastery of Christ.
Picking Grain on the Sabbath (hungry, fed, ravens).
The Man with a Withered Hand (healing, John in his way (fruit of repentance), Jesus in his).
The Chosen Servant (John and Jesus, either/or/both).
Jesus and Beelzebul (blind and mute healed, John in his way (fruit of repentance), Jesus in his).
A Tree and Its Fruits.
The Demand for a Sign.
The Return of the Unclean Spirit.
The True Family of Jesus.
The Parable of the Sower.
The Purpose of Parables (the entirety of the old testament).
The Privilege of Discipleship.
The Explanation of the Parable of the Sower.
The Parable of the Weeds Among the Wheat.
The Parable of the Mustard Seed.
The Parable of the Yeast.
The Use of Parables.
The Explanation of the Parable of the Weeds.
More Parables.
Treasures New and Old (Prophets of Old to John to Son).
The Rejection at Nazareth (precedes rejection of John by Herod).
Summary
We take for granted the importance of Elijah and John the Baptist but frankly we really don’t think about how they are so important. They are important for they did not shrink from the task of listening to the LORD and speaking from the heart their profound conviction that such and such is God’s thoughts (will or purpose). The gospel of Matthew gives a fresh perspective by assembling a collection of teachings and healings that have a specific connection to the Baptizer. It is good to consider the fruits of repentance.
Reflection
“Fear not, I will help you.” In our first reading the prophet Isaiah outlines the immensity of the problem and the magnificence of the solution. The LORD knows. The LORD answers with power and might. When we think about John the Baptist, can we see and imagine how the LORD helped him? If you were Matthew, would you keep all of these tributes or remonve one or two? Or add one or two?
Personal Reflection
Osner, I remember, what you said all these years later. “Jesus knows. Jesus knows.” To which I add the words of Isaiah, “Fear not, I will help you.”
I hope you live such a life in the power of God.
Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, Indeed, goodness and mercy will follow me all the days of my life (PS 23:4a, 6a).
That was John. That can be you.
First Reading
“Fear not, I will help you.”
Responsorial
The Lord is gracious and merciful; slow to anger, and of great kindness.
Gospel Acclamation
Let the clouds rain down the Just One, and the earth bring forth a Savior.
Gospel
Jesus’ Testimony to John. Jesus said to the crowds: “Amen, I say to you, among those born of women there has been none greater than John the Baptist; yet the least in the Kingdom of heaven is greater than he. From the days of John the Baptist until now, the Kingdom of heaven suffers violence, and the violent are taking it by force. All the prophets and the law prophesied up to the time of John. And if you are willing to accept it, he is Elijah, the one who is to come. Whoever has ears ought to hear.”
Greetings on this the Memorial of Saint Lucy, Virgin and Martyr Readings: Is 40:25-31; Ps 103:1-2, 3-4, 8 and 10; Mt 11:28-30
Notes
I remember teaching an RCIA class many years ago and I was teaching about courage. Something I said triggered a fellow veteran and he went on to describe the courage of men he served with in combat situations. A bit taken aback I remember thanking him and his comrades for their military valor. Our topic was moral courage. Courage to do the right think under your own autonomy and dignity and in opposition to the prevailing authority and power surrounding you. Courage in battle we honor and remain grateful for their service. Moral courage strikes at the heart of a human being. He calmed down and then was able to hear this: it is personal moral courage that is of the highest order of courage. In moral courage, in regards to our self mastery, the need for military courage is diminished. Always honored when we must do these things. But inferior to the moral courage that “They shall beat their swords into ploughshares, and their spears into pruning hooks; nation shall not lift up sword against nation, neither shall they learn war any more.”
If you prefer the wiki version: Physical courage is bravery in the face of physical pain, hardship, even death, or threat of death; while moral courage is the ability to act rightly in the face of popular opposition, shame, scandal, discouragement, or personal loss (wiki).
We celebrate Lucy today for her moral courage and in particular her courage to speak even to the angels in defense of her autonomy and authority over her personhood. She defended her virginity not as an object but as her subject of choice.
To wit, the Blessed Mary: Behold, you will conceive in your womb and bear a son, and you shall name him Jesus. But Mary said to the angel, “How can this be, since I have no relations with a man?” (LK 1:31,34).
Reference: What Is Self-Mastery? When you have developed self-mastery, you have the ability to control yourself in all situations, and you move forward consciously and steadily towards your goals. You know your purpose, and you have the self-discipline needed to do things in a deliberate, focused, and honorable way. From: https://www.mindtools.com/aenkudd/self-mastery
Reference: It is good to understand this scripture passage in this way. It is the FIRST instruction from the LORD on how a human should act post original sin. Self-mastery. Then the LORD said to Cain: Why are you angry? Why are you dejected? If you act rightly, you will be accepted; but if not, sin lies in wait at the door: its urge is for you, yet you can rule over it (Gen 4:6-7).
Summary
In today’s gospel reading we receive the counter-intuitive answer to the need for courage. Rest.
Our first reading is from the section of Isaiah dealing with the Power of God and the Vanity of Idols by way of comparison. Using nature he asks us to Lift up your eyes on high and see. We know young men faint and grow weary, and youths stagger and fall, but we know too the LORD will renew their strength, they will soar as with eagles’ wings; They will run and not grow weary, walk and not grow faint.
Our responsorial givens us the psalmists description on how the LORD gives us courage. He pardons all your iniquities, he heals all your ills. He redeems your life from destruction, he crowns you with kindness and compassion (PS 103:3-4). He, the LORD, is master of all and he will aid us in the moral courage we need.
Reflection
When Jesus says to come rest in him he is offering the entirety of the divine life to you. We can learn the self-mastery we need from him. We can enjoy within the safety and leadership of the divine Son to become the self-possessed. And in that state of being, resist all who would harm us or encourage us to harm ourselves or others morally.
Personal Reflection
During Advent we can get crazy busy and when crazy busy we can get, in plain language, crazy. Resting in the LORD gives us the moral courage to reorder our lives to the best activities, thoughts and prayers. To arrive, as the Magi did, at the creche with the gift of ourselves. Lucy gave her life in defense of our autonomy, authority in her virtue. Mary gave her life in defense of our autonomy, authority in her virtue.
Stay on the path!
In parishes around the world tonight is usually the Parish Mission and Communal Penance Service, let’s have the moral courage in defense of our autonomy and dignity and into the rest of the divine life.
Advent confession prayer: You who called forth light, forgive our preference for the dark! You who sent John to be a voice crying, forgive our unwillingness to say anything at all! Create in us clean hearts, O God, and renew a right spirit within us. Through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen
First Reading
They that hope in the LORD will renew their strength, they will soar as with eagles’ wings; They will run and not grow weary, walk and not grow faint.
Responsorial
O bless the Lord, my soul!
Gospel Acclamation
Behold, the Lord comes to save his people; blessed are those prepared to meet him.
Gospel
The Gentle Mastery of Christ. Jesus said to the crowds: “Come to me, all you who labor and are burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am meek and humble of heart; and you will find rest for yourselves. For my yoke is easy, and my burden light.”
