12-20-2017 Gospel Lk 1:26-38

The link to today’s readings: http://usccb.org/bible/readings/122017.cfm

The Roman Church has been singing the “O” Antiphons since at least the eighth century. They are the antiphons that accompany the Magnificat canticle of Evening Prayer from December 17-23. They are a magnificent theology that uses ancient biblical imagery drawn from the messianic hopes of the Old Testament to proclaim the coming Christ as the fulfillment not only of Old Testament hopes, but present ones as well. Their repeated use of the imperative “Come!” embodies the longing of all for the Divine Messiah. 

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

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.

Mary was not doubting the angel, she knew that she had to be intimate with a man for her to become pregnant, but she had not been. But she never doubted that it would happen. She believed the prophesies she had been raised on. She knew God was capable of doing what He wanted and how He wanted. Do you trust in God that much? Do you believe that He is able to work in ways that are beyond our comprehension? Be like Mary and trust in the Lord. His ways are beyond us and all we need to do is believe.

Prayer: Heavenly Father: I believe, help my unbelief. May I have the trust and faith of Mary, when you call me. In Jesus’ holy name, Amen.

Let the Lord enter; he is the king of glory.

12-19-2017 Gospel Lk 1:5-25

Link to today’s readings: http://usccb.org/bible/readings/121917.cfm

The Roman Church has been singing the “O” Antiphons since at least the eighth century. They are the antiphons that accompany the Magnificat canticle of Evening Prayer from December 17-23. They are a magnificent theology that uses ancient biblical imagery drawn from the messianic hopes of the Old Testament to proclaim the coming Christ as the fulfillment not only of Old Testament hopes, but present ones as well. Their repeated use of the imperative “Come!” embodies the longing of all for the Divine Messiah.

O Root of Jesse’s stem, sign of God’s love for all his people: come to save us without delay!

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.”

Why do we doubt that God can do everything? We put Him in a box of our own making and deny what He can do, we put our human abilities on Him. Denying Him the recognition of who He is has become so common. What do you believe about God? Do you deny what He can do? Take Him out of your box and let God be God and do what He does best.

Prayer: Heavenly Father, may I never doubt what you can do. In Jesus’ holy name, Amen.

My mouth shall be filled with your praise, and I will sing your glory!

 

12-18-2017 Reading 1 Jer 23:5-8

The Roman Church has been singing the “O” Antiphons since at least the eighth century. They are the antiphons that accompany the Magnificat canticle of Evening Prayer from December 17-23. They are a magnificent theology that uses ancient biblical imagery drawn from the messianic hopes of the Old Testament to proclaim the coming Christ as the fulfillment not only of Old Testament hopes, but present ones as well. Their repeated use of the imperative “Come!” embodies the longing of all for the Divine Messiah.

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

Link to today’s readings: http://usccb.org/bible/readings/121817.cfm

Behold, the days are coming, says the LORD, when I will raise up a righteous shoot to David; As king he shall reign and govern wisely, he shall do what is just and right in the land. In his days Judah shall be saved, Israel shall dwell in security. This is the name they give him: “The LORD our justice.”

Therefore, the days will come, says the LORD, when they shall no longer say, “As the LORD lives, who brought the children of Israel out of the land of Egypt”; but rather, “As the LORD lives, who brought the descendants of the house of Israel up from the land of the north”– and from all the lands to which I banished them; they shall again live on their own land.

Jesus is the righteous shoot that Jeremiah prophesied was to come. The one to save the people of the house of Israel. They rejected Him and He saved the Gentiles.

Prayer: Heavenly Father, thank you for your Son Jesus.

Justice shall flourish in his time, and fullness of peace forever.

12-17-2017 Third Sunday of Advent Reading 2 1 Thes 5:16-24

Learn more about Guadete Sunday: http://www.catholic.org/encyclopedia/view.php?id=5019

Link to today’s readings: http://usccb.org/bible/readings/121717.cfm

Brothers and sisters: Rejoice always. Pray without ceasing. In all circumstances give thanks, for this is the will of God for you in Christ Jesus. Do not quench the Spirit. Do not despise prophetic utterances. Test everything; retain what is good. Refrain from every kind of evil.

May the God of peace make you perfectly holy and may you entirely, spirit, soul, and body, be preserved blameless for the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. The one who calls you is faithful, and he will also accomplish it.

If you do this, you will have great peace and joy. This is what Advent is all about. The Lord loves you as you are, but He loves you too much to leave you there. He wants you to grow, He wants you to become perfect, as our Heavenly Father is perfect. If you place yourself in the Lord’s hands, you will attain that perfection.

Prayer: Heavenly Father, I place my heart, mind, soul and body under your protection. I beg your help, Lord, to attain the perfection you want for me. In Jesus’ holy name, Amen.

My soul rejoices in my God.

The O Antiphons start today – The Roman Church has been singing the “O” Antiphons since at least the eighth century. They are the antiphons that accompany the Magnificat canticle of Evening Prayer from December 17-23. They are a magnificent theology that uses ancient biblical imagery drawn from the messianic hopes of the Old Testament to proclaim the coming Christ as the fulfillment not only of Old Testament hopes, but present ones as well. Their repeated use of the imperative “Come!” embodies the longing of all for the Divine Messiah.

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

 

12-16-2017 Gospel Mt 17:9a, 10-13

Link to today’s readings: http://usccb.org/bible/readings/121617.cfm

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.

People still do what they will to Jesus. There are many who do not believe that what He taught was true or is still relevant. They act like He did not exist and the Bible is false, even though more and more information is being found that prove the truth of what is in the Bible. If you have to have it proven to believe, your faith is very weak. Trust in the truth of the Lord, He does not lead you astray or leave you to die.

Prayer: Heavenly Father, I too acted like your truth was false, that what Jesus did was not relevant, but my heart was touched by you and I know how wrong I was. In your holy name I give you thanks for not giving up on me. In Jesus’ holy name, Amen.

Lord, make us turn to you; let us see your face and we shall be saved.

12-15-2017 Gospel Mt 11:16-19

Link to today’s readings: http://usccb.org/bible/readings/121517.cfm

Jesus 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.”

Do you think Jesus is saying that to us today? Lies are considered truth, good works are considered evil. The word of God is tossed aside or treated as fiction. The world wanted Jesus to be someone He was not. He was judged by what others wanted Him to be. Our world today closes its eyes to the truth and so many do not care. Which side are you on? The real truth or the real lies?

Prayer: Heavenly Father, I only want to see the world through your eyes. I want to see the truth you teach in everyone I meet. I pray the world will do the same. In Jesus’ holy name, Amen.

Those who follow you, Lord, will have the light of life.

12-14-2017 Memorial of Saint John of the Cross, Priest and Doctor of the Church Gospel Mt 11:11-15

Learn more about St. John of the Cross: http://www.catholic.org/saints/saint.php?saint_id=65

Link to today’s readings: http://usccb.org/bible/readings/121417.cfm

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.”

John the Baptist was the last Prophet, there were no more. He proclaimed the coming of the Messiah. He told the people of who was to come but many did not accept it. Jesus told them, but many did not listen to Him either. Have you listened? Do you believe that the Messiah, Jesus, came? Do you believe He came for you and died to save you? The Kingdom of Heaven still suffers from those who try to deny the truth. Where do you stand? Whom do you believe?

Prayer: Heavenly Father, I have ears and I hear your voice. I hear the words that you have for those who believe. I pray that others hear you as I do. In Jesus’ holy name, Amen.

The Lord is gracious and merciful; slow to anger, and of great kindness.

12-13-2017 Memorial of Saint Lucy, Virgin and Martyr Gospel Mt 11:28-30

Learn more about St. Lucy: http://www.catholic.org/saints/saint.php?saint_id=75

Link to today’s readings: http://usccb.org/bible/readings/121317.cfm

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.”

When you take up the yoke Jesus offers you, you are never alone. He is in the other half of that yoke walking with you, supporting you and showing you the world from His perspective. Are you willing to allow Jesus to help you? Are you willing to take up His challenge? You will never be alone again if you do.

Prayer: Heavenly Father, my burdens and problems did not disappear when I found you, but taking up your yoke has made them lighter and I am no longer alone. In Jesus’ holy name, I offer you thanks and praise! Amen!

O bless the Lord, my soul!

12-12-2017 Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe Reading 1 Rv 11:19a; 12:1-6a, 10ab

Learn more about Our Lady of Guadalupe: http://www.catholic.org/saints/saint.php?saint_id=456

Link to today’s readings: http://usccb.org/bible/readings/121217.cfm

God’s temple in heaven was opened, and the ark of his covenant could be seen in the temple.

A great sign appeared in the sky, a woman clothed with the sun, with the moon under her feet, and on her head a crown of twelve stars. She was with child and wailed aloud in pain as she labored to give birth. Then another sign appeared in the sky; it was a huge red dragon, with seven heads and ten horns, and on its heads were seven diadems. Its tail swept away a third of the stars in the sky and hurled them down to the earth. Then the dragon stood before the woman about to give birth, to devour her child when she gave birth. She gave birth to a son, a male child, destined to rule all the nations with an iron rod. Her child was caught up to God and his throne. The woman herself fled into the desert where she had a place prepared by God.

Then I heard a loud voice in heaven say: “Now have salvation and power come, and  the Kingdom of our God and the authority of his Anointed.”

This is the lady that spoke to St. Juan Diego, the woman who provided a miracle for those that did not believe. If you still do not believe in miracles, you can see it today in Mexico City. Miracles do not fade, they come alive with faith. Awaken your faith and see the lady he saw.

Prayer: Our Lady of Guadalupe, Mystical Rose, make intercession for our Holy Church, protect the sovereign Pontiff, help all those who invoke you in their necessities, and since you are the ever-Virgin Mary and Mother of the true God, obtain for us from your most Holy Son the grace of keeping our faith, of sweet hope in the midst of the bitterness of life, of burning charity, and the precious gift of final perseverance. Amen.

You are the highest honor of our race

12-11-2017 Gospel Lk 5:17-26

Link to today’s readings: http://usccb.org/bible/readings/121117.cfm

One day as Jesus was teaching, Pharisees and teachers of the law, who had come from every village of Galilee and Judea and Jerusalem, were sitting there, and the power of the Lord was with him for healing. And some men brought on a stretcher a man who was paralyzed; they were trying to bring him in and set him in his presence. But not finding a way to bring him in because of the crowd, they went up on the roof and lowered him on the stretcher through the tiles into the middle in front of Jesus. When Jesus saw their faith, he said, “As for you, your sins are forgiven.”

Then the scribes and Pharisees began to ask themselves, “Who is this who speaks blasphemies? Who but God alone can forgive sins?” Jesus knew their thoughts and said to them in reply, “What are you thinking in your hearts? Which is easier, to say, ‘Your sins are forgiven,’ or to say, ‘Rise and walk’? But that you may know that the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins”– he said to the one who was paralyzed, “I say to you, rise, pick up your stretcher, and go home.”

He stood up immediately before them, picked up what he had been lying on, and went home, glorifying God. Then astonishment seized them all and they glorified God, and, struck with awe, they said, “We have seen incredible things today.”

Was He talking to the paralyzed man or his friends? Their faith in Jesus’ power is what made them bring their friend to Him. What kind of faith do you have? Do you trust in the saving power of forgiveness and belief? Do you believe and bring your friends to Christ? Do you believe you see miracles?

Prayer: Heavenly Father, I believe that you have given us all the power to do your work here on earth, if only we believe. I do believe and I have seen miracles. Thank you Lord for your gifts and I give you praise for all the work you do! In Jesus’ holy name, Amen.

Our God will come to save us!