Gospel Power 2022 by Paulines Publishing House

GOSPEL POWER 2022 [Scripture quotations are] from the New Revised Standard Version of the Bible, copyright © 1989 National Council of the Churches of Christ in the USA. Used by permission. All rights reserved. Copyright © 2021 by the Daughters of St. Paul Published and distributed by Paulines Publishing House 2650 F. B. Harrison Street 1302 Pasay City, Philippines E-mail: edpph@paulines.ph Website: www.paulines.ph Cover Design: Daisy Pondaag, FSP Illustrations: Sathish Paul John, SDB Layout Artist: Ryan Junnel Bo All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, or by any information storage and retrieval system without permission in writing from the publisher. 1st Printing 2021 ISSN 2350-7217

at the service of the Gospel and culture

Solemnity of Mary, Mother of God

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saturday

1st Reading: Nm 6:22-27 22 The Lord spoke to Moses, saying: 23Speak to Aaron and his sons, saying, Thus you shall bless the Israelites: You shall say to them, 24 The Lord bless you and keep you; 25 the Lord make his face to shine upon you, and be gracious to you; 26 the Lord lift up his countenance upon you, and give you peace. 27So they shall put my name on the Israelites, and I will bless them.

Responsorial Psalm: Ps 67 – May God bless us in his mercy. 2nd Reading: Gal 4:4-7 Brothers and sisters: 4When the fullness of time had come, God sent his Son, born of a woman, born under the law, 5in order to redeem those who were under the law, so that we might receive adoption as children. 6And because you are children, God has sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts, crying, “Abba! Father!” 7So you are no longer a slave but a child, and if a child then also an heir, through God.

Gospel: Lk 2:16-21 The shepherds went with haste and found Mary and Joseph, and the child lying in the manger. 17When they saw this, they made known what had been told them about this child; 18and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds told them. 19But Mary treasured all these words and pondered them in her heart. 20The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all they had heard and seen, as it had been told them. 21After eight days had passed, it was time to circumcise the child; and he was called Jesus, the name given by the angel before he was conceived in the womb. 16

isdom is taught by the Holy Spirit out of those experiences conserved in the treasury of the human heart. Mary sets before us a precious example of how to live the year 2022 with a contemplative gaze at people and events. This is the secret of responding rather than simply reacting to situations, of being radically open to the action of God in our lives. Mary teaches us not to let ourselves be brought high or low by our perception of realities. By keeping them all in our hearts and pondering them, as she has done, the Spirit will reveal to us their hidden meaning and their designated place in God’s scheme of things. The mother standing courageously at the foot of her Son’s cross is the same young mother at Bethlehem, who has grown wise and attuned to God’s ways because of having cultivated the habit of treasuring all experiences in her heart.

Lord Jesus, we want to begin the new year by assuming your mother’s disposition and faith-conviction that everything happens for a purpose and has its place in God’s design. Amen.

Solemnity of the Epiphany of Our Lord

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sunday

1st Reading: Is 60:1-6

1 Arise, shine; for your light has come, and the glory of the Lord has risen upon you. 2For darkness shall cover the earth, and thick darkness the peoples; but the Lord will arise upon you, and his glory will appear over you. 3Nations shall come to your light, and kings to the brightness of your dawn. 4Lift up your eyes and look around; they all gather together, they come to you; your sons shall come from far away, and your daughters shall be carried on their nurses’ arms. 5Then you shall see and be radiant; your heart shall thrill and rejoice, because the abundance of the sea shall be brought to you, the wealth of the nations shall come to you. 6A multitude of camels shall cover you, the young camels of Midian and Ephah; all those from Sheba shall come. They shall bring gold and frankincense, and shall proclaim the praise of the Lord.

Responsorial Psalm: Ps 72 – Lord, every nation on earth will adore you. 2nd Reading: Eph 3:2-3a, 5-6

2 Surely you have already heard of the commission of God’s grace that was given me for you, 3and how the mystery was made known to me by revelation. . . . 5In former generations this mystery was not made known to humankind, as it has now been revealed to his holy apostles and prophets by the Spirit: 6that is, the Gentiles have become fellow heirs, members of the same body, and sharers in the promise in Christ Jesus through the gospel.

Gospel: Mt 2:1-12

1 In the time of King Herod, after Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea, wise men from the East came to Jerusalem, 2asking, “Where is the child who has been born king of the Jews? For we observed his star at its rising, and have come to pay him homage.” 3When King

Herod heard this, he was frightened, and all Jerusalem with him; 4 and calling together all the chief priests and scribes of the people, he inquired of them where the Messiah was to be born. 5They told him, “In Bethlehem of Judea; for so it has been written by the prophet: 6 ‘And you, Bethlehem, in the land of Judah, are by no means least among the rulers of Judah; for from you shall come a ruler who is to shepherd my people Israel.’” 7Then Herod secretly called for the wise men and learned from them the exact time when the star had appeared. 8Then he sent them to Bethlehem, saying, “Go and search diligently for the child; and when you have found him, bring me word so that I may also go and pay him homage.” 9When they had heard the king, they set out; and there, ahead of them, went the star that they had seen at its rising, until it stopped over the place where the child was. 10When they saw that the star had stopped, they were overwhelmed with joy. 11On entering the house, they saw the child with Mary his mother; and they knelt down and paid him homage. Then, opening their treasure chests, they offered him gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh. 12And having been warned in a dream not to return to Herod, they left for their own country by another road.

amiliarity with the Old Testament can enrich our reading of this infancy story of Jesus. In Nm 22:6, the Gentile visionary Balaam was told to curse Israel. But moved by God, he prophesied, instead, about a future ruler whom he described as a “Star coming forth from Jacob” (Nm 24:17). Now, at the birth of Jesus, a Star rises and attracts Gentile wise men to go on a long journey to honor a newborn King. Jesus, who is identified in the very first sentence of Matthew’s Gospel as the son of Abraham, is the fulfillment of God’s promise to the patriarchs that, through his offspring, all nations — which is the meaning of “Gentiles” — will be blessed (Gn 22:18; 26:4; 28:14). Jesus, the Star foretold by the Gentile visionary Balaam, is now manifested to Gentiles as the source of their blessing — indeed, the Star of their life.

Lord Jesus, Star of our life, this Gospel testifies that we, Gentiles, have always been part of God’s saving plan. Alleluia! Amen.

Monday after Epiphany Most Holy Name of Jesus

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monday

1 Reading: 1 Jn 3:22–4:6 Responsorial Psalm: Ps 2 – I will give you all the nations for an inheritance. Gospel: Mt 4:12-17, 23-25 st

When Jesus heard that John had been arrested, he withdrew to Galilee. 13He left Nazareth and made his home in Capernaum by the sea, in the territory of Zebulun and Naphtali, 14so that what had been spoken through the prophet Isaiah might be fulfilled: 15“Land of Zebulun, land of Naphtali, on the road by the sea, across the Jordan, Galilee of the Gentiles — 16the people who sat in darkness have seen a great light, and for those who sat in the region and shadow of death light has dawned.” 17From that time Jesus began to proclaim, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven has come near.” . . . 23He went throughout Galilee, teaching in their synagogues and proclaiming the good news of the kingdom and curing every disease and every sickness among the people. 24So his fame spread throughout all Syria, and they brought to him all the sick, those who were afflicted with various diseases and pains, demoniacs, epileptics, and paralytics, and he cured them. 25And great crowds followed him from Galilee, the Decapolis, Jerusalem, Judea, and from beyond the Jordan. 12

n yesterday’s celebration of the Epiphany, Jesus was revealed to the Gentiles. Now, as a grownup, he chooses Galilee of the Gentiles as the starting point for his mission. Just as God crossed the borders that separated heaven from earth by becoming human, so now the God-man Jesus crosses racial borders as he establishes his ministry at the geographical margins — along Israel’s northern confines with its neighboring nations. That is why Jesus’ fame spreads not only within Israel but also to all of Syria. In the region of Zebulun and Napthali, which is a melting pot, Jesus can minister to both the insiders and outsiders, for the Kingdom of heaven has no borders and is open to all.

Lord Jesus, conquer our fear of breaking barriers and crossing borders to make known that God’s Kingdom welcomes all. Amen.

january

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tuesday

Tuesday after Epiphany Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton, religious

1st Reading: 1 Jn 4:7-10 Responsorial Psalm: Ps 72 – Lord, every nation on earth will adore you. Gospel: Mk 6:34-44

As Jesus went ashore, he saw a great crowd; and he had compassion for them, because they were like sheep without a shepherd; and he began to teach them many things. 35When it grew late, his disciples came to him and said, “This is a deserted place, and the hour is now very late; 36send them away so that they may go into the surrounding country and villages and buy something for themselves to eat.” 37But he answered them, “You give them something to eat.” They said to him, “Are we to go and buy two hundred denarii worth of bread, and give it to them to eat?” 38And he said to them, “How many loaves have you? Go and see.” When they had found out, they said, “Five, and two fish.” 39Then he ordered them to get all the people to sit down in groups on the green grass. 40So they sat down in groups of hundreds and of fifties. 41Taking the five loaves and the two fish, he looked up to heaven, and blessed and broke the loaves, and gave them to his disciples to set before the people; and he divided the two fish among them all. 42And all ate and were filled; 43and they took up twelve baskets full of broken pieces and of the fish. 44Those who had eaten the loaves numbered five thousand men. 34

ignificantly, Jesus’ first act-of-compassion is to teach the crowd. The feeding comes later, in response to the disciples’ prompting. We tend to overlook that deep existential hunger that no material food can satisfy. Often, it is the lack of attention to that hunger that makes us feel worn out and our energies depleted — indeed, like sheep without a shepherd. The compassion of Jesus connects with that hunger, which is a deepseated need for guidance and right orientation in life. Jesus satisfies that hunger first by teaching the crowd many things. Then he addresses his disciples’ preoccupation, which is also important but, for him, secondary.

Lord Jesus, we too need to be taught the right priorities in life. Guide us, for you are our Good Shepherd. Amen.

Wednesday after Epiphany Saint John Neumann, bishop

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wednesday

january

1st Reading: 1 Jn 4:11-18 Responsorial Psalm: Ps 72 – Lord, every nation on earth will adore you. Gospel: Mk 6:45-52 Immediately Jesus made his disciples get into the boat and go on ahead to the other side, to Bethsaida, while he dismissed the crowd. 46 After saying farewell to them, he went up on the mountain to pray. 47 When evening came, the boat was out on the sea, and he was alone on the land. 48When he saw that they were straining at the oars against an adverse wind, he came towards them early in the morning, walking on the sea. He intended to pass them by. 49But when they saw him walking on the sea, they thought it was a ghost and cried out; 50 for they all saw him and were terrified. But immediately he spoke to them and said, “Take heart, it is I; do not be afraid.” 51Then he got into the boat with them and the wind ceased. And they were utterly astounded, 52for they did not understand about the loaves, but their hearts were hardened. 45

he evangelist Mark originally wrote his Gospel account for a community that was under persecution and facing the possibility of martyrdom. This episode may have served as a strong reminder for them that in the midst of their struggles, the Lord comes to assure them that he is Emmanuel — God’s abiding presence, in the same way that he approached the terrified disciples in the midst of the sea and spoke to them the familiar self-identification of God to Moses in Ex 3:14 – I AM (“It is I”). Mark’s Gospel continues to convey the same assurance to us today in all circumstances of trial and distress.

Lord Emmanuel, you are with us at all times. Forgive us when we are not always with you. Amen.

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thursday

Thursday after Epiphany Saint André Bessette, religious

1st Reading: 1 Jn 4:19–5:4 Responsorial Psalm: Ps 72 – Lord, every nation on earth will adore you. Gospel: Lk 4:14-22

4 Jesus, filled with the power of the Spirit, returned to Galilee, and a report about him spread through all the surrounding country. 15He began to teach in their synagogues and was praised by everyone. 16 When he came to Nazareth, where he had been brought up, he went to the synagogue on the sabbath day, as was his custom. He stood up to read, 17and the scroll of the prophet Isaiah was given to him. He unrolled the scroll and found the place where it was written: 18“The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he has anointed me to bring good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim release to the captives and recovery of sight to the blind, to let the oppressed go free, 19to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor.” 20And he rolled up the scroll, gave it back to the attendant, and sat down. The eyes of all in the synagogue were fixed on him. 21Then he began to say to them, “Today this scripture has been fulfilled in your hearing.” 22All spoke well of him and were amazed at the gracious words that came from his mouth.

he passive verb “is fulfilled” is known in biblical studies as a “divine passive.” It tells the readers that the unmentioned actor is God. The New Testament, from beginning to end, is about fulfillment. In all the twenty-seven writings that make up our New Testament, God is characterized as the faithful fulfiller of promises. St Paul reflects on this truth when he writes, “In Christ Jesus every one of God’s promises is a ‘Yes’” (2 Cor 1:20). Jesus is the embodiment of God’s faithfulness. And since God is the ever-present “I AM,” the fulfillment of the promise of salvation always happens “today.” Every moment is God’s everlasting “now” whenever someone opens up one’s heart and puts one’s faith in the proclamation of the Gospel.

Lord Jesus, may we hear every proclamation of the Gospel as the fulfillment of the promise of salvation today. Amen.

Friday after Epiphany Saint Raymond of Penyafort, priest

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friday

1st Reading: 1 Jn 5:5-13 Responsorial Psalm: Ps 147 – Praise the Lord, Jerusalem. Gospel: Lk 5:12-16 Once, when Jesus was in one of the cities, there was a man covered with leprosy. When he saw Jesus, he bowed with his face to the ground and begged him, “Lord, if you choose, you can make me clean.” 13Then Jesus stretched out his hand, touched him, and said, “I do choose. Be made clean.” Immediately the leprosy left him. 14And he ordered him to tell no one. “Go,” he said, “and show yourself to the priest, and, as Moses commanded, make an offering for your cleansing, for a testimony to them.” 15But now more than ever the word about Jesus spread abroad; many crowds would gather to hear him and to be cured of their diseases. 16But he would withdraw to deserted places and pray. 12

n biblical times, leprosy was a virtual death. It cut off an afflicted person from vital relationships with family, friends, and neighbors, as the leper was banished from the community and driven to deserted places to fend for oneself. The leper who approached Jesus, aware that he was untouchable, simply asked Jesus to speak out a wish for his healing. But Jesus, knowing that he was not only physically afflicted, but psycho-emotionally devastated because of his forced isolation, wanted him to feel reconnected through human touch. Thus, Jesus defied the taboo, reached out and touched the man, healing not only his afflicted body but also his broken spirit. The episode allows us, readers of today, to glimpse the heavenly Father’s merciful face through the human face of his Son.

Lord Jesus, teach us to perceive the unspoken needs of people who are hurting inside, and make us channels of your compassion for them. Amen.

january

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Satuday after Epiphany

saturday

1st Reading: 1 Jn 5:14-21 Responsorial Psalm: Ps 149 – The Lord takes delight in his people. Gospel: Jn 3:22-30

Jesus and his disciples went into the Judean countryside, and he spent some time there with them and baptized. 23John also was baptizing at Aenon near Salim because water was abundant there; and people kept coming and were being baptized 24 — John, of course, had not yet been thrown into prison. 25Now a discussion about purification arose between John’s disciples and a Jew. 26They came to John and said to him, “Rabbi, the one who was with you across the Jordan, to whom you testified, here he is baptizing, and all are going to him.” 27John answered, “No one can receive anything except what has been given from heaven. 28You yourselves are my witnesses that I said, ‘I am not the Messiah, but I have been sent ahead of him.’ 29He who has the bride is the bridegroom. The friend of the bridegroom, who stands and hears him, rejoices greatly at the bridegroom’s voice. For this reason my joy has been fulfilled. 30He must increase, but I must decrease.” 22

hen the focus of attention is the fulfillment of God’s will, those who work for the Kingdom can rise above competitiveness. All energies are directed to that singular goal, and no one feels threatened by the success of another. This is what we learn from the attitude of John the Baptist toward the growing popularity of Jesus. Those who, like John, are not afraid of littleness, of loss, of disappearance, and being reduced to nothing — are the truly great ones in the Kingdom of God. For the divine logic is one of reversal. It unmasks the world’s disoriented notion of greatness and its deceptive propaganda on how to achieve it. True greatness is not achieved, but bestowed on those who, like John, do not seek it for themselves, for they know that all glory belongs to God.

Lord Jesus, deliver us from the pretense of seeking God’s glory while secretly coveting our own. Amen.

Baptism of the Lord (1 Sunday in Ordinary Time) st

january

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sunday

1st Reading: Is 42:1-4, 6-7 (or 40:1-5, 9-11) 1 Here is my servant, whom I uphold, my chosen, in whom my soul delights; I have put my spirit upon him; he will bring forth justice to the nations. 2He will not cry or lift up his voice, or make it heard in the street; 3a bruised reed he will not break, and a dimly burning wick he will not quench; he will faithfully bring forth justice. 4He will not grow faint or be crushed until he has established justice in the earth; and the coastlands wait for his teaching. . . . 6I am the Lord, I have called you in righteousness, I have taken you by the hand and kept you; I have given you as a covenant to the people, a light to the nations, 7to open the eyes that are blind, to bring out the prisoners from the dungeon, from the prison those who sit in darkness.

Responsorial Psalm: Ps 29 – The Lord will bless his people with peace. (or Ps 104 – O bless the Lord, my soul.) 2nd Reading: Acts 10:34-38 (or Ti 2:11-14; 3:4-7) Then Peter began to speak to them: “I truly understand that God shows no partiality, 35but in every nation anyone who fears him and does what is right is acceptable to him. 36You know the message he sent to the people of Israel, preaching peace by Jesus Christ – he is Lord of all. 37That message spread throughout Judea, beginning in Galilee after the baptism that John announced: 38how God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and with power; how he went about doing good and healing all who were oppressed by the devil, for God was with him. 34

Gospel: Lk 3:15-16, 21-22 As the people were filled with expectation, and all were questioning in their hearts concerning John, whether he might be the Messiah, 16 John answered all of them by saying, “I baptize you with water; but one who is more powerful than I is coming; I am not worthy to untie the thong of his sandals. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire. …21Now when all the people were baptized, and when Jesus also had been baptized and was praying, the heaven was opened, 22 and the Holy Spirit descended upon him in bodily form like a dove. And a voice came from heaven, “You are my Son, the Beloved; with you I am well pleased.” 15

o enter into full solidarity with us, Jesus follows the path of progressive descent into the deepest and darkest levels of our being, for only what is assumed is redeemed. His descent begins as he identifies with our weak and corruptible nature at the Incarnation. The descent continues as he humbly submits to John’s baptism of repentance, thereby embracing our condition of alienation from God, though he himself is sinless. This is the heart of today’s feast. Jesus’ final descent is his identification with us in our experience of total dispossession in death. St. Paul employs the image of self-emptying (kenosis) to describe the same reality. As the Son of God empties himself, he fills us up. He descends to the lowest point of our being and from there creates the path of ascent for all of us. The only reason for this undeserved benevolence is LOVE.

Lord Jesus, you risked all to create for us the path of ascent. May we, too, risk all to follow you in the uphill climb to freedom. Amen.

1st Week of Advent

december

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thursday

1st Reading: Is 26:1-6 Responsorial Psalm: Ps 118 – Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord. Gospel: Mt 7:21, 24-27

Jesus said to his disciples, 21“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. ...24“Everyone then who hears these words of mine and acts on them will be like a wise man who built his house on rock. 25The rain fell, the floods came, and the winds blew and beat on that house, but it did not fall, because it had been founded on rock. 26And everyone who hears these words of mine and does not act on them will be like a foolish man who built his house on sand. 27The rain fell, and the floods came, and the winds blew and beat against that house, and it fell — and great was its fall!”

o submit to the lordship of Jesus does not simply mean addressing him as “Lord” and bearing the title “Christian” as one would display a badge of membership. Genuine following of Jesus is not a matter of show but of having one’s life reshaped and reconfigured according to the pattern of Jesus’ life. Obedience is Jesus’ outstanding trait. It is the fundamental expression of his love for his Father and faithfulness to his mission. Obedience established Jesus on the rock-foundation of his Father’s will. Jesus’ words, which are spirit and life, put us in touch with the same rock-foundation of God’s supreme will and set us firmly upon it whenever we translate those words into action. But if we do not allow those words to move us beyond hearing and good intentions that do not empower us into action, then we build our lives on the shifting sands of presumption. Only doers of the word are genuine Christian disciples.

ord Jesus, mold our hearts in obedience and help us to become doers of your words. Amen.

december

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1st Week of Advent

friday

1st Reading: Is 29:17-24 Responsorial Psalm: Ps 27 – The Lord is my light and my salvation. Gospel: Mt 9:27-31 As Jesus went on from there, two blind men followed him, crying loudly, “Have mercy on us, Son of David!” 28When he entered the house, the blind men came to him; and Jesus said to them, “Do you believe that I am able to do this?” They said to him, “Yes, Lord.” 29 Then he touched their eyes and said, “According to your faith let it be done to you.” 30And their eyes were opened. Then Jesus sternly ordered them, “See that no one knows of this.” 31But they went away and spread the news about him throughout that district. 27

he blind men already saw light even before their eyes were opened. The coming of Jesus into their life was the dawning of light. Thus, they followed him around. Their calling Jesus “Son of David” was already a confession of their faith in his Messianic identity. But Jesus is not an impersonal Messiah who dispenses favors without encountering the recipients. Here, he enters into an intimate dialogue with the blind men and probes their hearts. Their desire to have their physical eyes opened is fulfilled, but more than that, Jesus affirms that the eyes of their hearts are open too.

ord Jesus, eternal Light, banish the darkness of sin from our lives. Amen.

1st Week of Advent Saint Francis Xavier, priest

december

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saturday

1st Reading: Is 30:19-21, 23-26 Responsorial Psalm: Ps 147 – Blessed are all who wait for the Lord. Gospel: Mt 9:35–10:1, 5a, 6-8

Jesus went about all the cities and villages, teaching in their synagogues, and proclaiming the good news of the kingdom, and curing every disease and every sickness. 36When he saw the crowds, he had compassion for them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd. 37Then he said to his disciples, “The harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few; 38therefore ask the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into his harvest.” 1 Then Jesus summoned his twelve disciples and gave them authority over unclean spirits, to cast them out, and to cure every disease and every sickness. ... 5These twelve Jesus sent out with the following instructions: ...6“Go to the lost sheep of the house of Israel. 7As you go, proclaim the good news, ‘The kingdom of heaven has come near.’ 8Cure the sick, raise the dead, cleanse the lepers, cast out demons. You received without payment; give without payment.” 35

hat greater motivation can there be for action than to know that one is part of the solution to a crisissituation? This Gospel episode allows us to glimpse Jesus’ Spirit-inspired mission strategy. He does not immediately send his disciples to extend his mission. He first lets them understand the serious necessity that requires divine intervention. Then he puts them in touch with the ultimate Sender, the Father. Thus, when Jesus sends his disciples, they have the awareness that they themselves are the answer to their prayer. They are the additional laborers, mandated not only by Jesus but by the heavenly Father, the Lord of the harvest. Thus, they see themselves as part of the big picture of God’s plan, involved in bringing it to fulfillment.

ord Jesus, help us to see with clarity how we fit in God’s plan and give us the grace to fulfill our role with dedication. Amen.

december

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2nd Sunday of Advent

sunday 1st Reading: Is 11:1-10

1 A shoot shall come out from the stump of Jesse, and a branch shall grow out of his roots. 2The spirit of the Lord shall rest on him, the spirit of wisdom and understanding, the spirit of counsel and might, the spirit of knowledge and the fear of the Lord. 3 His delight shall be in the fear of the Lord. He shall not judge by what his eyes see, or decide by what his ears hear; 4but with righteousness he shall judge the poor, and decide with equity for the meek of the earth; he shall strike the earth with the rod of his mouth, and with the breath of his lips he shall kill the wicked. 5Righteousness shall be the belt around his waist, and faithfulness the belt around his loins. 6The wolf shall live with the lamb, the leopard shall lie down with the kid, the calf and the lion and the fatling together, and a little child shall lead them. 7The cow and the bear shall graze, their young shall lie down together; and the lion shall eat straw like the ox. 8The nursing child shall play over the hole of the asp, and the weaned child shall put its hand on the adder’s den. 9They will not hurt or destroy on all my holy mountain; for the earth will be full of the knowledge of the Lord as the waters cover the sea. 10On that day the root of Jesse shall stand as a signal to the peoples; the nations shall inquire of him, and his dwelling shall be glorious.

Responsorial Psalm: Ps 72 – Justice shall flourish in his time, and fullness of peace for ever.

2nd Reading: Rom 15:4-9 Whatever was written in former days was written for our instruction, so that by steadfastness and by the encouragement of the scriptures we might have hope. 5May the God of steadfastness and encouragement grant you to live in harmony with one another, in accordance with Christ Jesus, 6so that together you may with one voice glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. 7 Welcome one another, therefore, just as Christ has welcomed you, for the glory of God. 8For I tell you that Christ has become a servant of the circumcised on behalf of the truth of God in order that he might confirm the promises given to the patriarchs, 9and in order that the Gentiles might glorify God for his mercy. As it is written, “Therefore I will confess you among the Gentiles, and sing praises to your name.” 4

Gospel: Mt 3:1-12 1 In those days John the Baptist appeared in the wilderness of Judea, proclaiming, 2“Repent, for the kingdom of heaven has come near.” 3 This is the one of whom the prophet Isaiah spoke when he said, “The voice of one crying out in the wilderness: ‘Prepare the way of the Lord, make his paths straight.’” 4 Now John wore clothing of camel’s hair with a leather belt around his waist, and his food was locusts and wild honey. 5Then the people of Jerusalem and all Judea were going out to him, and all the region along the Jordan, 6and they were baptized by him in the river Jordan, confessing their sins. 7 But when he saw many Pharisees and Sadducees coming for baptism, he said to them, “You brood of vipers! Who warned you to flee from the wrath to come? 8Bear fruit worthy of repentance. 9Do not presume to say to yourselves, ‘We have Abraham as our ancestor’; for I tell you, God is able from these stones to raise up children to Abraham. 10Even now the ax is lying at the root of the trees; every tree therefore that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. 11 “I baptize you with water for repentance, but one who is more powerful than I is coming after me; I am not worthy to carry his sandals. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire. 12His winnowing fork is in his hand, and he will clear his threshing floor

and will gather his wheat into the granary; but the chaff he will burn with unquenchable fire.”

he detail about John’s attire and diet may seem insignificant, but it is an important factor that makes him a credible witness. Not only does he evoke the figure of the revered prophet Elijah, who clothed himself in the same manner (cf. 2 Kgs 1:8), but the plainness and austerity that mark his life are consistent with the powerful message-of-reform that he announces. Unless the messenger embodies the message, the person may sound nothing more than a tinkling cymbal. But John’s words are backed by his powerful witness-of-life, so that he could confront the religious elite — the scribes and Pharisees — addressing them as “brood of vipers,” and they are reduced to silence by the boldness with which he speaks the truth.

ord Jesus, help us to become people of integrity, authentic witnesses whose lives are consistent with the message that we proclaim. Amen.

2nd Week of Advent

december

violet

monday

1st Reading: Is 35:1-10 Responsorial Psalm: Ps 85 – Our God will come to save us! Gospel: Lk 5:17-26 One day, while Jesus was teaching, Pharisees and teachers of the law were sitting nearby (they had come from every village of Galilee and Judea and from Jerusalem); and the power of the Lord was with him to heal. 18Just then some men came, carrying a paralyzed man on a bed. They were trying to bring him in and lay him before Jesus; 19 but finding no way to bring him in because of the crowd, they went up on the roof and let him down with his bed through the tiles into the middle of the crowd in front of Jesus. 20When he saw their faith, he said, “Friend, your sins are forgiven you.” 21Then the scribes and the Pharisees began to question, “Who is this who is speaking blasphemies? Who can forgive sins but God alone?” 22When Jesus perceived their questionings, he answered them, “Why do you raise such questions in your hearts? 23Which is easier, to say, ‘Your sins are forgiven you,’ or to say, ‘Stand up and walk’? 24But so 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, stand up and take your bed and go to your home.” 25Immediately he stood up before them, took what he had been lying on, and went to his home, glorifying God. 26Amazement seized all of them, and they glorified God and were filled with awe, saying, “We have seen strange things today.” 17

esus never claims any authority apart from God. That is why his opponents’ accusation that he is blaspheming when he mediates God’s forgiveness is exaggerated and unfounded. The expression “Your sins are forgiven” is called in biblical studies a divine or theological passive. The agent of the passive verb is not indicated but is strongly implied to be God. Only God can forgive, but Jesus is God’s authorized representative who can mediate the divine remission of sins. The ordinary people, with their little learning, understand this better than their highly educated religious leaders. The paralyzed man, upon being healed, glorifies God, not Jesus. The crowds, upon seeing the paralyzed man walk, glorify God, not Jesus. They understand that God is at work in Jesus, and Jesus in no way competes with God. The Pharisees and teachers of the law close their eyes to this truth because they feel threatened by Jesus’ growing popularity.

ord Jesus, today’s Gospel deepens our understanding of your role as the unique way to God. Never let us stray from you. Amen.

2nd Week of Advent Saint Nicholas, bishop

december

violet/ white

tuesday

1st Reading: Is 40:1-11 Responsorial Psalm: Ps 96 – The Lord our God comes with power. Gospel: Mt 18:12-14 Jesus said to his disciples, 12“What do you think? If a shepherd has a hundred sheep, and one of them has gone astray, does he not leave the ninety-nine on the mountains and go in search of the one that went astray? 13And if he finds it, truly I tell you, he rejoices over it more than over the ninety-nine that never went astray. 14So it is not the will of your Father in heaven that one of these little ones should be lost.”

amiliarity with this parable may make us overlook the personal touch, without which this becomes just an ordinary story about pasturing sheep but not a conveyor of divine truth. It is crucial to note that the owner does not send a hired laborer to look for that single lost sheep, but he himself launches the search. This is what the incarnation of the Son of God is all about. In Jesus, God himself comes to bring the straying sheep back to his fold. It is he himself who heals the pain of separation by reuniting us, sinners, with himself. Here, he fulfills what he has promised through the prophet Ezekiel: “I myself will pasture my sheep; I myself will give them rest, says the Lord God. The lost I will seek out, the strayed I will bring back, the injured I will bind up, the sick I will heal…” (Ez 34:1516).

ord Jesus, through the pain of getting lost, we experience being sought and recovered by you, our caring Shepherd who will never let us perish. Amen.

december

white

wednesday

2nd Week of Advent Saint Ambrose, bishop and doctor of the Church

1st Reading: Is 40:25-31 Responsorial Psalm: Ps 103 – O bless the Lord, my soul! Gospel: Mt 11:28-30 Jesus said, 28“Come to me, all you that are weary and are carrying heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. 29Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me; for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. 30For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.”

t is not only being physically overworked that can make us feel burdened. When we refuse to accept reality for what it is and try to manipulate it according to what we think it should be, then we resist the flow of life. By thus swimming against the current, we deplete our energies. The rest that Jesus offers is his own yoke, which consists in trusting the Father and obeying his will in all circumstances. Taking on this yoke entails learning from Jesus meekness and humility of heart. Meekness is not weakness but selfmastery, while humility entails profound knowledge of self. Jesus knows his origin and mission and thus lives in absolute obedience. Whether circumstances are favorable or not, he inclines his will to obey, trusting that his Father will see him through. Jesus wants this faith-conviction to grow also in us, that we may experience his rest.

ord Jesus, may we never seek rest, except in you. Amen.

Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary (Patroness of the Philippines)

december

white

thursday

1st Reading: Gn 3:9-15, 20 Responsorial Psalm: Ps 98 – Sing to the Lord a new song, for he has done marvelous deeds. 2nd Reading: Eph 1:3-6, 11-12 Gospel: Lk 1:26-38 In the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent by God to a town in Galilee called Nazareth, 27to a virgin engaged to a man whose name was Joseph, of the house of David. The virgin’s name was Mary. 28And he came to her and said, “Greetings, favored one! The Lord is with you.” 29But she was much perplexed by his words and pondered what sort of greeting this might be. 30The angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God. 31And now, you will conceive in your womb and bear a son, and you will name him Jesus. 32 He will be great, and will be called the Son of the Most High, and the Lord God will give to him the throne of his ancestor David. 33He will reign over the house of Jacob forever, and of his kingdom there will be no end.” 34Mary said to the angel, “How can this be, since I am a virgin?” 35The angel said to her, “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 holy; he will be called Son of God. 36And now, your relative Elizabeth in her old age has also conceived a son; and this is the sixth month for her who was said to be barren. 37For nothing will be impossible with God.” 38Then Mary said, “Here am I, the servant of the Lord; let it be with me according to your word.” Then the angel departed from her. 26

uman freedom is the gift by which God empowers us to create a space in our lives, so that God can dwell among us. Mary, at the announcement of Jesus’ birth, is the icon of the free human being who makes her entire life a space available for God. Her story can be ours too, for we, too, have been gifted with freedom. And like Mary, we are also being invited to become the entry point of God into the human situation. With our cooperation, no situation will remain godless and unredeemable. May the response of Mary be ours too: “Let it be done to me according to your word.”

ord Jesus, incline our will to seek God’s will and submit to it in freedom. Amen.

2nd Week of Advent Saint Juan Diego, hermit

december

violet/ white

friday

1st Reading: Is 48:17-19 Responsorial Psalm: Ps 1 – Those who follow you, Lord, will have the light of life. Gospel: Mt 11:16-19

Jesus said to the crowds, 16“To what will I compare this generation? It is like children sitting in the marketplaces and calling to one another, 17 ‘We played the flute for you, and you did not dance; we wailed, and you did not mourn.’ 18For John came neither eating nor drinking, and they say, ‘He has a demon’; 19the Son of Man came eating and drinking, and they say, ‘Look, a glutton and a drunkard, a friend of tax collectors and sinners!’ Yet wisdom is vindicated by her deeds.”

he generation of John and Jesus were waiting for God’s marvelous intervention in their history to end the dominion of foreign oppressors. They were expecting that event to be as grand and impressive as their ancestors’ exodus from Egypt. Thus, the appearance of the ascetic prophet John, announcing the advent of God’s Kingdom and calling them to repentance, was, in their view, too insignificant to be taken seriously. In the same way, the carpenter from Nazareth, who kept bad company and enjoyed feasting with sinners, was not deemed a worthy agent of God’s marvelous intervention. Instead of getting attuned to how God was manifesting the divine will in their present circumstances, that generation wanted God to conform to their expectations. By thus rejecting the forerunner-prophet and the Messiah, they missed the grace-of-the-moment and the chance to be the first to welcome the dawning Kingdom.

ord Jesus, let not our expectations block us from recognizing your visitation. Amen.

december

violet/ white

saturday

2nd Week of Advent Our Lady of Loreto

1st Reading: Sir 48:1-4, 9-11 Responsorial Psalm: Ps 80 – Lord, make us turn to you; let us see your face and we shall be saved. Gospel: Mt 17:9a, 10-13 As they were coming down the mountain, ...10the disciples asked Jesus, “Why, then, do the scribes say that Elijah must come first?” 11 He replied, “Elijah is indeed coming and will restore all things; 12but I tell you that Elijah has already come, and they did not recognize him, but they did to him whatever they pleased. So also the Son of Man is about to suffer at their hands.” 13Then the disciples understood that he was speaking to them about John the Baptist. 9

he use of types or patterns is a common way by which biblical writers demonstrate how God’s will is carried forward and the divine promises are brought to fulfillment. Today’s Gospel presents Elijah as a pattern, whose zeal for the God of Israel and whose work of renewal give shape to the life and mission of John the Baptist. The coming of an Elijah-like figure was prophesied by Malachi (cf. Mal 4:5). Although the scribes and other experts in the Scriptures know this prophecy, they fail to recognize its fulfillment in the person of John the Baptist. But Jesus does not miss the pattern which John’s tragic death represents. He sees it as foreshadowing his own fate as the Messiah who will fulfill his mission by being rejected and put to death.

ord Jesus, let the light of your Holy Spirit illumine for us the meaning of the Sacred texts. Amen.

3rd Sunday of Advent (Gaudete Sunday)

december

rose/ violet

sunday

1st Reading: Is 35:1-6a, 10 1 The wilderness and the dry land shall be glad, the desert shall rejoice and blossom; like the crocus 2it shall blossom abundantly, and rejoice with joy and singing. The glory of Lebanon shall be given to it, the majesty of Carmel and Sharon. They shall see the glory of the Lord, the majesty of our God. 3Strengthen the weak hands, and make firm the feeble knees. 4Say to those who are of a fearful heart, “Be strong, do not fear! Here is your God. He will come with vengeance, with terrible recompense. He will come and save you.” 5Then the eyes of the blind shall be opened, and the ears of the deaf unstopped; 6then the lame shall leap like a deer, and the tongue of the speechless sing for joy. For waters shall break forth in the wilderness, and streams in the desert; …10And the ransomed of the Lord shall return, and come to Zion with singing; everlasting joy shall be upon their heads; they shall obtain joy and gladness, and sorrow and sighing shall flee away.

Responsorial Psalm: Ps 146 – Lord, come and save us. 2nd Reading: Jas 5:7-10 7 Be patient, therefore, beloved, until the coming of the Lord. The farmer waits for the precious crop from the earth, being patient with it until it receives the early and the late rains. 8You also must be patient. Strengthen your hearts, for the coming of the Lord is near. 9 Beloved, do not grumble against one another, so that you may not be judged. See, the Judge is standing at the doors! 10As an example of suffering and patience, beloved, take the prophets who spoke in the name of the Lord.

Gospel: Mt 11:2-11 When John heard in prison what the Messiah was doing, he sent word by his disciples 3and said to him, “Are you the one who is to come, or are we to wait for another?” 4Jesus answered them, “Go and tell John what you hear and see: 5the blind receive their sight, the lame walk, the lepers are cleansed, the deaf hear, the dead are raised, and the poor have good news brought to them. 6And blessed is anyone who takes no offense at me.” 7As they went away, Jesus began to speak to the crowds about John: “What did you go out into the wilderness to look at? A reed shaken by the wind? 8What then did you go out to see? Someone dressed in soft robes? Look, those who wear soft robes are in royal palaces. 9What then did you go out to see? A prophet? Yes, I tell you, and more than a prophet. 10This is the one about whom it is written, ‘See, I am sending my messenger ahead of you, who will prepare your way before you.’ 11Truly I tell you, among those born of women no one has arisen greater than John the Baptist; yet the least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he.” 2

esus is God’s totally new way of relating to the world and to human beings. Even John the Baptist admits his uncertainty regarding Jesus’ identity and seeks an assurance that he has prepared the way for the right person. For John preached about a mighty figure who would execute God’s judgment by separating the good from the evil, like wheat from chaff (cf. Mt 3:1112). It may have been a shock and disappointment to John to hear how Jesus freely mingles with sinners and sits in table-fellowship with them. He does not fit into the mold of Israel’s expectations nor of John’s announcement. Jesus does not answer John’s doubts directly but invites him to read the signs and recognize in them the fulfillment of Messianic prophecies. The God who is finally unveiled in the person of Jesus is not a vengeful Judge but a merciful Father. For God’s judgment is saving mercy.

ord Jesus, help us to let go of expectations of how God should act, and give us the grace to simply let God surprise us. Amen.

3rd Week of Advent Our Lady of Guadalupe

december

violet/ white

monday

1st Reading: Nm 24:2–7, 15–17a (or Zec 2:14–17) Responsorial Psalm: Ps 25 – Teach me your ways, O Lord. (or Jdt 13 – You are the highest honor of our race.) Gospel: Mt 21:23-27 (or Lk 1:26-38)

When Jesus entered the temple, the chief priests and the elders of the people came to him as he was teaching, and said, “By what authority are you doing these things, and who gave you this authority?” 24Jesus said to them, “I will also ask you one question; if you tell me the answer, then I will also tell you by what authority I do these things. 25 Did the baptism of John come from heaven, or was it of human origin?” And they argued with one another, “If we say, ‘From heaven,’ he will say to us, ‘Why then did you not believe him?’ 26But if we say, ‘Of human origin,’ we are afraid of the crowd; for all regard John as a prophet.” 27So they answered Jesus, “We do not know.” And he said to them, “Neither will I tell you by what authority I am doing these things.” 23

he first place to go to when seeking God’s will in any matter is one’s own heart, where God speaks. The chief priests and elders of the people, despite their being professionals in matters that concern God, forgot about this. Each one of them could have answered Jesus’ question about the origin of John’s baptism by entering his own heart and consulting God. Instead, they turned to one another and discussed among themselves the best answer that would protect their common interests. God was totally excluded from this consultation, for they were not concerned with the truth. Ironically, they, who were considered to be the learned and wise ones of Israel, claimed to be ignorant in this matter. This episode unmasked their hearts, revealing how far away they were from God.

ord Jesus, deliver us from any desire to take refuge in convenient lies to protect our own interests. Amen.

december

red

tuesday

3rd Week of Advent Saint Lucy, virgin and martyr

1st Reading: Zep 3:1-2, 9-13 Responsorial Psalm: Ps 34 – The Lord hears the cry of the poor. Gospel: Mt 21:28-32

Jesus said to the chief priests and the elders of the people, 28“What do you think? A man had two sons; he went to the first and said, ‘Son, go and work in the vineyard today.’ 29He answered, ‘I will not’; but later he changed his mind and went. 30The father went to the second and said the same; and he answered, ‘I go, sir’; but he did not go. 31Which of the two did the will of his father?” They said, “The first.” Jesus said to them, “Truly I tell you, the tax collectors and the prostitutes are going into the kingdom of God ahead of you. 32For John came to you in the way of righteousness and you did not believe him, but the tax collectors and the prostitutes believed him; and even after you saw it, you did not change your minds and believe him.”

linging to privileges and claiming entitlements can be real blocks to maturing in the faith. It is ironic that the chief priests and the elders of the people can identify which of the two sons did their father’s will but fail to see themselves in the person of the disobedient son. What explains their stubbornness of heart? For them, any piety that excludes the temple is suspect, because worship has been institutionalized in the temple. As the temple’s administrators, they have become powerful and wealthy. Religion serves their agenda, so why will they go out to the desert to hear a strange messenger and be baptized by him? In contrast to them, the tax collectors and prostitutes are those excluded from the institutionalized religion because of their reputation as sinners. They may be estranged from religion, but they are not estranged from God. With nothing to cling to and protect, they welcome John’s invitation to belong to God’s new family through the renewal of their lives. As God opens a new pathway of encounter with him, those who are too secure in the old way refuse to budge, while those without any security take heed and follow it.

ord Jesus, may we find our security in nothing but God alone. Amen.

3rd Week of Advent Saint John of the Cross, priest and doctor of the Church

white

wednesday

december

1st Reading: Is 45:6c-8, 18, 21c-25 Responsorial Psalm: Ps 85 – Let the clouds rain down the Just One, and the earth bring forth a Savior. Gospel: Lk 7:18b-23

18 … John summoned two of his disciples 19and sent them to the Lord to ask, “Are you the one who is to come, or are we to wait for another?” 20When the men had come to him, they said, “John the Baptist has sent us to you to ask, ‘Are you the one who is to come, or are we to wait for another?’” 21Jesus had just then cured many people of diseases, plagues, and evil spirits, and had given sight to many who were blind. 22And he answered them, “Go and tell John what you have seen and heard: the blind receive their sight, the lame walk, the lepers are cleansed, the deaf hear, the dead are raised, the poor have the good news brought to them. 23And blessed is anyone who takes no offense at me.”

ohn’s mental image of “the one who is to come” has been shaped by the prophecy of Malachi (3:23). Thus, he was expecting a zealous reformer like Elijah who slew the prophets of Baal in 1 Kings 18. Earlier, in Lk 3:16-17, John pictured him with “his winnowing fork is in his hand to clear his threshing floor and to gather the wheat into his barn, but the chaff he will burn with unquenchable fire.” But now in prison, the stories that reach John about Jesus project a different image of “the one who is to come.” Instead of calling down fire from heaven, as did Elijah, Jesus sits in the company of sinners and the outcasts of society. This puzzles John, so he sends messengers to clear his doubts. Jesus gives no direct response to John’s question but appeals to his knowledge of the prophecies of Isaiah, which are now being fulfilled in his ministry: the blind see again, the lame walk, lepers are cleansed, the deaf hear, the dead are raised, the poor have good news proclaimed to them. The final lesson that John learns in prison is that God cannot be imprisoned even in our pious expectations.

ord Jesus, you are God’s totally new way of dealing with the world. Keep us open to your surprises. Amen.

december

violet

3rd Week of Advent

thursday

1st Reading: Is 54:1-10 Responsorial Psalm: Ps 30 – I will praise you, Lord, for you have rescued me. Gospel: Lk 7:24-30

When John’s messengers had gone, Jesus began to speak to the crowds about John: “What did you go out into the wilderness to look at? A reed shaken by the wind? 25What then did you go out to see? Someone dressed in soft robes? Look, those who put on fine clothing and live in luxury are in royal palaces. 26What then did you go out to see? A prophet? Yes, I tell you, and more than a prophet. 27This is the one about whom it is written, ‘See, I am sending my messenger ahead of you, who will prepare your way before you.’ 28I tell you, among those born of women no one is greater than John; yet the least in the kingdom of God is greater than he.” 29(And all the people who heard this, including the tax collectors, acknowledged the justice of God, because they had been baptized with John’s baptism. 30But by refusing to be baptized by him, the Pharisees and the lawyers rejected God’s purpose for themselves.) 24

he central message that leaps out of the pages of Scripture that are being read these days of Advent is “God is faithful.” He is a fulfiller of promises. He promised King David a descendant who would reign forever (2 Sm 7:12-16). He also promised to send the forerunner who would prepare the Messiah’s way (Is 40:3; Mal 4:5). John the Baptist and Jesus finally came, and though they were not recognized by the religious leaders of Israel, they fulfilled their mission as had been prophesied. What does this mean to us today? God’s character as faithful and reliable remains the same today and tomorrow as it had been yesterday. God is the still point, firm and unshakeable, our only source of security in these unstable and uncertain times. With God, our hopes will never be disappointed.

ord Jesus, you are the pledge that God will fulfill the hopes of our hearts. Amen.

3rd Week of Advent (1st Day of Misa de Gallo in the Philippines)

december

violet

friday

1st Reading: Is 56:1-3a, 6-8 Responsorial Psalm: Ps 67 – O God, let all the nations praise you! Gospel: Jn 5:33-36 Jesus said, 33“You sent messengers to John, and he testified to the truth. 34Not that I accept such human testimony, but I say these things so that you may be saved. 35He was a burning and shining lamp, and you were willing to rejoice for a while in his light. 36But I have a testimony greater than John’s. The works that the Father has given me to complete, the very works that I am doing, testify on my behalf that the Father has sent me.”

f Jesus does not accept testimony from a human being because his own works witness to his divine origin, then what is the significance of John in the unfolding of the history of salvation? The coming of John is a fulfillment of a divine promise (cf. Is 40:3). More than anything, his person is a testimony to the faithfulness of God. Since God has sent the Messiah’s forerunner, then it is certain that the Messiah himself will come soon. God is guiding history toward the accomplishment of the divine purposes. The appearance of John should raise hopes and rekindle expectations. God does not disappoint, for God is a keeper of promises.

ord Jesus, you yourself are the embodiment of God’s faithfulness. We face every crisis with vibrant hope because you, Emmanuel, are God’s presence among us. Amen.

december

violet

Late Advent Weekdays

saturday

1st Reading: Gn 49:2, 8-10 Responsorial Psalm: Ps 72 – Justice shall flourish in his time, and fullness of peace forever. Gospel: Mt 1:1-17 1 An account of the genealogy of Jesus the Messiah, the son of David, the son of Abraham. 2 Abraham was the father of Isaac, and Isaac the father of Jacob, and Jacob the father of Judah and his brothers, 3and Judah the father of Perez and Zerah by Tamar, and Perez the father of Hezron, and Hezron the father of Aram, 4and Aram the father of Aminadab, and Aminadab the father of Nahshon, and Nahshon the father of Salmon, 5 and Salmon the father of Boaz by Rahab, and Boaz the father of Obed by Ruth, and Obed the father of Jesse, 6and Jesse the father of King David. And David was the father of Solomon by the wife of Uriah, 7and Solomon the father of Rehoboam, and Rehoboam the father of Abijah, and Abijah the father of Asaph, 8and Asaph the father of Jehoshaphat, and Jehoshaphat the father of Joram, and Joram the father of Uzziah, 9 and Uzziah the father of Jotham, and Jotham the father of Ahaz, and Ahaz the father of Hezekiah, 10and Hezekiah the father of Manasseh, and Manasseh the father of Amos, and Amos the father of Josiah, 11 and Josiah the father of Jechoniah and his brothers, at the time of the deportation to Babylon. 12 And after the deportation to Babylon: Jechoniah was the father of Salathiel, and Salathiel the father of Zerubbabel, 13and Zerubbabel the father of Abiud, and Abiud the father of Eliakim, and Eliakim the father of Azor, 14and Azor the father of Zadok, and Zadok the father of Achim, and Achim the father of Eliud, 15and Eliud the father of

Eleazar, and Eleazar the father of Matthan, and Matthan the father of Jacob, 16and Jacob the father of Joseph the husband of Mary, of whom Jesus was born, who is called the Messiah. 17 So all the generations from Abraham to David are fourteen generations; and from David to the deportation to Babylon, fourteen generations; and from the deportation to Babylon to the Messiah, fourteen generations.

he long list of names of Jesus’ male ancestors is noticeably interrupted by the mention of five women. The strangeness of their inclusion in the list matches the strangeness of their involvement in continuing the line that will produce Israel’s Messiah. These are courageous women who assumed the mission of conceiving life outside the acceptable norms of the Israelite culture of their time. Tamar conceived by deceiving her father-in-law Judah (cf. Gn 38:13-26). Rahab was a prostitute from Jericho, whose family was spared and integrated into Israel (cf. Jos 6:17-25). Ruth was a foreigner (cf. Ru 4:18-22). Bathsheba was an adulteress (cf. 2 Sm 11:2-26). And Mary, the mother of Jesus, was a betrothed virgin (cf. Mt 1:18). Their courage to risk reveals the kind of disposition necessary for anyone who will accept to be involved in God’s plan that is revealed in Jesus Christ.

ord Jesus, infuse in us, too, the courage to risk, so that our part in God’s plan may be fulfilled. Amen.

december

violet

4th Sunday of Advent

sunday 1st Reading: Is 7:10-14

Again the Lord spoke to Ahaz, saying, Ask a sign of the Lord your God; let it be deep as Sheol or high as heaven. 12 But Ahaz said, I will not ask, and I will not put the Lord to the test. 13Then Isaiah said: “Hear then, O house of David! Is it too little for you to weary mortals, that you weary my God also? 14 Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign. Look, the young woman is with child and shall bear a son, and shall name him Immanuel. 10 11

Responsorial Psalm: Ps 24 – Let the Lord enter; he is king of glory. 2nd Reading: Rom 1:1-7 1 Paul, a servant of Jesus Christ, called to be an apostle, set apart for the gospel of God, 2which he promised beforehand through his prophets in the holy scriptures, 3the gospel concerning his Son, who was descended from David according to the flesh 4and was declared to be Son of God with power according to the spirit of holiness by resurrection from the dead, Jesus Christ our Lord, 5through whom we have received grace and apostleship to bring about the obedience of faith among all the Gentiles for the sake of his name, 6including yourselves who are called to belong to Jesus Christ, 7To all God’s beloved in Rome, who are called to be saints: Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.

Gospel: Mt 1:18-24 The birth of Jesus the Messiah took place in this way. When his mother Mary had been engaged to Joseph, but before they lived together, she was found to be with child from the Holy Spirit. 19Her husband Joseph, being a righteous man and unwilling to expose her

to public disgrace, planned to dismiss her quietly. 20But just when he had resolved to do this, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said, “Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary as your wife, for the child conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. 21 She will bear a son, and you are to name him Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins.” 22All this took place to fulfill what had been spoken by the Lord through the prophet: 23“Look, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and they shall name him Emmanuel,” which means, “God is with us.” 24When Joseph awoke from sleep, he did as the angel of the Lord commanded him; he took her as his wife.

e hear so much talk about justice, but often see too few deeds in proportion to words. Today’s Gospel surprises us by describing as “a just man” someone who never said a single word recorded in the Bible. Despite, or perhaps because of his silence, Joseph always acted correctly in moments of crisis. Mary’s anomalous pregnancy, by Jewish standards of those days, would have merited the severe sentence of death by stoning (cf. Dt 22:20-21, 2324). Joseph, her husband, had the right to denounce her publicly. But Joseph’s justice went beyond the realm of the legal and equitable. As he tried to weigh matters, he was more concerned about the welfare of Mary and her child than his own reputation before the honorconscious patriarchal society of his time. He was a man who knew how to listen to his heart, and with his heart, discern God’s will. That was the secret of Joseph’s justice, a secret we, too, must learn.

ord Jesus, help us to listen with the heart, that we may know how to act properly at the proper time, like Joseph the just man. Amen.

december

violet

Late Advent Weekdays

monday

1st Reading: Jgs 13:2-7, 24-25a Responsorial Psalm: Ps 71 – My mouth shall be filled with your praise, and I will sing your glory! Gospel: Lk 1:5-25 5 In the days of King Herod of Judea, there was a priest named Zechariah, who belonged to the priestly order of Abijah. His wife was a descendant of Aaron, and her name was Elizabeth. 6Both of them were righteous before God, living blamelessly according to all the commandments and regulations of the Lord. 7But they had no children, because Elizabeth was barren, and both were getting on in years. 8 Once when he was serving as priest before God and his section was on duty, 9he was chosen by lot, according to the custom of the priesthood, to enter the sanctuary of the Lord and offer incense. 10 Now at the time of the incense offering, the whole assembly of the people was praying outside. 11Then there appeared to him an angel of the Lord, standing at the right side of the altar of incense. 12When Zechariah saw him, he was terrified; and fear overwhelmed him. 13 But the angel said to him, “Do not be afraid, Zechariah, for your prayer has been heard. Your wife Elizabeth will bear you a son, and you will name him John. 14You will have joy and gladness, and many will rejoice at his birth, 15for he will be great in the sight of the Lord. He must never drink wine or strong drink; even before his birth he will be filled with the Holy Spirit. 16He will turn many of the people of Israel to the Lord their God. 17With the spirit and power of Elijah he will go before him, to turn the hearts of parents to their children, and the disobedient to the wisdom of the righteous, to make ready a people prepared for the Lord.” 18Zechariah said to the angel, “How will I know that this is so? For I am an old man, and my wife is getting on in years.” 19The angel replied, “I am Gabriel. I stand in

the presence of God, and I have been sent to speak to you and to bring you this good news. 20But now, because you did not believe my words, which will be fulfilled in their time, you will become mute, unable to speak, until the day these things occur.” 21 Meanwhile the people were waiting for Zechariah, and wondered at his delay in the sanctuary. 22When he did come out, he could not speak to them, and they realized that he had seen a vision in the sanctuary. He kept motioning to them and remained unable to speak. 23When his time of service was ended, he went to his home. 24 After those days his wife Elizabeth conceived, and for five months she remained in seclusion. She said, 25“This is what the Lord has done for me when he looked favorably on me and took away the disgrace I have endured among my people.”

he announcement of a birth that will happen by divine intervention is not uncommon in the Old Testament. The first reading about Samson’s birth is one example. The announcement made to an old man whose wife is barren is not new either, for the birth of Isaac was announced to Abraham when he was ninety-nine years old and Sarah was ninety (Gn 17:16-17). But the placement of the birth announcement made to Zechariah at the start of Luke’s Gospel adds a new dimension to the story. It becomes a transition marker. God is about to bring forth something new, but without excluding the old. In the birth story of John, the old and the new are integrated, for it is the old that generates the new. Luke wants to tell his readers that his Gospel narrative is the continuation of the history of Israel, of the patriarchs, the prophets, the kings, and the entire nation. The old is not scrapped but carefully blended with the new, for the God of the old is also the God of new.

ord Jesus, open our faith-vision to see the unity of the Old Testament and the New, both of which speak of God’s fidelity. Amen.

december

violet

Late Advent Weekdays

tuesday

1st Reading: Is 7:10-14 Responsorial Psalm: Ps 24 – Let the Lord enter; he is the king of glory! Gospel: Lk 1:26-38 In the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent by God to a town in Galilee called Nazareth, 27to a virgin engaged to a man whose name was Joseph, of the house of David. The virgin’s name was Mary. 28And he came to her and said, “Greetings, favored one! The Lord is with you.” 29But she was much perplexed by his words and pondered what sort of greeting this might be. 30The angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God. 31And now, you will conceive in your womb and bear a son, and you will name him Jesus. 32 He will be great, and will be called the Son of the Most High, and the Lord God will give to him the throne of his ancestor David. 33He will reign over the house of Jacob forever, and of his kingdom there will be no end.” 34Mary said to the angel, “How can this be, since I am a virgin?” 35The angel said to her, “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 holy; he will be called Son of God. 36And now, your relative Elizabeth in her old age has also conceived a son; and this is the sixth month for her who was said to be barren. 37For nothing will be impossible with God.” 38Then Mary said, “Here am I, the servant of the Lord; let it be with me according to your word.” Then the angel departed from her. 26

he Gospel is the person of Jesus himself, whom the angel announces to Mary as the Son she is to bear. The evangelist Luke wants to tell us that Mary is the first hearer of the Gospel proclamation, its first believer, and with her “yes” to the announcement, becomes its first bearer. He presents Mary as the model of all authentic hearers of the Gospel. Like Mary, authentic hearers allow the message to interfere with their lives and plans. They let themselves be disturbed, molded, and transformed by the proclamation. They become the new stage, as it were, on which the drama of the Annunciation is replayed, so that Jesus may be conceived and generated again in the here-and-now circumstances of the world.

ord Jesus, make us authentic hearers of the Gospel, allowing our lives to be the space of your incarnation here-and-now. Amen.

december

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wednesday

Late Advent Weekdays Saint Peter Canisius, priest and doctor of the Church

1st Reading: Sg 2:8-14 (or Zep 3:14-18a) Responsorial Psalm: Ps 33 – Exult, you just in the Lord! Sing to him a new song. Gospel: Lk 1:39-45 In those days Mary set out and went with haste to a Judean town in the hill country, 40where she entered the house of Zechariah and greeted Elizabeth. 41When Elizabeth heard Mary’s greeting, the child leaped in her womb. And Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit 42 and exclaimed with a loud cry, “Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb. 43And why has this happened to me, that the mother of my Lord comes to me? 44For as soon as I heard the sound of your greeting, the child in my womb leaped for joy. 45 And blessed is she who believed that there would be a fulfillment of what was spoken to her by the Lord.” 39

ary’s visit to Elizabeth is but the expected consequence of the angel’s announcement, not primarily because Mary wants to verify the sign given by the angel (Lk 1:36), but because divine love is now incarnate in her womb. Love’s impetus is outward, away from the self and towards another, especially one in need. Only another woman can understand the plight of carrying a new life in the womb, and only one who has experienced God’s extraordinary action will be able to empathize with another person who goes through a similar experience. The meeting of these two women, bearers of the future of humanity and of the entire creation, is what we witness in today’s Gospel episode. The meeting is a celebration of the graciousness of God, who looks with favor on the lowliness of his servants.

ord Jesus, may we, too, count our blessings and find every reason to celebrate the graciousness of God. Amen.

Late Advent Weekdays

december

violet

thursday

1st Reading: 1 Sm 1:24-28 Responsorial Psalm: 1 Sm 2 – My heart exults in the Lord, my Savior. Gospel: Lk 1:46-56

46 Mary said, “My soul magnifies the Lord, 47and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior, 48for he has looked with favor on the lowliness of his servant. Surely, from now on all generations will call me blessed; 49for the Mighty One has done great things for me, and holy is his name. 50 His mercy is for those who fear him from generation to generation. 51 He has shown strength with his arm; he has scattered the proud in the thoughts of their hearts. 52He has brought down the powerful from their thrones, and lifted up the lowly; 53he has filled the hungry with good things, and sent the rich away empty. 54He has helped his servant Israel, in remembrance of his mercy, 55according to the promise he made to our ancestors, to Abraham and to his descendants forever.” 56And Mary remained with her about three months and then returned to her home.

lthough Elizabeth’s praise is meant to single out Mary — “Most blessed among women…” — Mary’s response is to situate herself firmly within the history of her people. She sees in her blessedness the consistency of God’s dealing with her ancestors, following the divine pattern of reversal. God turns human expectations upside down by favoring the poor, the needy, and the lowly, rather than those who feel themselves entitled to such privilege. And by frustrating all worldly ambitions to greatness, God proves that God alone can make anyone great, by lavishing that person with undeserved and unearned favors. Blessedness is divinely bestowed greatness, which, like a mirror, simply reflects the benevolence and mercy of God.

ord Jesus, everything is undeserved grace that should draw forth from us thankfulness and praise. As we intone your mother’s “Magnificat,” help us to turn memories and sentiments into prayer. Amen.

december

violet/ white

friday

Late Advent Weekdays Saint John of Kanty, priest

1st Reading: Mal 3:1-4, 23-24 Responsorial Psalm: Ps 25 – Lift up your heads and see; your redemption is near at hand. Gospel: Lk 1:57-66

The time came for Elizabeth to give birth, and she bore a son. 58Her neighbors and relatives heard that the Lord had shown his great mercy to her, and they rejoiced with her. 59 On the eighth day they came to circumcise the child, and they were going to name him Zechariah after his father. 60But his mother said, “No; he is to be called John.” 61They said to her, “None of your relatives has this name.” 62Then they began motioning to his father to find out what name he wanted to give him. 63He asked for a writing tablet and wrote, “His name is John.” And all of them were amazed. 64 Immediately his mouth was opened and his tongue freed, and he began to speak, praising God. 65Fear came over all their neighbors, and all these things were talked about throughout the entire hill country of Judea. 66All who heard them pondered them and said, “What then will this child become?” For, indeed, the hand of the Lord was with him. 57

he tongue, at times, too quickly expresses a reaction without reflecting. The long years of waiting for God’s answer to his and his wife’s prayer for an offspring has made Zechariah cynical. Thus, he seeks assurance. Silence is not a punishment imposed on him but a space into which the Spirit brings him, so that he can get a glimpse of the ways of God. Silence teaches Zechariah to let go of all desire to control the situation. Deprived of speech, he focuses on listening and watching contemplatively as the angel’s message, which he doubted, is fulfilled before his very eyes. Truly, God’s word never fails! Now, rejecting the desire of neighbors and relatives to honor him by naming his child after him, Zechariah writes on the tablet — not only in obedience to the angel’s instruction but to confess his faith-conviction that “God is gracious” — Yochanan… “John is his name.”

ord Jesus, we, too, need silent moments to consider how God’s graciousness fills our days and gives meaning to our existence. Amen.

Late Advent Weekdays

violet

december

saturday 1st Reading: 2 Sm 7:1-5, 8b-12, 14a, 16 Responsorial Psalm: Ps 89 – Forever I will sing the goodness of the Lord. Gospel: Lk 1:67-79

Zechariah was filled with the Holy Spirit and spoke this prophecy: “Blessed be the Lord God of Israel, for he has looked favorably on his people and redeemed them. 69He has raised up a mighty savior for us in the house of his servant David, 70as he spoke through the mouth of his holy prophets from of old, 71that we would be saved from our enemies and from the hand of all who hate us. 72Thus he has shown the mercy promised to our ancestors, and has remembered his holy covenant, 73the oath that he swore to our ancestor Abraham, to grant us 74that we, being rescued from the hands of our enemies, might serve him without fear, 75in holiness and righteousness before him all our days. 76And you, child, will be called the prophet of the Most High; for you will go before the Lord to prepare his ways, 77to give knowledge of salvation to his people by the forgiveness of their sins. 78By the tender mercy of our God, the dawn from on high will break upon us, 79to give light to those who sit in darkness and in the shadow of death, to guide our feet into the way of peace.” 67 68

echariah’s speechless solitude of nine months marked the conception period of prophecy, parallel to Elizabeth’s conception of their son. There can be no real prophecy without first entering into solitude, for a prophet must speak God’s words which can be heard only in desert silence. That period of silence was the necessary space for Zechariah to ponder the mystery that has touched his and Elizabeth’s life as a couple, to grasp the important role given them in salvation history, and to open up their hearts to the action of the Holy Spirit. That kind of silence is necessary for all of us who are called today to be actors in the continuous unfolding of God’s plan of salvation. On this vigil of the celebration of the Lord’s birth, let us create this space of silence and allow the Holy Spirit to whisper the Father’s eternal WORD into our hearts.

ord Jesus, amidst today’s bustle, help us to find some moments to settle down and quietly ponder the mystery of your becoming one of us. Amen.

december

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sunday

Solemnity of Our Lord’s Birth Midnight Mass

1st Reading: Is 9:1-6 1 The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light; those who lived in a land of deep darkness — on them light has shined. 2You have multiplied the nation, you have increased its joy; they rejoice before you as with joy at the harvest, as people exult when dividing plunder. 3For the yoke of their burden, and the bar across their shoulders, the rod of their oppressor, you have broken as on the day of Midian. 4For all the boots of the tramping warriors and all the garments rolled in blood shall be burned as fuel for the fire. 5 For a child has been born for us, a son given to us; authority rests upon his shoulders; and he is named Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. 6His authority shall grow continually, and there shall be endless peace for the throne of David and his kingdom. He will establish and uphold it with justice and with righteousness from this time onward and forevermore. The zeal of the Lord of hosts will do this.

Responsorial Psalm: Ps 96 – Today is born our Savior, Christ the Lord. 2nd Reading: Ti 2:11-14 The grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation to all, 12training us to renounce impiety and worldly passions, and in the present age to live lives that are self-controlled, upright, and godly, 13while we wait for the blessed hope and the manifestation of the glory of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ. 14He it is who gave himself for us that he might redeem us from all iniquity and purify for himself a people of his own who are zealous for good deeds.

Gospel: Lk 2:1-14

1 In those days a decree went out from Emperor Augustus that all the world should be registered. 2This was the first registration and was taken while Quirinius was governor of Syria. 3All went to their own towns to be registered. 4Joseph also went from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to the city of David called Bethlehem, because he was descended from the house and family of David. 5He went to be registered with Mary, to whom he was engaged and who was expecting a child. 6While they were there, the time came for her to deliver her child. 7And she gave birth to her firstborn son and wrapped him in bands of cloth, and laid him in a manger, because there was no place for them in the inn. 8 In that region there were shepherds living in the fields, keeping watch over their flock by night. 9Then an angel of the Lord stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. 10But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid; for see — I am bringing you good news of great joy for all the people: 11to you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is the Messiah, the Lord. 12This will be a sign for you: you will find a child wrapped in bands of cloth and lying in a manger.” 13And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host, praising God and saying, 14“Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace among those whom he favors!”

hile human rulers mightily impose their will through a census decree that causes a mass movement of people, God, in contrast, quietly and unnoticeably enters our world in an act of total, unreserved self-giving. And without anyone being aware, except for the humble couple entrusted with the mystery, God turns secular history into salvation history by making it his story. This self-giving of God by becoming human — one with us and one of us — is what Christmas is all about. With God becoming part of the world of creatures, the divinization of creation begins. And since Perfect Love has assumed our finite human nature, the perfection of love is now being accomplished in us. This is the profound meaning of God’s work of salvation. It is a labor of love by no less than Lovein-Person.

ord Jesus, Emmanuel, you are God-with-us as self-bestowing Love that waits to be received. Conquer the fears that prevent us from receiving you with open hearts. Amen.

december

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sunday

Solemnity of Our Lord’s Birth Mass during the Day

1st Reading: Is 52:7-10 7 How beautiful upon the mountains are the feet of the messenger who announces peace, who brings good news, who announces salvation, who says to Zion, “Your God reigns.” 8 Listen! Your sentinels lift up their voices, together they sing for joy; for in plain sight they see the return of the Lord to Zion. 9Break forth together into singing, you ruins of Jerusalem; for the Lord has comforted his people, he has redeemed Jerusalem. 10The Lord has bared his holy arm before the eyes of all the nations; and all the ends of the earth shall see the salvation of our God.

Responsorial Psalm: Ps 98 – All the ends of the earth have seen the saving power of God. 2nd Reading: Heb 1:1-6 1 Long ago God spoke to our ancestors in many and various ways by the prophets, 2but in these last days he has spoken to us by a Son, whom he appointed heir of all things, through whom he also created the worlds. 3He is the reflection of God’s glory and the exact imprint of God’s very being, and he sustains all things by his powerful word. When he had made purification for sins, he sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high, 4having become as much superior to angels as the name he has inherited is more excellent than theirs. 5 For to which of the angels did God ever say, “You are my Son; today I have begotten you”? Or again, “I will be his Father, and he will be my Son”? 6And again, when he brings the firstborn into the world, he says, “Let all God’s angels worship him.”

Gospel: Jn 1:1-18

In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. 2He was in the beginning with God. 3All things came into being through him, and without him not one thing came into being. What has come into being 4in him was life, and the life was the light of all people. 5The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not overcome it. 6 There was a man sent from God, whose name was John. 7He came as a witness to testify to the light, so that all might believe through him. 8He himself was not the light, but he came to testify to the light. 9The true light, which enlightens everyone, was coming into the world. 10 He was in the world, and the world came into being through him; yet the world did not know him. 11He came to what was his own, and his own people did not accept him. 12But to all who received him, who believed in his name, he gave power to become children of God, 13 who were born, not of blood or of the will of the flesh or of the will of man, but of God. 14 And the Word became flesh and lived among us, and we have seen his glory, the glory as of a father’s only son, full of grace and truth. 15(John testified to him and cried out, “This was he of whom I said, ‘He who comes after me ranks ahead of me because he was before me.’”) 16From his fullness we have all received, grace upon grace. 17The law indeed was given through Moses; grace and truth came through Jesus Christ. 18No one has ever seen God. It is God the only Son, who is close to the Father’s heart, who has made him known. 1

he story of creation in the book of Genesis opens with this introductory line: “In the beginning…” The evangelist John echoes the same line at the opening of his Gospel account, thus implying that he is about to tell the story of the new creation. In Genesis 1, God created everything by speaking the efficacious Word. Now, that eternal Word has entered time and space in flesh and blood. God has become one with us… one of us — human. Wonder of wonders!

ord Jesus, thank you for empowering us to participate in the divine life by coming to participate in our human life. Amen.

december

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monday

Saint Stephen, The First Martyr

1st Reading: Acts 6:8-10; 7:54-59 Responsorial Psalm: Ps 31 – Into your hands, O Lord, I commend my spirit. Gospel: Mt 10:17-22

Jesus said to his disciples, 17“Beware of men, for they will hand you over to councils and flog you in their synagogues; 18and you will be dragged before governors and kings because of me, as a testimony to them and the Gentiles. 19When they hand you over, do not worry about how you are to speak or what you are to say; for what you are to say will be given to you at that time; 20for it is not you who speak, but the Spirit of your Father speaking through you. 21Brother will betray brother to death, and a father his child, and children will rise against parents and have them put to death; 22and you will be hated by all because of my name. But the one who endures to the end will be saved.”

he Gospel on Christmas day, which announced the mystery of the Word becoming flesh and dwelling among us (Jn 1:1-18), also reminded us that the Word-in-flesh was not recognized by the world and was rejected by his own people. The prospects of suffering and death have been there from the beginning of Christ’s earthly life. But they do not dampen the Christmas spirit, for they will be the price of Christ’s faithfulness to his mission. The suffering-and-death theme becomes more explicit today as we celebrate the martyrdom of St. Stephen. To witness to Christ is what it means to be a martyr. Not all believers will be called to the extreme form of witnessing, which is the shedding of one’s blood. But to be a martyr – to speak and act in the name of Christ, is the vocation of all Christians, as today’s Gospel makes clear to us.

ord Jesus, we trust your assurance that the Spirit will supply us with strength and wisdom to courageously witness to you in moments of persecution. Amen.

Saint John, Apostle and Evangelist

december

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tuesday

1st Reading: 1 Jn 1:1-4 Responsorial Psalm: Ps 97 – Rejoice in the Lord, you just! Gospel: Jn 20:1a, 2-8

Early on the first day of the week, while it was still dark, .…2Mary Magdalene ran and went to Simon Peter and the other disciple, the one whom Jesus loved, and said to them, “They have taken the Lord out of the tomb, and we do not know where they have laid him.” 3 Then Peter and the other disciple set out and went toward the tomb. 4 The two were running together, but the other disciple outran Peter and reached the tomb first. 5He bent down to look in and saw the linen wrappings lying there, but he did not go in. 6Then Simon Peter came, following him, and went into the tomb. He saw the linen wrappings lying there, 7and the cloth that had been on Jesus’ head, not lying with the linen wrappings but rolled up in a place by itself. 8 Then the other disciple, who reached the tomb first, also went in, and he saw and believed. 1

the cave that served as animal shelter in Bethlehem, today’s feast brings us to the cave that served as the Ftombrom of the crucified Nazarene. The signs are no longer the

swaddling clothes but the burial cloths. The feast of the apostle John, who is traditionally identified with the “disciple Jesus loved” and the writer of the fourth Gospel, is our second reminder that Christmas is tightly knit with the Paschal events of Calvary. In today’s Gospel, only Peter and Mary Magdalene are named. The third character is simply referred to as “the other disciple” — John’s humble gesture of not casting the limelight on himself, if he is the evangelist. But he has to tell the truth about his being the first one to believe in the resurrection. As the “disciple Jesus loved,” it is with the eyes of the heart that he gazed at the telltale signs of the empty tomb and burial cloths and concluded that death could not hold LOVE captive. The Lord is alive!

Lord Jesus, strengthened by the faith of the beloved disciple, may we cling to the certainty that evil can never triumph over love. Amen.

december

red

The Holy Innocents, Martyrs

wednesday

1st Reading: 1 Jn 1:5–2:2 Responsorial Psalm: Ps 124 – Our soul has been rescued like a bird from the fowler’s snare. Gospel: Mt 2:13-18

After the Magi had left, an angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph in a dream and said, “Get up, take the child and his mother, and flee to Egypt, and remain there until I tell you; for Herod is about to search for the child, to destroy him.” 14Then Joseph got up, took the child and his mother by night, and went to Egypt, 15and remained there until the death of Herod. This was to fulfill what had been spoken by the Lord through the prophet, “Out of Egypt I have called my son.” 16 When Herod saw that he had been tricked by the wise men, he was infuriated, and he sent and killed all the children in and around Bethlehem who were two years old or under, according to the time that he had learned from the wise men. 17Then was fulfilled what had been spoken through the prophet Jeremiah: 18“A voice was heard in Ramah, wailing and loud lamentation, Rachel weeping for her children; she refused to be consoled, because they are no more.” 13

hen power is turned into one’s personal security, it becomes addictive. Its possessor clings to it and protects it even against imaginary threats. At the service of power, one can lose the nobility of one’s character. This is what happened to Herod. In today’s Gospel, he dares to block what is divinely ordained by plotting against the child whose birth is prophesied in the Jewish Sacred Scriptures and heralded in the skies by the appearance of a radiant star. Because of Herod’s wicked plot, many innocent lives perish as collateral damage. But more than just anonymous victims, we honor these holy innocents today as witnesses, the first grains of wheat to fall to the ground in view of a future rich harvest.

ord Jesus, teach us to use power to empower others and to render them service. Amen.

5th Day of the Christmas Octave Saint Thomas Becket, bishop and martyr

december

white/ red

thursday

1st Reading: 1 Jn 2:3-11 Responsorial Psalm: Ps 96 – Let the heavens be glad and the earth rejoice! Gospel: Lk 2:22-35 When the time came for their purification according to the law of Moses, Joseph and Mary brought the child up to Jerusalem to present him to the Lord 23(as it is written in the law of the Lord, “Every firstborn male shall be designated as holy to the Lord”), 24and they offered a sacrifice according to what is stated in the law of the Lord, “a pair of turtledoves or two young pigeons.” 25 Now there was a man in Jerusalem whose name was Simeon; this man was righteous and devout, looking forward to the consolation of Israel, and the Holy Spirit rested on him. 26It had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he would not see death before he had seen the Lord’s Messiah. 27Guided by the Spirit, Simeon came into the temple; and when the parents brought in the child Jesus, to do for him what was customary under the law, 28Simeon took him in his arms and praised God, saying, 29“Master, now you are dismissing your servant in peace, according to your word; 30for my eyes have seen your salvation, 31which you have prepared in the presence of all peoples, 32a light for revelation to the Gentiles and for glory to your people Israel.” 33 And the child’s father and mother were amazed at what was being said about him. 34Then Simeon blessed them and said to his mother Mary, “This child is destined for the falling and the rising of many in Israel, and to be a sign that will be opposed 35so that the inner thoughts of many will be revealed — and a sword will pierce your own soul too.” 22

uke and Matthew wrote two very different versions of the infancy stories of Jesus. But both versions foreshadow the opposition against the adult Jesus that will culminate in his passion and death. In Matthew’s version, the infant Jesus becomes the object of a deadly plot that leads to the massacre of the innocents in Bethlehem. The story is a miniature of the event of the passion, where the same powerful religious and civil leaders will play a major role. In the Lucan version, what we find is a grim prophecy about the child’s future. This is what today’s Gospel tells us through the character of Simeon. The child who is the salvation God has prepared in the sight of all the peoples will grow up to be a sign that will be opposed and will cause many in Israel to fall and rise. The shadow of the cross looms across the entire life of Jesus and tells us that God’s saving plan is costly. The cost of love is total self-giving.

ord Jesus, thank you for giving yourself to us unreservedly in love. Make us capable of giving ourselves, too, in love. Amen.

Holy Family

december

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friday

1st Reading: Sir 3:2-6, 12-14 Responsorial Psalm: Ps 128 – Blessed are those who fear the Lord and walk in his ways. 2nd Reading: Col 3:12-21 Gospel: Mt 2:13-15, 19-23 After the Magi had left, an angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph in a dream and said, “Get up, take the child and his mother, and flee to Egypt, and remain there until I tell you; for Herod is about to search for the child, to destroy him.” 14Then Joseph got up, took the child and his mother by night, and went to Egypt, 15and remained there until the death of Herod. This was to fulfill what had been spoken by the Lord through the prophet, “Out of Egypt I have called my son.” …19When Herod died, an angel of the Lord suddenly appeared in a dream to Joseph in Egypt and said, 20“Get up, take the child and his mother, and go to the land of Israel, for those who were seeking the child’s life are dead.” 21Then Joseph got up, took the child and his mother, and went to the land of Israel. 22But when he heard that Archelaus was ruling over Judea in place of his father Herod, he was afraid to go there. And after being warned in a dream, he went away to the district of Galilee. 23There he made his home in a town called Nazareth, so that what had been spoken through the prophets might be fulfilled, “He will be called a Nazorean.” 13

he newborn Son of God, helpless and vulnerable, invites us to reconsider our understanding of divine omnipotence as the quality of having absolute and unlimited power. This partial understanding, based on how we see human beings exercise power in the world, could not be further from the truth. Divine omnipotence is not supremacy and domination but the limitless power to love. And the newborn Jesus is its embodiment. Indeed, only the limitless power of love is capable of self-emptying, of reaching down to the lowest point of choosing to be helpless and vulnerable, needing to have his threatened life protected by others, and having to be a refugee and an exile in the world created through him and would not have existed if not for him. Mary and Joseph are the humble and trustworthy keepers of this wondrous divine secret about to be revealed, the guardians of this mystery of God’s omnipotent love that has taken flesh in the infant Jesus.

ord Jesus, help us to understand the profound truth that true power resides in weakness, for it is not human but divine. Amen.

7th Day of the Christmas Octave Saint Sylvester I, pope

december

white

saturday

1st Reading: 1 Jn 2:18-21 Responsorial Psalm: Ps 96 – Let the heavens be glad and the earth rejoice! Gospel: Jn 1:1-18 1 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. 2He was in the beginning with God. 3All things came into being through him, and without him not one thing came into being. What has come into being 4in him was life, and the life was the light of all people. 5The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not overcome it. 6 There was a man sent from God, whose name was John. 7He came as a witness to testify to the light, so that all might believe through him. 8He himself was not the light, but he came to testify to the light. 9The true light, which enlightens everyone, was coming into the world. 10 He was in the world, and the world came into being through him; yet the world did not know him. 11He came to what was his own, and his own people did not accept him. 12But to all who received him, who believed in his name, he gave power to become children of God, 13 who were born, not of blood or of the will of the flesh or of the will of man, but of God. 14 And the Word became flesh and lived among us, and we have seen his glory, the glory as of a father’s only son, full of grace and truth. 15(John testified to him and cried out, “This was he of whom I said, ‘He who comes after me ranks ahead of me because he was before me.’”) 16From his fullness we have all received, grace upon grace. 17The law indeed was given through Moses; grace and truth came through Jesus Christ. 18No one has ever seen God. It is God the only Son, who is close to the Father’s heart, who has made him known.

he Word becoming flesh means that God, who is spirit, has taken on material form and has become an earthly reality. In Jesus, heaven has come upon earth to remain forever united with it. The earth will never be the same again as it becomes home to the God-in-flesh, through whom it exists. The implication of this is that every earthly reality deserves respect and care, for nothing is left untouched by the incarnation of the Son of God. Everything breathes of the divine presence. And because God has chosen to become a human being, every human life is especially sanctified in its very essence, as it is now intimately joined to the WORD. May our contemplation of the mystery of the incarnation give us new eyes to see and a new sensitivity to relate with the earth and its creatures and especially with fellow human beings.

ord Jesus, WORD-in-flesh, open our faith-vision, that we may perceive the sacredness of everything, and so treat every reality with the reverence it deserves. Amen.