Tuesday of the First Week of Advent

A reading from the holy Gospel according to Luke

Jesus rejoiced in the Holy Spirit and said, “I give you praise, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, for although you have hidden these things from the wise and the learned you have revealed them to the childlike. Yes, Father, such has been your gracious will. All things have been handed over to me by my Father. No one knows who the Son is except the Father, and who the Father is except the Son and anyone to whom the Son wishes to reveal him.”

After saying these words, Jesus turned to his disciples and told them in private that they are blessed to see what prophets and kings desired to see and hear but did not see and hear. What is the it that Jesus refers to? The Gospel acclamation explicitly says what it is: “Behold, our Lord shall come with power; he will enlighten the eyes of his servants.” Enlightenment for his servants; servants see what the wise and the learned hoped to see and hear. When I consider myself wise, how often have I shut my eyes and closed my ears to the wisdom of God right in front of me? To be childlike in faith, is it to see what is hidden in plain sight? Jesus, reveal the Father to me.

God, help me understand who it is you sent into the world to be seen and heard. You have given everything you have to your Son, and through you I come to know him, and through what he reveals I come to know you. Holy Spirit, help me know the Father and the Son so that I can seek you out and find your dwelling, where as the first reading from Isaiah says, “There shall be no harm or ruin on all my holy mountain; for the earth shall be filled with knowledge of the LORD, as water covers the sea.”

God, you hear my sighs; you see my restlessness and know that I want you near. For you, nothing is impossible. Help me through your grace recover childlike wonder—the blessedness of seeing you as you are—as I come into your presence; help me throughout the day remember to come into your presence.

Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, as it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.

Readings

Monday of the First Week of Advent

A reading from the holy Gospel according to Matthew

When Jesus heard this, he was amazed and said to those following him, “Amen, I say to you, in no one in Israel have I found such faith. I say to you, many will come from the east and the west, and will recline with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob at the banquet in the Kingdom of heaven.”

As the centurion approaches Jesus in today’s reading, he appeals to Jesus to help his servant, who, as the centurion says, “is lying at home paralyzed, suffering dreadfully.” Jesus offers to go to him and cure him, but the centurion tells him: “Lord, I am not worthy to have you enter under my roof; only say the word and my servant will be healed.” Jesus is amazed at his faith and heals his servant. I notice how the centurion refers to Jesus as Lord. The term comes from the Greek word kyrie, meaning “supreme in authority.” By calling Jesus “Lord,” the centurion acknowledges that Jesus, not the emperor, has supreme authority. Jesus describes the faith of the centurion as nothing he has seen in all of Israel. It is his Father, the God of Abraham and Isaac and Jacob, who has the power and authority to draw all to him.

God, help me follow the example of faith of the centurion. At every Mass, we repeat his words: “Lord, I am not worthy to have you enter under my roof; only say the word and my servant will be healed.” I want to comprehend that such power and authority as the centurion had over others in no way prevented him from recognizing his helplessness in a desperate situation, where he sought the good of the other.

Jesus, let me rest in you today as if I were before you, present in the Blessed Sacrament, even amid the day’s clamor. Let me give my cares to you freely so that I can know the joy of anticipation of your birth. Through your grace, keep me attentive to your word so that I can know and do your will. Like the centurion, let me be unafraid to appeal to you for help, whatever the need.

Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, as it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.

Readings

First Sunday of Advent

A reading from the holy Gospel according to Matthew

Jesus said to his disciples: “Therefore, stay awake! For you do not know on which day your Lord will come. Be sure of this: if the master of the house had known the hour of night when the thief was coming, he would have stayed awake and not let his house be broken into. So too, you also must be prepared, for at an hour you do not expect, the Son of Man will come.”

Today, the first Sunday of Advent, the Gospel reading from Matthew depicts Jesus telling the disciples about the Second Coming of Christ. Jesus compares that time to the time of Noah, where people were carrying on with everyday concerns: eating, drinking, and marrying. Jesus urges us to remain vigilant for the day when he returns. On this first day of Advent, what can I do to prepare for the arrival of Christmas, the First Coming of Christ, when Jesus becomes through his birth the Word Incarnate, God with us?

God, help me take to heart the significance of this day and of this season and where it leads me. I want to learn how to become closer to you, Lord, and devote more of my time to you. Give me the grace to see you and your work throughout the day and be grateful for your abiding presence day after day.

Thank you, Lord, for this time of expectancy, the time to await the coming of your Son, a child born of Mary in Bethlehem. The pathway to joy you make clear; embrace me with your mercy and help me stay on it so that I can say as the psalmist says: “Let us go rejoicing to the house of the Lord.”

Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit, as it was in the beginning is now, and ever shall be world without end. Amen.

Readings

Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, as it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.

Readings

Saturday of the Thirty-fourth Week in Ordinary Time

A reading from the holy Gospel according to Luke

Jesus said to his disciples: “Beware that your hearts do not become drowsy from carousing and drunkenness and the anxieties of daily life, and that day catch you by surprise like a trap. For that day will assault everyone who lives on the face of the earth. Be vigilant at all times and pray that you have the strength to escape the tribulations that are imminent and to stand before the Son of Man.”

The Gospel acclamation echoes what Jesus says in today’s Gospel reading: “Be vigilant at all times and pray that you may have the strength to stand before the Son of Man.” At the very end of the liturgical year, Jesus tells us that being drowsy from carousing and drunkenness and daily anxiety occludes the word of God in our lives. Jesus warns us not to be caught off guard, to stay awake and pray to avoid the tribulations of each day that take our focus away from God.

God, help me understand that moments of this day will come when I tend toward lulling myself into a kind of sleep—whether through pleasure, self-reassurance, overindulgence, or anxiety. The list goes on. Grant me the grace today to stay alert, to be vigilant through prayer and awareness of your presence. Help me to know and do your will.

Lord, you sent an angel to John to tell him through his visions that you are coming soon and that your words are trustworthy and true. “Blessed be my rock! Exalted be God, my savior!” Show me your love and mercy; help me raise my head to face my redemption.

Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit, as it was in the beginning is now, and ever shall be world without end. Amen.

Readings

Friday of the Thirty-fourth Week in Ordinary Time

A READING FROM THE HOLY GOSPEL ACCORDING TO LUKE

Jesus told his disciples a parable. “Consider the fig tree and all the other trees. When their buds burst open, you see for yourselves and know that summer is now near; in the same way, when you see these things happening, know that the Kingdom of God is near. Amen, I say to you, this generation will not pass away until all these things have taken place. Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will not pass away.”

In today’s Gospel reading, Jesus shares a simple parable with his disciples. In his description of the change of seasons from spring to summer, he sets up a comparison of the coming of the Kingdom of God. Jesus, who is consubstantial with the Father, through him all things were made, created the natural order for the good of his children; in the same way, the supernatural order, the new creation is a place of continual praise and glory: “Heaven and earth will pass away,” Jesus says, “but my words will not pass away.” If Jesus connects the natural and supernatural worlds in the broadest way—all of the seasons, all of nature—how does he bring me from my natural, earthly existence into eternal life? How do I recognize that the Kingdom of God is coming and that it is already here?

Thank you, God, for the gift of faith, strengthened through the Eucharist and the sacraments. Help me see, as you see, the connectedness of your creation and the solid foundation of truth on which it stands: “My words will not pass away.”

Father in heaven, you are love and mercy itself. Let my being rest in you, the source of all grace, trusting in this life in what will not pass away and enjoying it forever in the life to come.

Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, as it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.

Readings

Thanksgiving Day

A reading from the holy Gospel according to Luke

As they were going they were cleansed. And one of them, realizing he had been healed, returned, glorifying God in a loud voice; and he fell at the feet of Jesus and thanked him.

These words from today’s Gospel reading stand out as a beautiful example of gratitude. The ten lepers first cried out to Jesus as he entered a village: “Jesus, Master! Have pity on us!” They reached out for Jesus’ help, and he answered their prayers immediately. But only one, realizing he had been healed, returned to Jesus to thank him and glorify God. Jesus asks him about the other nine who did not return and ultimately says to him: “Stand up and go; your faith has saved you.”

Father in heaven, thank you for a new day. Thank you for the example of the healed leper who returned to Jesus to give thanks. I want to comprehend that all I have is your gift; my whole being is your gift. How do I remember that, even when things don’t go as I think they should go, or when suffering or hardship seems to diminish the gift your your presence?

Lord, give me the grace to be grateful for your blessings. Let me be a means of peace today on this day of thanksgiving. Stay at the table with me as we share our blessings together. I ask you, Lord, to trust in your mercy so that I too can be merciful. Thanks be to God!

Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, as it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.

Readings

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2W-KSOPWWBY

Wednesday of the Thirty-fourth Week in Ordinary Time

A reading from the holy Gospel according to Luke

Jesus said to the crowd: “Remember, you are not to prepare your defense beforehand, for I myself shall give you a wisdom in speaking that all your adversaries will be powerless to resist or refute. . . . You will be hated by all because of my name, but not a hair on your head will be destroyed. By your perseverance you will secure your lives.”

Today’s Gospel follows yesterday’s reading, where Jesus speaks to the crowd about the signs of the end times. As he describes the coming persecution, he says that because of his name we will be hated by all but “not a hair on your head will be destroyed. By perseverance you will secure your lives.”

God, help me recognize what it means to be led to give testimony, not likely before kings and governors but before those close to me—my family, my children, my friends, and acquaintances and strangers. Let me be mindful of you, Lord Jesus, when I am afraid to be bold in proclaiming what I believe—that you are the Son of God sent by the Father as a ransom for many through your life, death, and resurrection.

Thank you, God, for the gift of your presence! Grant me peace today through the knowledge that you are with me every moment of this day, and let me not be afraid to remain faithful to you until death so to gain the crown of life.

Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit. As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.

Readings

Memorial of Saint Cecilia, Virgin and Martyr

A reading from the holy Gospel according to Luke

While some people were speaking about how the temple was adorned with costly stones and votive offerings, Jesus said, “All that you see here–the days will come when there will not be left a stone upon another stone that will not be thrown down.”

Today’s Gospel reading from Luke follows immediately where yesterday’s reading left off, where Jesus observed the widow who contributed two small coins to the treasury. The placement of the two readings together come back to the theme of earthly wealth compared to the true wealth of dependence on God. Jesus seems to say, “Don’t you see the ruins that this temple will soon become?” And today he says not to be deceived by others who come in his name. Life is short; a day, a lifetime, passes quickly. Where do I place my faith?

God, help me see beyond passing things and keep my gaze fixed on you in this short life. I want to see you through the lives of others I encounter and in the opportunities you present to me. Nothing lasts but you. Through your grace help me remember you in moments when I stand among the rubble of something that seemed to my mind unassailable. I don’t know or understand well enough, Lord, that your love for me is not deception; you alone are unassailable. As Saint Thérèse says: “Jesus is on fire with love for us. Look at his adorable face! Look at his eyes lifeless and lowered! Look at his wounds. Look at Jesus in his face. There you will see how he loves us.”

Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit. As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen. Saint Cecilia, pray for us!

Readings

Memorial of The Presentation of the Blessed Virgin Mary

A reading from the holy Gospel according to Luke

When Jesus looked up he saw some wealthy people putting their offerings into the treasury and he noticed a poor widow putting in two small coins. He said, “I tell you truly, this poor widow put in more than all the rest; for those others have all made offerings from their surplus wealth, but she, from her poverty, has offered her whole livelihood.”

Jesus’ words from today’s Gospel reading reflect the compassion he felt toward the poor. But by saying the widow put in more than all the rest, Jesus seems to come to a conclusion that doesn’t make sense, at least according to conventional logic. Although the contributions of wealthy people amounted to more than the two small coins of the widow, her true wealth was her dependence on God and trust in his providence. More than that, Jesus beautifully expresses what happens when we are able to turn basic economics on its head and give Christ, King of the Universe, control of our livelihood. The Memorial of the Presentation of the Blessed Virgin Mary commemorates when Mary’s parents, Saints Joachim and Anne, brought Mary to the temple to be offered to God. By offering Mary, they too gave their whole livelihood.

God, help me understand what it means to detach from material possessions and learn what true wealth is, not as the world understands it but according to your divine order. In the first reading, John hears a sound like harps and a new song being sung: “They were singing what seemed to be a new hymn before the throne, before the four living creatures and the elders. No one could learn this hymn except the hundred and forty-four thousand who had been ransomed from the earth.” I don’t know what it’s like to give as the widow gave, not from surplus wealth but from an offering; teach me, Lord, with the intercession of the Blessed Virgin Mary, to let go of the fear of detachment and to offer myself freely to you.

How quieted is my soul, Lord, when I am able to say to you as Mary said to the archangel Gabriel: “Behold the handmaid of the Lord; be it done to me according to thy word.” Take my works, joys, and sufferings of this day as an offering to you!

Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit. As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be. World without end. Amen.

Readings

The Solemnity of Our Lord Jesus Christ, King of the Universe

A reading from the holy Gospel according to Luke

Now one of the criminals hanging there reviled Jesus, saying, “Are you not the Christ? Save yourself and us.” The other, however, rebuking him, said in reply, “Have you no fear of God, for you are subject to the same condemnation? And indeed, we have been condemned justly, for the sentence we received corresponds to our crimes, but this man has done nothing criminal.” Then he said, “Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom.” He replied to him, “Amen, I say to you, today you will be with me in Paradise.”

The Solemnity of Our Lord Jesus Christ, King of the Universe, marks the end of the Church year, and next Sunday is the start of Advent. It seems strange that the Gospel reading relates to the Passion of Christ, deep into his suffering as he hangs on the cross. In the reading from today, he responds to the good thief when another mocks him. In a contradiction that would seem as evident today as in the past, the criminal asks Jesus why he doesn’t save himself if he is the Christ. The other recognizes the injustice he has done and acknowledges that Jesus is the anointed one, the Son of David: “Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom.”

God, thank you for your mercy! Considering the words of the good thief and Jesus’ response to him, help me understand today that there will always be the skepticism that produces injustice and malice. Others though, through fear of God, and acknowledgment of Christ as King help show us the way to his kingdom. God, you owe me nothing, and there is nothing I can do to deserve your mercy. Yet, mercy flows from you—body and blood, soul and divinity—as you hang on the cross. Today as I live my life may I recognize you as first and foremost. As Saint Paul says in the second reading: “He is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, that in all things he himself might be preeminent.” And on the day of my death, may I recognize you as Christ the King and hear your voice as you welcome me into Paradise.

Thank you, Lord, for your kingship. Only Christ, the Son of God, can say from the cross, “Today you will be with me in Paradise.” Jesus, remember me, and the promise of your mercy.

Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit. As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.

Readings