The Catholic Calendar for Saturday, December 31, 2005
The Seventh Day in the Octave of Christmas
St. Sylvester I, pope

Scripture from today's Liturgy of the Word:
1 John 2:18-21
Psalm 96:1-2, 11-12, 13
John 1:1-18

A reflection on today's Sacred Scripture:

"Children, the final hour has come"

What a wonderful post for the last day of the year! We approach the final hour of the span of time we call a year and wait anxiously for it to tip over into the next year. Anticipation is not so great now as it was at Christmas time, but a great many people will sit up at night waiting for that “ball” to fall at midnight and to enter the new year.

And it makes a good time to think about the end of all hours. That end will come for each of us in its due time, and in coming will transform us into new life and new light. We need not worry about the things some of our protestant brethren are wrapped up in. "End-times" theology is not for Catholics, at least not as it is articulated by some.

Savor this time of endings and realize that there is no ending without a new beginning. This hour ends, a new one begins. Our life ends (or seemingly so) and a new one begins. This age ends, and a new one begins. God extends into eternity and in eternity renews our minutes, hours, and days. And one day He calls us to Himself. Today is a good time to remember this because we need not fear the ending, either of the age or of our own time, because God is there to renew, to revive, and to welcome.

- JuandelaCruz
(sriddle415 at yahoo dot com)

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The Catholic Calendar for Friday, December 30, 2005
Feast of the Holy Family of Jesus, Mary, and Joseph

Scripture from today's Liturgy of the Word:
Sirach 3:2-7, 12-14
Psalm 128:1-5
Colossians 3:12-21
Luke 2:22-40

A reflection on today's Scripture. . . .

"...my eyes have seen your salvation, a light, to the Gentiles
and glory for Israel." (see: Luke 2: 30 and 32)

With a divorce rate approaching 60% of marriages, we may ask the reason for its great rise over this past century. The answer is the ever growing secularization of society, a systematic disposal of the truths inherent in God's love. We now worship a perverted freedom that rationalizes and accepts the destruction of innocent human life. By so cheapening ourselves, we have lost our ability to truly love; for who can love persons considered to be disposable lumps of flesh, accidents of nature, as some Darwinians claim. With God "out of the loop" we eliminate human dignity and worth; we reduce ourselves to beasts centered on self-preservation, comfort and pleasure. With family structure destroyed, we spawn an increasing societal disorder.

Today's readings should alert us to turning away from our suicidal course. Sirach expresses God's way of maintaining peace and unity within families, a mutual respect and committed love between their members. St. Paul reminds us of those traits that promote unity and harmony within family and community--being kind, humble, forgiving, generous and wise in our relationships. Essential is our accepting Christ as the living Word of God and adopting as our own His revealed love and truths. Faith in Him strengthens our will and ability, and by the grace imparted to us through the Holy Spirit, we become God's holy people. The chaotic state of this world's morality and ethics is the result of our refusal to live in God's "light" by coming to know and obeying the Source of all "good."

Almighty Father, open our hearts to receive Christ's new life that you have offered to us. May we then live in His glory and peace, united in mind and heart with our Savior. Amen.

- Marie Bocko, OCDS
(mlbocko at earthlink dot net)

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The Catholic Calendar for Thursday, December 29, 2005
The Fifth Day in the Octave of Christmas
St. Thomas Becket, bishop and martyr

Scripture from today's Liturgy of the Word:
1 John 2:3-112
Psalm 96:1-2a, 2b-3, 5b-6
Luke 2:22-35

A reflection on today's Sacred Scripture:

What a treasure we have in the Word of God, in sacred scripture! So many people in the world are struggling to know what to do with their lives, and how to do it. The answers are so clear in scripture. Today's readings are an example of this.

In the first reading, St. John tells us very directly "the way we know Jesus is to keep His commandments." (1 John 2) How could he have said it any more clearly? It's all there! He goes on to say that if a person doesn't do so they are walking in darkness. We just need to walk in the footsteps of Christ!

The gospel reading of today is a beautiful example of what can happen when a person is righteous and devout. Simeon did not have the benefits that we do, the teachings of Christ, but because of his lifestyle and devout manner he was able to recognize the infant Jesus as the Anointed One.

So to summarize, Sacred Scripture gives us wonderful direction for our lives. We just need to read it in a prayerful manner. Secondly, Simeon serves as a wonderful model of what can happen when we do live devout and righteous lives. Like him, we will better be able to see Christ in those around us. What a wonderful world it would be!

- Joan of Jesus, OCDS
(jmurphy at utica dot edu)

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The Catholic Calendar for Wednesday, December 28, 2005
Feast of the Holy Innocents, martyrs

Scripture from today's Liturgy of the Word:
1 John 1:5-2:2
Psalm 124:2-3, 4-5, 7cd-8
Matthew 2:13-18

A reflection on today's Sacred Scripture:

Today we celebrate the feast of the Holy Innocents, the first martyrs for Christ. Since then there have been countless additional martyrs, but these first ones were unique. There is no way of knowing how many children were sacrificed in this terrible brutality. While it seems so senseless, what are we to learn from it? It is in learning that some of the tragedy is offset.

These innocent children did not know Jesus, His message or His gift to us through death on the cross; but they sacrificed all they had. Their deaths came from the power of a ruthless, hateful ruler who would stop at nothing to save his power and position. Their eternal life came from the power of our compassionate, loving King who also, would stop at nothing to save His people and give them eternal life. The contrast is striking. These little ones lost their lives at the hands of a terrible man only to be received into the arms of a wonderful Savior.

Jesus says much later in His life on earth that we are to be as little children. What does this mean? We should be innocent, trusting, loving, and, like the youngest of children, extremely dependent -- dependent on the care of a loving Father who provides for us -- for all eternity.

While it seems a terrible and senseless loss, accompanied by an unfathomable amount of suffering on the part of the parents of these small ones, it shows us where true power lies in this universe and where we can truly find the caring love we need as small, needy and dependent beings under the care of a just King.

- Don Claunch, SFO
(dlclaunch at bresnan dot net)

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The Catholic Calendar for Tuesday, December 27, 2005
Tuesday within the Ocatave of Christmas
St. John, apostle and evangelist

Scripture from today's Liturgy of the Word:
1 John 1:1-4
Psalm 97:1-2, 5-6, 11-12
John 20:1a and 2-8

A reflection on today's Sacred Scripture:

It always startles me when, so close to Christmas, we begin to hear Gospel stories about Christ's Passion and Resurrection. I'm still basking in the peace of the "Silent Night, Holy Night" -- and the Church is moving on!

What in truth is happening, is the Church has it right and I don't. Lest we forget, we're reminded that the coming of Christ as man was an act of pure love that always had Calvary as its purpose. The price of our salvation and the forgiveness of our many sins sins was costly. It was no less (and even more) than the jolting contrast between the peaceful scene at the Christmas Crib and the horror of the Cross.

In all of this, may our hearts be moved to greater love for our generous and merciful Lord. The Word became Flesh! Come let us adore Him!

- Donna Raye Nelson, OCDS
(drn3rd at hotmail dot com)

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The Catholic Calendar for Monday, December 26, 2005
Monday within the Octave of Christmas
Feast of Saint Stephen, first martyr

Scripture from today's Liturgy of the Word:
Acts 6:8-10; 7:54-59
Psalm 31:3cd-4, 6 and 8ab, 16bc and 17
Matthew 10:17-22

A reflection on today's Sacred Scripture:

You will be hated by all because of my name. (From Mt 10:17-22)

As baptized ones in Him, we graciously bear the most Holy name of Jesus, Who is the Pure, Perfect, Sacred, and the only acceptable sacrifice, offered up for the redemption of souls. We who are one in Him, and remain in Him, join in His sacrificial giving of self for the salvation of souls. Recalling Jesus’ transforming words - “Peace be with you” - following His resurrection as He appeared in the midst of the fear and grief that paralyzed His disciples, Jesus dispatches all who are one in Him to embrace this inheritance, His victorious cross, in the course of our daily faithfulness.

This day following the celebration of the birth of our long awaited Savior wisely points to the martyrdoms that await His beloved. Families will divide, men will misspeak and persecute, we will be handed over, scourged and put to death “…all because of my Name.” This is our share in He Who is the salvific gift we receive and hasten to bestow to others. The gift of Life is the giving up of our very life through, with and in Him.

O Lord, we know our inheritance is to be handed over because of our union in You. Help us to gently and tenderly embrace our daily cross and persecutions without worry. Appear when our minds and souls are locked by our fear and grief and commend to us your “Peace” so we may be dispatched without fear knowing the Spirit of our Father will speak through us. Let us commend joyfully, into Your most loving hands, the gift of our spirits offered up for You. Amen.

- Mary Williams
(www.impactbydesign.biz)

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The Catholic Calendar for Sunday, December 25, 2005
The Nativity of the Lord
(Christmas)

Scripture from today's Liturgy of the Word: (the Mass during the day)
Isaiah 52:7-10
Psalm: 98:1, 2-3, 3-4, 5-6
Hebrews 1:1-6
John 1:1-18 or 1:1-5, 9-14

A reflection on today's Sacred Scripture:

And now the words of that beautiful Christmas Novena so treasured by countless Catholics has come to fulfillment as we cry "Hail and blessed be the hour and the moment in which the Son of God was born of the most pure Virgin Mary in Bethlehem at midnight in the piercing cold....." May He truly hear our prayers and grant our desires! May He scatter the gloom and the darkness, and penetrate all hearts with powerful light.

In looking over the rich Scripture readings for all the Christmas Masses, I was struck with the frequent use of "light". The first reading of the Mass at Midnight sets the theme for the whole celebration: "The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light....upon those who dwelt in the land of gloom, a light has shone." Obviously, the Mass at Dawn is all about the breaking through of light, and Psalm 97 is used because of the light shining on us today. The beginning of John's Gospel calls Jesus "the light of the human race."

As we ponder more of that wonderful Gospel, we are so aware that the world still does not know or accept Him. That is both a sadness and a challenge. The Light still searches in the darkness for a place to be born, and a place in which to shine. May we reflect with love and courage on this truth. May we resolve to be Light bearers, more surely than all the Christmas decorations that will soon go out. Our light must not go out, through negligence or cowardice or fear. A Child is born for us and a Son is given to us. He is our hope, and the world's hope.

- Msgr. Paul Whitmore
(smartins at frontiernet dot net)

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The Catholic Calendar for Saturday, December 24, 2005
Saturday in the Fourth Week of Advent
Mass in the Morning

Scripture from today's Liturgy of the Word:
2 Samuel 7:1-5, 8b-12, 14a, 16
Psalm 89:2-3, 4-5, 27 and 29
Luke 1:67-79

A reflection on today's Sacred Scripture:

"Blessed be the Lord, the God of Israel;
He has come to His people and set them free." (Luke 1:67)

Every morning in the Canticle of Zechariah we recite or sing this verse to greet the day, thanking God for our deliverance.

As with Zechariah of old, we now stand this Saturday morning before the very threshold of welcoming Jesus. This evening will begin the vigil that celebrates the mystery of the incarnation. Yes, we stand at the cusp of wonder and deepest mystery -- and we peer inside!

Blessed be the Lord Our God, for He has sent, is sending, will send -- our Salvation! Through all of time the miracle accomplished on Christmas long ago redeems time. Hold your breath! Wait! Just a few more moments, a few hours, and we trip over the line from waiting, from anticipation, to the Incarnation!

A blessed and joyous Christmas to all! May God grant all the deepest desire of your hearts and may He bless you richly this Christmastide.

Shalom

- JuandelaCruz
(sriddle415 at yahoo dot com) ____________________

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The Catholic Calendar for Friday, December 23, 2005
Friday, in the Last Days of Advent
St. John of Kanty, priest

Scripture from today's Liturgy of the Word:
Malachi 3:1-4, 23-24
Psalm 25:4-5, 8-10, 14
Luke 1:57-66

A reflection on today's Scripture. . . .

"What then will this child be?" (Luke 1:66)

Today, being a servant is seen as a position of inferiority. Our Gospel today disputes this by enabling us to see that servitude is a condition of human existence; for as a species we are interdependent. We cannot live fully unless each of us contributes our energy and abilities for the good of others and at the same time accept the benefits of their particular God-given talents.

Recall that Christ emphasized at the washing of His disciples' feet that He came to serve and therefore expected them to follow this same path. Christ revealed in His action that our greatest service is to be directed at God and can only be done if we have total faith in Him. Christ's great work of salvation was accomplished through total humility, trust and acceptance of His Father's will. We can hinder God's work on this earth by not accepting that all things are possible to God and thinking that a task He has given us is too difficult to do.

Zechariah, a priest and servant of God, was somewhat deficient in faith; he doubted the angel Gabriel's announcement that he and his wife Elizabeth would be blessed by God so late in their lives with a son. In consequence of his skepticism, Gabriel told him he would be rendered mute "until the day that these things take place...." When God's plan was completed and Zechariah in an act of new-found faith and obedience affirmed his son's name to be John, as God had required, he regained his voice. At that moment he was filled with the Holy Spirit and prophesied his son's mission, "to be the prophet of the Most High" to proclaim to Israel the arrival of their long awaited Messiah. Only those fully given to God in loving faith can proclaim His Word with all truth and power to a world needing peace.

All powerful God, open our minds and our hearts that Your Holy Spirit may prepare us to fully accept and live in Him whom You have sent, Your Incarnate Word of Life. Amen.

- Marie Bocko, OCDS
(mlbocko at earthlink dot net)

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The Catholic Calendar for Thursday, December 22, 2005

Scripture from today's Liturgy of the Word:
1 Samuel 1:24-28
1 Samuel 2:1, 4-5, 6-7, 8abcd
Luke 1:46-56

A reflection on today's Sacred Scripture:

Christmas is coming very soon! It is the season for the giving and receiving of gifts. Just as our material gifts of Christmas are meant to show our love for one another, the scriptural readings for today remind us of an even deeper love.

In the first reading we have the very moving story of Hannah dedicating her son Samuel to the Lord. The gospel from St. Luke is the beautiful "Magnificat" of our Blessed Mother. Both readings reflect the deep love of the persons involved.

Without seeming to be presumptuous, as baptized Christians, are there not parts of the Magnificat that we also can proclaim? We have received the wonderful gift of baptism, so we too can say "My soul proclaims the greatness of the Lord." We can do so by word and example. And yes, like Mary, we realize "He has looked upon his lowly servant." Granted, there are other parts of the Magnificat that pertain only to Our Blessed Mother, but in this time of the giving and receiving of gifts let us proclaim the many gifts God has given us.

- Joan of Jesus, OCDS
(jmurphy at utica dot edu)

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The Catholic Calendar for Wednesday, December 21, 2005
St. Peter Canisius, priest and doctor of the Church

Scripture from today's Liturgy of the Word:
Song of Songs 2:8-14
Psalm 33:2-3, 11-12, 20-21
Luke 1:39-45

A reflection on today's Sacred Scripture:

Today's Gospel reading is full of joy, revelation and blessings. From it we get part of one of most beloved prayers, "Blessed are you among women and blessed is the fruit of your womb." We could study and meditate on this reading for some time and continue to glean great things from it.

There is one section of today's Gospel, however, that begs a closer look:

“And how does this happen to me,
that the mother of my Lord should come to me?
For at the moment the sound of your greeting reached my ears,
the infant in my womb leaped for joy." (Luke 1:42-44)

It is here that John the Baptist, although unborn and in his mother's womb, begins to point the way to the coming of the Lord. This is a message that John continues through his entire life. At their first "meeting," both yet to be born, John leaps for joy. Many years later, John begins his ministry using the words of the prophet, "'Prepare the way of the Lord, make straight his paths,'" and later he proclaims, "I am baptizing you with water, but one mightier than I is coming. I am not worthy to loosen the thongs of his sandals." When imprisoned for doing right, he sends his followers to Jesus to see the truth themselves. The fact is that John's entire life was spent pointing to the coming of the Lord.

Our Advent season is nearing its end as we approach the coming of the Lord. Are we following John's example and pointing the way to the Lord? Do we leap for joy when we encounter him? Do we point others to the straight path? Do we continue to proclaim His coming even when we are imprisoned or kept from doing so? Do we tell of His coming when we are punished for doing right?

As Advent closes, reflect on this and ask yourself these questions and seek the Lord's guidance and strength in proclaiming His coming.

- Don Claunch, SFO
(dlclaunch at bresnan dot net)

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The Catholic Calendar for Tuesday, December 20, 2005

Scripture from today's Liturgy of the Word:
Isaiah 7:10-14
Psalm 34:2-3, 6-7, 17-18, 19 and 23
Luke 1:26-38

A reflection on today's Sacred Scripture:

For me the very best part of the days leading up to Christmas are the “O Antiphons.” Beginning on the 17th of December through December 23rd, each Alleluia Verse of the Gospel which is also the antiphon used for the Canticle of Mary in the Liturgy of the Hours begins with the word which is simply a great big “O”.

That little word which makes our mouths get all round like we were again little expectant children says a lot about these special days. It reminds us that they are days of joyful anticipation like none other. The Promise is about to be fulfilled.

If you really want to feel the joy of Christmas, print out the "O Antiphons" below. "Unwrap them," so to speak, each day like the gift they are: the announcement of the Birth of our Savior!

December 17th - “O Wisdom holy Word of God, you govern all creation with your strong yet tender care. Come and show your people the way to salvation.”

December 18th - “O Sacred Lord of ancient Israel, who showed yourself to Moses in the burning bush, who gave him the holy law on Sinai mountain, come, stretch out your mighty hand to set us free.”

December 19th - “O Flower of Jesse's stem, you have been raised as a sign for all peoples; kings are silent in your presence; the nations bow down in worship before you. Come, let nothing keep you from coming to our aid.”

December 20th - “O Key of David, O royal power of Israel controlling at your will the gate of heaven: come, break down the prison walls of death for those who dwell in darkness and the shadow of death, and lead your captive people into freedom.”

December 21st - “O Radiant Dawn, splendor of eternal light, sun of justice: come, shine on those who dwell in darkness and the shadow of death.”

December 22nd - “O King of all the nations, the only joy of every human heart; O Keystone of the mighty arch of man, come and save the creature you fashioned from the dust.”

December 23rd - “O Emmanuel, king and lawgiver, desire of the nations, Savior of all people, come and set us free, Lord our God.”

- Donna Raye Nelson, OCDS
(drn3rd at hotmail dot com)

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The Catholic Calendar for Monday, December 19, 2005
Monday of the Fourth Week of Advent

Scripture from today's Liturgy of the Word:
Judges 13:2-7, 24-25a
Psalm 71:3-4a, 5-6ab, 16-17
Luke 1:5-25

A reflection on today's Sacred Scripture:

The great day of the Lord draws ever nearer. From the prophecy of Isaiah nearly 800 years before the birth of Christ, to those of Malachi 500 years before the birth of Christ, to the Gospel story today of the Birth of John the Baptist we have God's prophets announcing His coming.

How long the ancient world waited! How long we wait! Prophecy in our day is not silent; we haven't had spans of 500 years where there have been no heralds of God's coming.

What are we to make of it? The only prudent thing is to prepare, pray and patiently wait, using every day the Lord gives us to be more worthy of His great love. When he was born, Jesus left the splendor of heaven to clothe himself in our flesh that we may someday inherit heaven.

Come again Lord Jesus, but this time leave not the splendor of heaven, but bring it with you and draw all who, through your love, have been saved.

Come Lord Jesus. Come!

- Donna Nelson, OCDS
drn3rd@hotmail.com

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The Catholic Calendar for Sunday, December 18, 2005
The Fourth Sunday of Advent

Scripture from today's Liturgy of the Word:
2 Samuel 7:1-5, 8b-12, 14a, 16
Psalm: 89:2-3, 4-5, 27, 29
Romans 16:25-27
Luke 1:26-38

A reflection on today's Sacred Scripture:

It seems ironic that God from His spacious mansion in heaven should berate David for wanting to build Him a magnificent Temple on earth. After all, He later allowed Solomon to do exactly that! We must be cautious in commenting, since "who has known the mind of God?"! Some biblical commentators feel it was because of David's motives--David was very comfortably established at this time, secure in having vanquished his enemies. There is a tinge of arrogant afterthought in now attending to a lavish Temple. So God humbles him, delaying this ambitious project which was bound to give great glory to King David, as well as to Almighty God!

The second reason, which is more appealing to the reader, is God's yearning desire to come as a child into the womb of a pure virgin. Here was a temple that suited His majesty more than a house of gold! This explanation also underscores God's emptying out of his glory in order to become a weak, fragile baby. This will be His home, His luxury palace, a palace of love.

Now we know what all the waiting has been about. God has been waiting for a suitable home in the midst of human poverty and pain. We have been waiting for God to be our Emmanuel, so that we might never feel lonely or abandoned again.

Of course, Christmas is about presents. God's present -- of His Presence! Our hearts should be bursting with gratitude!

- Msgr. Paul Whitmore
(smartins at frontiernet dot net)

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The Catholic Calendar for Saturday, December 17, 2005
Saturday in the Third Week of Advent

Scripture from today's Liturgy of the Word:
Genesis 49:2, 8-10
Psalm 72:1-2, 3-4ab, 7-8, 17
Matthew 1:1-17

A reflection on today's Sacred Scripture:

". . . whose mother was Rahab."

It is often difficult to make any sense of the lineage of Jesus Christ. In our modern times, we have often lost a sense of what lineage and heritage means. Few of us can number back before our grandparents or great-grandparents with any facility.

But lineage is a sense of who we are and where we come from. What is remarkable about the lineage of Jesus Christ is the names of a few women who show up. Most particularly interesting is that Matthew does not hesitate to tell us that Rahab is in the direct line of Jesus Christ. A harlot and a prostitute--what is she doing in the line of Our Lord?

One point of this recitation is to help us understand that Jesus Christ was like us in all things. He came from a family that had more than a few members who might not be the kind of people "nice" people hang around with. But is that a way of judging the person who resulted from the lineage? For some it was. But part of this teaching is that Jesus Christ rose above His human ancestry, and such a possibility is open for all of us. With grace we can be better than we can without it. Someone might look at our families judgmentally and say that we come from a line of "losers." But that is only to external appearances.

Anyone who joins God's family through faith and grace transcends the worst past and betters the best. There's nothing so fine as being children of our Loving Father who overcomes all obstacles, who makes even the shadowiest past a source of glory and light for the world. That we are the children of sinners and the parents of sinners is subsumed in His grace and love--we become children of Light and Love--all else is meaningless.

As we await the birth of Our Lord, anticipating Christmas in so many ways, let us recall our heavenly family. Let us have frequent occasion to talk to Mary, our Mother, Joseph our foster-father, Jesus our Brother, and most of all to spend good time with God, our all-loving and gracious Father.

- JuandelaCruz
(sriddle415 at yahoo dot com)

____________________

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©1986-2005 The Way, The Truth, The Life

The Catholic Calendar for Friday, December 16, 2005
Friday in the Third Week of Advent

Scripture from today's Liturgy of the Word:
Isaiah 56:1-3a, 6-8
Psalm 67:2-3, 5, 7-8
John 5:33-36

A reflection on today's Scripture. . . .

"...these very works which I am doing
bear me witness that the Father has sent me." (John 5:36)

In recent years some Scripture scholars and theologians, in response to strong secular influences, have weakened the faith of many Christians by doubting Jesus' identity and message. They questioned His divine nature, suggested that though He was a gifted speaker, His "miracles" could have been magic tricks, people's misconceptions or mass hypnosis. Also they minimized sin's seriousness, stated that "guilt" was psychologically unhealthy and assured people that God, being love, simply overlooks human "mistakes."

Their implication, while not stated, was that Christ's sacrificial death for our sin was an error and that His resurrection was staged to win followers to His movement. In consequence, many ministers and priests glossed over the necessity for repentance of sin and following Christ's teachings as the absolute and unchanging word of God. This, plus an influential and liberal mass media, underlies today's rampant immorality and increasing social disorder.

Advent should be a time of joyful expectancy, preparation for a loving welcome to the Christ-child; but it should also be a time to recall the true identity of His Person--God coming to us in human flesh to deliver mankind from sin and death. Let us see Christ's imminent birth as an invitation for us to be born anew and like little children, relearn following our heavenly Father's bidding.

If we accept this gift of new life, the Holy Spirit will, through His grace and our willingness, transforms us into pure and truly loving people. We will then be enabled to make known to the world in our own flesh the living Word of God, Jesus Christ. God grants salvation to each of us personally, but He also calls us to share this greatest of gifts with others, through how we live and interact with them.

O Heavenly Father,
prepare our hearts to receive the blessed gift of Your Son.
Imbue us with Your love, generosity
and an ever-deepening faith and trust in Your living Word.
Amen

- Marie Bocko, OCDS
(mlbocko at earthlink dot net)

____________________

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©1986-2005 The Way, The Truth, The Life

The Catholic Calendar for Thursday, December 15, 2005
Thursday of the Third Week of Advent

Scripture from today's Liturgy of the Word:
Isaiah 54:1-10
Psalm 30:2 and 4, 5-6, 11-12a and 13b
Ephesians 1:3-6, 11-12
Luke 7:24-30

A reflection on today's Sacred Scripture:

In the first reading from Isaiah we hear the very comforting words that "God's love will never leave us" and that "His covenant of peace will not be shaken." (Isaiah 54:1-10) What more could we want? However, we all know in our everyday worlds that we have a life to live, and that sometimes it is difficult to figure out just how we should proceed in both our major career choices and in smaller matters.

The Gospel focuses on Christ speaking about John the Baptist, who was sent to prepare the way in the day of Christ. Now comes the important question: Christ asked of His followers "What did you go out to the desert to see?'' (Luke 7:24-30) It is a question that rings throughout the centuries and to each of us.

What is our preconceived fantasy of what our St John the Baptist should look like? And what messages are we waiting to hear? God sends people into our lives, and events happen as messengers and messages to help us prepare our way.

Sometimes we recognize that reality, and at other times we might miss the entire thing because the messenger did not meet our expectations. Today is a good day to help us clear out our preconceived notions about messengers, if we had any, and just watch and pray more carefully to see who God is sending into our lives.

St. John the Baptist, pray for us!

- Joan of Jesus, OCDS
(jmurphy at utica dot edu)

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The Catholic Calendar for Wednesday, December 14, 2005
Wednesday of the Third Week of Advent
St. John of the Cross, religious, priest and doctor of the Church

Scripture from today's Liturgy of the Word:
Isaiah 45:6c-8, 18, 21c-25
Psalm 85:9ab and 10, 11-12, 13-14
Luke 7:18b-23

A reflection on today's Sacred Scripture:

Turn to me and be safe, all you ends of the earth,
for I am God; there is no other! (Isaiah 45:22)

Through the liturgical year I always thought the time of renewal was Lent. As I have matured I now know that the entire year is a time for renewal and constant conversion and I have come to feel that Advent should be a real time of renewal of my faith as the Church begins her new year and quickly approaches the celebration of the Lord's birth.

Throughout human history, God has called His people back to be renewed. In today's First Reading from Isaiah we have a wonderful message for us during Advent. Here, God, through the prophet, is calling His people back, although with a warning to those who show anger to the Lord; "Before Him in shame shall come all who vent their anger against Him."

In today's Gospel we hear a similar message. John the Baptist began calling people to repentance before Jesus started His ministry and was there to announce the beginning of the Lord's work on earth. To show his followers that Jesus was the Messiah, John sends them to Jesus where they witness wonderful signs and see the faithful being called to healing, life and renewal. Unlike the message of the prophet that ends with a warning, Jesus ends his testimony with a blessing: "And blessed is the one who takes no offense at me" -- a blessing for all those who see Him as Messiah and Lord.

Now is the time for renewal as we move toward Christmas. With it comes countless blessings. What a wonderful, loving God that call us back repeatedly, to join Him in His love!

- Don Claunch, SFO
(dlclaunch at bresnan dot net)

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The Catholic Calendar for Tuesday, December 13, 2005
Tuesday of the Third Week of Advent
St. Lucy, virgin and martyr

Scripture from today's Liturgy of the Word:
Zephaniah 3:1-2, 9-13
Psalm 34:2-3, 6-7, 17-18, 19 and 23
Matthew 21:28-32

A reflection on today's Sacred Scripture:

Sometimes reflecting on the many things we have done wrong in our lives, is enough to make one sick, especially because so often there is no way to "make up" for the bad decisions we've made. In many cases the opportunity of the moment, was the fulcrum of so many others, is now gone. Too often we don't understand how all things are hinged together and effect everything else. As Julius Caesar once famously said: "Alea iacta est.” That is: “The die, has been cast.” Nothing can recalled!

Meditation on Sacred Scripture helps us to see the consequences of human behavior without the gloss of popular psychology which offers us all kinds of excuses. What is more, Holy Scripture allows us to see that with God there is a chance to make reparation, to make up for the wrong we have done. True, we might have lost precious opportunities in the realm of temporal things by our faulty decisions, but as long as we have a beating heart we have the wonderful opportunity to humbly and contritely, atone to God, for our transgressions. In return not only are we forgiven, but God offers us, as no human relationships can, the chance to turn even bad choices into an opportunity for good.

This gift of God's grace is evident in the themes of this beautiful season of expectation. May we be blessed to access God's mercy in this Season of Light.

Prepare Ye The Way of The Lord!

- Donna Raye Nelson, OCDS
(drn3rd at hotmail dot com)

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The Catholic Calendar for Monday, December 12, 2005
Monday of the Third Week of Advent
Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe

Scripture from today's Liturgy of the Word:
Zechariah 2:14-17
or: Revelation 11:19a; 12:1-6a, 10ab
Responsorial Psalm 113:1-8
or: Judith 13:18bcde, 19
Gospel: Luke 1:26-38

A reflection on today's Sacred Scripture:

Let Christ be Who is Seen.... (cf: Luke 1:26-38)

Oh ‘Beauty-full’ Word -- God’s Word, we belovingly behold You with our soul’s eyes, and You beget in us a rejoicing spirit. Your Holy Spirit favors us to conceive You, our beloved Savior and only begotten Word. And filled with this present of Your Holy Presence, our souls magnify the Lord, the Holy One, now indwelling, Who is the One alone we long to have seen.

And You guide us saying, “Do not be afraid.” For nothing is impossible with our omnipotent God Whose glorious good we now hasten to bestow. Graced as monstrances and tabernacles, dispatched in charity, we bring His Word to life as “good news.”

Oh, see how waiting souls leap with joy in His presence, anticipating their beloved Word. Yes, what they notice from this begetting as joy exchanged, is the presence of the Most High. And what reply must resound from the lips of the Christ bearer?

“My soul, doth magnify, the Lord…” We learn from her, the most pure ark, tabernacle and monstrance, His spouse, queen, mother, and faithful beloved; His dream is this for each pure, and willing soul. We learn how to love Him our Love, from Her; and when we belove Him in this way, He sees in us, His bride.


O Word of joy,
from whence springs
Life-giving,
thirst-quenching,
hunger-satisfying peace.

O Breath, Life, and Truth,
transfigure us;
bless, break, and dispatch us
to feed those hungering, thirsting,
beloveds with the most Holy Bread of Your Presence.
Yes, let Christ be Whom they receive in us.
Amen


- Mary Williams
(www.impactbydesign.biz)

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The Catholic Calendar for Sunday, December 11, 2005
Third Sunday of Advent
(Gaudete Sunday)

Scripture from today's Liturgy of the Word:
Isaiah 61:1-2a, 10-11
Responsorial Psalm: Luke 1:46-48, 49-50, 53-54
1 Thessalonians 5:16-24
John 1:6-8, 19-28

A reflection on today's Sacred Scripture:

This Third Sunday of Advent is sometimes called Gaudete Sunday because "Gaudete" is found in the old Latin "Introit" (the Entrance Antiphon), and it means "Rejoice!" The celebrant wears rose-colored vestments today if the parish is well-off enough to have them. We may wonder what we have to rejoice in, what with war, corruption, and natural disasters so evident this year.

Actually, we have plenty to rejoice in. In the first reading, the Church uses Chapter 61 of Isaiah, that passage about the Spirit of the Lord coming upon the prophet so that he may announce good news to the poor, heal the brokenhearted, and proclaim liberty to the captives. This is the very passage that Jesus read in the synagogue in Capharnaum, and the very words Jesus sent to John the Baptist when John, in prison, inquires of Jesus if he is the Messiah.

What a convergence of prophecy! In today's Gospel, we also read about the mission of John: to bear testimony to the light. So, we must reflect this Sunday on the meaning of those prophecies of Isaiah. They summarize, not only Jesus' mission, but our own mission as well. We need to ponder them well!

In the Second Reading, St. Paul not only tells us to rejoice, he gives us the secret of prolonging that joy, which is assured if we do not quench the Spirit: to pray always, and give thanks over and over again. No, do not protest! No, do not shirk from this behavior, because this is very clearly God's will for us all.

It is so easy to become negative, especially when so much "joy" seems artificial. It is so easy to quench the Spirit; but if we do, we fly in the face of the Divine plan for the world. There is only one way to keep our joy genuine, and that is to to pray without ceasing, and give thanks without interruption. There is simply no place for gloomy words or downcast appearance in a genuine Christ-follower.

No wonder the Church looks at the world, dressed in its rose-colored vestments today!

- Msgr. Paul Whitmore
(smartins at frontiernet dot net)

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The Catholic Calendar for Saturday, December 10, 2005
Saturday in the Second Week of Advent

Scripture from today's Liturgy of the Word:
Sirach 48:1-4, 9-11
Psalm 80:2a,c and 3b, 15-16, 18-19
Matthew 17:9a, 10-13

A reflection on today's Sacred Scripture:

I tell you that Elijah has already come
. . . These are the days of Elijah.

We live in the time of the prophet. He has come already--his spirit was upon John the Baptist who announced the first coming of our Lord.

But we are privileged still to have those among us who come and toil and pray in the Spirit of Elijah. The Carmelites are brothers and sisters of Elijah and of our Lady. They are an order in allegiance with Jesus Christ who work in the prophetic spirit to spread the Good News of Jesus Christ.

If you read these meditations daily, you read the thoughts of several Carmelites. The Word of the Lord is our daily food for thought and prayer. The Spirit of the Lord is our shield and our guide.

But, you know, that truth is not limited to the Carmelites. We all live in the time of Elijah. Even as we wait for our Lord Jesus Christ to come in glory, we have access to the Holy Spirit. If we choose to do so, we can live in the Spirit and guide those around us to Him.

It is easy enough to do. "Knock and it shall be opened, seek and ye shall find, knock and it shall be answered." The Lord will not withhold his Holy Spirit from those who ask. And so in this season of waiting, pray that the Lord would pour out a measure of His Spirit upon you. The Spirit of Joy and Hope and Faith and Love who guides all people by His marvelous and unalloyed light. This is the season of waiting, this is the season of blessing, this is the season of the spirit, these are the days of Elijah.

- JuandelaCruz
(sriddle415 at yahoo dot com)

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The Catholic Calendar for Friday, December 9, 2005
Friday in the Second Week of Advent
St. Juan Diego, hermit

Scripture from today's Liturgy of the Word:
Isaiah 48:17-19
Psalm 1:1-4 & 6
Matthew 11:16-19

A reflection on today's Scripture. . . .

"We piped you a tune but you did not dance,
we sang you a dirge but you did not mourn." (Matthew 11:19)

Today's Gospel recalls the amusing modern-day story of a man who, after seeing pictures and speaking to some of its residents believed they'd lied and that there was no city named Cincinnati. Such an attitude illustrates the mindset of Israel's hierarchy in Christ's time. Both John the Baptist preaching repentance of sin followed by Jesus who promised forgiveness and a new, transformed life were dismissed. They attributed Jesus' miracles to Satan and rejected God's messages by finding fault with the messengers.

Today's world demonstrates the same attitudes as those of two thousand years ago. We are suffering from a succession of destructive events--wars, famines, plagues, and natural disasters--yet it seldom occurs to anyone that such calamities stem from our separation from God, our ignoring His sovereignty over us and disregarding His law based upon His love and those truths inherent in His love. When God made man and entrusted this world to our care, He did so in expectation that we would remain in an intimate, loving relationship with Him, governed by His wisdom. Instead we seized power from Him and used our fallen natures to greedily exploit the land and one another.

We seem unaware that our so-called "civilization" has taken a suicidal course because we refuse to admit that our survival depends wholly on our remaining true to God's laws. If mankind is growing more hostile toward one another, if nature has bursts of cataclysmic madness, we can blame ourselves for having broken the "chain of command" between ourselves and our Creator. Only a humanity that allows itself to be formed anew in God's goodness and holiness can restore peace, justice and calm order to this world.

O Loving Father,
keep us ever faithful to Your Son,
Your living Word in Whom You created us to live.
Send Your Spirit to prepare our hearts
to joyfully and humbly receive Him.
Amen

- Marie Bocko, OCDS
(mlbocko at earthlink dot net)

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The Catholic Calendar for Thursday, December 8, 2005
The Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary

(today is a Holyday of Obligation)

Scripture from today's Liturgy of the Word:
Genesis 3:9-15, 20
Psalm 98:1, 2-3ab, 3cd-4
Ephesians 1:3-6, 11-12
Luke 1:26-38

A reflection on today's Sacred Scripture:

One cannot underestimate the significance of the Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary in salvation history! The simple and yet profound "fiat" of the Blessed Virgin Mary reversed the course of the eternal destinies for millions of people. So, what meaning can we take from this solemnity, for ourselves, today, as we near the end of 2005?

Perhaps we might start with the question God put to Adam in the Garden of Eden. He asked Adam: "Where are you?" (see Genesis 3:9) We are still somewhat early in the Advent season and we might ask ourselves that same question in regard to our life in Christ. The Second Reading reminds us that we were destined before the world came into being, "...for the praise of His Glory" (see Ephesians 1:12) What an awesome honor and responsibility! How are we doing as a person born to live a life praising God?

Sacred artwork pertinent to this season is robust with images of the Blessed Virgin lovingly holding and carrying a swaddled infant. We are like that infant, born into our Christian heritage through Baptism and standing naked and helpless, like Adam, before the very eyes of God, our loving Father.

Let us take hope from Mary, the mother given us at the foot of the cross, a mother who was strong enough to say "Fiat" -- a simple word which changed the face of time and eternity!

- Joan of Jesus, OCDS
(jmurphy at utica dot edu)

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The Catholic Calendar for Wednesday, December 7, 2005
Wednesday of the Second Week of Advent
Saint Ambrose, bishop and doctor of the Church

Scripture from today's Liturgy of the Word:
Isaiah 40:25-31
Psalm 103:1-2, 3-4, 8 and 10
Matthew 11:28-30

A reflection on today's Sacred Scripture:

“Come to me, all you who labor and are burdened,
and I will give you rest." (Matthew 11:28)

This must have been such a relief and source of hope for the Jews who heard this message. They were under the constant burden of a set of complicated laws, rules and rituals that made their worship difficult and burdensome. Jesus replaced all that. As He said at a different time, we are to love God with all we are and others as ourselves -- "This is the law and the prophets." Jesus' two simple commandments replaced all that was required of the people and they were set free from the burdens placed on them by the old law.

But it does not stop here. There is a part of this message that applies as much today as it did then. Jesus came to free us from the terrible weight of sin and separation from God. He came to forgive and to free us and offer us hope, love and mercy. With His simple message and His complete sacrifice, our burdens have been lifted and replaced with a yoke of love, hope, charity. His call is still there for all to hear, "come and I will give you rest." Today, let us rest in Him, free from all our burdens.

- Don Claunch, SFO
(dlclaunch at bresnan dot net)

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The Catholic Calendar for Tuesday, December 6, 2005
Tuesday of the First Week of Advent

Scripture from today's Liturgy of the Word:
Isaiah 40:1-11
Psalm 96:1-2, 3 and 10ac, 11-12, 13
Matthew 18:12-14

A reflection on today's Sacred Scripture:

In today's Gospel, Jesus illustrates how important each and every person is. He does so by telling a little story about the one sheep in a hundred that gets lost. It is interesting because it is the lost one who wanders that makes the man happier than all all the others who did not stray.

That doesn't mean that “straying” is a good thing, but unfortunately it is the plight of our fallen nature. What it does mean is that God, like the shepherd in the Gospel delights in finding the lost and goes to great lengths to find them.

How blessed we are that God doesn't give up on us and neither have the many others that God has lovingly placed in our lives to help us along our way.

Let us be grateful and make certain that we do our part to help others who may be lost and need some help. By doing so we participate in God's plan that not “a single one of these little ones shall ever come to grief.”

- Donna Raye Nelson, OCDS
(drn3rd at hotmail dot com)

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©1986-2005 The Way, The Truth, The Life

The Catholic Calendar for Monday, December 5, 2005
Monday of the Second Week of Advent

Scripture from today's Liturgy of the Word:
Isaiah 35:1-10
Psalm 85:9ab and 10, 11-12, 13-14
Luke 5:17-26

A reflection on today's Sacred Scripture:

Astonishment, Awe, Incredible Things!
“Your Sins are Forgiven, Rise and Walk!”

A man was paralyzed. So, friends went up and lowered him in front of Jesus, who saw their faith. Jesus said to the man, "As for you, your sins are forgiven." Jesus then read the hearts of the scribes and the Pharisees and spoke: "Which is easier to say, Your sins are forgiven or Rise and walk?"

The paralyzed man stood, picked up what he had been lying on, and went home, glorifying God. Scripture says that astonishment seized them all and they glorified God; and struck with awe, they said, “We have seen incredible things today.”

The joy of being forgiven by the One Who has authority on earth to forgive sins, raises a person ‘paralyzed’ by sin, to stand anew to the glory of God.

Sin paralyzes the very ability of one to “walk” with grace to the Glory of God. In reply to Jesus’ question, “Which is easier to say, ‘Your sins are forgiven” or “Rise and walk.”?, the first is more joyous, yet the second is also true. The one paralyzed by sin and forgiven is indeed risen to a new life that glorifies God.

Let us go up to the Son of Man and be lowered in front of Him with the greatest faith and hear with awestruck joy, the authoritative Redeemer’s Word, “Your sins are forgiven." May we exclaim in this good news: “We have seen incredible things today” as we walk in a new life that glorifies God!

Amen

- Mary Williams
(www.impactbydesign.biz)

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The Catholic Calendar for Sunday, December 4, 2005
Second Sunday of Advent

Scripture from today's Liturgy of the Word:
Isaiah 40:1-5, 9-11
Psalm 85:9-10-11-12, 13-14
2 Pt 3:8-14
Mark 1:1-8

A reflection on today's Sacred Scripture:

Many of you will remember the musical "Godspell" back in the 70s. A single mournful ram's horn announces the theme that develops in volume and complexity as a figure dressed in animal skin (obviously John the Baptist) appears. "Prepare ye the way of the Lord" he cries, and the chorus and instruments pick up on it.

St. Mark, by the way, is the first to use the word "Gospel"--and he tells us immediately that this is his purpose, to announce the Good News of our salvation. In fact, only rarely do we find Sunday readings so unified in theme. Isaiah tells that the very terrain itself will be reshaped, with mountains being leveled and valleys being filled in, to make a level highway for our God and Savior. After being cleansed from sin in the wilderness, we are to run, shout, and exult that the Shepherd is coming soon in power and glory. The responsorial psalm proclaims that justice (in the person of John the Baptizer) will walk before the Savior, while the Alleluia repeats John's message.

In opening lines of Mark's Gospel, we find Jesus Himself telling us that John is His emissary, and that he will bring to reality the prophecy of Isaiah. Jesus endorses the urgent message of John that all repent of their sins in preparation to receive the promised salvation. This Sunday is a call to purge and purify our hearts this week. Let us truly open our ears to that mournful ram's horn, and take seriously John's call to repentance.

What are the mountains that need leveling? What are the valleys that need filling in?

- Msgr. Paul Whitmore
(smartins at frontiernet dot net)

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The Catholic Calendar for Friday, December 2, 2005
Friday of the First Week of Advent

Scripture from today's Liturgy of the Word:
Isaiah 29:17-24
Psalm 27:1,4, 13-14
Matthew 9:27-31

A reflection on today's Scripture. . . .

"According to your faith, let it be done to you." (Matthew 9:28)

Today's Gospel suggests that Jesus' miracle of restoring sight to two blind men was the means to His achieving a greater end. He shows us the necessity of faith; for, however weak, it serves to activate God's grace in any situation. The truth of this is seen when Jesus speaks of towns where His message was rejected; unbelief prevented their receiving His miracles, since God can only enter and work in receptive hearts like those of children.

From the outset the blind men appeared to have faith when they identified Jesus as "the son of David," their expected Messiah. Yet, despite their recognition, Jesus delayed healing them, allowed them to follow Him, persistently asking for His merciful healing.

At times God delays taking action to test if our "faith" springs merely from gaining our will or if it comes from a sincere desire for God to enter into our lives to effect changes for our greater good. An untested faith is a fraud; true faith prompts persistence in prayer, whereas the faithless see delay as reason to abandon prayer and continue in their unbelief. Jesus then pointedly asks the men if they believe He can perform this miracle; their affirmative answer opened their hearts to receive God's gift of a new life through eyes that truly saw Him.

Within the context of Advent, we see this period of waiting as one of anticipation, a time of strengthening our faith in the coming of Christ into this world to gift us with His saving power. We tap into His power by praying for our faith to grow as we, by grace, accept each day's events and relationships as His perfect will for us, see all things as His means of drawing us closer to Himself so that He may imbue us with His divine goodness., His love and truth.

O Merciful and powerful God,
we ask you to remove from the eyes of our hearts
all that may hinder our receiving with perfect faith
all that You may will in our lives.
Amen.

- Marie Bocko, OCDS
(mlbocko at earthlink dot net)

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©1986-2005 The Way, The Truth, The Life

The Catholic Calendar for Friday, December 2, 2005
Friday of the First Week of Advent

Scripture from today's Liturgy of the Word:
Isaiah 29:17-24
Psalm 27:1,4, 13-14
Matthew 9:27-31

A reflection on today's Scripture. . . .

"According to your faith, let it be done to you." (Matthew 9:28)

Today's Gospel suggests that Jesus' miracle of restoring sight to two blind men was the means to His achieving a greater end. He shows us the necessity of faith; for, however weak, it serves to activate God's grace in any situation. The truth of this is seen when Jesus speaks of towns where His message was rejected; unbelief prevented their receiving His miracles, since God can only enter and work in receptive hearts like those of children.

From the outset the blind men appeared to have faith when they identified Jesus as "the son of David," their expected Messiah. Yet, despite their recognition, Jesus delayed healing them, allowed them to follow Him, persistently asking for His merciful healing.

At times God delays taking action to test if our "faith" springs merely from gaining our will or if it comes from a sincere desire for God to enter into our lives to effect changes for our greater good. An untested faith is a fraud; true faith prompts persistence in prayer, whereas the faithless see delay as reason to abandon prayer and continue in their unbelief. Jesus then pointedly asks the men if they believe He can perform this miracle; their affirmative answer opened their hearts to receive God's gift of a new life through eyes that truly saw Him.

Within the context of Advent, we see this period of waiting as one of anticipation, a time of strengthening our faith in the coming of Christ into this world to gift us with His saving power. We tap into His power by praying for our faith to grow as we, by grace, accept each day's events and relationships as His perfect will for us, see all things as His means of drawing us closer to Himself so that He may imbue us with His divine goodness., His love and truth.

O Merciful and powerful God,
we ask you to remove from the eyes of our hearts
all that may hinder our receiving with perfect faith
all that You may will in our lives.
Amen.

- Marie Bocko, OCDS
(mlbocko at earthlink dot net)

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©1986-2005 The Way, The Truth, The Life

The Catholic Calendar for Thursday, December 1, 2005
Thursday of the First Week in Advent

Isaiah 26:1-6
Psalm 118:1 and 8-9, 19-21, 25-27a
Matthew 7:21, 24-27

A reflection on today's Sacred Scripture:

Advent brings a sense of freshness, of anticipation for new life. It is also a time for renewal, for reflection. The Gospel of today reminds us that not everyone who is pleading at the last minute will enter the Kingdom of God, but only those who have listened and acted on the will of the Father. (see Matthew 7:21, 24-27)

That Gospel passage epitomizes our Blessed Mother. What a role model she can be for each of us for our lives, and in particular for this Advent season. Her willingness to listen in prayer and facilitate the will of the Father served as the beginning of the redemption of humankind. Had she not agreed to cooperate with the plans of the Father our lives would be so different for all eternity. When faced with following the will of the Father, one might be tempted to say, "Oh, but I'm just one person; what difference would my life's actions make?" Mary was just one person. Look how she impacted millions of lives for all eternity!

"Mary, totally obedient to the will of the Father, pray for us."

- Joan of Jesus, OCDS
(jmurphy at utica dot edu)

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