daily meditations on advent and christmas...
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Daily Meditations
on Advent and
Christmas Scriptures - Cycle A -
Msgr. John Zenz
Holy Name Parish
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My friends,
The arrival of Advent marks the beginning of
a new Church year and heralds the arrival of
Christmas in just a few weeks. Despite
increasing darkness and falling temperatures,
there is excitement in the air, the days are
busy with shopping and parties. Hopefully
they can also be dedicated to spiritual things
as well!
These daily meditations take us through the
Advent Scriptures of Cycle A to the Feast of
the Baptism of the Lord. Advent and
Christmas form one unit of the liturgical
year: promise and fulfillment.
Hopefully these daily meditations and
questions will spark some deeper reflection
and prayer and move us all to generous
deeds of compassion, all the more ready to
welcome the Lord - not just at Christmas but
everyday!
Your brother in the Lord,
Pastor, Holy Name Birmingham, MI
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Space and time are two great “markers” of our lives. We define ourselves by where and when we were born. Major events of our lives are remembered according to the season of the year and where we happened to be. Time and space are precious commodities: we “buy” time with medical treatments as we face the possibility of dying and we gladly pay a premium for space where we can vacation. Certain places are considered holy shrines and particular days and seasons become spiritually significant.
Space and time give us definition and comfort but they can also be confining. We experience sadness at being separated from loved ones for a long period of time or because of the many miles between us. Christmas celebrates our belief that the God who is eternal and beyond all limits chose to enter our time and space for 33 years in the obscure 100 mile radius of Galilee and Jerusalem. By allowing Himself to experience the limitations of space and time, Christ Jesus showed us that all time and all space have potential for holiness.
As we begin the season of Advent, we are invited to move to a new dimension of time and space. Jesus challenges us to remember the process of how He lived, died and was raised, the same prospect that awaits us. The ending of life as we know it should not cause us dismay for we are destined for a life beyond the limitations of time and space. We begin a new Church year by remembering the ending of all time and our hope for another life.
Is my hope centered primarily on things of this life?
Beyond Space and Time
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Many Christians think of Advent as a countdown
to Christmas. But we are engaged in something
more meaningful than commemorating a past
event; each Advent we renew our conviction that
Christ is coming again – and this time in glory
and majesty. So, we are not waiting for
something (a date on the calendar) but for
someone, the Lord of all life. And in all truth, we
can encounter Christ Jesus at every moment of
every day. His “second coming” will be the
culmination of the countless times and ways we
have been welcoming Him into our lives.
Often, when we wait for anything or anyone we
get restless and impatient, sometimes even
competitive, trying to get ahead of others in the
long lines at the store. But Advent is about
waiting together – like a family eagerly watching
for signs of a new baby’s arrival. Our waiting for
the Lord’s return is an opportunity to draw
closer to each other. We wait for the Lord as we
wait for each other with loving attentiveness.
“What are we waiting for?” can also mean: “why
are we stalling? Let’s get moving!” In the same
way, Advent waiting is not a passive twiddling of
our thumbs, but rather, active, energetic service.
Are you waiting for anything (or anyone) with eager expectation?
What Are We Waiting For?
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One of the great themes of Advent is waiting for
the dawning of the Light of all lights, Christ, the
Son of God. One of the ways 16th century
German Christians celebrated and prayed for the
gift of ever expanding light was through the
Advent wreath. This custom began as four
candles for the four weeks of Advent, with one of
the candles being rose (the third Sunday of
Advent - Gaudete Sunday).
Originally used at family dinner tables, the
custom spread to churches as well. Hopefully
the reverse might happen now in our time: why
not have an Advent wreath at your home and say
a prayer each evening as you light the candle(s)
of the four weeks of Advent?
Typically the wreath is made of evergreens (sign
of life and hope) and is circular, with no
beginning or ending (sign of eternity).
Some people add a white candle for Mary and
have it at the center of the wreath. Like Mary
and with Mary we wait for the Divine Child to be
brought to the light of day.
The Advent Wreath
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[Isaiah 2:1-5, Romans 13:11-14; Matthew 24:37-44]
Advent: Our Wake-up Call
The Church year starts
not with a Champagne
toast but with an
alarm buzzing away, a
reminder that time as
we know it is running
short. Sooner or later
the present world will
end. This life will not
last forever. Thoughts
of the future life can
sometimes be consoling
(such as Isaiah’s vision
of all people worshipping in harmony). But then
again the end-times can be ominous: one will be
taken, one will be left (the Gospel for today).
Ultimately the season of Advent is a call to
conversion and renewal in the present moment.
Paul’s challenge to the Romans, today’s second
reading, urges us to wake from “spiritual” sleep
and truly change our priorities. These verses of
Romans 13 startled the young seeker Augustine
1600 years ago and brought him to the Lord.
How might this Advent change your life?
Pray for the grace of conversion - for yourself and all you know.
First Sunday of Advent Sunday, December 1, 2019
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[Isaiah 4:2-6 and Matthew 8:5-11]
Expanding Our Vision
One of the many themes of Advent is the
invitation to expand our vision and our hearts.
During these darkest hours of the year, we long
for light. We spend time dreaming of what could
be. Yet even our dreams are often short-sighted;
our hopes tend to be rather self-centered.
The witness of the Roman centurion pleading for
Jesus to heal his Jewish servant was a precious
teaching moment for Jesus: “Nowhere in Israel have I found faith like this.” The centurion
dared to dream. Jesus, too, dreamed of the day
when all people would recognize His Father and
accept each other as brothers and sisters.
Do I have the courage and hopeful vision of the
centurion?
Pray for someone who seems to be - for whatever reason - on the “outside” of the
family of faith.
First week of Advent Monday, December 2, 2019
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[Isaiah 11:1-10 and Luke 10:21-24]
Feast of St. Francis Xavier
Today’s commemoration of St. Francis Xavier
accords well with our Advent readings. He
dreamed of bringing the Gospel to China.
Although he died without attaining his goal, he
is regarded as one of the great missionaries of
all time. He gave himself completely to the Holy
Spirit.
Isaiah dreams of the dead stump of the tree of
Jesse coming to life and gifts of the Spirit resting
upon a future leader. In today’s Gospel, full of
the Spirit, Jesus rejoices in the way God reveals
Himself to the “little ones” rather than the
learned and clever.
The Holy Spirit is trying to do something new
within you and within our Church - are you open
to new possibilities?
Notice the gifts of the Spirit at work in an unlikely setting or person. Praise the Lord
and perhaps compliment the person gifted by the Spirit.
First week of Advent Tuesday, December 3, 2019
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[Isaiah 25:6-10 and Matthew 15:29-37]
Eucharist: Meal of Compassion
In today’s Gospel from Matthew, two times
Jesus displays His compassion for the crowds:
He heals their sick and then, aware of their
hunger, feeds the enormous crowd who had been
with Him for three days in a deserted place.
Isaiah proclaims a hopeful dream of all people
sharing a banquet where there would be no more
death or shame. The past would be repaired,
made new and
beautiful.
Our Eucharistic
meal is the daily
continuation of
Jesus’ nourishment
and healing, the
bread of compas-
sion. As we experi-
ence healing we are
also empowered to
be all the more
compassionate.
How would I like to grow in compassion?
Think and pray about someone you know who stands in need of compassion.
Try to reach out to that person.
First week of Advent Wednesday, December 4, 2019
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[Isaiah 26:1-6 and Matthew 7:21, 24-27]
Building on God’s Word
Today’s readings - and indeed all Advent - invite
us to go back to the foundation of our faith - the
Lord’s promise to be with us always. We build
on the rock of the Lord’s love, His living Word,
Jesus Christ.
We speak of certain things as “rock-solid,” not
able to be moved by any normal earthly force.
Our faith is built on a person, Jesus, the eternal
Son of God who always was, is and will be. His
Word and His presence are strong and solid yet they are also flexible. His love is steady and
secure but evolves and moves with us.
In Jesus Christ, God humbly bends to meet us in
our time of need. He is a dynamic “rock.” His
Word does not change yet He is a good listener
and speaks in ways that accommodate our
abilities and needs, our gifts and potential.
Spend some time in silence so as to hear the Word, Jesus Christ, speaking gently His love
and invitation to intimacy.
First week of Advent Thursday, December 5, 2019
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Feast of St. Nicholas [Isaiah 29:17-24 and Matthew 9:27-31]
An Early Taste of Christmas
St. Nicholas, a Bishop in Turkey in the 300’s,
is one of the most popular of all saints. Our
name “Santa Claus” is derived from the Dutch
“Sint Klaas” or St. Nicholas. In many parts of
the world, children
leave their shoes out
the night before his
feast, hoping for an
early Christmas gift.
St. Nicholas gave his
gifts in hidden and
surprising ways.
One gift we all need is
good vision; today’s
Gospel reminds us
how Jesus fulfilled
the prophetic dream
of Isaiah when he
restored sight to two
blind men. A point we often overlook is this:
they were healed because they asked. Am I
willing to admit my blindness? Would I like to
experience healing? Don’t forget: a new vision,
a new sense of responsibility!
As Nicholas did hidden good deeds, do the same for someone in need - physically or
psychologically.
First week of Advent Friday, December 6, 2019
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Feast of St. Ambrose [Isaiah 30:19-21, 23-26 and Matthew 9:35-10:1, 6-8]
Good News Starts at Home
Isaiah offers us an expansive dream of a world
transformed with all people and animals at
peace with each other and without any suffering.
Jesus’ perspective is more focused: as He sends
His 12 disciples He tells them specifically to go
to “the lost sheep of the House of Israel.” We all
have relatives who have given up on the faith or
who struggle to believe. Advent is a wonderful
time to invite them - however directly or
indirectly - to join you for services at Church.
St. Augustine became a Christian in part
because of the witness of today’s saint, Ambrose.
Jesus reminds the 12 “The gift you have received, give as a gift.” Our faith is incomplete until it is
given away. In 12-step programs of healing for
addictions, the healing happens as we share with
others our own story of conversion.
Consider your own struggles of faith and how you have been coming to deeper faith through them. If possible, share your story, perhaps
with one of your own family.
First week of Advent Saturday, December 7, 2019
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Even more than Lent, the Scriptures of Advent
proclaim a clear call for individuals and
community, a call that can be summarized in one
word: Repent! Convert!
The voice of two great prophets dominate the
first half of Lent - Isaiah (writing about 700
years before Christ) and John the Baptist, the
prophet bridging the Old and New Testament
Their message was amazingly the same: the
Lord is near and therefore we must mend our
ways, making peace with God and each other.
Both Isaiah and John the Baptist were
sacramental in their message. The dream of
Isaiah was summarized in hope for an eternal
banquet where all people would be welcomed and
nourished. John the Baptist invited people to
experience a new life together by immersion
together in the waters of Baptism.
Advent: A Season of Renewed Commitment to Justice and Peace
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[Isaiah 11:1-10; Romans 15:4-9; Matthew 3:1-12]
John’s First Word
As John the Baptist makes his appearance in
Matthew’s Gospel, his first word is “repent.”
Ordinarily, such a greeting might not sound
pleasant or attractive; nonetheless, great crowds
were drawn to him and his message. They under-
stood that something needed to change within
each of their hearts and minds and in the overall
expression of their religion. People were living on
the surface level and going through the motions;
John was inviting them to think in new ways, to
plunge into the Jordan River and make a new
beginning.
Repentance is not neces-
sarily something sad; it
is an opportunity for
growth and change, let-
ting go of anything and
everything that would
prevent us from open-
ness to the healing
presence of God.
Pray for the grace of repentance. Then consider one or two things in your life
that are out of alignment.
What steps could you take to change things?
Second Sunday of Advent Sunday, December 8, 2019
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Feast of the Immaculate Conception of Mary
[Genesis 3:9-15,20; Ephesians 1:3-6, 11-12;
Luke 1:26-38]
Space for Grace
A young teen-aged girl
named Mary, living in a
humble village called Naza-
reth heard an invitation
from God to accept a call to
motherhood of someone who
would be very special. She
agreed to this invitation even though she proba-
bly did not understand what it all meant; she
would learn with time. How did she have the
courage to say “yes”?
God had prepared Mary for this moment by pre-
serving her from the stubborn resistance and fear
of love which we call “sin.” Mary was disposed or
open to whatever God might ask. She could have
said no but she had been conceived with a radical
and profound openness for God’s love.
We were born with Original Sin and struggle to
trust God and believe that love is stronger than
all other life forces. Baptism has opened our
hearts and begun a process within us to make us
a welcoming “space” for God’s presence to dwell
within us.
Pray for the grace to leave space in your mind and heart for God.
Second week of Advent Monday, December 9, 2019
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[Isaiah 40:1-11 and Matthew 18:12-14]
Searching for the Lost
Jesus often referred to Himself as a shepherd: He
came to search out all the lost sheep and reunite
them with the rest of the flock. No sacrifice was
too great to save even one lost sheep.
At one time or another we have probably all
been that lost sheep, wandering off all on our
own, angry at God and the world, not feeling we
“belonged.” But somehow God won’t let us be
stuck in our rebellion; He keeps sending mes-
sengers to bring us back.
Think about people who have been “good shepherds” for you; thank God for them.
Do you know someone who might be
wandering at this time?
How might you search out that person?
Second week of Advent Tuesday, December 10, 2019
18
[Isaiah 40:25-31 and Matthew 11:28-30]
A Second Breath
From time to time, we’ve all had the frightening
experience of being short of breath. Maybe we
were running too fast or
were extremely anxious
or taken aback at some
event. But if we pause,
we usually get a second
breath, recoup our ener-
gy and courage and
move forward with calm
dignity and confidence.
Jesus speaks of Himself
as one who wishes to comfort the weary and those
who feel burdened. In this He fulfills Isaiah 40:31,
“They will run and not grow weary…” The Lord’s
Spirit/breath will sustain us and renew us if we
pause for prayer and remember He is actually car-
rying us along the path of life!
Do you feel weary? Is it perhaps lack of time for prayer and quiet?
Pray for all who feel burdened and
overwhelmed—especially those caught in the “mad dash” to Christmas!
Second week of Advent Wednesday, December 11, 2019
19
Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe
[Readings for the feast take precedence over the
normal Scriptures:
Revelation 11:19, 12:1-6, 10; Luke 1:39-47]
Mary Visits America
The beautiful and powerful image of the Blessed
Virgin on the coarse woven cloak of Juan Diego
is unique for at least two reasons: Mary is
pregnant and her features resemble the native
Aztec people. Like her Son, Jesus, Mary came to
visit her people by becoming one of them.
In today’s Gospel Mary visits her cousin
Elizabeth: two pregnant women help each other
understand the presence of God at work within
them and through them.
As we honor Mary this day, meditate on Mary coming to visit you just
as your are - maybe even right in the middle of
many daily tasks or struggles. Welcome her!
Second week of Advent Thursday, December 12, 2019
20
Feast of St. Lucy
[Isaiah 48:17-19 and Matthew 11:16-19]
Rejoicing in the Light
Today is the feast of St. Lucy, a Sicilian woman
martyred for the faith around 304 A.D. Her
name means “light” and her feast anticipates the
feast of light, Christmas. Christ alone is the true
light of the world, we strive to point toward Him.
In today’s Gospel Jesus
laments that many
rejected John the
Baptist and Himself as
well; they preferred
darkness rather than
coming into the light of
truth. Sometimes we
too hide from the light
because it seems
overwhelming; we do
not want to face the
truth about our own
sins and addictions.
Do I rejoice in the light?
How might I be a light for someone currently stuck in darkness?
Second week of Advent Friday, December 13, 2019
21
Second week of Advent Saturday, December 14, 2019
Feast of St. John of the Cross
[Sirach 48:1-4, 9-11 and Matthew 17:9-13]
Nada!
St. John of the Cross (1542-1591) is the Carmelite
mystic who came to intimacy with the Lord by way
of darkness and emptiness. While many schools of
spirituality suggest appreciating the beauty and
wonder of nature, John chose the path of “letting
go.” One of his favorite expressions was “Nada,”
Spanish for “nothing.” In the dark night of the soul
he discovered a new
kind of light, a light
that was totally
from God.
For all his goodness,
John was rejected -
even by his own
fellow Carmelites.
John of the Cross
accepted rejection
knowing that John
the Baptist and
Jesus had also been rejected; they also knew great
darkness. In our own times, we can recall St.
Therese of Kalcotta who was God’s light for
millions even as she herself lived in great spiritual
darkness.
Today, spend some time in darkness. Let the light slowly dawn upon you!
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A principal focus of the Advent Lectionary is
re-kindling our joyful anticipation for the Lord’s
return in glory at the end of time. The short
season of Advent invites us to be spiritually
prepared to welcome the Lord – not just at
Christmas but every day. Our preparation
includes creating “space” for the Lord by setting
aside unnecessary distractions, purifying false
desires and focusing on what matters most.
Purple vestments are worn during two
penitential seasons in the year – Advent and
Lent. Advent purple is a bluish shade, the color
of the sky transitioning from night into dawn.
We are waiting for the light of Christ. Our acts
of Advent penance are joyful sacrifices of love for
others, bringing light and hope to people who
might be otherwise overwhelmed with darkness.
As a sign of increasing joy, Rose colored
vestments are worn on Gaudete Sunday, the
third Sunday of Advent.
In the novel and movie “The Color Purple,” one
of the African American characters who does not
attend Church challenges her friend why she
chooses to participate each week: “Do you really
find God there?” And the answer comes “I don’t
go there to find God but to share God!” Advent is
sharing our dawning awareness of the light of
the Lord dwelling among us.
The Color Purple
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[Isaiah 35:1-6,10; James 5:7-10; Matthew 11:2-11]
Joy Unfolding
This third Sunday of Advent is known as
“Gaudete” Sunday; the Latin verb issues a com-
mand - “Rejoice!” Of
course, we cannot “force” joy; joy is a gift that surpris-
es us. Typically joy unfolds
gradually. So it is that to-
day’s second reading from
James speaks about the
farmer who patiently waits
for the crop to mature.
The seeds of true joy are
planted deep in our hearts
but they need time to ma-
ture. Joy emerges as we forget our own precon-
ceived expectations and surface desires and strive
to become more and more “in sync” with the
Lord’s deepest wishes for us. Joy often bursts
forth as we serve the needs of others and focus on
helping them discover the seeds of joy within
their own hearts.
Joy comes from within, not from the outside. Pray for all people who seem lost and burdened, afraid or angry that they may discover their own
hidden source of joy.
Third Sunday of Advent Sunday, December 15, 2019
24
[Numbers 24:2-7, 15-17 and Matthew 21:23-27]
Blessing, not cursing
It often seems easier to complain than to say pos-
itive and affirming things. Today’s first reading
from Numbers 24 is an odd, humorous - but
nonetheless challenging - story of a man named
Balaam. The King of the Moabites wanted to
“hire” the prophet and visionary Balaam to curse
the Jewish people so he could defeat them in bat-
tle. But in his
prayer, Ba-
laam, who had
no Jewish con-
nections at all,
heard the
Lord tell him
not to curse
the Jews but
to bless them.
And so he did.
We have a daily choice to listen to the Lord or to
follow the often attractive temptations and chat-
ter of the world’s values. According to what I
hear, I will speak: if I get caught up in worldly
vocabulary and proposals, I will curse and com-
plain. But if I listen to the Lord, I will bless God
and others.
Am I a complainer?
Find a reason to bless everyone you meet today: with a kind, affirming word.
Third week of Advent Monday, December 16, 2019
25
During the Middle Ages, in the monasteries as the community sang Vespers or evening prayer, just before Mary’s Magnificat, there was a special verse for each of the last seven days before Christmas. These antiphons all began with “O” an invocation and invitation to the coming Lord. They called upon Him by Old Testament titles that described His coming ministry and destiny.
The Seven ‘O Antiphons’
December 17 O Wisdom of our God Most High, guiding creation with power and love: come to teach us the path of knowledge! December 18 O Leader of the House of Israel, giver of the Law to Moses on Sinai: come to rescue us with your mighty power! December 19 O Root of Jesse’s stem, sign of God’s love for all his people: come to save us without delay! December 20 O Key of David, opening the gates of God’s eternal Kingdom: come and free the prisoners of darkness! December 21 O Radiant Dawn, splendor of eternal light, sun of justice: come and shine on those who dwell in darkness and in the shadow of death. December 22 O King of all nations and keystone of the Church: come and save man, whom you formed from the dust! December 23 O Emmanuel, our King and Giver of Law: come to save us, Lord our God!
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“O Wisdom,” the “O antiphon” for today
[Genesis 49:2, 8-10 and Matthew 1:1-17]
Roots
From today on, as we
begin the last week
of Advent, the Scrip-
tures will bring to
life the story of the
Lord’s first coming in
Matthew and Luke.
Today’s Gospel is the
opening 17 verses of
Matthew’s Gospel,
the genealogy of
Jesus - from
Abraham through
David and then the tragedy of unfaithful kings
and exile in Babylon to the almost forgotten gen-
erations after the return from exile up to the
arrival of Jesus, Son of Mary and Joseph. Most
of the names in the genealogy mean little to us
and many of them were not necessarily good
people yet they were the means of transmitting
the Messiah.
God often writes straight with crooked lines. God uses us even in our
weakness and sinfulness.
Thank God for your own ancestors and the heritage of faith they shared with you.
Tuesday, December 17, 2019
27
“O Sacred Lord,” the “O antiphon” for today
[Jeremiah 23:5-8 and Matthew 1:18-25]
Sleepless Nights
We all experience sleep-
less nights from time to
time: we wake up wor-
ried about our health,
our family or tasks to
be accomplished. St.
Joseph was no stranger
to sleepless nights. He
had to decide whether
to stay with Mary and
finalize their marriage even though she was
pregnant with a son not his own. With trust in
God’s direction and voice, he went beyond the
Jewish law and accepted her as his wife, thus
giving legal legitimacy to Jesus.
But his sleepless nights did not end there! There
were many more anxious and uncertain days and
nights ahead for him and his family. But happi-
ly, God is usually closest to us in these vulnera-
ble moments and in the midst of these restless
struggles, the light dawns and we understand
what we should do.
What wakes you in the night?
Pray for patience with the way God is probably inviting you to deeper trust.
Wednesday, December 18, 2019
28
“O Flower of Jesse’s Stem,” the
“O antiphon” for today.
[Judges 13:2-7, 24-25 and Luke 1:5-25]
Silent Together in a Mystery
For years, Zechariah and Elizabeth had hoped and
prayed for a child. Now, alone in the sanctuary of
the temple in Jerusalem, the Archangel Gabriel
appeared to him with the good news they were
going to have a son whom he is
to name John. For questioning
the angel, though, Zechariah
lost his voice for nine months.
Together with Elizabeth, he
shared this mysterious preg-
nancy in silence. When the
child was born and named,
Zechariah’s voice is restored.
Out of the silence of centuries,
soon enough the prophetic voice of the child would
be boldly proclaiming the long-awaited Messiah.
Shared silence is powerful and can change minds
and hearts. These days are often filled with chat-
tering and frivolous words. What might happen if
we really listened to each other? Or better yet,
spent time together as a couple or as a family in
silent prayerful reflection? Even if you live alone,
dedicated, deliberate silence can be much more
powerful than you might think.
Give silence a try! Remember that in silence we are much closer
than we think to God and all those we love.
Thursday, December 19, 2019
29
“O King of David,” the “O Antiphon” for today
[Isaiah 7:10-14 and Luke 1:26-38]
Accepting What We Do Not
Understand
Again today we hear the Gospel of the Annuncia-
tion. Mary, the young girl of Nazareth, could
hardly have understood all that was being of-
fered to her and asked of her. She did not argue
with the angel or ask for more details. She
agreed and accepted what she did not under-
stand. The years ahead
would mean more of the
same, again and again…
At this time of year we can
all get rather short-
tempered and demanding.
It would take a deliberate
effort but we could choose to
accept circumstances we
don’t particularly like. We
have the capacity to accept
people and things we do not
understand. Ultimately,
faith in the Lord is acceptance of things we can-
not understand, much less explain.
Pray for the grace to accept - without question or argument - the way things evolve with your
family or friends these days and hours.
Friday, December 20, 2019
30
“O Rising Sun,” the “O Antiphon” for today
[Song of Songs 2:8-14 and Luke 1:39-45]
The Visitation
Today’s short Scripture passage of Mary going to
be with Elizabeth is a condensed summary of the
whole Gospel: God comes to visit His people, to
dwell among us. Elizabeth prayerfully and joy-
fully accepts and welcomes the divine presence
Mary carried in her womb. Like the child Jesus
she carried would do in his future ministry,
Mary humbly accepted Elizabeth’s hospitality.
This Divine visitation happens whenever two
parties are open to receive. In their mutual
emptiness of ego or fear, Mary and Elizabeth
reveal the joy that can be ours when we seek to
welcome the Lord in each other.
Who could use a visit from me - a relative in a hospital or nursing home? And on the other
side of things, consider whether you will be a good receiver of everyone who
knocks at your door.
Saturday December 21, 2019
31
“O King of all the Nations,”
the “O Antiphon” for today.
[Isaiah 7:10-14, Romans 1:1-17; Matthew 1:18-24]
The Outsider
In many ways St. Joseph must have felt some-
thing of an “outsider.” Mary had a clear and
prominent role in the emerging story; she en-
joyed the wisdom of the talkative angel. But
Joseph was simply told to take Mary as his wife
and name the child. Nonetheless, Joseph was
essential to the plan of God and so are we - even
when/if we feel a bit the outsider.
Quite often at Christ-
mas parties and fam-
ily visits, others may
seem more charming
with their exciting
stories and jokes.
The little ones also
get special attention.
But many of us will
be quietly on the
sidelines - at Church and at home. But come to
think of it, Jesus was Himself the ultimate out-
sider who didn't “fit” into the human story - even
though He desperately tried to do so!
Pray for all people who will feel forgotten or abandoned, even by their own family.
Remember especially those in prisons and on
the streets.
Fourth Sunday of Advent Sunday, December 22, 2019
32
“O Emmanuel,” the “O Antiphon” for today.
[Malachi 3:1-4, 23-24 Luke 1:57-66]
What Will This Child Be?
The miraculous and mysterious events surround-
ing the pregnan-
cy, birth and
naming of John
the Baptist
prompt the ques-
tion: What will
this child be?
What plan does
God have in store
for him? Actual-
ly, this question
could be asked of
every person who
enters this world:
surely we are
here for a particu-
lar mission. We
may not ever know it this side of heaven but God
will use us as long as we do not get in His way.
In these holy and sacred hours before Christmas try to find space and time to thank
God - by name - for all the people who are “life-lines” of His grace for you.
Monday, December 23, 2019
33
[Readings of Midnight Mass: Isaiah 9:1-6, Titus
2:11-14; Luke 2:1-14]
Out in the Open
Why was Jesus born on
the edge of Bethlehem
surrounded by animals
and laid in a manger,
perhaps even out under
the stars? Traditionally
many of us thought that
the townsfolk of
Bethlehem were lacking
in hospitality to the
Holy Family. But
perhaps there is a more
profound message and
reason for the odd setting of His birth. Thomas
Merton, the famous cloistered Trappist Monk
and prolific author, suggests that Jesus the Son
of God had to be born outside town, out in the
open countryside because God cannot be confined
and controlled, “hemmed in” by us. God was
subtly teaching us that His love is now totally
exposed for all the world to see; there is no
possibility of “hiding” His profound love for all
people especially the forgotten “little ones” like
the shepherds.
Spend some time alone - perhaps outside - and think of the Lord who was homeless.
Perhaps you may be moved to tears at such a freely chosen love - expecting no
particular response.
Christmas Eve Tuesday, December 24, 2019
34
[Readings of the Mass during the day:
Isaiah 52:7-10, Hebrews 1:1-6; John 1:1-18]
Born Again
“In the beginning was the word…” On Christmas
morning, the three Scriptures for Mass focus on
the mystery of the Word-made-flesh; they take us
into the mind and heart of God’s Trinitarian con-
versation of love, prior to the creation of the
world. Just as the Eternal Father created the
world for the Son and through the Son, now,
through the Word-made-flesh, God is re-creating
the world in each one of us. Christmas is not only
about Christ’s birth in time but also our call to be
“born again” through a deeper immersion into our
communion in the Body of Christ, the Church.
Christmas is our birthday, for Christ came to
call all people out of isolation and solitude into
communion with Himself and all His brothers
and sisters.
As you pray today, be very conscious of the fact you are part of the Body of
Christ which entered the world in
a visible way this very day.
Christmas Wednesday, December 25, 2019
35
[Acts 6:8-10, 7:54-59 and Matthew 10:17-22]
Reconciliation at Christmas
At first glance, celebrating the martyrdom of the
Deacon Stephen seems out of place in the hours
right after the joyous experience of Christmas.
Yet, Jesus (Saviour) was born to manifest the
Father’s eternal and all-encompassing mercy.
He was born to be Jesus the reconciler.
Note how Stephen dies: asking that the Lord
forgive the men who were stoning him - words
similar to Jesus on the cross. And apparently
Stephen’s prayer was powerful for Saul/Paul was
watching and approving of the martyrdom. But
later on Paul would repent of this action. Some-
thing must have been percolating within Paul as
he watched Stephen die with nothing but love in
his heart.
Christmas week is a great time for making peace
among relatives and friends. Christ came that
all might be one. He shows us how to take the
initiative, offering an olive branch to others.
With whom do you need to make peace?
If you cannot “go there” at least pray for those who have brought you pain.
Feast of St. Stephen Thursday, December 26, 2019
36
[I John 1:1-4 and John 20:2-8]
Beloved
John, sometimes thought of as the anonymous
“beloved disciple” (since that term is found only
in John’s Gospel), may also have been the broth-
er of James and the Gospel writer, but who
knows? More important is this: John embodies
pure love. Of all the disciples he alone truly
knew how to receive with open mind and heart
the love Jesus was offering; the others seemed
more resistant. Jesus did not deliberately
“choose” John in preference over the others.
Note the name
“beloved” is pas-sive. Because
John was such
an excellent re-
ceiver, naturally
Jesus could
keep going deep-
er in his sharing
with John.
As mentioned above, we do not know the actual
identity of the “beloved”; we speculate it may
have been John. Perhaps his identity is not re-
vealed because each of us could/should put our-
selves in his place!
Am I willing to be the Lord’s “beloved”? It will mean a lot of letting go!
Feast of St. John Friday, December 27, 2019
37
[I John 1:5-2:2 and Matthew 2:13-18]
Blessed are the Innocent
In Matthew’s account of the birth of Jesus, there
is a deliberate attempt to show how even from
His infancy Jesus was summarizing and ful-
filling the experiences and expectations of His
Jewish ancestors. As they came “out of Egypt” to
freedom, Jesus too needed to go down to Egypt
and then return to the Promised Land. King
Herod’s killing of innocent children was typical
of his erratic and cruel use of power; he feared
even children, for one of them might be an even-
tual rival!
In all about 20 male chil-
dren may have been put to
death in or around Bethle-
hem—a great tragedy. Yet
they were but the first of
generations and genera-
tions of silent witnesses
and martyrs who even now
give their lives for the sake
of the Gospel.
We admire their innocence and wish we had it.
Even more, we feel the pain and unending grief
of parents who lose children for a variety of rea-
sons every single day (suicide, random violence,
deliberate actions against people because of reli-
gion or ethnic origin).
Pray for and with parents who mourn a lost child.
Feast of the Holy Innocents Saturday, December 28, 2019
38
[Sirach 3:2-6, 12-14, Colossians 3:12-21;
Matthew 2:13-15, 19-23]
Migrant Families
This year the Gospel
for the feast of the
Holy Family comes
from Matthew, the
story of their escape
to Egypt and their
return to their home-
land, settling in Naza-
reth. In all of this
movement Matthew
sees the providential hand of God and the fulfill-
ment of prophecies of the Hebrew Scriptures.
We marvel at the quick and unquestioning,
obedient response of Joseph to the voice of the
angel in a dream, a reminder that more often
parents end up obeying their children more than
children their parents!
This Gospel is being lived out today all over the
world as millions of refugees wander looking for
economic and political safety and well-being.
Somehow God guards and guides them but we
too have a role to play - perhaps through prayer,
financial support of CRS or getting involved in
efforts to keep migrant families united.
Take some time to check out the U.S. Bishops website on this matter.
Pray for all families - especially those without a permanent home and families
who are separated.
Feast of the Holy Family Sunday, December 29, 2019
39
Sixth Day within the Octave of the Nativity
Monday, December 30, 2019
[I John 2:12-17 and Luke 2:36-40]
Wisdom Figures
Today’s Gospel from St. Luke offers the conclu-
sion to the story of the Presentation of the child
Jesus in the Temple. We hear about the elderly
female prophetess and widow, Anna, who had
devoted herself entirely to prayer and fasting in
the Jerusalem Temple. In the mind of St. Luke
she represents a foreshadowing and beginning of
what would become the early Christian commu-
nity of Jerusalem.
How many Annas and Simeons are the steady
“pillars of the Church” and models for us in every
age and place?
As the year is rapidly concluding, take some time to thank God for the “wisdom figures”
whose faithful (often silent) witness and prayer sustain us all.
40
[I John 2:18-21 and John 1:1-18]
Every Ending, A New Beginning
In the cycle of life we know that every ending
gives way to new possibilities and challenges.
The transition from the “old” to the “new” is
never easy, even when there may be attractive
reasons and possibilities for a change in our
life-style, family circumstances or work.
The transition most of us could use goes by the
name “conversion” - a change of mind or heart, a
letting go of things or relationships, opinions or
fears that might be holding us back from spiritu-
al growth. Hence, the wisdom of New Year’s
resolutions!
What spiritual changes might be appropriate for you at this time in your life?
How is the Lord calling you to some new growth - through more faithful prayer,
more generous service of the poor and a readiness to forgive?
Seventh Day Within the Octave of the Nativity
Tuesday, December 31, 2019
41
[Numbers 6:22-27, Galatians 4:4-7;
Luke 2:16-21]
Resolving to Be Totally Human
In the civil society, New Year’s Day launches us into a time of new beginnings; with a clean slate, we make resolutions. But on this day, the Church celebrates the completion of our week-long contemplation of the meaning of Christmas. In other words, while the wider society is future oriented today, we review graces received. In particular, the Church invites us to take the contemplative posture of Mary who “treasured all these things in her heart.”
Mary has been a critical “anchor” for our under-standing of the reality of Christ’s human birth; He came among us according to the normal pro-cesses of pregnancy, delivery and child care. Mary was a genuine mother of Jesus come in the flesh. She helps guarantee the full humanity of the Eternal Son born in time, as St. Paul put it in today’s second reading: “God sent his Son, born of a woman, born under the law…” (Galatians 4:4-5)
Christ came to save us by sharing in every as-pect of our human experience. He did not choose to redeem us from the “outside” but from “within” our human limitations and challenges. The Lord wants us to be fully human. He does not expect or desire us to be angels or inhabit a spiritual cocoon.
What kind of resolution might I make to help me become more fully human?
Mary, the Holy Mother of God
Wednesday, January 1, 2020
42
[I John 2:22-28 and John 1:19-28]
The Faith of the Faithful
Basil and Gregory were great friends, both
monks who eventually became priests and bish-
ops in 4th century Turkey. They were strong
voices teaching and defending the full divinity
and humanity of Jesus
Christ. They helped the
Church’s teaching become
clearer and more under-
standable.
The first reading for to-
day from the First Epistle
of John speaks about the
anointing with the Spirit
we have all received
through our Baptism.
Based on this Scripture
the Church proclaims a special teaching - the
“faith of the faithful” - that is, the body of the
faithful as a whole cannot err in matters of
belief. The teachings of the Popes and Councils
resonate with our conscience. Pope Francis
frequently cites this timely insight and therefore
encourages a process of dialogue and discern-
ment at all levels of the Church.
Pray for the Holy Father and the Bishops that they may always be attentive to the
movement and voice of the Holy Spirit at all levels of the Church.
Feast of Sts. Basil and Gregory Nazianzen
Thursday, January 2, 2020
43
[I John 2:29-3:6, John 1:29-34]
Blessed Be the Name of Jesus
“These things have been written that you may come to believe that Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of God and that through this belief you may have life in His name.”
“At the name of Jesus every knee should bend… and every tongue confers that Jesus Christ is Lord…” (Phil 2:10-11)
Both Matthew and Luke
emphasize that the angel of the
Lord directed Mary and Joseph
to name the child “Jesus”
because He would save His people from their sins.
(“Jesus” means “God saves”).
Names were very important in the ancient world;
names said something about the person’s life work
or identity. To know someone’s name and to call
them by name meant that you enjoyed a certain
intimacy and that you had power or influence over
that person. Jesus’ name parallels the name Josh-
ua, Moses’ chief aid and successor who led the cho-
sen people into the Promised Land. Like His
namesake, Jesus would stand in the same Jordan
River to mark His role as God’s instrument and to
lead all people from slavery, fear, sin and death to
communion with God.
Speak the name of Jesus over and over again in prayer: “Jesus, Son of the Living God, have
mercy on me a sinner.”
Holy Name of Jesus
Friday, January 3, 2020
44
[I John 3:7-10, John 1:35-42]
No Cookie Cutters in Heaven
Elizabeth Seton had a very challenging life and
accomplished a great
deal in her 47 years.
Married with five chil-
dren, she became a young
widow and converted to
the Roman Catholic
Faith. She went on to
found the Sisters of
Charity and established
many schools in our
nation. She is a great
reminder that we can all become holy through the
way we accept with love and trust the challenges of
our particular life circumstances.
There is no one particular blue print or “cookie
cutter” for holiness: if we are open, the Holy
Spirit will partner with us. And yet, ultimately
it is one same holiness at work within all of us -
the presence of the Death-Resurrection of Christ
within us. As the Council Fathers proclaimed at
Vatican II, “In the various types and duties of life, one and the same holiness is cultivated by all who are moved by the Spirit of God and who obey the voice of the Father, worshipping God the Father in spirit and in truth.” (Dogmatic
Constitution on the Church, art. 41)
Thank God for the unique circumstances of your state in life and your particular challenges
at this moment in your life.
St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Saturday, January 4, 2020
45
[Isaiah 60:1-6, Ephesians 3:2-3, 5-6;
Matthew 2:1-12]
The Journey of the Magi
The poet T.S. Eliot wrote a famous poem by the above title and makes the point that many years after their journey and encounter with the child Jesus they were still savoring the experience and trying to understand the mystery that had changed their life: they had gone to see a birth but in actual-ity, they experienced a death - their own death! They had a life-changing experience and nothing was the same thereafter.
Would that we could say the same! We all wish for some unique personalized intense encounter with the Lord, reassuring us of our value to Him and giving us advice and encouragement. The Magi of old probably got no particular words from the infant or His parents but were formed anew by the whole experience of the journey and their brief encounter with a family of pure love. For us, too, the journey itself is the Epiphany, the encounter with the Lord; the daily journey with its combina-tion of confusion and routine is the setting wherein we meet the Lord. We just need to be open.
Thank God for the gift of spiritual journey, movement, change and the “seeker” spirit
within you. Promise the Lord you will strive to enjoy every step :)
The Epiphany of the Lord Sunday, January 5, 2020
46
A cold coming we had of it, Just the worst time of the year For a journey, and such a long journey: The ways deep and the weather sharp, The very dead of winter.’ And the camels galled, sore-footed, refractory, Lying down in the melting snow. There were times we regretted The summer palaces on slopes, the terraces, And the silken girls bringing sherbet. Then the camel men cursing and grumbling and running away, and wanting their liquor and women, And the night-fires going out, and the lack of shelters, And the cities hostile and the towns unfriendly And the villages dirty and charging high prices: A hard time we had of it. At the end we preferred to travel all night, Sleeping in snatches, With the voices singing in our ears, saying That this was all folly. Then at dawn we came down to a temperate valley, Wet, below the snow line, smelling of vegetation; With a running stream and a water-mill beating the darkness, And three trees on the low sky, And an old white horse galloped away in the meadow. Then we came to a tavern with vine-leaves over the lintel, Six hands at an open door dicing for pieces of silver, And feet kicking the empty wine-skins. But there was no information, and so we continued And arriving at evening, not a moment too soon Finding the place; it was (you might say) satisfactory. All this was a long time ago, I remember, And I would do it again, but set down This set down This: were we led all that way for Birth or Death? There was a Birth, certainly We had evidence and no doubt. I had seen birth and death, But had thought they were different; this Birth was Hard and bitter agony for us, like Death, our death. We returned to our places, these Kingdoms, But no longer at ease here, in the old dispensation, With an alien people clutching their gods. I should be glad of another death.
The Journey Of The Magi by T.S. Eliot
47
St. Andre Bessette Monday, January 6, 2020
[I John 3:22-4:6, Matthew 4:12-17, 23-25]
A Humble Healer
Brother Andre, a member of the Congregation of
the Holy Cross, lived and died in Montreal. A
holy and simple man of God, he had a vision/
dream of a great shrine to St. Joseph on the
mountaintop of
Mount Royal. He was
the porter at the door
of the monastery for
four decades and like
our own Fr. Solanus,
in that capacity he
was God’s instrument
of healing for people
in need - physically,
psychologically and
spiritually. After his
death in 1937, the small chapel became a world-
famous shrine, St. Joseph's Oratory.
A Prayer:
Heavenly Father, praise and thanks to You for choosing the humble to be your instruments
of hope and healing.
Use me as you wish, O Lord, and help me respect the power of your presence in all
people, especially those I might easily ignore or overlook.
48
[I John 4:7-10, Mark 6:34-44]
The God Who Wishes to Free Us
Born in Barcelona in 1175, St. Raymond lived an
entire century! He was the Third Superior Gen-
eral of the Dominican Order and left a lasting
impact on the Church through his ministry of
freeing slaves and his commentaries on Church
law and the Sacrament of Penance.
As St. Raymond preached and embodied freedom
and mercy, today’s Scriptures proclaim the same
truth, a message we can never enough appreci-
ate: God showed His love for us when He sent
His Son to be the
sacrifice that
takes away our
sins (see I John
4:10). In today’s
Gospel Jesus
nourishes 5,000
in the wilderness
just as He wish-
es to satisfy our
hunger for nour-
ishment, mercy
and healing in
the Eucharist.
Try to connect with someone who is in the
hospital or a nursing home or a shut-in.
St. Raymond of Penafort Tuesday, January 7, 2020
49
[I John 4:11-18 and Mark 6:45-52]
Love Conquers Fear
In today’s first reading from First John, we read
“fear is driven out by perfect love: because to fear is to expect punishment and anyone who is afraid is still imperfect in love,” (I John 4:17-18)
Yet in the Gospel, the disciples, who had been
enjoying much intimacy with the Lord Jesus and
saw His power at work, were full of fear when
they saw the Lord walking on the turbulent
waters of the Sea of Galilee. He was coming to
console them but instead His presence brought
them a new reason for fear: they thought they
were seeing a ghost!
How does fear hold me back from truly loving God? (i.e. not just believing that He exists but
actually loving Him.)
Christmas Weekday
Wednesday, January 8, 2020
50
[I John 4:19-5:4 and Luke4:14-22]
Fulfilled in Our Hearing
As the Christmas season winds down, we hear a
preview of Jesus’ ministry: His first “homily” in
His hometown of Nazareth. Reading from Isaiah
61, Jesus declares that this vision is being ful-
filled at that very moment: the act of proclaiming
the Good News, of itself, has a power to change
people. Isaiah’s words from 700 years earlier
were now coming to life.
That is why we read the Scripture aloud during
the Mass, a practice also good to do when you
pray at home: saying the words aloud and hear-
ing yourself speak them is extremely compelling!
Try it! We bring the Gospel to life when we do
what Jesus did - caring for the sick and suffer-
ing, being generous with the poor, listening to
those who have been pushed to the side.
Read [aloud if possible] today’s Gospel and also read Isaiah 61. Feel the power of the
promises coming alive, the Gospel unleashed.
Christmas Weekday Thursday, January 9, 2020
… “The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he has anointed me to bring glad tidings to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim liberty to captives and recovery of sight to the blind, to let the oppressed go free, and to proclaim a year acceptable to the Lord.”… “Today this scripture pas-sage is fulfilled in your hearing.”... And all spoke highly of him and were amazed at the gracious words that came from his mouth. They also asked, “Isn’t this the son of Joseph”?
Luke 4:14-22
51
[I John 5:5-13 and Luke 5:12-16]
The Spirit, the Water and the Blood
Since December 27th we have been reading con-
tinuously from the first Epistle of John, a text
which was written around the end of the 1st cen-
tury to balance with the Gospel of John. Some in
John’s community were claiming that Jesus
came only spiritually and not in actual flesh and
blood. So today’s
passage is critical:
there are three
witnesses: the
Spirit, the water
and the blood…
these three are of
one accord.
The message of
First John is that
the Incarnation
was real! Jesus
had human flesh and blood flowed from Him on
the Cross. The Spirit and water refer to the com-
munity and their commitment of faith at Bap-
tism; the community itself is the continuing
presence of the “flesh” of Jesus - even with all
our imperfections and struggle.
Pray for the unity of the Church.
Thank God for the gift of our parish. Could I be more directly involved?
Christmas Weekday Friday, January 10, 2020
52
[I John 5:14-21 and John 3:22-30]
“He Must Increase, I Must Decrease”
John the Baptist’s testimony (cited above) is a
great summary of his whole life and all his
preaching: he was but the friend of the bride-
groom, the voice announcing that the groom/
spouse of souls has arrived. John knew he must
pass away and that Jesus needed to take center-
stage. His own joy was complete in knowing he
had paved the way for others to meet Jesus.
In a certain sense, our vocation is like that of
John: we point the way to Jesus. Our name may
be forgotten but it matters only that the name of
Jesus resound to the end of the earth and
throughout the ages!
Consider whether your ego ever gets in the way of all the good you do.
Christmas Weekday Saturday, January 11, 2020
53
[Isaiah 42:1-4, 6-7; Acts 10:34-38;
Matthew 3:13-17]
Baptism: Beginning of a Partnership
This year we hear Matthew’s version of the
Baptism of Jesus. Matthew highlights John the
Baptist’s reluctance to baptize Jesus. John gives
in to Jesus’ request as Jesus challenges him: we
must do this to fulfill all righteousness.
“Righteousness” is not a personal achievement
but a shared reality, a partnership with the Lord
and each other. Part of the mystery of Baptism
is how we are freed from isolation and immersed
into the Body of Christ.
Baptism celebrates a
death-to-self and a new
birth, a birth to a life con-
secrated to the Lord and
the Church. We are
saved together: just as
John and Jesus needed
each other, God places
people around us to be
givers and receivers of
love. We come to know our identity and dignity
in Christ in and through our relationships with
our brothers and sisters who have gone through
the waters of baptism with us.
Thank God for your baptism and listen to His voice:
“You are my beloved in whom I am well pleased.”
Pray also for those preparing for Baptism.
Baptism of the Lord Sunday, January 12, 2020
54
There are two periods of Ordinary Time in the
cycle of the Church year: the first period com-
prises the weeks from the Baptism of the Lord
(which ends the Advent-Christmas season) until
the beginning of Lent. The second stretch of Or-
dinary Time begins after Pentecost and runs un-
til the beginning of Advent.
In many ways “Ordinary Time” does not do jus-
tice to these weeks of green vestments and read-
ing continuously from St. Mark’s Gospel on the
weekdays and St. Matthew’s Gospel on Sundays.
Ordinary time is - like all time - full of potential
for great discoveries and encounters of faith,
conversion and renewal.
This first section of Ordinary Time corresponds
to the beginning of Jesus’ public ministry and
focuses especially on His preaching and healing,
particularly His ministry in Galilee and the call
to discipleship. Each winter, rather than settle
into a dormant mode, we need to be challenged
anew to grow and change. One of the goals of
this period is actually remote preparation for
Lent and Easter and the renewal of our Baptism
and discipleship.
During these days and weeks of minimal light
and the often isolating effects of cold tempera-
tures, heavy snowfall and icy roads, we can be
tempted to hibernate. More than ever, we need
to look for ways to connect with others and share
our faith. These weeks are a great time to visit
those who are home-bound all year.
The Return to Ordinary Time Monday, January 13—Tuesday, February 25 2020
55
Week of Prayer for Christian Unity The conversion of St. Paul
Saturday, January 18 - Saturday, January 25, 2020
Catholic Schools Week Week of January 26, 2020
Presentation of the Lord in the Temple (also called “Candlemas Day”)
World Day of Prayer for Consecrated Life Sunday, February 2, 2020
Feast of St. Blaise and Blessing of Throats Monday, February 3, 2020
Mardi Gras Tuesday, February 25, 2020
Noteworthy Dates/Events during
this first section of Ordinary time
top related