Dec 28, 2024
(1Sm.1:1:20-22,24-28; Ps.84:2-3,5-6,9-10; 1Jn.3:1-2,21-24; Lk.2:41-52)
“Did you not know that I must be in my Father’s house?”
If Hannah says of Samuel, “As long as he lives, he shall be dedicated to the Lord” even as she leaves her son with Eli in the temple, should not Jesus be equally dedicated to God,...
Dec 27, 2024
O innocent martyrs of the Christ
who gave your lives
from the cradle
for Him who carries the Cross,
who suffered and died in His place
even before His crucifixion,
even as His martyrs would do
after His death on the Tree –
let our hearts cry not
for the evil that has wrought
your violent death;
pray we not fear
Dec 27, 2024
(1Jn.1:5-2:2; Ps.124:2-5,7-8; Mt.2:13-18)
“The blood of His Son Jesus cleanses us from all sin.”
And as martyrs of the Church, these innocent children slaughtered by Herod participate in the pouring forth of the blood of Christ.
“Out of Egypt I have called my son.” What does the prophet mean but that...
Dec 21, 2024
(Mi.5:1-4a; Ps.80:2-4,15-16,18-19; Heb.10:5-10; Lk.1:39-45)
“Blessed is the fruit of your womb.”
From the womb of Bethlehem-Ephrathah, from the womb of Judah, has come forth “one who is to be ruler in Israel; whose origin is from of old, from ancient times.” Now “she who is to give birth has borne”;...
Dec 20, 2024
(Sgs.2:8-14 or Zep.3:14-18; Ps.33:1-3,11-12,20-21; Lk.1:39-45)
“Let me see you, let me hear your voice,
for your voice is sweet, and you are lovely.”
“Who am I that the mother of my Lord should come to me?” – she who comes bearing the Christ child, she whose very voice magnifies the presence of the Lord. ...