DR Squared: Optional Memorial Of Saint Sylvester I, Pope

First Reading:  Ezekiel 34:11-16

For thus saith the Lord God: Behold I myself will seek my sheep, and will visit them. As the shepherd visiteth his flock in the day when he shall be in the midst of his sheep that were scattered, so will I visit my sheep, and will deliver them out of all the places where they have been scattered in the cloudy and dark day. And I will bring them out from the peoples, and will gather them out of the countries, and will bring them to their own land: and I will feed them in the mountains of Israel, by the rivers, and in all the habitations of the land. I will feed them in the most fruitful pastures, and their pastures shall be in the high mountains of Israel: there shall they rest on the green grass, and be fed in fat pastures upon the mountains of Israel. I will feed my sheep: and I will cause them to lie down, saith the Lord God. I will seek that which was lost: and that which was driven away, I will bring again: and I will bind up that which was broken, and I will strengthen that which was weak, and that which was fat and strong I will preserve: and I will feed them in judgment.

Responsorial Psalm:  Psalm 23 (22):1-3a, 4, 5, 6

R.  The Lord ruleth me: and I shall want nothing.

V.  The Lord ruleth me: and I shall want nothing.

     He hath set me in a place of pasture.

     He hath brought me up, on the water of refreshment:

     He hath converted my soul.

V.  For though I should walk in the midst of the shadow of death,

     I will fear no evils, for thou art with me.

     Thy rod and thy staff,

     they have comforted me.

V.  Thou hast prepared a table before me

     against them that afflict me.

     Thou hast anointed my head with oil;

     and my chalice which inebriateth me, how goodly is it!

V.  And thy mercy will follow me

     all the days of my life.

     And that I may dwell in the house of the Lord

     unto length of days.

Gospel Reading:  Matthew 16:13-19

And Jesus came into the quarters of Caesarea Philippi: and he asked his disciples, saying: Whom do men say that the Son of man is? But they said: Some John the Baptist, and other some Elias, and others Jeremias, or one of the prophets. Jesus saith to them: But whom do you say that I am? Simon Peter answered and said: Thou art Christ, the Son of the living God. And Jesus answering, said to him: Blessed art thou, Simon Bar-Jona: because flesh and blood hath not revealed it to thee, but my Father who is in heaven. And I say to thee: That thou art Peter; and upon this rock I will build my church, and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it. And I will give to thee the keys of the kingdom of heaven. And whatsoever thou shalt bind upon earth, it shall be bound also in heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt loose upon earth, it shall be loosed also in heaven.

The readings from the USCCB can be found here.

DR Squared: The Seventh Day In The Octave Of Christmas

First Reading:  1 John 2:18-21

Little children, it is the last hour; and as you have heard that Antichrist cometh, even now there are become many Antichrists: whereby we know that it is the last hour. They went out from us, but they were not of us. For if they had been of us, they would no doubt have remained with us; but that they may be manifest, that they are not all of us. But you have the unction from the Holy One, and know all things. I have not written to you as to them that know not the truth, but as to them that know it: and that no lie is of the truth.

Responsorial Psalm: 96 (95):11a; V. 1-2a, 11-12, 13

R. Let the heavens rejoice, and let the earth be glad,

V. Sing ye to the Lord a new canticle: sing to the Lord, all the earth.

    Sing ye to the Lord and bless his name: shew forth his salvation from day to day.

V. Let the heavens rejoice, and let the earth be glad, let the sea be moved, and the fulness        thereof:

    The fields and all things that are in them shall be joyful. Then shall all the trees of the          woods rejoice

V. Before the face of the Lord, because he cometh:  because he cometh to judge the earth.

    He shall judge the world with justice, and the people with his truth.

Gospel Reading:  John 1:1-18

In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. The same was in the beginning with God. All things were made by him: and without him was made nothing that was made. In him was life, and the life was the light of men. And the light shineth in darkness, and the darkness did not comprehend it. There was a man sent from God, whose name was John. This man came for a witness, to give testimony of the light, that all men might believe through him. He was not the light, but was to give testimony of the light. That was the true light, which enlighteneth every man that cometh into this world. He was in the world, and the world was made by him, and the world knew him not. He came unto his own, and his own received him not. But as many as received him, he gave them power to be made the sons of God, to them that believe in his name. Who are born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God. And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we saw his glory, the glory as it were of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth. John beareth witness of him, and crieth out, saying: This was he of whom I spoke: He that shall come after me, is preferred before me: because he was before me. And of his fulness we all have received, and grace for grace. For the law was given by Moses; grace and truth came by Jesus Christ. No man hath seen God at any time: the only begotten Son who is in the bosom of the Father, he hath declared him.

The readings from the USCCB can be found here.

DR Squared: The Sixth Day In The Octave Of Christmas

First Reading:  1 John 2:12-17

I write unto you, little children, because your sins are forgiven you for his name's sake. I write unto you, fathers, because you have known him, who is from the beginning. I write unto you, young men, because you have overcome the wicked one. I write unto you, babes, because you have known the Father. I write unto you, young men, because you are strong, and the word of God abideth in you, and you have overcome the wicked one. Love not the world, nor the things which are in the world. If any man love the world, the charity of the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world, is the concupiscence of the flesh, and the concupiscence of the eyes, and the pride of life, which is not of the Father, but is of the world. And the world passeth away, and the concupiscence thereof: but he that doth the will of God, abideth for ever.

Responsorial Psalm:  Psalm 96:11a; V. 7-8a, 8b-9, 10

R. Let the heavens rejoice, and let the earth be glad,

V. Bring ye to the Lord, O ye kindreds of the Gentiles,

    bring ye to the Lord glory and honour:

    Bring to the Lord glory unto his name.

V. Bring up sacrifices, and come into his courts:

    Adore ye the Lord in his holy court.

    Let all the earth be moved at his presence.

V. Say ye among the Gentiles, the Lord hath reigned.

    For he hath corrected the world, which shall not be moved:

    he will judge the people with justice.

Gospel Reading:  Luke 2:36-40

And there was one Anna, a prophetess, the daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Aser; she was far advanced in years, and had lived with her husband seven years from her virginity. And she was a widow until fourscore and four years; who departed not from the temple, by fastings and prayers serving night and day. Now she, at the same hour, coming in, confessed to the Lord; and spoke of him to all that looked for the redemption of Israel. And after they had performed all things according to the law of the Lord, they returned into Galilee, to their city Nazareth. And the child grew, and waxed strong, full of wisdom; and the grace of God was in him.

The readings from the USCCB can be found here. 

DR Squared: Optional Memorial Of Saint Thomas Becket, Bishop And Martyr

First Reading:  2 Timothy 2:8-13; 3:10-12

Be mindful that the Lord Jesus Christ is risen again from the dead, of the seed of David, according to my gospel. Wherein I labour even unto bands, as an evildoer; but the word of God is not bound. Therefore I endure all things for the sake of the elect, that they also may obtain the salvation, which is in Christ Jesus, with heavenly glory. A faithful saying: for if we be dead with him, we shall live also with him. If we suffer, we shall also reign with him. If we deny him, he will also deny us. If we believe not, he continueth faithful, he can not deny himself. But thou hast fully known my doctrine, manner of life, purpose, faith, longsuffering, love, patience, Persecutions, afflictions: such as came upon me at Antioch, at Iconium, and at Lystra: what persecutions I endured, and out of them all the Lord delivered me. And all that will live godly in Christ Jesus, shall suffer persecution.

Responsorial Psalm:  Psalm 34 (33):5; V. 2-3, 4-5, 6-7, 8-9

R.  (A)nd he delivered me from all my troubles.

V.  I will bless the Lord at all times,

     his praise shall be always in my mouth.

     In the Lord shall my soul be praised:

     let the meek hear and rejoice.

V.  O magnify the Lord with me;

     and let us extol his name together.

     I sought the Lord, and he heard me;

     and he delivered me from all my troubles.

V.  Come ye to him and be enlightened:

     and your faces shall not be confounded.

     This poor man cried, and the Lord heard him:

     and saved him out of all his troubles.

V.  The angel of the Lord shall encamp round about them that fear him:

      and shall deliver them.

      O taste, and see that the Lord is sweet:

      blessed is the man that hopeth in him.  

Gospel Reading:  Matthew 16:24-27

Then Jesus said to his disciples: If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me. For he that will save his life, shall lose it: and he that shall lose his life for my sake, shall find it. For what doth it profit a man, if he gain the whole world, and suffer the loss of his own soul? Or what exchange shall a man give for his soul? For the Son of man shall come in the glory of his Father with his angels: and then will he render to every man according to his works.

The readings from the USCCB can be found here.

DR Squared: The Fifth Day In The Octave Of Christmas

First Reading:  1 John 2:3-11

And by this we know that we have known him, if we keep his commandments. He who saith that he knoweth him, and keepeth not his commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him. But he that keepeth his word, in him in very deed the charity of God is perfected; and by this we know that we are in him. He that saith he abideth in him, ought himself also to walk, even as he walked. Dearly beloved, I write not a new commandment to you, but an old commandment which you had from the beginning. The old commandment is the word which you have heard. Again a new commandment I write unto you, which thing is true both in him and in you; because the darkness is passed, and the true light now shineth. He that saith he is in the light, and hateth his brother, is in darkness even until now. He that loveth his brother, abideth in the light, and there is no scandal in him. But he that hateth his brother, is in darkness, and walketh in darkness, and knoweth not whither he goeth; because the darkness hath blinded his eyes.

Responsorial Psalm:  Psalm 96 (95):11a; V. 1-2a, 2b-3, 5b-6

R.  Let the heavens rejoice, and let the earth be glad,

V.  Sing ye to the Lord a new canticle:

     sing to the Lord, all the earth.

     Sing ye to the Lord and bless his name:

V.  (S)hew forth his salvation from day to day.

     Declare his glory among the Gentiles:

     his wonders among all people.

V.  (B)ut the Lord made the heavens.

     Praise and beauty are before him:

     holiness and majesty in his sanctuary.

Gospel Reading:  Luke 2:22-35

And after the days of her purification, according to the law of Moses, were accomplished, they carried him to Jerusalem, to present him to the Lord:  As it is written in the law of the Lord: Every male opening the womb shall be called holy to the Lord:  And to offer a sacrifice, according as it is written in the law of the Lord, a pair of turtledoves, or two young pigeons:  And behold there was a man in Jerusalem named Simeon, and this man was just and devout, waiting for the consolation of Israel; and the Holy Ghost was in him. And he had received an answer from the Holy Ghost, that he should not see death, before he had seen the Christ of the Lord. And he came by the Spirit into the temple. And when his parents brought in the child Jesus, to do for him according to the custom of the law, He also took him into his arms, and blessed God, and said:  Now thou dost dismiss thy servant, O Lord, according to thy word in peace; Because my eyes have seen thy salvation, Which thou hast prepared before the face of all peoples:  A light to the revelation of the Gentiles, and the glory of thy people Israel. And his father and mother were wondering at those things which were spoken concerning him. And Simeon blessed them, and said to Mary his mother: Behold this child is set for the fall, and for the resurrection of many in Israel, and for a sign which shall be contradicted; And thy own soul a sword shall pierce, that, out of many hearts, thoughts may be revealed.

The readings from the USCCB can be found here.

DR Squared: Feast Of The Holy Family Of Jesus, Mary, And Joseph (Year A)

First Reading:  Sirach 3:2-6, 12-14

Children, hear the judgment of your father, and so do that you may be saved. For God hath made the father honourable to the children: and seeking the judgment of the mothers, hath confirmed it upon the children. He that loveth God, shall obtain pardon for his sins by prayer, and shall refrain himself from them, and shall be heard in the prayer of days. And he that honoureth his mother is as one that layeth up a treasure. He that honoureth his father shall have joy in his own children, and in the day of his prayer he shall be heard. Glory not in the dishonour of thy father: for his shame is no glory to thee. For the glory of a man is from the honour of his father, and a father without honour is the disgrace of the son. Son, support the old age of thy father, and grieve him not in his life;

Responsorial Psalm:  Psalm 128 (127):1; V. 1-2, 3, 4-5

R.  Blessed are all they that fear the Lord: that walk in his ways.

V.  Blessed are all they that fear the Lord:

     that walk in his ways.

     For thou shalt eat the labours of thy hands:

     blessed art thou, and it shall be well with thee.

V.  Thy wife as a fruitful vine,

     on the sides of thy house.

     Thy children as olive plants,

     round about thy table.

V.  Behold, thus shall the man be blessed

     that feareth the Lord.

     May the Lord bless thee out of Sion:

     and mayest thou see the good things of Jerusalem

     all the days of thy life.

Second Reading:  Colossians 3:12-21 or 3:12-17

Put ye on therefore, as the elect of God, holy, and beloved, the bowels of mercy, benignity, humility, modesty, patience:  Bearing with one another, and forgiving one another, if any have a complaint against another: even as the Lord hath forgiven you, so do you also. But above all these things have charity, which is the bond of perfection:  And let the peace of Christ rejoice in your hearts, wherein also you are called in one body: and be ye thankful. Let the word of Christ dwell in you abundantly, in all wisdom: teaching and admonishing one another in psalms, hymns, and spiritual canticles, singing in grace in your hearts to God. All whatsoever you do in word or in work, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, giving thanks to God and the Father by him. Wives, be subject to your husbands, as it behoveth in the Lord. Husbands, love your wives, and be not bitter towards them. Children, obey your parents in all things: for this is well pleasing to the Lord. Fathers, provoke not your children to indignation, lest they be discouraged.

Gospel Reading:  Matthew 2:13-15, 19-23

And after they were departed, behold an angel of the Lord appeared in sleep to Joseph, saying: Arise, and take the child and his mother, and fly into Egypt: and be there until I shall tell thee. For it will come to pass that Herod will seek the child to destroy him. Who arose, and took the child and his mother by night, and retired into Egypt: and he was there until the death of Herod:  That it might be fulfilled which the Lord spoke by the prophet, saying: Out of Egypt have I called my son. But when Herod was dead, behold an angel of the Lord appeared in sleep to Joseph in Egypt, Saying: Arise, and take the child and his mother, and go into the land of Israel. For they are dead that sought the life of the child. Who arose, and took the child and his mother, and came into the land of Israel. But hearing that Archelaus reigned in Judea in the room of Herod his father, he was afraid to go thither: and being warned in sleep retired into the quarters of Galilee. And coming he dwelt in a city called Nazareth: that it might be fulfilled which was said by prophets: That he shall be called a Nazarene.

The readings from the USCCB can be found here.

DR Squared: Feast Of Saint John, Apostle And Evangelist

First Reading:  1 John 1:1-4

That which was from the beginning, which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes, which we have looked upon, and our hands have handled, of the word of life:  For the life was manifested; and we have seen and do bear witness, and declare unto you the life eternal, which was with the Father, and hath appeared to us:  That which we have seen and have heard, we declare unto you, that you also may have fellowship with us, and our fellowship may be with the Father, and with his Son Jesus Christ. And these things we write to you, that you may rejoice, and your joy may be full.

Responsorial Psalm:  Psalm 97 (96):12a; V. 1-2, 5-6, 11-12

R. Rejoice, ye just, in the Lord:

V. The Lord hath reigned, let the earth rejoice: let many islands be glad.

    Clouds and darkness are round about him: justice and judgment are the establishment of          his throne.

V. The mountains melted like wax, at the presence of the Lord: at the presence of the Lord of       all the earth.

     The heavens declared his justice: and all people saw his glory.

V. Light is risen to the just, and joy to the right of heart.

    Rejoice, ye just, in the Lord: and give praise to the remembrance of his holiness.

Gospel Reading: John 20:1a and 2-8

And on the first day of the week, (s)he ran, therefore, and cometh to Simon Peter, and to the other disciple whom Jesus loved, and saith to them: They have taken away the Lord out of the sepulchre, and we know not where they have laid him. Peter therefore went out, and that other disciple, and they came to the sepulchre. And they both ran together, and that other disciple did outrun Peter, and came first to the sepulchre. And when he stooped down, he saw the linen cloths lying; but yet he went not in. Then cometh Simon Peter, following him, and went into the sepulchre, and saw the linen cloths lying,  And the napkin that had been about his head, not lying with the linen cloths, but apart, wrapped up into one place. Then that other disciple also went in, who came first to the sepulchre: and he saw, and believed.

The readings from the USCCB can be found here.

DR Squared: Feast Of Saint Stephen, First Martyr

First Reading: Acts 6:8-10; 7:54-58

And Stephen, full of grace and fortitude, did great wonders and signs among the people. Now there arose some of that which is called the synagogue of the Libertines, and of the Cyrenians, and of the Alexandrians, and of them that were of Cilicia and Asia, disputing with Stephen. And they were not able to resist the wisdom and the spirit that spoke. Now hearing these things, they were cut to the heart, and they gnashed with their teeth at him. But he, being full of the Holy Ghost, looking up steadfastly to heaven, saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing on the right hand of God. And he said: Behold, I see the heavens opened, and the Son of man standing on the right hand of God. And they crying out with a loud voice, stopped their ears, and with one accord ran violently upon him. And casting him forth without the city, they stoned him; and the witnesses laid down their garments at the feet of a young man, whose name was Saul. And they stoned Stephen, invoking, and saying: Lord Jesus, receive my spirit.

Responsorial Psalm:  Psalm 31 (30):6a; V. 3cd-4, 6 and 8ab, 16bc and 17

R. Into thy hands I commend my spirit:

V. Be thou unto me a God, a protector, and a house of refuge, to save me.

    For thou art my strength and my refuge; and for thy name's sake thou wilt lead me, and        nourish me.

V. Into thy hands I commend my spirit: thou hast redeemed me, O Lord, the God of truth.

    I will be glad and rejoice in thy mercy.

V. Deliver me out of the hands of my enemies; and from them that persecute me.

    Make thy face to shine upon thy servant; save me in thy mercy.

Gospel Reading:  Matthew 10:17-22

But beware of men. For they will deliver you up in councils, and they will scourge you in their synagogues. And you shall be brought before governors, and before kings for my sake, for a testimony to them and to the Gentiles:  But when they shall deliver you up, take no thought how or what to speak: for it shall be given you in that hour what to speak. For it is not you that speak, but the Spirit of your Father that speaketh in you. The brother also shall deliver up the brother to death, and the father the son: and the children shall rise up against their parents, and shall put them to death. And you shall be hated by all men for my name's sake: but he that shall persevere unto the end, he shall be saved.

The readings from the USCCB can be found here. 

Prayer Before The Creche

Oh, dearest little Child,
I come before You tonight
As You first came before the world
So long ago and so far away.

You came to bring "Peace on Earth, Good Will toward Men."
You came to be "The Way, the Truth, and the Light."
You came "So men might have Life
And have it to the fullest."

I come before you tonight in homage;
But I am not like the Magi,
Nor am I like one of the shepherds
That first came to see You.

I am nothing without You
And little more when You are near.
For I am a servant not good enough
For a Master such as You.

I come not bearing gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh,
But, instead, bring something to You
That You first gave to the world,
And now I wish to return.

I give to You tonight, as You have given to me,
The strength, the courage, the wisdom, the peace,
The faith, the hope, and most importantly,
The love You have shown to all mankind.

I give You myself tonight; the best gift I could.

(Copyright 1981 by the owner of this 'blog.)

**********

Originally posted 12/25/2005.

Re-posted 12/25/2009.

2025 Christmas Card

May the Christ Child bring you and abundance of peace, joy, hope, and love. May the Infant Jesus give you blessings upon blessings. May the Word made Flesh bestow upon you grace and truth beyond measure.

Merry Christmas, Everybody!