Once again, another Holy Day of Obligation falls on a weekday. Like Mary, we have much to ponder and keep in our heart.
Hail holy Mother, the Child-Bearer who has brought forth the
King, the ruler of heaven and earth for ever.
V. My heart
overflows with a goodly theme; I address my works to the King.
Sedulius; Ps. 44: 2, 11, 12
One of two Introits for this day, this comes from a poet of the early 5th. Century. It addresses the concept of "theotokis", which again leads us to the Christ Child. To Jesus through Mary.
Radiant light will shine upon us today, for the Lord is born unto
us. He shall be called Wonderful God, Prince of Peace, Father of
the world to come. His reign shall have no end.
V. The Lord
reigns, he is enrobed with majesty; the Lord is clothed with
strength, he has girded himself.
Cf. Isaiah 9:2, 6; Luke 1:33; Ps. 92
The other Introit is also used at the Christmas Mass at Dawn. Recalling the First Reading from the Christmas Mass During the Night and the Annunciation, we are reminded we are still celebrating the birth of Jesus.
Grace is poured out upon your lips; therefore has God blessed
you for ever.
V. For the cause of truth and goodness and
righteousness, your right hand shall lead you wonderfully.
Ps. 44:3; V. 5
The Gradual is another instance of recalling the Annunciation. It is also a precursor to the Magnificat, where she who is "full of grace" cannot help but issue it from her mouth before she ushered Him into the world.
After giving birth you remained a virgin untainted; O Mother
of God, intercede for us.
One of two Alleluia verses, here is another instance of a non-Scripture based Proper. Again her proper role of intercessor is emphasized.
On many occasions in the past, God spoke through the
prophets; at long last, in these present days, he has spoken to us
through his Son.
Heb. 1:1, 2
The other Alleluia verse is the beginning of the Second Reading of the Christmas Mass During the Day. His prophets only echoed the Word; now "the Word was made flesh and dwelt among us".
Blessed are you, a holy Virgin Mary, and worthy of all praise;
for from you has come forth the sun of justice, Christ our God.
Once again, this Offertory is another non-Scripture based Proper. The idea of "theotokis" is emphasized again.
Exult, O daughter of Zion, sing praises, O daughter of
Jerusalem; behold, your King is coming, the Holy One, the
Saviour of the world.
Zech. 9:9
This Communion is also used at the Christmas Mass at Dawn. As we prepare to receive our King in His Real Presence, our souls can do nothing but proclaim His coming.
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