Four Full Weeks, Again

Well, what do you know?

For the first time in six years, Christmas falls on a Sunday. And because of three Leap Days, it will not happen again until 2033.

We have a full twenty-eight days of Advent this time around.

How will you "prepare the way of the Lord" so when that last Sunday of December comes you are ready to "see the salvation of our God"?

There is never anything wrong with the tried and true. Daily Mass (if you don't already), extra prayers, more Bible reading, adding spiritual reading, the Sacrament of Penance, some Corporal Work of Mercy--all these still can help you prepare spiritually as you prepare materially. And unlike the innkeeper mentioned in the Gospel of St. Luke, you can reserve a space in your schedule for some of this.

It is all about focus. It is about going to a quiet place away from the hustle and bustle of the season. It is about being still and coming to know more about God. It is about looking east instead of north.

The whole world waited since the fall of Adam for the Savior to arrive. The Blessed Virgin Mary waited for nine months. Compared to those, this is a short vigil.

Prepare your Advent wreath to once again mark the time.

This year, you will get more use out of the last purple candle.

"Maranatha."

2022 Thanksgiving Day Card

May you truly be thankful for all the blessings you have received. May today be fill with gladness and fellowship. May you praise and thank God for all His graces and favors.

Happy Thanksgiving, Everybody!

This Musical Maiden

Today's Collect/Opening Prayer:

O God, who gladden us each year with the feast day of your handmaid Saint Cecilia, grant, we pray, that what has been devoutly handed down concerning her may offer us examples to imitate and proclaim the wonders worked in his servants by Christ your Son. Who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God, for ever and ever.

A 'blog post from the Catholic Truth Society gives more detail about her.

St. Cecilia, patroness of musicians. pray for us.

Flowery Symbol

In Flanders Fields, the poppies blow

Between the crosses, row on row,

That mark our place; and in the sky

The larks, still bravely singing, fly

Scarce heard amid the guns below.

We are the dead. Short days ago

We lived, felt dawn, saw sunset glow,

Loved and were loved, and now we lie,

In Flanders fields.

Take up our quarrel with the foe:

To you from failing hands we throw

The torch; be yours to hold it high.

If ye break faith with us who die

We shall not sleep, though poppies grow

In Flanders fields.

In Flanders Fields (1915)

John McCrea (1872-1918)

PM: Special Edition--Feast Of The Dedication Of The Lateran Basilica

Here is another one of those feasts which would supercede the Sunday of Ordinary Time if today's date would fall on the first day of the week. It is officially the cathedral for the Bishop of Rome. This church honors two St. Johns--the Baptist and the Evangelist. 

God is in his holy place, God who unites those who dwell in his house; he himself gives might and strength to his people. 

V. Let God arise, and let his enemies be scattered; and let those who hate him flee before his face.

Ps. 67:6, 7, 36; V. 2

This is also the Introit for the Seventeenth Sunday of Ordinary Time. While God is everywhere, He is especially present in His sacred buildings, where He provides for His people.

I rejoiced when it was said unto me, "Let us go to the house of the Lord!" 

V. Let peace reign within your walls, and abundance in your towers.

Ps. 121:1; V. 7

This is also the Gradual for the Twenty-Fourth Sunday of Ordinary Time. Our hearts should be glad when we go to meet Him where He is, as He is. 

The house of the Lord is solidly built upon a firm rock.

A rare non-biblical Proper, this Alleluia displays the unity of the People of God with the Supreme Pontiff. "Where Peter is, there is the Church."

O Lord God, in the simplicity of my heart I have joyfully offered all things: and I have beheld with immense joy your people gathered here. God of Israel, preserve this good intention, O Lord God.

1 Chron. 29:17, 18

What a sincere request during the Offertory. Reminds one of the request Solomon had before he became king, when he asked for wisdom. 

Jerusalem is built as a city bonded as one together. It is there that the tribes go up, the tribes of the Lord, to praise the name of the Lord.

Psalm 121:3-4

This is used at Communion on the Fourth Sunday of Lent when the Gospel is not either the Man Born Blind or the Prodigal Son. Again the unity of those who make up the visible Church and their primary duty is presented.

Omnium urbis et orbis ecclesiarum mater et caput.

Of all the churches in the city and the world, the mother and head.

November 2022 Morning Offering Prayer Intention

Here is the intention for this month when prayer the Morning Offering:

For children who suffer. We pray for children who are suffering, especially those who are homeless, orphans, and victims of war; may they be guaranteed access to education and the opportunity to experience family affection.

A reflection for this intention is found here.