Time Out; Time In

The clock has reached the appointed hour. An old year exits; a new year enters. We celebrate what has been and hope for what is to come. We toast this moment with the familiar words of the Scottish poet Robert Burns:

Should auld acquaintance be forgot,

And never brought to mind?

Should auld acquaintance be forgot,

And auld lang syne?

For auld lang syne, my dear,

For auld lang syne,

We'll tak a cup o' kindness yet,

For auld lang syne.

And surely ye'll be your pint-stowp,

And surely I'll be mine!

And we'll tak a cup o' kindness yet,

For auld lang syne.

For auld lang syne, my dear,

For auld lang syne,

We'll tak a cup o' kindness yet,

For auld lang syne.

We twa hae run about the braes,

And pu'd the gowans fine;

But we've wandered mony a weary fit

Sin' auld lang syne.

For auld lang syne, my dear,

For auld lang syne,

We'll tak a cup o' kindness yet,

For auld lang syne.

We twa hae paidled i' the burn,

Frae morning sun till dine;

But seas between us braid hae roared

Sin' auld lang syne.

For auld lang syne, my dear,

For auld lang syne,

We'll tak a cup o' kindness yet,

For auld lang syne.

And there's a hand, my trusty fiere,

And gie's a hand o' thine!

And we'll tak a right guid-willie waught

For auld lang syne.

For auld lang syne, my dear,

For auld lang syne, 

We'll tak a cup o' kindness yet,

For auld lang syne.

May God bless you and keep you in 2025. May His face shine upon you and be gracious to you in the coming days and weeks. May you experience His kindness and peace the next 12 months. 

Happy New Year, Everybody!

The Best New Year's Hymn

New Advent provides the background to this hymn.

The website FishEaters.com provided the Latin and English.

From The Handbook of Indulgences:

A partial indulgence is granted the Christian faithful who recite the hymn, Te Deum, as an act of thanksgiving.  The indulgence will be a plenary one if this hymn is publicly recited on the last day of the year.

**********

Te Deum laudamus: te Dominum confitemur.
Te aeternum Patrem omnis terra veneratur.
Tibi omnes Angeli; tibi Caeli et universae Potestates;
Tibi Cherubim et Seraphim incessabili voce proclamant:
Sanctus, Sanctus, Sanctus, Dominus Deus Sabaoth.
Pleni sunt caeli et terra maiestatis gloriae tuae.
Te gloriosus Apostolorum chorus,
Te Prophetarum laudabilis numerus,
Te Martyrum candidatus laudat exercitus.
Te per orbem terrarum sancta confitetur Ecclesia,
Patrem immensae maiestatis:
Venerandum tuum verum et unicum Filium;
Sanctum quoque Paraclitum Spiritum.
Tu Rex gloriae, Christe.
Tu Patris sempiternus es Filius.
Tu ad liberandum suscepturus hominem, non horruisti Virginis uterum.
Tu, devicto mortis aculeo, aperuisti credentibus regna caelorum.
Tu ad dexteram Dei sedes, in gloria Patris.
Iudex crederis esse venturus.
Te ergo quaesumus, tuis famulis subveni: quos pretioso sanguine redemisti.
Aeterna fac cum sanctis tuis in gloria numerari.
Salvum fac populum tuum, Domine, et benedic hereditati tuae!
Et rege eos, et extolle illos usque in aeternum.
Per singulos dies benedicimus te.
Et laudamus nomen tuum in saeculum, et in saeculum saeculi.
Dignare, Domine, die isto sine peccato nos custodire.
Miserere nostri, Domine, miserere nostri.
Fiat misericordia tua, Domine, super nos, quemadmodum speravimus in te.
In te, Domine, speravi: non confundar in aeternum.

V. Benedictus es, Domine, Deus patrum nostrorum.
R. Et laudabilis, et gloriosus in saecula.
V. Benedicamus Patrem et Filium, cum Santo Spiritu.
R. Laudemus et superexaltemus eum in saecula.

++++++++++

O God, we praise Thee: we acknowledge Thee to be the Lord.
Thee, the Father, all the earth doth worship.
To Thee all the Angels, the Heavens and all the Powers,
To Thee the Cherubim and Seraphim cry out without ceasing:
Holy, Holy, Holy, Lord God of Hosts!
Full are the Heavens and the earth of the majesty of Thy glory.
The glorious choir of the Apostles praises Thee,
The admirable company of Prophets praises Thee,
The white-robed army of Martyrs, praise Thee.
Thee, the Holy Church throughout the world doth confess:
The Father of infinite Majesty;
Thy adorable, true and only Son;
Also the Holy Ghost, the Comforter.
Thou, O Christ, are the King of glory!
Thou art the everlasting Son of the Father.
Thou, having taken it upon Thyself to deliver man, didst not disdain the Virgin's womb.
Thou, having overcome the sting of death, hast opened to believers the Kingdom of Heaven.
Thou sittest at the right hand of God, in the glory of the Father.
Thou, we believe, art the Judge to come.
We beseech Thee, therefore, to help Thy servants whom Thou hast redeemed with Thy Precious Blood.
Make them to be numbered with Thy Saints in everlasting glory.
O Lord, save Thy people, and bless Thine inheritance!
And govern them, and exalt them forever.
Day by day we bless Thee
And we praise Thy Name forever: yea, forever and ever.
Vouchsafe, O Lord, this day to keep us without sin.
Have mercy on us, O Lord, have mercy on us.
Let Thy mercy, O Lord, be upon us, for we have trusted in Thee.
O Lord, in Thee I have trusted; let me not be confounded forever.

V. Blessed art Thou, O Lord, the God of our fathers.
R. And worthy to be praised and glorified for ever.
V. Let us bless the Father and the Son, with the Holy Ghost.
R. Let us praise and magnify Him for ever.

**********

Originally posted 12/31/2011.
Re-posted 12/31/2012.
Re-posted 12/31/2013.
Re-posted 12/31/2014.
Re-posted 12/31/2015.
Re-posted 12/31/2016.
Re-posted 12/31/2017.
Re-posted 12/31/2018.

Re-posted 12/31/2019.

Re-posted 12/31/2020.

Re-posted 12/31/2021.

Re-posted 12/31/2022.

Re-posted 12/31/2023.

Getting On My Feet

"Go Forward. Be Bold."

"Reclaim me."

"Amen."

They were the final words of my personal year-end review last year. As of today, while the pain of what happened in 2023 is still there (and probably will haunt me for the rest of my life), 2024 has done much to reduce it. God has lead me to restful waters and is refreshing my body as well as my soul. The past twelve months have been a time of adjustment and revival, probing and questioning, dreaming and hoping.

It is time for me to put a bow on 2024. This year's review won't be as lengthy or detailed as last year. But it will highlight some of the things I have done to make the first three sentences more of a reality.

Solid Footing

The stability of shelter and employment put an end to the stress which cause me to lose, when it was all said and done, 50 pounds of weight (I am now between 175 and 180 pounds). The three inches off my waistline is also still a feature of a more svelte figure.  The challenge is now to maintain this weight, moderate my appetite, and adopt a more healthy diet. One of the benefits my employer has are registered dieticians available for consultation. It is time to set an appointment with the person assigned to my store.

While I am figuratively working to get back on my feet, I am also literally as well. Foot callouses, causing me a great deal of pain, finally forced me to see a podiatrist in June. Not only do I have that problem, I also have a bunion. A prescription strength topical cream, new shoes with a cloth-based upper, and a set of orthotics have been part of my daily routine. Progress has been made in alleviating this issue.

What's In My Wallet

I have often made the comment regarding my financial acumen that I have done so much with so little for so long I can do anything with nothing forever. Obviously, the greatest blessing I have received is a steady, consistent stream of income from my current occupation. Along with now being a substitute crossing guard and the summer work at the amusement park (where I completed my tenth year there),  2024 will be year where I have earned the most money ever in my life. (In regards to that statement, I have no one to blame but myself for being in that state. While the poor we will have always, I have no excuses for being broke.)

I have a different set of priorities now in terms of stewardship. I can easily meet my expenses, including now being able to consistently support my parish in a small manner. I can now focus on settling debts, repaying people for the acts of financial kindness they have shown me throughout my life. I know who they are and what amount I owe. It is my take on what St. Paul wrote to the Roman (cf. 13:7-8).

Psyche Repair

Am I a bruised reed or a smoldering wick?

Yes.

As I wrote last year:

But it is my inner being which has been shaken to its very core. My psyche feels battered, bruised, bloodied, broken. All types of doubts and fears seem to be haunting me even more than usual, even as I start to dream again. The trauma of the past twelve months has made me ask if I need mental health therapy. While prayer will be the cornerstone, I wonder if counseling wouldn't be a worthwhile idea.

Yes.

A business card I found in the vestibule of the church in March has led me to someone who I am now seeing. We meet on average of about once a month, with the strong encouragement to journal between sessions. We are delving into issues of self-esteem and confidence I have needed to explore for a long time; what happened to me in 2023 only opened those wounds again. A solid foundation has been and is being established; I am gently but firmly being challenged to confront those fears I have. What is also helpful is we can also use the commonality of our Catholic faith, to bring God even more into this process.

To be continued--the counseling and the healing.

An Update

How is Catherine Garcia doing?

Glad you asked.

Unfortunately, her progress has taken a somewhat serious downward turn. While her tumor is still in remission, she began to have issues with her balance and strength, resulting in falling more. She was struggling to care for herself and maintain some semblance of independence. She was moved into a long-term care facility in May, where she currently resides. I visit her once a week and note there has been some improvement, but not nearly enough to allow her back home. She is still determined, however, to overcome this setback as well.

And, yes, I still pray for her complete recovery.

A Work In Progress

Growth only happens with change; yet, change does not represent growth. There are things in my life which have noticeably improved for the better and others for which the needle has barely moved. Metanoia is a process, whether it be spiritual or in other aspects of life.

The best barometer I have of how well I am doing is my posture, something I have struggled with all my life. I have somewhat rounded shoulders and have my weight balanced more over the balls of my feet rather than my heels. This is my baseline. If I am physically or psychologically stressed, the slouch is more pronounced, as if I am trying to hide. If I am conscious of this state of presenting myself, whether neutral or negative, I work at fighting back by standing taller; it is also the same if I have a sense of wholeness. That needs to become natural and normal. 

I have taken a few small steps; I have "miles to go". Hopefully I get there "before I sleep". 

God is not finished with me, yet.

And neither am I.

More of the same for next year; only, and always, getting better.

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: Feast Of The Holy Family Of Jesus, Mary, And Joseph

First Reading:  Sirach 3:2-6, 12-14 or 1 Samuel 1:20-22, 24-28

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;

++++++++++

And it came to pass when the time was come about, Anna conceived and bore a son, and called his name Samuel: because she had asked him of the Lord.  And Elcana her husband went up, and all his house, to offer to the Lord the solemn sacrifice, and his vow. But Anna went not up: for she said to her husband: I will not go till the child be weaned, and till I may carry him, that he may appear before the Lord, and may abide always there.And after she had weaned him, she carried him with her, with three calves, and three bushels of flour, and a bottle of wine, and she brought him to the house of the Lord in Silo. Now the child was as yet very young:   And they immolated a calf, and offered the child to Heli. And Anna said: I beseech thee, my lord, as thy soul liveth, my lord: I am that woman who stood before thee here praying to the Lord. For this child did I pray, and the Lord hath granted me my petition, which I asked of him. Therefore I also have lent him to the Lord all the days of his life, he shall be lent to the Lord. 

Responsorial Psalm:  Psalm 128 (127):1; V. 1-2, 3, 4-5 or Psalm 84 (83):5a: V. 2-3, 5-6, 9-10.

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.

++++++++++

R.  Blessed are they that dwell in thy house, O Lord:

V. How lovely are thy tabernacles, O Lord of hosts!

    My soul longeth and fainteth for the courts of the Lord.

    My heart and my flesh have rejoiced in the living God.

V. Blessed are they that dwell in thy house, O Lord: they shall praise thee for ever and ever.

    Blessed is the man whose help is from thee: in his heart he hath disposed to ascend by          steps,

V. O Lord God of hosts, hear my prayer: give ear, O God of Jacob.

    Behold, O God our protector: and look on the face of thy Christ.  

Second Reading:  Colossians 3:12-21 or 3:12-17 or 1 John 3:1-2, 21-24

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.

++++++++++

Behold what manner of charity the Father hath bestowed upon us, that we should be called, and should be the sons of God. Therefore the world knoweth not us, because it knew not him. Dearly beloved, we are now the sons of God; and it hath not yet appeared what we shall be. We know, that, when he shall appear, we shall be like to him: because we shall see him as he is. Dearly beloved, if our heart do not reprehend us, we have confidence towards God:  And whatsoever we shall ask, we shall receive of him: because we keep his commandments, and do those things which are pleasing in his sight. And this is his commandment, that we should believe in the name of his Son Jesus Christ: and love one another, as he hath given commandment unto us. And he that keepeth his commandments, abideth in him, and he in him. And in this we know that he abideth in us, by the Spirit which he hath given us. 

Gospel Reading:  Luke 2:41-52

And his parents went every year to Jerusalem, at the solemn day of the pasch, And when he was twelve years old, they going up into Jerusalem, according to the custom of the feast, And having fulfilled the days, when they returned, the child Jesus remained in Jerusalem; and his parents knew it not. And thinking that he was in the company, they came a day's journey, and sought him among their kinsfolks and acquaintance. And not finding him, they returned into Jerusalem, seeking him. And it came to pass, that, after three days, they found him in the temple, sitting in the midst of the doctors, hearing them, and asking them questions. And all that heard him were astonished at his wisdom and his answers. And seeing him, they wondered. And his mother said to him: Son, why hast thou done so to us? behold thy father and I have sought thee sorrowing. And he said to them: How is it that you sought me? did you not know, that I must be about my father's business? And they understood not the word that he spoke unto them. And he went down with them, and came to Nazareth, and was subject to them. And his mother kept all these words in her heart. And Jesus advanced in wisdom, and age, and grace with God and men.

The readings from the USCCB can be found here. 

DR Squared: Feast Of The Holy Innocents, Martyrs

First Reading:  1 John 1:5—2:2

And this is the declaration which we have heard from him, and declare unto you: That God is light, and in him there is no darkness. If we say that we have fellowship with him, and walk in darkness, we lie, and do not the truth. But if we walk in the light, as he also is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin. If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just, to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all iniquity. If we say that we have not sinned, we make him a liar, and his word is not in us. My little children, these things I write to you, that you may not sin. But if any man sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the just:  And he is the propitiation for our sins: and not for ours only, but also for those of the whole world. 

Responsorial Psalm:  Ps 124 (123):7ab; V. 2-3, 4-5, 7cd-8

R. Our soul hath been delivered as a sparrow out of the snare of the fowlers.

V. If it had not been that the Lord was with us, When men rose up against us,

    Perhaps they had swallowed us up alive. When their fury was enkindled against us,

V. Perhaps the waters had swallowed us up. Our soul hath passed through a torrent:

    perhaps our soul had passed through a water insupportable.

V. The snare is broken, and we are delivered.

    Our help is in the name of the Lord, who made heaven and earth.

Gospel Reading:  Matthew 2:13-18

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. Then Herod perceiving that he was deluded by the wise men, was exceeding angry; and sending killed all the men children that were in Bethlehem, and in all the borders thereof, from two years old and under, according to the time which he had diligently inquired of the wise men. Then was fulfilled that which was spoken by Jeremias the prophet, saying:  A voice in Rama was heard, lamentation and great mourning; Rachel bewailing her children, and would not be comforted, because they are not.

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. 

2024 Christmas Card

May your celebration of the Incarnation be filled with joy and love. May the Infant Jesus bless you with an abundance of grace and peace. May the Christ Child bestow upon you the gifts of the Spirit.

Merry Christmas, Everybody!

Proclamation Of The Birth Of Christ

Anno a creatione mundi, quando in principio Deus creavit coelum et terram, quinquies millesimo centesimo nonagesimo nono:
A diluvio vero, anno bis millesimo nongentesimo quinquagesimo septimo:
A nativitate Abrahae, anno bis millesimo quintodecimo:
A Moyse et egressu populi Israel de Aegypto, anno millesimo quingentesimo decimo:
Ab unctione David in regem, anno millesimo trigesimo secundo:
Hebdomoda sexagesima quinta juxta Danielis prophetiam:
Olympiade centesima nongentesima quarta:
Ab urbe Roma condita, anno septingentesimo quinquagesimo secundo:
Anno imperii Octaviani Augusti quadragesimo secundo:
Toto urbe in pace composito:
Sexta mundi aetate:
Jesus Christus aeternus Deus, aeternique Patris Filius, mundum volens adventu suo piisimo consecrare, de Spiritu Sancto conceptus, novemque post conceptionem decursus mensibus, in Bethlehem Judae nascitur ex Maria Virgine factus homo:
NATIVITAS DOMINI NOSTRI JESU CHRISTI SECUNDUM CARNEM!

++++++++++

The year from the creation of the world, when in the beginning God created heaven and earth, five thousand one hundred and ninety-nine:
From the deluge, the year two thousand nine hundred and fifty-seven:
From the birth of Abraham, the year two thousand and fifteen:
From Moses and the going out of the people of Israel from Egypt, the year one thousand five hundred and ten:
From David's being anointed king, the year one thousand and thirty-two:
In the sixty-fifth week according to the prophecy of Daniel:
In the one hundred and ninety-fourth Olympiad:
From the building of the city of Rome, the year seven hundred and fifty-two:
In the forty-second year of the reign of Octavian Augustus:
The whole world being in peace:
In the sixth age of the world:
Jesus Christ, the eternal God, and Son of the eternal Father, wishing to consecrate this world by his most merciful coming, being conceived of the Holy Ghost, and nine months since his conception having passed, In Bethlehem of Juda is born of the Virgin Mary, being made Man:
THE NATIVITY OF OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST ACCORDING TO THE FLESH!

++++++++++

The grace of God has appeared, saving all and training us to reject godless ways and worldly desires and to live temperately, justly, and devoutly in this age, as we await the blessed hope, the appearance of the glory of our great God and savior Jesus Christ, who gave himself for us to deliver us from all lawlessness and to cleanse for himself a people as his own, eager to do what is good. 

When the kindness and generous love of God our savior appeared, not because of any righteous deeds we had done but because of his mercy, He saved us through the bath of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit, whom he richly poured out on us through Jesus Christ our savior, so that we might be justified by his grace and become heirs in hope of eternal life.

Titus 2:11-14; 3:4-7

**********

NOTES:
Originally posted as "Behold, I Bring You Good News"; 12/24/2005.
Linked in "Repeat The Sounding Joy"; 12/24/2006.
Re-posted 12/24/2007.
Re-posted 12/25/2008.
Re-posted 12/24/2009.
Re-posted 12/24/2010.
Re-posted 12/24/2011.
Re-posted 12/24/2012.
Re-posted 12/24/2013.
Re-posted 12/24/2014.
Re-posted 12/24/2015.
Re-posted 12/24/2016.
Re-posted 12/24/2017.
Re-posted 12/24/2018.

Re-posted 12/24/2019.

Re-posted 12/24/2020.

Re-posted 12/24/2021.

Re-posted 12/24/2022.

Re-posted 12/24/2023.

2024 Christmas Eve Reflection

The Gospel Reading from the Nativity of the Lord--Mass During The Day:

In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.

He was in the beginning with God.

All things came to be through him, and without him nothing came to be.

What came to be through him was life, and this life was the light of the human race; the light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.

A man named John was sent from God.

He came for testimony, to testify to the light, so that all might believe through him.

He was not the light, but came to testify to the light.

The true light, which enlightens everyone, was coming into the world.

He was in the world, and the world came to be through him, but the world did not know him.

He came to what was his own, but his own people did not accept him.

But to those who did accept him he gave power to become children of God, to those who believe in his name, who were born not by natural generation nor by human choice nor by a man’s decision but of God.

    

And the Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us, and we saw his glory, the glory as of the Father’s only Son, full of grace and truth.

John testified to him and cried out, saying, “This was he of whom I said, 

‘The one who is coming after me ranks ahead of me because he existed before me.’”

From his fullness we have all received, grace in place of grace, because while the law was given through Moses, grace and truth came through Jesus Christ.

No one has ever seen God.

The only Son, God, who is at the Father’s side, has revealed him.

Of all the verses in the Bible, these may be, in my very humble opinion, the most important. This is what is known as The Last Gospel, proclaimed after the dismissal in the Extraordinary Form of the Mass. This is the culmination of all the readings proclaimed in the four Masses celebrated this day.

We acknowledge this with our very being, body and soul. We genuflect on this day (and also on the Solemnity of the Annunciation; this is a departure from the Extraordinary Form where it is done at any Mass when it is recited) when in the Nicene Creed we recite the corollary verse I have placed in boldface type and highlighted in red:  (A)nd by the Holy Spirit was incarnate of the Virgin Mary, and became man. We also genuflect when we encounter these words in the Angelus.

The mystery of the Incarnation. God becoming human. The second Person of the Blessed Trinity taking on the form of a slave. The Creator visibly taking His place among His creation. This will be the focus of this year's reflection.

(As a side note, lest you think these are the only thoughts I gleaned, think again. I would wager a whole series of homilies and sermons have been preached on the Prologue of the fourth Gospel. There is so much to dissect and discern. Let's just say I have plenty of material for a few more Christmas Eve Reflections.)

"How could this be...?" Even if the Blessed Virgin Mary only asked this to the archangel Gabriel, she still spoke it in wonder. We humans may attempt to fathom the mind and will of God, but our efforts versus an infinite intelligence will only produce an infinitesimal answer at best. (Actually the best answer is to be still and know that He is God.) Compare this to when Zechariah asked a similar question regarding the conception of St. John the Baptist. He was made mute for nine months because of his doubt; the Theotokos will be called "blessed" forever.

"...(N)othing is impossible for God." Gabriel's reply shows how quickly we humans forget about God's omnipotence. We see it every day in creation since "the first day" when He created ex niliho. By an act of will, it came to be. We would do well to remember this when our wills "create" something. Unfortunately, because of Original Sin, we cannot say at times "it was good".

"Where sin increased, grace overflowed all the more." How well we would do to also remember this. We can only overcome our faults and frailties "with the help of His grace". We cooperate with this grace when doing good. That is when we, made in the image and likeness of God, reflect Him more perfectly and become more like Him. As St. Paul wrote in his first letter to the Corinthians, we now only see Him dimly, as in a mirror.

We needed and need a Savior. The more broken we are from battling the world, the flesh, and the devil, the more we must acknowledge this is all too much for us. We cry, "Uncle!" We tap out. We crave and beg for mercy, as do all who recognize their sinfulness. The Divine Physician is the only one who can heal the wounds inflicted on us and at times are self-inflicted. The Son of God no less summons us to the universal call to holiness, to be perfected, to be one with Him as He is with the Father. 

“For the Son of God became man so that we might become God,” said St. Athanasius. Before the Fall, we were partakers in the divine nature of God. In order that we may share that distinction again, the consequences of the disobedience of Adam and Eve had to be reversed, so we could become the adopted children of God. But in order to do that, God had to become one like us in all things but sin. He truly had to veil Himself in human flesh, so that we may eventually see His glory. Of all the ways God could have redeemed us, He chose this way. He chose to be "the Way, the Truth, and the Life."

God had to become "Emmanuel".

And that is what we celebrate today.

Hodie Christus natus est.

"And the Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us."

DR Squared: The Nativity Of The Lord--Mass During The Day

First Reading:  Is 52:7-10

How beautiful upon the mountains are the feet of him that bringeth good tidings, and that preacheth peace: of him that sheweth forth good, that preacheth salvation, that saith to Sion: Thy God shall reign! The voice of thy watchmen: they have lifted up their voice, they shall praise together: for they shall see eye to eye when the Lord shall convert Sion. Rejoice, and give praise together, O ye deserts of Jerusalem: for the Lord hath comforted his people: he hath redeemed Jerusalem. The Lord hath prepared his holy arm in the sight of all the Gentiles: and all the ends of the earth shall see the salvation of our God.

Responsorial Psalm:  Ps 98:3c; V. 1, 2-3, 3-4, 5-6

R. All the ends of the earth have seen the salvation of our God.

V. Sing ye to the Lord a new canticle: because he hath done wonderful things.

     His right hand hath wrought for him salvation, and his arm is holy.

V. The Lord hath made known his salvation: he hath revealed his justice in the sight of the       Gentiles.

     He hath remembered his mercy and his truth toward the house of Israel.

V. All the ends of the earth have seen the salvation of our God.

    Sing joyfully to God, all the earth; make melody, rejoice and sing.

V. Sing praise to the Lord on the harp, on the harp, and with the voice of a psalm:

    With long trumpets, and sound of cornet. Make a joyful noise before the Lord our king: 

Second Reading:  Heb 1:1-6

God, who, at sundry times and in divers manners, spoke in times past to the fathers by the prophets, last of all, In these days hath spoken to us by his Son, whom he hath appointed heir of all things, by whom also he made the world. Who being the brightness of his glory, and the figure of his substance, and upholding all things by the word of his power, making purgation of sins, sitteth on the right hand of the majesty on high. Being made so much better than the angels, as he hath inherited a more excellent name than they. For to which of the angels hath he said at any time, Thou art my Son, today have I begotten thee? And again, I will be to him a Father, and he shall be to me a Son? And again, when he bringeth in the first begotten into the world, he saith: And let all the angels of God adore him.

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 Nativity Of The Lord--Mass At Dawn

First Reading:  Isaiah 62:11-12

Behold the Lord hath made it to be heard in the ends of the earth, tell the daughter of Sion: Behold thy Saviour cometh: behold his reward is with him, and his work before him. And they shall call them, The holy people, the redeemed of the Lord. But thou shalt be called: A city sought after, and not forsaken.

Responsorial Psalm:  V. Psalm 97:1, 6, 11-12

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

     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. 

Second Reading:  Titus 3:4-7

But when the goodness and kindness of God our Saviour appeared:  Not by the works of justice, which we have done, but according to his mercy, he saved us, by the laver of regeneration, and renovation of the Holy Ghost; Whom he hath poured forth upon us abundantly, through Jesus Christ our Saviour:  That, being justified by his grace, we may be heirs, according to hope of life everlasting. 

Gospel Reading:  Luke 2:14

And it came to pass, after the angels departed from them into heaven, the shepherds said one to another: Let us go over to Bethlehem, and let us see this word that is come to pass, which the Lord hath shewed to us. And they came with haste; and they found Mary and Joseph, and the infant lying in the manger. And seeing, they understood of the word that had been spoken to them concerning this child. And all that heard, wondered; and at those things that were told them by the shepherds. But Mary kept all these words, pondering them in her heart. And the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God, for all the things they had heard and seen, as it was told unto them.

The readings from the USCCB can be found here.

DR Squared: The Nativity Of The Lord--Mass During The Night

First Reading: Isaiah 9:1-6

The people that walked in darkness, have seen a great light: to them that dwelt in the region of the shadow of death, light is risen. Thou hast multiplied the nation, and hast not increased the joy. They shall rejoice before thee, as they that rejoice in the harvest, as conquerors rejoice after taking a prey, when they divide the spoils. For the yoke of their burden, and the rod of their shoulder, and the sceptre of their oppressor thou hast overcome, as in the day of Median. For every violent taking of spoils, with tumult, and garment mingled with blood, shall be burnt, and be fuel for the fire. For a CHILD IS BORN to us, and a son is given to us, and the government is upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called, Wonderful, Counsellor, God the Mighty, the Father of the world to come, the Prince of Peace. His empire shall be multiplied, and there shall be no end of peace: he shall sit upon the throne of David, and upon his kingdom; to establish it and strengthen it with judgment and with justice, from henceforth and for ever: the zeal of the Lord of hosts will perform this. 

Responsorial Psalm:  Luke 2:11; V. Psalm 96: 1-2, 2-3, 11-12, 13.

R. For, this day, is born to you a Saviour, who is Christ the Lord. 

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. 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.

Second Reading:  Titus 2:11-14

For the grace of God our Saviour hath appeared to all men; Instructing us, that, denying ungodliness and worldly desires, we should live soberly, and justly, and godly in this world, Looking for the blessed hope and coming of the glory of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ, Who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and might cleanse to himself a people acceptable, a pursuer of good works.

Gospel Reading:  Luke 2:1-14

And it came to pass, that in those days there went out a decree from Caesar Augustus, that the whole world should be enrolled. This enrolling was first made by Cyrinus, the governor of Syria. And all went to be enrolled, every one into his own city. And Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth into Judea, to the city of David, which is called Bethlehem: because he was of the house and family of David, To be enrolled with Mary his espoused wife, who was with child. And it came to pass, that when they were there, her days were accomplished, that she should be delivered. And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him up in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn. And there were in the same country shepherds watching, and keeping the night watches over their flock. And behold an angel of the Lord stood by them, and the brightness of God shone round about them; and they feared with a great fear. And the angel said to them: Fear not; for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, that shall be to all the people:  For, this day, is born to you a Saviour, who is Christ the Lord, in the city of David. And this shall be a sign unto you. You shall find the infant wrapped in swaddling clothes, and laid in a manger. And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly army, praising God, and saying:  Glory to God in the highest; and on earth peace to men of good will. 

The readings from the USCCB can be found here.

DR Squared: The Nativity of the Lord--Vigil Mass

First Reading:  Isaiah 62:1-5

For Sion's sake I will not hold my peace, and for the sake of Jerusalem, I will not rest till her just one come forth as brightness, and her saviour be lighted as a lamp. And the Gentiles shall see thy just one, and all kings thy glorious one: and thou shalt be called by a new name, which the mouth of the Lord shall name. And thou shalt be a crown of glory in the hand of the Lord, and a royal diadem in the hand of thy God. Thou shalt no more be called Forsaken: and thy land shall no more be called Desolate: but thou shalt be called My pleasure in her, and thy land inhabited. Because the Lord hath been well pleased with thee: and thy land shall be inhabited. For the young man shall dwell with the virgin, and thy children shall dwell in thee. And the bridegroom shall rejoice over the bride, and thy God shall rejoice over thee. 

Responsorial Psalm:  Psalm 89 (88):2a; V. 4-5, 16-17, 27, 29

R. The mercies of the Lord I will sing for ever.

V. I have made a covenant with my elect: I have sworn to David my servant:

    Thy seed will I settle for ever. And I will build up thy throne unto generation and                   generation.

V. Blessed is the people that knoweth jubilation. They shall walk, O Lord, in the light of           thy countenance:

    And in thy name they shall rejoice all the day, and in thy justice they shall be exalted.

V. He shall cry out to me: Thou art my father: my God, and the support of my salvation.

     I will keep my mercy for him for ever: and my covenant faithful to him. 

Second Reading:  Acts 13:16-17, 22-25

Then Paul rising up, and with his hand bespeaking silence, said: Ye men of Israel, and you that fear God, give ear. The God of the people of Israel chose our fathers, and exalted the people when they were sojourners in the land of Egypt, and with an high arm brought them out from thence. And when he had removed him, he raised them up David to be king: to whom giving testimony, he said: I have found David, the son of Jesse, a man according to my own heart, who shall do all my wills. Of this man's seed God according to his promise, hath raised up to Israel a Saviour, Jesus:  John first preaching, before his coming, the baptism of penance to all the people of Israel. And when John was fulfilling his course, he said: I am not he, whom you think me to be: but behold, there cometh one after me, whose shoes of his feet I am not worthy to loose. 

Gospel Reading:  Matthew 1:1-25

The book of the generation of Jesus Christ, the son of David, the son of Abraham:  Abraham begot Isaac. And Isaac begot Jacob. And Jacob begot Judas and his brethren. And Judas begot Phares and Zara of Thamar. And Phares begot Esron. And Esron begot Aram. And Aram begot Aminadab. And Aminadab begot Naasson. And Naasson begot Salmon. And Salmon begot Booz of Rahab. And Booz begot Obed of Ruth. And Obed begot Jesse. And Jesse begot David the king. And David the king begot Solomon, of her that had been the wife of Urias. And Solomon begot Roboam. And Roboam begot Abia. And Abia begot Asa. And Asa begot Josaphat. And Josaphat begot Joram. And Joram begot Ozias. And Ozias begot Joatham. And Joatham begot Achaz. And Achaz begot Ezechias. And Ezechias begot Manasses. And Manasses begot Amon. And Amon begot Josias. And Josias begot Jechonias and his brethren in the transmigration of Babylon. And after the transmigration of Babylon, Jechonias begot Salathiel. And Salathiel begot Zorobabel. And Zorobabel begot Abiud. And Abiud begot Eliacim. And Eliacim begot Azor. And Azor begot Sadoc. And Sadoc begot Achim. And Achim begot Eliud. And Eliud begot Eleazar. And Eleazar begot Mathan. And Mathan begot Jacob. And Jacob begot Joseph the husband of Mary, of whom was born Jesus, who is called Christ. So all the generations, from Abraham to David, are fourteen generations. And from David to the transmigration of Babylon, are fourteen generations: and from the transmigration of Babylon to Christ are fourteen generations.

(NB:  The Short Form begins below.)

Now the generation of Christ was in this wise. When as his mother Mary was espoused to Joseph, before they came together, she was found with child, of the Holy Ghost. Whereupon Joseph her husband, being a just man, and not willing publicly to expose her, was minded to put her away privately. But while he thought on these things, behold the angel of the Lord appeared to him in his sleep, saying: Joseph, son of David, fear not to take unto thee Mary thy wife, for that which is conceived in her, is of the Holy Ghost. And she shall bring forth a son: and thou shalt call his name JESUS. For he shall save his people from their sins. Now all this was done that it might be fulfilled which the Lord spoke by the prophet, saying:  Behold a virgin shall be with child, and bring forth a son, and they shall call his name Emmanuel, which being interpreted is, God with us. And Joseph rising up from sleep, did as the angel of the Lord had commanded him, and took unto him his wife. And he knew her not till she brought forth her firstborn son: and he called his name JESUS.

The readings from the USCCB can be found here.

Hopeful Julbilaton

And so it begins.

Proclaimed on the Solemnity of the Ascension last May. the Universal Church celebrates a Jubilee Year in 2025. Held every 25 years since 1300 and on other occasions (eg--the Extraordinary Jubilee of 2015), this one will focus on hope:

The coming Jubilee will thus be a Holy Year marked by the hope that does not fade, our hope in God. May it help us to recover the confident trust that we require, in the Church and in society, in our interpersonal relationships, in international relations, and in our task of promoting the dignity of all persons and respect for God’s gift of creation. May the witness of believers be for our world a leaven of authentic hope, a harbinger of new heavens and a new earth (cf. 2 Pet 3:13), where men and women will dwell in justice and harmony, in joyful expectation of the fulfilment of the Lord’s promises.

Let us even now be drawn to this hope! Through our witness, may hope spread to all those who anxiously seek it. May the way we live our lives say to them in so many words: “Hope in the Lord! Hold firm, take heart and hope in the Lord!” (Ps 27:14). May the power of hope fill our days, as we await with confidence the coming of the Lord Jesus Christ, to whom be praise and glory, now and forever.

The doors are opening soon around the world.

Let us enter into His courts with thanksgiving.

 

DR Squared: Schedule Update

The readings for the four Masses of The Nativity Of Lord will all be published today, so as to not distract from the celebration of the birth of the Christ Child.

Starting in three hours, they will come at five minute intervals.

This will give you the opportunity to focus on them as part of your final spiritual preparation.

"Come to Bethlehem and see."

 

DR Squared: Tuesday Of the Fourth Week Of Advent--Mass In The Morning (Year I)

First Reading:  2 Samuel 7:1-5, 8b-12, 14a, 16

And it came to pass when the king sat in his house, and the Lord had given him rest on every side from all his enemies, He said to Nathan the prophet: Dost thou see that I dwell in a house of cedar, and the ark of God is lodged within skins? And Nathan said to the king: Go, do all that is in thy heart: because the Lord is with thee. But it came to pass that night, that the word of the Lord came to Nathan, saying:  Go, and say to my servant David: Thus saith the Lord: Shalt thou build me a house to dwell in? I took thee out of the pastures from following the sheep to be ruler over my people Israel:  And I have been with thee wheresoever thou hast walked, and have slain all thy enemies from before thy face: and I have made thee a great man, like unto the name of the great ones that are on the earth. And I will appoint a place for my people Israel, and I will plant them, and they shall dwell therein, and shall be disturbed no more: neither shall the children of iniquity afflict them any more as they did before, From the day that I appointed judges over my people Israel: and I will give thee rest from all thy enemies. And the Lord foretelleth to thee, that the Lord will make thee a house. And when thy days shall be fulfilled, and thou shalt sleep with thy fathers, I will raise up thy seed after thee, which shall proceed out of thy bowels, and I will establish his kingdom. I will be to him a father, and he shall be to me a son:  And thy house shall be faithful, and thy kingdom for ever before thy face, and thy throne shall be firm for ever. 

Responsorial Psalm:  89 (88):2; V. 2-3, 4-5, 27 and 29

R. The mercies of the Lord I will sing for ever.

V. The mercies of the Lord I will sing for ever. I will shew forth thy truth with my mouth         to generation and generation.

     For thou hast said: Mercy shall be built up for ever in the heavens: thy truth shall be             prepared in them.

V. I have made a covenant with my elect: I have sworn to David my servant:

    Thy seed will I settle for ever. And I will build up thy throne unto generation and                  generation.

V. He shall cry out to me: Thou art my father: my God, and the support of my salvation.

     I will keep my mercy for him for ever: and my covenant faithful to him.

Gospel Reading: Luke 1:67-79

And Zachary his father was filled with the Holy Ghost; and he prophesied, saying:  Blessed be the Lord God of Israel; because he hath visited and wrought the redemption of his people:  And hath raised up an horn of salvation to us, in the house of David his servant:  As he spoke by the mouth of his holy prophets, who are from the beginning:  Salvation from our enemies, and from the hand of all that hate us:  To perform mercy to our fathers, and to remember his holy testament, The oath, which he swore to Abraham our father, that he would grant to us, That being delivered from the hand of our enemies, we may serve him without fear, In holiness and justice before him, all our days. And thou, child, shalt be called the prophet of the Highest: for thou shalt go before the face of the Lord to prepare his ways:  To give knowledge of salvation to his people, unto the remission of their sins:  Through the bowels of the mercy of our God, in which the Orient from on high hath visited us: To enlighten them that sit in darkness, and in the shadow of death: to direct our feet into the way of peace. 

The readings from the USCCB can be found 

A Final Advent Hymn

Originally written in Latin by Charles Coffin, it was translated into English by John Chandler. The setting is titled CHRISMATA, although John Wesley also set it to DONCASTER. A fitting hymn for the final hours of Advent.

1.  Lift up the Advent strain!

Behold the Lord is nigh!

Greet His approach, ye saints, again,

With hymns of holy joy.

2.  The everlasting Son,

Incarnate deigns to be;

Our God the form of slave puts on,

A race of slaves to free.

3.  Daughter of Sion, rise

To meet Thy lowly King.

Nor let the faithless heart despise

The peace He comes to bring.

4.  As Judge in clouds of light

He shall come down again,

And all His scattered saints unite

With Him in Heaven to reign.

5.  Before that dreadful day

May all our sins be gone,

The old man all be put away,

The new man all put on.

6.  Jesus, all praise to Thee,

Our joy and endless rest;

We pray Thee here our Guide to be

Our crown amid the blest.

Ero cras.

O Antiphon: God Is With Us

Again the LORD spoke to Ahaz:
Ask for a sign from the LORD, your God; let it be deep as the nether world, or high as the sky!
But Ahaz answered, "I will not ask! I will not tempt the LORD!"
Then he said: Listen, O house of David! Is it not enough for you to weary men, must you also weary my God?
Therefore the Lord himself will give you this sign: the virgin shall be with child, and bear a son, and shall name him Immanuel.

Isaiah 7:10-14

++++++++++

Now this is how the birth of Jesus Christ came about. When his mother Mary was betrothed to Joseph, but before they lived together, she was found with child through the holy Spirit. Joseph her husband, since he was a righteous man, yet unwilling to expose her to shame, decided to divorce her quietly. Such was his intention when, behold, the angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said, "Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary your wife into your home. For it is through the holy Spirit that this child has been conceived in her. She will bear a son and you are to name him Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins." All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had said through the prophet:

"Behold, the virgin shall be with child and bear a son, and they shall name him Emmanuel," which means "God is with us."

When Joseph awoke, he did as the angel of the Lord had commanded him and took his wife into his home. He had no relations with her until she bore a son, and he named him Jesus.

Matthew 1:18-25

Emmanuel. God is with us. "In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God." (John 1:1)

Even though man left God, He never left us. The Word was always there: in the rainbow, the visitors to Abraham, the plagues, the cloud, the manna, the tablets, the ark, the temple, the tiny whispering sound, the speech of the prophets and psalmists, and whatever examples you may find elsewhere in the Old Testament.

In times past, God spoke in partial and various ways to our ancestors through the prophets; in these last days, he spoke to us through a son, whom he made heir of all things and through whom he created the universe,who is the refulgence of his glory, the very imprint of his being, and who sustains all things by his mighty word.

Hebrews 1:1-3

Echoes of sound and glimmers of light. The faintest sensory perceptions for the soul damaged by Original Sin. Reflections of true reality. All pale in comparison.

And the Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us, and we saw his glory, the glory as of the Father's only Son, full of grace and truth.

John 1:14

Emmanuel.

God is with us.

God is still with us.

"And behold, I am with you always, until the end of the age." (Matthew 28:20b)

Behold, God's dwelling is with the human race. He will dwell with them and they will be his people and God himself will always be with them (as their God).

Revelations 21:3

**********

Fr. Z's reflection can be found here.
The Norbertine's reflection can be found here.

**********

Click here to listen to the chant.

O Emmanuel, Rex et legifer noster, exspectatio gentium, et Salvator earum: veni ad salvandum nos Domine Deus noster.

++++++++++

O Emmanuel, our King and our Law-giver, Longing of the Gentiles, yea, and salvation thereof, come to save us, O Lord our God!

DR Squared: Monday Of The Fourth Week Of Advent (Year I)

First Reading: Malachi 3:1-4, 23-24

Behold I send my angel, and he shall prepare the way before my face. And presently the Lord, whom you seek, and the angel of the testament, whom you desire, shall come to his temple. Behold he cometh, saith the Lord of hosts. And who shall be able to think of the day of his coming? and who shall stand to see him? for he is like a refining fire, and like the fuller's herb:  And he shall sit refining and cleansing the silver, and he shall purify the sons of Levi, and shall refine them as gold, and as silver, and they shall offer sacrifices to the Lord in justice. And the sacrifice of Juda and of Jerusalem shall please the Lord, as in the days of old, and in the ancient years. Behold I will send you Elias the prophet, before the coming of the great and dreadful day of the Lord. And he shall turn the heart of the fathers to the children, and the heart of the children to their fathers: lest I come, and strike the earth with anathema. 

Responsorial Psalm:  cf. Luke 21:28b; V. Psalm 25:4-5ab, 8-9, 10 and 14

R. (L)ift up your heads, because your redemption is at hand.

V. Shew, O Lord, thy ways to me, and teach me thy paths.

     Direct me in thy truth, and teach me; for thou art God my Saviour;

V. The Lord is sweet and righteous: therefore he will give a law to sinners in the way.

     He will guide the mild in judgment: he will teach the meek his ways.

V. All the ways of the Lord are mercy and truth, to them that seek after his covenant and          his testimonies.

    The Lord is a firmament to them that fear him: and his covenant shall be made manifest      to them.

Gospel Reading:  Luke 1:57-66

Now Elizabeth's full time of being delivered was come, and she brought forth a son. And her neighbours and kinsfolks heard that the Lord had shewed his great mercy towards her, and they congratulated with her. And it came to pass, that on the eighth day they came to circumcise the child, and they called him by his father's name Zachary.  60 And his mother answering, said: Not so; but he shall be called John. And they said to her: There is none of thy kindred that is called by this name. And they made signs to his father, how he would have him called. And demanding a writing table, he wrote, saying: John is his name. And they all wondered. And immediately his mouth was opened, and his tongue loosed, and he spoke, blessing God. And fear came upon all their neighbours; and all these things were noised abroad over all the hill country of Judea. And all they that had heard them laid them up in their heart, saying: What an one, think ye, shall this child be? For the hand of the Lord was with him.

The readings from the USCCB can be found here.

O Antiphon: King Of Kings

Rise up in splendor! Your light has come, the glory of the Lord shines upon you.
See, darkness covers the earth, and thick clouds cover the peoples; But upon you the LORD shines, and over you appears his glory.
Nations shall walk by your light, and kings by your shining radiance.
Raise your eyes and look about; they all gather and come to you: Your sons come from afar, and your daughters in the arms of their nurses.
Then you shall be radiant at what you see, your heart shall throb and overflow, For the riches of the sea shall be emptied out before you, the wealth of nations shall be brought to you.
Caravans of camels shall fill you, dromedaries from Midian and Ephah; All from Sheba shall come bearing gold and frankincense, and proclaiming the praises of the LORD.
All the flocks of Kedar shall be gathered for you, the rams of Nebaioth shall be your sacrifices; They will be acceptable offerings on my altar, and I will enhance the splendor of my house.

Isaiah 60:1-7

++++++++++

When Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea, in the days of King Herod, behold, magi from the east arrived in Jerusalem, saying, "Where is the newborn king of the Jews? We saw his star at its rising and have come to do him homage....Then Herod called the magi secretly and ascertained from them the time of the star's appearance....After their audience with the king they set out. And behold, the star that they had seen at its rising preceded them, until it came and stopped over the place where the child was. They were overjoyed at seeing the star, and on entering the house they saw the child with Mary his mother. They prostrated themselves and did him homage. Then they opened their treasures and offered him gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh.

Matthew 2:1-2,7,9-11

It was a question which framed the beginning and end of His life.

A question of identity.

"Where is the newborn king of the Jews? We saw his star at its rising and have come to do him homage." (Matthew 2:2)

Strangers in a strange land, the Magi saw a glimmer of the Light and inquired about to Whom it lead. When told, they were able to hear the Word and find Him, while those who help them wanted to silence the echo. The echo would now grow louder because more would be able to hear it.

"Are you the King of the Jews?" (John 18:33b)

An earthly ruler, feeling threatened by the Word (history does repeat itself, doesn't it?), asked again. He directly heard, but could not respond. In the end, he would help to attempt to silence once and for all the Word.

And even in between those two questions, people wanted to know if they were among royalty.

They were right.

Found in the Book of Revelation (cf. 11:15, 19:6 and 19:16, KJV), used by Charles Jennens in a libretto, and set to music by Georg Frideric Handel, the Word reigns just as true at His birth, death, resurrection, Good Friday of 1742, and today:

Alleluia: for the Lord God omnipotent reigneth.
The kingdoms of this world are become the kingdoms of our Lord, and of his Christ; and he shall reign for ever and ever.
KING OF KINGS, AND LORD OF LORDS.

**********

Fr. Z's reflection can be found here.
The Norbertine's refection can be found here.

**********

Click here to listen to the chant.

O Rex Gentium, et desideratus earum, lapisque angularis, qui facis utraque unum: veni, et salva hominem, quem de limo formasti.

++++++++++

O King of the Gentiles, yea, and desire thereof! O Corner-stone, that makest of two one, come to save man, whom Thou hast made out of the dust of the earth!

DR Squared: Fourth Sunday Of Advent (Year C)

First Reading:  Micah 5:1-4a

Now shalt thou be laid waste, O daughter of the robber: they have laid siege against us, with a rod shall they strike the cheek of the judge of Israel. AND THOU, BETHLEHEM Ephrata, art a little one among the thousands of Juda: out of thee shall he come forth unto me that is to be the ruler in Israel: and his going forth is from the beginning, from the days of eternity. Therefore will he give them up even till the time wherein she that travaileth shall bring forth: and the remnant of his brethren shall be converted to the children of Israel. And he shall stand, and feed in the strength of the Lord, in the height of the name of the Lord his God: and they shall be converted, for now shall he be magnified even to the ends of the earth. And this man shall be our peace,...

Responsorial Psalm:  Ps 80 (79):4; V. 2-3, 15-16, 18-19

R. Convert us, O God: and shew us thy face, and we shall be saved.

V. Give ear, O thou that rulest Israel: thou that leadest Joseph like a sheep. Thou that sittest       upon the cherubims, shine forth

     Before Ephraim, Benjamin, and Manasses. Stir up thy might, and come to save us.

V. Turn again, O God of hosts, look down from heaven, and see, and visit this vineyard:

     And perfect the same which thy right hand hath planted: and upon the son of man                 whom thou hast confirmed for thyself.

V. Let thy hand be upon the man of thy right hand: and upon the son of man whom thou           hast confirmed for thyself.

     And we depart not from thee, thou shalt quicken us: and we will call upon thy name.    

Second Reading:  Hebrews 10:5-10

Wherefore when he cometh into the world, he saith: Sacrifice and oblation thou wouldest not: but a body thou hast fitted to me:  Holocausts for sin did not please thee. Then said I: Behold I come: in the head of the book it is written of me: that I should do thy will, O God. In saying before, Sacrifices, and oblations, and holocausts for sin thou wouldest not, neither are they pleasing to thee, which are offered according to the law. Then said I: Behold, I come to do thy will, O God: he taketh away the first, that he may establish that which followeth. In the which will, we are sanctified by the oblation of the body of Jesus Christ once.

Gospel Reading:  Luke 1:39-45

And Mary rising up in those days, went into the hill country with haste into a city of Juda. And she entered into the house of Zachary, and saluted Elizabeth. And it came to pass, that when Elizabeth heard the salutation of Mary, the infant leaped in her womb. And Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Ghost:  And she cried out with a loud voice, and said: Blessed art thou among women, and blessed is the fruit of thy womb. And whence is this to me, that the mother of my Lord should come to me? For behold as soon as the voice of thy salutation sounded in my ears, the infant in my womb leaped for joy. And blessed art thou that hast believed, because those things shall be accomplished that were spoken to thee by the Lord.

The readings from the USCCB can be found here.

O Antiphon: Light From Light

Anguish has taken wing, dispelled is darkness; for there is no gloom where but now there was distress.
The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light; Upon those who dwelt in the land of gloom a light has shone.
You have brought them abundant joy and great rejoicing, As they rejoice before you as at the harvest, as men make merry when dividing spoils.
For the yoke that burdened them, the pole on their shoulder, And the rod of their taskmaster you have smashed, as on the day of Midian.
For every boot that tramped in battle, every cloak rolled in blood, will be burned as fuel for flames.

Isaiah 8:23b-9:4

++++++++++

Jesus said to them, "The light will be among you only a little while. Walk while you have the light, so that darkness may not overcome you. Whoever walks in the dark does not know where he is going. While you have the light, believe in the light, so that you may become children of the light....Whoever believes in me believes not only in me but also in the one who sent me, and whoever sees me sees the one who sent me. I came into the world as light, so that everyone who believes in me might not remain in darkness. And if anyone hears my words and does not observe them, I do not condemn him, for I did not come to condemn the world but to save the world. Whoever rejects me and does not accept my words has something to judge him: the word that I spoke, it will condemn him on the last day, because I did not speak on my own, but the Father who sent me commanded me what to say and speak.And I know that his commandment is eternal life. So what I say, I say as the Father told me."

John 12:35-36; 44b-50

Return again to the creation story. What was the first thing formed from nothing by the Word? Light. But Who was this Light? St. John gives the answer (and expounds on it further in his first letter):

What came to be through him was life, and this life was the light of the human race; the light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it. (1:3b-5)

Yet, once it thought it had succeeded with Adam and Eve, the darkness tried and tried again to overcome the Light during salvation history. But just as the echo of the Word still remained, so did a glimmer of Light. Noah saw it in the rainbow. Moses, who already viewed the burning bush, was privileged to see more than a glimmer on Mt. Siani. The Magi followed a star.

All of these pale when the Word spoke plainly:

"I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life." (John 8:12b)

**********

Fr. Z's reflection can be found here.
The Norbertine's reflection can be found here.

**********

Click here to listen to the chant.

O Oriens, splendor lucis aeternae, et sol justitiae: veni, et illumina sedentes in tenebris, et umbra mortis.

++++++++++

O Dayspring, Brightness of the everlasting light, Son of justice, come to give light to them that sit in darkness and in the shadow of death!