Friday of the Third Week of Advent
Lectionary: 194
Lectionary: 194
Behold, the days are coming, says the LORD,
when I will raise up a righteous shoot to David;
As king he shall reign and govern wisely,
he shall do what is just and right in the land.
In his days Judah shall be saved,
Israel shall dwell in security.
This is the name they give him:
“The LORD our justice.”
Therefore, the days will come, says the LORD,
when they shall no longer say, “As the LORD lives,
who brought the children of Israel out of the land of Egypt”;
but rather, "As the LORD lives,
who brought the descendants of the house of Israel
up from the land of the north”–
and from all the lands to which I banished them;
they shall again live on their own land.
when I will raise up a righteous shoot to David;
As king he shall reign and govern wisely,
he shall do what is just and right in the land.
In his days Judah shall be saved,
Israel shall dwell in security.
This is the name they give him:
“The LORD our justice.”
Therefore, the days will come, says the LORD,
when they shall no longer say, “As the LORD lives,
who brought the children of Israel out of the land of Egypt”;
but rather, "As the LORD lives,
who brought the descendants of the house of Israel
up from the land of the north”–
and from all the lands to which I banished them;
they shall again live on their own land.
Responsorial PsalmPS 72:1-2, 12-13, 18-19
R. (see 7) Justice shall flourish in his time, and
fullness of peace for ever.
O God, with your judgment endow the king,
and with your justice, the king’s son;
He shall govern your people with justice
and your afflicted ones with judgment.
R. Justice shall flourish in his time, and fullness of peace for ever.
For he shall rescue the poor when he cries out,
and the afflicted when he has no one to help him.
He shall have pity for the lowly and the poor;
the lives of the poor he shall save.
R. Justice shall flourish in his time, and fullness of peace for ever.
Blessed be the LORD, the God of Israel,
who alone does wondrous deeds.
And blessed forever be his glorious name;
may the whole earth be filled with his glory.
R. Justice shall flourish in his time, and fullness of peace for ever.
O God, with your judgment endow the king,
and with your justice, the king’s son;
He shall govern your people with justice
and your afflicted ones with judgment.
R. Justice shall flourish in his time, and fullness of peace for ever.
For he shall rescue the poor when he cries out,
and the afflicted when he has no one to help him.
He shall have pity for the lowly and the poor;
the lives of the poor he shall save.
R. Justice shall flourish in his time, and fullness of peace for ever.
Blessed be the LORD, the God of Israel,
who alone does wondrous deeds.
And blessed forever be his glorious name;
may the whole earth be filled with his glory.
R. Justice shall flourish in his time, and fullness of peace for ever.
Alleluia
R. Alleluia, alleluia.
O Leader of the House of Israel,
giver of the Law to Moses on Sinai:
come to rescue us with your mighty power!
R. Alleluia, alleluia.
O Leader of the House of Israel,
giver of the Law to Moses on Sinai:
come to rescue us with your mighty power!
R. Alleluia, alleluia.
GospelMT
1:18-25
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.
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.
Meditation: "He will save his people from their
sins"
Do you hold on to the promises of God at all times, especially
when you are faced with uncertainty or adversity? The prophets Jeremiah and
Isaiah spoke words of hope in a hopeless situation for Israel. The Davidic
dynasty was corrupt and unfit for a Messianic King. Apostates like King Ahaz (2
Kings 16) and weaklings like Zedekiah (Jeremiah 38) occupied the throne of
David. How could God be faithful to his promise to raise up a righteous King
who would rule forever over the house of David? The prophets trusted that God
could somehow “raise up a righteous shoot” from the stump of Jesse (Isaiah
2:11). Like the prophets we are called “in hope to believe against hope”
(Romans 4:18) that God can and will fulfill all his promises.
Mary was found to be with child of the Holy
Spirit
Mary had to face an enormous challenge to her faith and trust in God and to the faith of her family and Joseph, the man she chose to marry. She was asked to assume a burden of tremendous responsibility. It had never been heard of before that a child could be born without a natural father. Mary was asked to accept this miraculous exception to the laws of nature. That required faith and trust in God and in his promises. Second, Mary was not yet married. Pregnancy outside of wedlock was not tolerated in those days. Mary was only espoused to Joseph, and such an engagement had to last for a whole year. She was asked to assume a great risk. She could have been rejected by Joseph, by her family, by all her own people. Mary knew that Joseph and her family would not understand without revelation from God. She nonetheless believed and trusted in God's promises.
Mary had to face an enormous challenge to her faith and trust in God and to the faith of her family and Joseph, the man she chose to marry. She was asked to assume a burden of tremendous responsibility. It had never been heard of before that a child could be born without a natural father. Mary was asked to accept this miraculous exception to the laws of nature. That required faith and trust in God and in his promises. Second, Mary was not yet married. Pregnancy outside of wedlock was not tolerated in those days. Mary was only espoused to Joseph, and such an engagement had to last for a whole year. She was asked to assume a great risk. She could have been rejected by Joseph, by her family, by all her own people. Mary knew that Joseph and her family would not understand without revelation from God. She nonetheless believed and trusted in God's promises.
Joseph believed the angel's message "that
which is conceived in her is of the Holy Spirit"
Joseph, a just and God-fearing man, did not wish to embarrass or punish his espoused wife, Mary when he discovered that she was pregnant. To all appearances she had broken their solemn pledge to be faithful and chaste to one another. Joseph, no doubt took this troubling matter to God in prayer. He was not hasty to judge or to react with hurt and anger. God rewarded him not only with guidance and consolation, but with the divine assurance that he had indeed called Joseph to be the husband of Mary and to assume a mission that would require the utmost faith, confidence, and trust in Almighty God. Joseph believed in the divine message to take Mary as his wife and to accept the child in her womb as the promised Messiah.
Joseph, a just and God-fearing man, did not wish to embarrass or punish his espoused wife, Mary when he discovered that she was pregnant. To all appearances she had broken their solemn pledge to be faithful and chaste to one another. Joseph, no doubt took this troubling matter to God in prayer. He was not hasty to judge or to react with hurt and anger. God rewarded him not only with guidance and consolation, but with the divine assurance that he had indeed called Joseph to be the husband of Mary and to assume a mission that would require the utmost faith, confidence, and trust in Almighty God. Joseph believed in the divine message to take Mary as his wife and to accept the child in her womb as the promised Messiah.
A model of faith for us
Like Mary, Joseph is a model of faith for us. He is a faithful witness and servant of God's unfolding plan of redemption. Are you ready to believe in the promises of God, even when faced with perplexing circumstances and what seems like insurmountable problems? God has not left us alone, but has brought us his only begotten Son, our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Let us celebrate Christmas, the feast of the Incarnation, with joyful hearts and let us renew our faith and hope in God and in his redeeming work.
Like Mary, Joseph is a model of faith for us. He is a faithful witness and servant of God's unfolding plan of redemption. Are you ready to believe in the promises of God, even when faced with perplexing circumstances and what seems like insurmountable problems? God has not left us alone, but has brought us his only begotten Son, our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Let us celebrate Christmas, the feast of the Incarnation, with joyful hearts and let us renew our faith and hope in God and in his redeeming work.
"Lord Jesus, you came to save us from sin and the power of
death. May I always rejoice in your salvation and trust in your divine plan for
my life."
Daily Quote from the early church fathers: The
righteous branch of David is Christ, by Leo the Great, 400-461 A.D.
"There was only one remedy in the secret of the divine plan
that could help the fallen living in the general ruin of the entire human race
(Jeremiah 23:5-8). This remedy was that one of the sons of Adam should be born
free and innocent of original transgression, to prevail for the rest by his
example and by his merits. This was not permitted by natural generation. There
could be no clean offspring from our faulty stock by this seed. The Scripture
says, 'Who can make a clean thing conceived of an unclean seed? Isn't it you
alone?' (Job 14:4) David's Lord was made David's Son, and from the fruit of the
promised branch sprang. He is one without fault, the twofold nature coming
together into one person. By this one and the same conception and birth sprung
our Lord Jesus Christ, in whom was present both true Godhead for the
performance of mighty works and true manhood for the endurance of
sufferings." (excerpt from Sermon 28.3)
FRIDAY, DECEMBER 18, MATTHEW 1:18-25
Advent Weekday
(Jeremiah 23:5-8; Psalm 72)
Advent Weekday
(Jeremiah 23:5-8; Psalm 72)
KEY VERSE: "She is to have a son and you are to name him Jesus because he will save his people from their sins" (v 21).
TO KNOW: Luke's nativity narration was told from Mary's perspective, whereas Matthew's point of view was Joseph, to whom she was betrothed. Betrothal was a solemn commitment that lasted a full year, and could only be terminated by divorce. Joseph was a righteous man who faithfully observed the Mosaic law, but when he discovered that Mary was with child, he was unwilling to publicly charge her with adultery as the penalty was death (Dt 22:20-24). In a dream, Joseph was told not to be afraid to take Mary as his wife because the child had been conceived through the Holy Spirit. With the Spirit's guidance there was nothing to fear. Joseph was instructed to name the child "Jesus" (Hebrew, Yeshua) meaning "Yahweh saves." In Jesus, God would save the people from their sins. Through Joseph's family line, Jesus bears the royal title "Son of David." Jesus is also "Emmanuel" ("God is with us," Matt 1:23; Is 7:14), the incarnate "Son of God" who would dwell among the people for eternity.
TO LOVE: Do I seek the Spirit's guidance when I have difficult decisions to make?
TO SERVE: St. Joseph, help me to follow your example of humble obedience.
O SACRED LORD, December 18
Today's O Antiphon is "O Adonai" (O Sacred LORD). Adonai was the Hebrew word that the Jews used instead of the four-lettered word for God's name (YHWH), which they held to be too sacred to pronounce aloud. Christ is Lord of Creation. He is also Lord of the Covenant he made on Mount Sinai with the People He chose. O Leader of the House of Israel, giver of the Law to Moses on Sinai: come to rescue us with your mighty power!
Friday 18 December 2015
Day of
penance. Jeremiah 23:5-8. Justice shall flourish in his time, and fullness of
peace for ever—Ps 71(72):1-2, 12-13, 18-19. Matthew 1:18-24.
It’s
often difficult to understand injustice in our world.
I am often
disturbed, saddened and angered by news articles reporting those treated
unmercifully, or when I witness it firsthand. More often - and more selfishly -
I can be upset when I consider my own experiences of mistreatment. Why does
this happen? Who is doing something to address it? What can be done? Will
justice prevail?
In
Jeremiah, we read of one who will reign and govern wisely, and do what is right
and just. We are assured of justice. In the Psalm, we read of compassion for
the poor and actions to rescue them. The Psalmist sings praises and of the hope
that the whole earth would be filled with the glory of God.
The
Gospel records the incarnation of Jesus, fulfilling the prophecy for one who
brings justice. As a follower of Christ, and as God’s presence in the world,
this is a reminder to me to also bring justice to the world so that it may
‘flourish in his time.’
MINUTE MEDITATIONS
|
Overcoming Fear
|
Oh Jesus, help me overcome any fear I have of you or of being in
silence. Help me remember how much you love me, how much you desire this time
together, and how close you are to me in this sacrament. You are my Emmanuel,
God with me. Thank you for coming so close to me.
December
18
Blessed Anthony Grassi
(1592-1671)
Blessed Anthony Grassi
(1592-1671)
Anthony’s father died when his son was only 10 years old, but
the young lad inherited his father’s devotion to Our Lady of Loreto. As a
schoolboy he frequented the local church of the Oratorian Fathers, joining the
religious order when he was 17.
Already a fine student, he soon gained a reputation in his
religious community as a "walking dictionary" who quickly grasped
Scripture and theology. For some time he was tormented by scruples, but they
reportedly left him at the very hour he celebrated his first Mass. From that
day, serenity penetrated his very being.
In 1621, at age 29, Anthony was struck by lightning while
praying in the church of the Holy House at Loreto. He was carried paralyzed
from the church, expecting to die. When he recovered in a few days he realized
that he had been cured of acute indigestion. His scorched clothes were donated
to the Loreto church as an offering of thanks for his new gift of life.
More important, Anthony now felt that his life belonged entirely
to God. Each year thereafter he made a pilgrimage to Loreto to express his
thanks.
He also began hearing confessions, and came to be regarded as an
outstanding confessor. Simple and direct, he listened carefully to penitents,
said a few words and gave a penance and absolution, frequently drawing on his
gift of reading consciences.
In 1635 he was elected superior of the Fermo Oratory. He was so
well regarded that he was reelected every three years until his death. He was a
quiet person and a gentle superior who did not know how to be severe. At the
same time he kept the Oratorian constitutions literally, encouraging the
community to do likewise.
He refused social or civic commitments and instead would go out
day or night to visit the sick or dying or anyone else needing his services. As
he grew older, he had a God-given awareness of the future, a gift which he
frequently used to warn or to console.
But age brought its challenges as well. He suffered the humility
of having to give up his physical faculties one by one. First was his
preaching, necessitated after he lost his teeth. Then he could no longer hear
confessions. Finally, after a fall, he was confined to his room. The archbishop
himself came each day to give him holy Communion. One of Anthony’s final acts
was to reconcile two fiercely quarreling brothers.
Comment:
Nothing provides a better reason for reassessing a life than a brush with death. Anthony’s life already seemed to be on track when he was struck by lightning; he was a brilliant priest blessed, at last, with serenity. But his experience softened him. He became a loving counselor and a wise mediator. The same might be said of us if we put our hearts to it. We needn’t wait to be struck by lightning.
Nothing provides a better reason for reassessing a life than a brush with death. Anthony’s life already seemed to be on track when he was struck by lightning; he was a brilliant priest blessed, at last, with serenity. But his experience softened him. He became a loving counselor and a wise mediator. The same might be said of us if we put our hearts to it. We needn’t wait to be struck by lightning.
LECTIO DIVINA:
MATTHEW 1,18-24
Lectio:
Friday, December
18, 2015
3rd Week of Advent
1)
Opening prayer
Lord,
faithful God,
in Jesus you have given us someone
taken from our human flesh and blood,
a man, yet your Son,
through whom you want to restore
integrity and fidelity among us.
Help us to give with him,
to you and also to one another,"
the proper and adequate response
of faithful, serving love,
which you expect from your people.
Be our God for ever
through Jesus Christ our Lord.
in Jesus you have given us someone
taken from our human flesh and blood,
a man, yet your Son,
through whom you want to restore
integrity and fidelity among us.
Help us to give with him,
to you and also to one another,"
the proper and adequate response
of faithful, serving love,
which you expect from your people.
Be our God for ever
through Jesus Christ our Lord.
2)
Gospel Reading – Matthew 1, 18-24
This is
how Jesus Christ came to be born. His mother Mary was betrothed to Joseph; but
before they came to live together she was found to be with child through the
Holy Spirit. Her husband Joseph, being an upright man and wanting to spare her
disgrace, decided to divorce her informally. He had made up his mind to do this
when suddenly the angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said,
'Joseph son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary home as your wife, because
she has conceived what is in her by the Holy Spirit. She will give birth to a
son and you must name him Jesus, because he is the one who is to save his
people from their sins.'
Now all
this took place to fulfil what the Lord had spoken through the prophet: Look!
the virgin is with child and will give birth to a son whom they will call
Immanuel, a name which means 'God-is-with-us'.
When
Joseph woke up he did what the angel of the Lord had told him to do: he took
his wife to his home.
3)
Reflection
• In
Luke’s Gospel the story of the infancy of Jesus (chapters 1 and 2 of Luke) is
centred around the person of Mary. Here in the Gospel of Matthew the infancy of
Jesus (chapters 1 and 2 of Matthew)is centred around the person of Joseph, the
promised spouse of Mary. Joseph was of the descent of David. Through him Jesus
belongs to the race of David. Thus in Jesus, are fulfilled the promises made by
God to David and to his descendants.
• As we
have seen in yesterday’s Gospel, in the four women, companions of Mary, in the
genealogy of Jesus, there was something abnormal which did not correspond to
the norms of the Law: Tamar, Rahab, Ruth and Bathsheba. Today’s Gospel shows us
that Mary was also somewhat abnormal, contrary to the Laws of that time. In the
eyes of the people of Nazareth she appeared being pregnant before living with
Joseph. Neither the people nor the future husband knew the origin of this
pregnancy. If Joseph had been just according to the justice of the Scribes and
the Pharisees, he should have denounced Mary, and the penalty which she would
have suffered would have been death, stoning her.
•
Joseph was just, yes, but his justice was different. Already beforehand he
practiced what Jesus would teach later on: “If your uprightness does not
surpass that of the Scribes and Pharisees you will never get into the Kingdom
of Heaven” (Mt 5, 20). This is why, Joseph not understanding the facts and not
wanting to repudiate Mary, decided to leave her in secret.
• In
the Bible, the discovery of the call of God in the facts of life, takes place
in different ways. For example, through the meditation of the facts (Lk 2,
10.51), through the meditation of the Bible (Acts 15, 15-19; 17, 2-3), through
the angels (the word angel means messenger), who helped to discover the
significance of the facts (Mt 28, 5-7). Joseph succeeded in perceiving the
significance of what was taking place in Mary by means of a dream. In his sleep
an angel uses the Bible to clarify the origin of Mary’s pregnancy. It came from
the action of the Spirit of God.
• When
everything was clear for Mary, she says: “Behold the handmaid of the Lord. May
it be done to me according to your word!” When everything was clear for Joseph,
he takes Mary as his spouse and they went to live together. Thanks to the
justice of Joseph, Mary was not put to death, was not stoned and Jesus
continued to live in her womb.
4)
Personal questions
• In
the eyes of the Scribes, the Justice of Joseph would be a disobedience. Is
there a message for us in this?
• How
do you discover the call of the Word of God in the facts of your life?
5)
Concluding Prayer
For God
rescues the needy who calls to him,
and the poor who has no one to help.
He has pity on the weak and the needy,
and saves the needy from death. (Ps 72,12-13)
and the poor who has no one to help.
He has pity on the weak and the needy,
and saves the needy from death. (Ps 72,12-13)
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