Wednesday 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)
WEDNESDAY, 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, which lasted a full year, and could only be terminated by divorce. Joseph was a righteous man who faithfully observed the Mosaic law. 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 the Lord of Creation. He is also Lord of the Covenant, which God made with the people on Mount Sinai. O Leader of the House of Israel, giver of the Law to Moses on Sinai: come to rescue us with your mighty power!
O come, O come, Thou Lord of might,
Who to Thy tribes on Sinai's height
In ancient times didst give the law
In cloud and majesty, and awe.
Wednesday 18 December 2019
Jeremiah 23:5-8. Psalm 71(72):1-2, 12-13, 18-19. Matthew
1:18-24.
Justice shall flourish in his time, and fullness of peace forever – Psalm 71(72):1-2, 12-13, 18-19
Joseph allows God to do impossible things in the world.
Justice shall flourish in his time, and fullness of peace forever – Psalm 71(72):1-2, 12-13, 18-19
Joseph allows God to do impossible things in the world.
The readings for the day continue the Coming of the Saviour and
the period of anticipation that precedes the birth of Jesus. The Gospel reading
proclaims a humanly impossible situation and the faithfulness of Joseph. In
responding to God’s instruction, Joseph allows God to do impossible things in
the world. Through the response of Joseph, the scene is set for the Branch of
David to come and bring forth justice and fullness of peace for ever.
In contemplating the readings one is drawn to the intimate
relationship God has with Joseph and the fidelity he offers in response. When
called on by God is your response similar to Joseph’s? How do you enable
Emmanuel to enter into the world in the things you say and do? Are you willing
to trust and have patience during this period of waiting?
Blessed Anthony Grassi
Saint of the Day for December 18
(November 13, 1592 – December 13, 1671)
 |
| House of Loreto | J L Buchner | photo by unknown |
Blessed Anthony Grassi’s Story
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, Anthony 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 Anthony 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 importantly, 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, Anthony listened carefully to
penitents, said a few words, and gave a penance and absolution, frequently
drawing on his gift of reading consciences.
In 1635, Anthony 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
Anthony 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. Anthony 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, Anthony was confined to his room. The
archbishop himself came each day to give him Holy Communion. One of his final
acts was to reconcile two fiercely quarreling brothers. The Liturgical Feast
of Blessed Anthony Grassi is December 15.
Reflection
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 the experience softened him. Anthony 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 Divina
Wednesday, December 18, 2019
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 fulfill 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 into his home.
3) Reflection
• In Luke’s Gospel, the story of the infancy of Jesus (chapters
1 and 2 of Luke) centers around Mary. However, in the Gospel of Matthew,
the infancy of Jesus (chapters 1 and 2 of Matthew) centers around Joseph, the
promised spouse of Mary. Joseph was a descendant of David. Through him, Jesus
belongs to the line of David. Thus, in Jesus, the promises made by God to David
and his descendants are fulfilled.
• As seen in yesterday’s Gospel relating to the genealogy of
Jesus, there was something unusual in the marital unions of the five women
mentioned. Today’s Gospel shows Mary to be something of a companion to these
women. Her union with Joseph is also abnormal, and contrary to the laws
of the time, because she was pregnant before living with Joseph. Neither the
people, nor the future husband, knew the origin of this pregnancy. If Joseph
had the same idea of justice as held by the scribes and Pharisees, he would
have denounced Mary. The penalty she would have suffered would have been
death by stoning.
• Joseph, however, shows a different manner of justice. He
practiced what Jesus would later teach, namely, that “if your uprightness does
not surpass that of the Scribes and Pharisees you will never get into the
kingdom of Heaven” (Mt 5:20). For this reason, Joseph, not understanding
the facts and not wanting to repudiate Mary, decided to leave her in secret.
• In the bible, the discovery of God’s call takes place in
different ways. Joseph succeeded in seeing 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 and
Jesus continued to live in her womb.
4) Personal questions
• In the eyes of the scribes, the justice of Joseph would be
disobedience. Is there a message for us in this?
• How do you discover the call of the Word of God in your life?
5) Concluding Prayer
• How do you discover the call of the Word of God in your life?
5) Concluding Prayer
For God rescues the needy who call to Him,
and the poor who have 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 have 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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