Monthly Archives: December 2011

Colossians 3:12-21;Sirach 3:2-6,12-14(or Genesis 15:1-6;21:1-3); Psalm 128:1-5; Luke 2:22-40 The Holy Family Put on then, as God’s chosen ones, holy and beloved, heartfelt compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience. (Colossians 3:12) These characteristics certainly do seem to describe a holy … Continue reading →

1 John 2:3-11; Psalm 96:1-3,5-6;Luke 2:22-35 “The Holy Spirit was upon him.” (Luke 2:25) Does the way God works ever surprise you? If not, read this pas­sage more closely. No doubt, Simeon was surprised when he came to the Temple … Continue reading →

1 John 1:5–2:2;Psalm 124:2-5,7-8;Matthew 2:13-18 The Holy Innocents He is faithful and just and will forgive our sins. (1 John 1:9) It’s impossible to read the chill­ing story of Herod’s slaughter of the boys in Bethlehem without shudder­ing. It’s also … Continue reading →

1 John 1:1-4; Psalm 97:1-2,5-6,11-12;John 20:1-8 St. John He saw and believed. (John 20:8) Mary Magdalene was devastated. Jesus, whom she had believed to be the Messiah, had been arrested and crucified. She loved him so much that she returned … Continue reading →

St. Stephen Acts 6:8-10; 7:54-59;Psalm 31:3-4,6,8,16-17; Matthew 10:17-22 Stephen, filled with the Holy Spirit… . (Acts 7:55) Going from yesterday’s celebra­tion of Christmas to today’s feast of St. Stephen is like skipping ahead to the final pages of a thrilling … Continue reading →

  Malachi 3:1-4,23-24;Psalm 25:4-5,8-10,14;Luke 1:57-66 “He asked for a tablet and wrote, ‘John is his name.’” (Luke 1:63) Imagine Elizabeth at the well in town, drawing water. Zechariah is at home, trying to dress in the morn­ing. Not being able … Continue reading →

1 Samuel 1:24-28;(Psalm) 1 Samuel 2:1,4-8; Luke 1:46-56 “I prayed for this child… . Now I, in turn, give him to the Lord.” (1 Samuel 1:27-28) Hannah had prayed fervently for the gift of a child, and God heard her … Continue reading →

Luke 1:39-45;Song of Songs 2:8-14; Psalm 33:2-3,11-12,20-21 “Mary set out and traveled to the hill country in haste.” (Luke 1:39) Mary, why were you so eager to visit Elizabeth? Wouldn’t it have been better to wait until Joseph was free … Continue reading →