A Lectio Divina Approach to the Sunday & Weekday Liturgy
BREAKING THE BREAD OF THE WORD (Series 22, n.5)
Holy Family/Mother of God/Christmas Weekday: December 31, 2023 – January 6, 2024
(The pastoral tool BREAKING THE BREAD OF THE WORD: A LECTIO DIVINA APPROACH TO THE SUNDAY & WEEKDAY LITURGY includes a prayerful study of the Sunday liturgy from various perspectives. For the Lectio Divina on the liturgy of the past week: December 24-30, 2023 please go to ARCHIVES Series 21 and click on “Advent Week 4/Christmas Octave”.
Below is a LECTIO DIVINA APPROACH TO THE SUNDAY - WEEKDAY LITURGY:
December 31, 2013 – January 6, 2024.)
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December 31, 2023: THE HOLY FAMILY OF JESUS, MARY AND JOSEPH, YEAR B
“JESUS SAVIOR: He Makes Us Belong to the Family of God”
BIBLE READINGS
Gen 15:1-6; 21:1-3 // Heb 11:8, 11-12, 17-19 // Lk 2:22-40
I. BIBLICO-LITURGICAL REFLECTIONS: A Pastoral Tool for the LECTIO
This Sunday’s liturgy is an invitation not only to cherish the gift of the Holy Family of Nazareth and its inspiration for our own natural families, but also to promote the reality of a wider and more inclusive family – the family of God. This great family of God was generated by the Christmas-Easter mystery of the birth of our Savior Jesus Christ and the radical saving event of his passion, death and resurrection. Jesus Savior, a descendant of the patriarch Abraham, was born in Bethlehem and became an integral part of a domestic family in Nazareth - the Holy Family of Jesus, Mary and Joseph - to unite all humankind into the one family of God.
Aelred Rosser comments: “The word family is one of the richest in our language. We use it to mean many different things, many kinds of relationships, many degrees of kinship, both distant and intimate … It is in the widest sense of family that we see the true meaning of today’s feast. For the emphasis is not so much on Mary, Joseph and Jesus in Nazareth as it is on the family of God, we who have become one family in the miracle of Christmas. The Word became flesh. The creator of all human beings became a human being – uniting us to each other in the most intimate and inclusive family ever known in human history … A very special notion of family permeates the first reading. We still refer to Abraham, as our father in faith … In faith we are the descendants of faithful Abraham, and so are brothers and sisters the world over … To the degree that we fail to recognize every human being as a member of one family, we fail to understand God’s irrevocable plan.”
Today’s Old Testament reading (Gen 15:1-6; 21:1-3) depicts a very special family – Abraham and Sarah, and their offspring Isaac, born from a miracle of faith. This ancient family became instruments of God’s saving plan, even and especially in the face of impossible and extremely difficult situations. By faith, a whole new race of descendants sprang forth from the “seed” of Abraham, who was advanced in years when Isaac was promised to him by God. With the birth of Isaac from the formerly barren womb of Abraham’s elderly wife Sarah, the long line of heirs resulting from God’s covenant with the patriarch began. From Abraham’s lineage would issue the Messiah - Jesus Christ, the “salvation” prepared by God in the sight of all peoples, the “light of revelation” to the nations.
Abraham’s tremendous faith response to God’s ongoing and progressive initiative to make a “family of nations” from his “seed” is underlined in the second reading of today’s liturgy (Heb 11:8, 11-12, 17-19). The patriarch responded wholeheartedly to the loving and faithful God who called him to journey into the “unknown”, who inspired him to believe in the divine promise of inheritance, and lastly, who challenged him to sacrifice the very pledge of that inheritance. By faith Abraham obeyed when he was called to go out to a place that he was to receive as an inheritance … By faith he received power to generate, even though he was past the normal age and Sarah herself was sterile … By faith Abraham, when put to the test, offered up Isaac, his only son, of whom it was said, Through Isaac descendants shall bear your name.”
The authors of the Days of the Lord, vol. 1, explicate: “Faith, therefore, is totally and completely placing oneself in the hands of God, not in blind obedience, but with the assurance of having a bond with him. It establishes a communion with God, wherein God’s promise and the destiny of the one who believes in his word are intertwined, and will always be so, no matter what happens. It allows one to walk in the right direction with the humble –sometimes painful – confidence, as if we could see the invisible.”
Against the backdrop of the faith response manifested by Abraham and the role played by his ancient family in salvation history, we see in the Gospel reading (Lk 2:22-40) the tremendous importance of the Holy Family of Nazareth in preparing the universal “family of God”. In the faith response of Jesus, Mary and Joseph to God’s mysterious saving design for humanity, we see an irrevocable movement towards the formation of God’s family. Indeed, the more our vision is enlightened by faith and our actions animated by it, the more the human race will become a “family” - the “family of God”.
Harold Buetow remarks: “We will become the family of humanity, the family of church, the family of God when all the stereotypes are gone, when all the ancient grudges and prejudices and fears are gone – when we look at ourselves and every human being as a family member, each one of us … We balk, we scoff, but then we let faith take over and become channels of grace in spite of ourselves. There is no better example for us to follow than Jesus, of course. Jesus saw great potential in the weak and the sinful, the odd and the outcast. He also saw potential in the proud and obstinate, the coldhearted and the cynical, the angry and the resentful. He could do this – and we too – because he saw that pride is really insecurity, obstinacy is really fear, hard-heartedness and cynicism and resentment are simply pain in disguise. By faith, we see through such disguises and recognize ourselves behind all of them.”
In his Christmas Message 2008 to the Archdiocese of Los Angeles, Cardinal Roger Mahony speaks of the deeper solidarity that should animate the family of humankind and the family of God. It comes from our shared faith in Jesus Christ and in his Gospel. In the face of today’s tremendous economic crisis that has generated many fears, worries, uncertainties and insecurities in the world, God’s Christmas gift to us, Jesus - Son of God and Son of Mary - is our source of hope and the point of solidarity. Cardinal Mahony asserts: “There is a deeper recognition that all of us – rich, middle class, poor – have been affected by the financial crisis wreaking havoc in the world. We are being challenged to adopt a new frame of mind, a new understanding of Christmas, in which there is a deeper solidarity among us all. The point of solidarity is the poor infant who lies in a manger. In him the rich and the poor come together: kings and paupers; wise men and shepherds come to behold the gift that is given to them. And to us. All of us. Our solidarity with one another rests in this gift of God who comes poor to all of us.”
The following story about Evan gives us a glimpse into his journey towards personal and family integration (cf. “Hardship and Christmas Miracles” in POVERELLO NEWS, December 2008, p. 3-4). It is a Christmas miracle that heartens us and illustrates how the spirit of solidarity is at work in the “family of God”.
Experiencing a bleak Christmas is a common occurrence for people ending up at Poverello House; however, the current big political and cultural events don’t necessarily affect the outlook of the homeless and poor, primarily because their day-to-day existence is already so grim. In much the same way as economically shell-shocked people this year mourn the passing of better days, the homeless mourn the passing of their former lives, which can seldom be regained.
Evan (not his real name) was one such person. Christmas of 2005 found him someplace he didn’t want to be: in the Poverello House Resident Program. His work and family life had come unraveled due to his and his wife’s addictions. By nature a kind and hardworking man, methamphetamine dependence had turned him into a raging, abusive spouse. He was incarcerated as a result of his violent actions. He lost everything, including his six children, all of whom he dearly loved. He had run out of hope until Jimmie, our Program Director, came to the county jail and interviewed him for our program. Evan was released into the custody of Poverello House. His probation required him to complete the Resident Program. That first Christmas at Poverello, nothing looked very promising in his life.
However, along the way, something changed inside of him. He began to really want sobriety and the benefits that come from living without drugs. He was determined to finish what he started at Poverello, and he followed through on that determination. He then chose to move into the transitional phase of our program, a phase designed to be a step toward a better future. He was observed to have talent in our kitchen and a knack for leadership, and he began to formulate a dream of attending a culinary institute. As Evan grew emotionally stronger, he reconnected with his children and began spending time with them. Eventually, Poverello helped him begin a local program in chef training.
Now, three years later, Evan is working toward completion of his schooling and has found some part-time work as a chef. In fact, he has developed a growing reputation as a chef with great ability, and has even prepared a meal for a celebrity fundraiser. He is beginning to be in demand in his profession, a situation that would have been unimaginable to him in 2005, when he felt like a complete failure.
This Christmas will be perhaps the best yet for him. As we all know, Christmas is very special when there is family harmony, and his family relationships are better than ever. Evan’s parents now have custody of his children, and he is able to see them weekly. He has come to know them better, and a great deal of hurt has been healed by his efforts. Evan has achieved over three years of continuous sobriety; is on his way to certification as a chef; and is working in a field that promises to provide a good living, respect from others, and an outlet for his creativity. (…)
If Evan’s life can turn around so dramatically, then anything might happen during the magical and mystical season we call Christmas. The holiday began over 2,000 years ago with a miracle in a tiny stable. For those with the eyes to see, yuletide miracles still occur, and that fact should encourage us in hard times.
II. POINTS FOR THE EXAMINATION OF THE HEART: A Pastoral Tool for the MEDITATIO
1. What insights have you gleaned from God’s covenant initiative to make of Abraham a great “family” and to bless him with numerous descendants? What was Abraham’s response to God’s loving plan?
2. How does the author of the letter to the Hebrews underline the faith of Abraham? Do we endeavor to imitate the response of Abraham, our “father in faith”? What is the importance of a vision of faith in promoting family life and the saving plan of God?
3. What do the patriarch Abraham’s family and the Holy Family of Nazareth teach us about collaborating in the saving plan of God? How do we contribute to promoting the value of family life in a domestic setting and in the universal setting as “family of God”?
III. PRAYING WITH THE WORD: A Pastoral Tool for the ORATIO
Leader: Loving Father,
we thank you for the faith of Abraham, Sarah and Isaac.
From the “seed” of patriarch Abraham
issued forth the “family of faith”.
In the fullness of time,
the Messiah, Jesus Christ, was born from Abraham’s lineage.
Your divine, saving Word became man
to unite the fragmented “family of the human race”
into the one, great “family of God”.
O merciful and provident God,
give us the grace to be living and active members
of “the family redeemed by Christ”
and to be efficacious instruments of peace and harmony for all.
Fill us with the faith of Jesus, Mary and Joseph
and teach us the meaning of “human solidarity”.
Help us to be thankful for the astounding Christmas gift,
Jesus Christ, your divine Son.
He assumed our weakness and fragility
for the salvation of the world.
We give you glory and praise, now and forever.
Assembly: Amen
IV. INTERIORIZATION OF THE WORD: A Pastoral Tool for the CONTEMPLATIO
The following is the bread of the living Word that will nourish us throughout the week. Please memorize it.
“My eyes have seen your salvation.” (Lk 2:30)
V. TOWARDS LIFE TRANSFORMATION: A Pastoral Tool for the ACTIO
Pray for “family solidarity” in all levels. By your peaceful stance and works of charity, especially on behalf of the poor and the needy, and the unfortunate victims of the economic crisis, endeavor to promote the unity and integrity of the “family of nations” and of the “family of God”. That we may give glory and praise to God the Father for his “Christmas” gift in the person of our Savior Jesus Christ and to promote the growth of the “family of God”, make an effort to spend some moments of quiet prayer before the Blessed Sacrament.
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January 1, 2024: MONDAY – SOLEMNITY OF MARY, THE HOLY MOTHER OF GOD
“JESUS SAVIOR: He Is Born of the Virgin Mary”
BIBLE READINGS
Nm 6:22-27 // Gal 4:4-7 // Lk 2:16-21
I. BIBLICO-LITURGICAL REFLECTIONS: A Pastoral Tool for the LECTIO
On the Octave of Christmas, we celebrate the oldest Marian feast in the Church, the solemnity of Mary, Mother of God. In this Marian feast we celebrate her intimate role in the Christmas mystery as the willing virgin who gave birth to the Son of God. Cardinal Leon Joseph Suenens remarks: “We find Mary at the very heart of the mystery of the incarnation. She is the mother of the one who will be for all future ages the way, the truth, and the life. The threshold of the one who, above all, can introduce us to Jesus … To our contemporary world Mary offers the living and vibrant reality, the incarnate Savior of the world.”
The solemnity of Mary, Mother of God, falls on New Year’s Day (January 1), the first day of the civil year – an occasion when people look back on the past and wish each other God’s abundant blessings. It is most opportune that the Old Testament reading for the New Year’s Mass is the Priestly Blessing from the book of Numbers (6:22-27). Prayed in the context of the Christmas-Marian feast, it evokes the truth that Mary, Mother of God, is the utmost recipient of God’s blessing. In the motherhood of Mary, the icon of the blessed of God, the fullness of blessing is given to the world through her divine Child, the Savior of the world - the Priest of the New Covenant.
Combined with the Gospel episode (Lk 2:16-21) of today’s Marian feast, the Priestly Blessing from the Book of Numbers serves to interpret the Christmas mystery. From the manger, in his Son Jesus, the Lord God blesses us abundantly and protects us. In the Christ Child, the icon of the divine love, the Lord God lets his face shine upon us and enables us to experience his favor and graciousness. In Mary’s Son, the Prince of Peace, the Lord looks kindly upon us and grants us peace and total salvation. Indeed, in Jesus Christ, the Word of God incarnate, is the fullness of the Father’s benediction to humankind. Moreover, in his Son Jesus, born of Mary, the fullness of blessing and praise – the Eucharist – is rendered to God, our Almighty Father.
In his past Message for the World Day of Peace (January 1, 2014), Pope Francis asserts that fraternity is the foundation and pathway to peace. In Jesus is true fraternity. The Pope remarks: “All who accept the life of Christ and live in him acknowledge God as Father and give themselves completely to him, loving him above all things. The reconciled person sees in God the Father of all, and, as a consequence, is spurred on to live a life of fraternity open to all … All are loved by God. All have been redeemed by the blood of Christ, who died on the Cross and rose for all. This is the reason why no one can remain indifferent before the lot of our brothers and sisters.” Pope Francis concludes his Message with the following intercession: “May Mary, the Mother of Jesus, help us to understand and live every day the fraternity that springs up from the heart of her Son, so as to bring peace to each person on this beloved earth.”
The following story gives us a glimpse into how fraternity in Christ can extinguish war (cf. Brad Steiger & Sherry Hansen Steiger, Christmas Miracles, Avon: Adams Media Corporation, 2001, p. 44-46).
Five months after the start of World War I, just after midnight on Christmas morning, the vast majority of German soldiers declared a Christmas truce in the hostilities between themselves and those of the Allied troops – the Russian, French, and British. Regimental bands began to play Christmas carols and the men raised their voices in joyous celebration of the Holy Night when the Prince of Peace was born.
The Allied soldiers were understandably suspicious about the shouts of “Merry Christmas” that they heard directed at them from the German trenches. Perhaps they had snipers lined up just waiting for a curious Tommy, Ivan, or Frenchy to peek his head above the trenches. But at the end of each hymn or cheerful carol they heard the German boys from Kaiser Bill’s army calling out something about a Christmas truce. The men in the Allied trenches checked with their officers, but none of them knew anything about a truce having been declared for the holidays.
At dawn’s first light on Christmas morn, the German troops rose up out of their trenches, set down their weapons, and began to walk across “no-man’s land”, singing carols and shouting out, “Merry Christmas” in French, Russian, and English, as well as their native German. From all appearances, from everything the Allied officers could see through their field glasses and from what the soldiers were able to witness from their frontline observation posts, all the Germans appeared to be without rifles or any kind of weaponry whatsoever.
Soon the Allied soldiers crawled out of their trenches and walked toward the Germans who were so openly and trustingly celebrating Christmas. The men shook hands, wished each other a blessed Christmas, and exchanged gifts of cigarettes and food. Later, they sang hymns and carols, and those of the same faith worshipped together. Some accounts of the Christmas truce even state that opposing sides played a good-natured, but rousing, game of soccer. The remarkable unofficial “time-out” that was declared by the combat soldiers without any thought of obtaining permission from their superiors lasted for two or three days.
Sadly, the Christmas truce of 1914 was probably one of the very last examples of old-fashioned chivalry in modern warfare. Within another few weeks, the first technological war would begin slaughtering human beings on a scale previously undreamt of in any military officer’s most fevered nightmare of destruction. The employment of poison gas against the men in the trenches, the serial bombing of cities and civilians beyond the frontlines, the onslaught of armored tanks crushing men and smashing walls, machine guns mowing down ranks of soldiers, aircraft swooping down from the skies and strafing troops on the ground – all of these horrors and more would make the notion of another Christmas truce during the war an impossible dream. But the 1914 Christmas miracle created by the common foot soldiers’ declaration of peace and goodwill toward their fellow comrades-in-arms will live forever in memory as a triumph of the indomitable human spirit over the fatal disease of war.
II. POINTS FOR THE EXAMINATION OF THE HEART: A Pastoral Tool for the MEDITATIO
Do we allow the Lord God to bless us and keep us … to let his face shine upon us and be gracious to us … to look kindly upon us and give us peace? Do we look upon Mary as model of receptivity to grace and God’s abundant blessings? Do we look forward to the gracious blessings God has reserved for us in this New Year? How can we promote fraternity as a foundation and pathway to peace? Do we call upon Mary, the Mother of the Prince of Peace, to help us in our peace-making?
III. PRAYING WITH THE WORD: A Pastoral Tool for the ORATIO
Lord Jesus,
in you is the fraternity
that is the foundation and pathway to peace.
In this grace-filled New Year,
help us to become courageous heralds of your saving Gospel
and to be channels of your peace.
May your Mother Mary help us to promote the fraternity
that springs up from your heart
so as to bring peace to each person on this beloved earth.
With all peoples and creation and all the choirs of angels
we acclaim: Glory to God in the highest,
and on earth peace to people of good will!
We give you thanks and praise,
now and forever.
Amen.
IV. INTERIORIZATION OF THE WORD: A Pastoral Tool for the CONTEMPLATIO
The following is the bread of the living Word that will nourish us throughout the day. Please memorize it.
“The Lord bless you and keep you!
The Lord let his face shine upon you and be gracious to you!
The Lord look kindly upon you and give you peace!” (Nm 6:24-26)
V. TOWARDS LIFE TRANSFORMATION: A Pastoral Tool for the ACTIO
At the family reunion on New Year’s Day, use the Priestly Blessing as part of the prayer before or after meals, or at any other appropriate occasion during the day. With the help of Mary, Mother of God, perform acts of charity and service throughout the year that will bring God’s healing and benediction to the poor, the marginalized and the victims of natural and man-made calamities.
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January 2, 2024: TUESDAY – SAINTS BASIL THE GREAT AND GREGORY NAZIANZEN, Bishops, Doctors of the Church
“JESUS SAVIOR: He Leads Us by the Holy Spirit”
BIBLE READINGS
1 Jn 2:22-28 // Jn 1:19-28
I. BIBLICO-LITURGICAL REFLECTIONS: A Pastoral Tool for the LECTIO
A. Gospel Reading (Jn 1:19-28): “There is one who is coming after me.”
In this Christmas season we continue to penetrate the meaning of Jesus Savior, the Father’s gift of love to us. In today’s Gospel (Jn 1:19-28), the precursor John the Baptist, proclaims the coming of the Messiah, whose sandals he feels unworthy to untie. Jesus is the light and John is the lamp that reflects it; the Son of God is the saving word and the prophet in the wilderness is the voice that proclaims it. Indeed, Christ must increase and the one who prepares his way must decrease. Jesus is “the Greater One”. Like John the Baptist, we must recognize the preeminent status of Jesus Christ and assume our subordinate position in relation to him. Jesus Christ is the holy and immortal one to whom our love, reverence and unconditional trust are due. The spirit of Christmas invites us to render our homage, adoration and service to the Son of God.
When I was assigned in India, I looked forward to the visit of a little old lady from a fishing tribe in Bombay. The Sisters fondly called her “Granny”. Like the other women of her tribe, Granny wore her “sari” in a peculiar way – one end tucked between her legs. She would be served breakfast by the kind Sisters, usually the regular fare of cooked beans and a small loaf of bread. I was fascinated by the way Granny responded to the gift of bread. She would receive and hold it with reverence. Then she would make a sign of the cross over it and lift up her gaze to pray a silent blessing. If that is how Granny responded to the gift of material bread, one could just imagine her awesome reverence before the Blessed Sacrament on the altar. Her devout expression and gestures manifested that she was truly before the sacramental presence of Jesus Christ, whose sandal strap we are not worthy to untie.
B. First Reading (1 Jn 2:22-28): “Let what you heard from the beginning remain in you.”
The great Christmas mystery of God the Father sending his Son to be our Savior is not always accepted. In Saint John’s community, there are those who reject Jesus as the Messiah. These “antichrists” reject both the Father and the Son, for whoever rejects the Son rejects also the Father. In today’s First Reading (I Jn 2:22-28), Saint John therefore exhorts us to be faithful to the message transmitted by the apostles from the beginning. This will lead us to live in union with the Father and the Son and, consequently, to experience eternal life. Faithfulness to truth is made possible by the Holy Spirit that Christ pours out upon us.
John the Baptist, filled and guided by the Holy Spirit, proclaims the truth that Jesus is the Messiah. The Church, in time and space, struggles with “antichrists” and continues to uphold the truth that Jesus is the Savior. By the grace of God and the power of the Holy Spirit, the truth prevails.
The fight against Arianism, a heresy that denies that Jesus is the Son of God, illustrates the Church’s endeavor to defend the truth and to live in the truth (cf. Giovanni Falbo, St. Monica: The Power of a Mother’s Love, Boston: Pauline Books and Media, 2007, p. 65).
These were days of great uncertainty, but also of an intense Christian experience; the faithful of Milan discovered what it meant to be a community and what their bishop meant to them. As a widow in Africa, Monica had already formed the habit of going to church each day, and she felt that she was part of the Christian community, considering it a family. With a figure such as Ambrose, she felt more intensely the joy of shared prayer and fellowship, and she even provided food for those who remained in the basilica for days at a time. To find herself in the company of Ambrose, to have the opportunity to speak with him, to profit from his profound teachings, and, together with other Christians, to fight against the excesses of imperial power, was for her a magnificent experience of the living Church.
The imperial forces made a number of efforts to dislodge the resisters, but Ambrose always responded with courage, ready to die rather than give in to intimidation. After a while, the soldiers themselves began to enter the basilica to join those who were praying and singing there. In the end, the [Arian] empress was forced to back down, and on Holy Thursday, April 2, 386, she ordered the troops to withdraw. Ambrose and the Church of Milan had won and Monica had also played her part. Their exultation was tremendous.
II. POINTS FOR THE EXAMINATION OF THE HEART: A Pastoral Tool for the MEDITATIO
1. Do I truly recognize the absolute grandeur and absolute excellence of Jesus Christ, whose sandals we are not worthy to untie? How do I respond to his presence?
2. Are we willing to keep in our heart the saving message about Christ, the Son of God? Do we treasure the Christmas mystery and abide by the truth?
III. PRAYING WITH THE WORD: A Pastoral Tool for the ORATIO
Loving Father,
we thank you for John the Baptist
who witnessed that the Messiah is “the Greater One”,
whose sandal strap he was not worthy to untie.
Jesus is the refulgence of the Father’s glory
and to him we offer reverently
the homage of our love and service.
Help us imitate John the Baptist
in his serving stance to Christ our Savior,
who lives and reigns forever and ever.
Amen.
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(Cf. Opening Prayer of the Mass, Friday, from January 2 to Epiphany)
Lord,
fill our hearts with your light.
May we always acknowledge Christ as our Savior
and be more faithful to his Gospel,
for he lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit,
one God, forever and ever.
Amen.
IV. INTERIORIZATION OF THE WORD: A Pastoral Tool for the CONTEMPLATIO
The following is the bread of the living Word that will nourish us throughout the day. Please memorize it.
“There is one among you … whose sandal strap I am not worthy to untie.” (Jn 1:27) //“Let what you heard from the beginning remain in you.” (1 Jn 1:24)
V. TOWARDS LIFE TRANSFORMATION: A Pastoral Tool for the ACTIO
Pray that we may always take a reverential attitude of service in relation to Christ. By your spirit of humility and service to the people around you, enable them to experience that Christ is “Greater One” who deserves the gift of our entire being. // Secure a copy of the Catechism of the Catholic Church and/or Youth Catechism, and continue to delve into the beauty and riches of the Catholic faith.
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January 3, 2024: WEDNESDAY – CHRISTMAS WEEKDAY; THE MOST HOLY NAME OF JESUS
“JESUS SAVIOR: He Is the Lamb of God”
BIBLE READINGS
1 Jn 2:29-3:6 // Jn 1:29-34
I. BIBLICO-LITURGICAL REFLECTIONS: A Pastoral Tool for the LECTIO
A. Gospel Reading (Jn 1:29-34): “Behold the Lamb of God.”
When John the Baptist saw Jesus coming to him, he exclaimed: “Behold, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world.” The “Great One”, whose sandals John felt unworthy to untie, comes to the world on a compassionate mission of salvation. He is the “Lamb” who liberates from the power of evil and death. On the night of the Exodus, the Israelites smeared the doorposts of their homes with a lamb’s blood to avert the death of the first born. The angel of destruction “passed over” their homes and the angel’s “passing over” was an experience of salvation. By the blood of the sacrificial lamb the Chosen People were saved.
On Christmas night, the shepherds taking care of the flocks heard from the angel of the Lord the good news of salvation: “Christ the Savior is born”. Mary’s “first born” son would be identified many years later by John the Baptist as the “Lamb of God” who takes away the sin of the world. By the blood poured out by Jesus, the Lamb of God, the whole world is saved and the wounds caused by evil and sin are healed.
The saving work of Jesus continues in the here and now as the beautiful story of self-giving reported here will show (cf. “7 Keys to Generous Giving” in AARP Bulletin, Novembe3 2018, p. 38)
Actress Marlo Thomas, 80, grew up with charity at the center of her life. Her father, entertainer Danny Thomas, founded St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital in Memphis, Tenn., to provide a state-of-the-art care for children with life-threatening diseases at no cost to their families. After her father’s death in 1991, Thomas became a national outreach director for St. Jude and helped turn it into one of the world’s leading pediatric cancer research centers. Over the years, she’s developed a unique perspective on the psychology of giving and what it takes to cultivate a generous heart. (…)
One of Thomas’ most moving stories is about Ira Jackson, a retiree on Social Security who managed to donate a little to St. Jude every month. Then he got a terminal illness. In a letter to the hospital during his final days, he wrote, “I’m prepared to die, but I’m concerned that the little children won’t have a chance to grow into healthy adults. My last wish is for you to use this letter to find someone to take my place.” The hospital shared his letter and got 900 new donors who gave hundreds of thousands of dollars. “Ira knew that when he died, he would leave a hole behind”, Thomas says. “He donated about $80 total. It wasn’t billions, but it was a lot of money to him. He gave us as much as he could and was worried when he left that there wouldn’t be any more. I love that story.”
B. First Reading (1 Jn 2:29-3:6): “No one who remains in him sins.”
Today’s First Reading (1 Jn 2:29-3:6) helps us to contemplate that Jesus is the Father’s Christmas gift to us. The divine gift of love is his only begotten Son, the Savior of the world. Through this gift we become the children of God. What love the Father bestowed on us in making us his own children! Holiness marks our life of belonging to God as his children. Sin is “lawlessness” – a disordered existence of alienation. It is a negation of God’s love and totally incompatible with our Christian vocation to live a life of intimacy with God. Through the Gospel (Jn 1:29-34) we behold Jesus, however, as the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world. Through him, it is possible to turn away from sin and enter a life of renewed communion with our loving God.
The Christmas season is a beautiful occasion to thank the Lord God for Jesus and the gift of salvation. It is a call to embrace our vocation as children of God and to renounce “lawlessness” and sin. The hope of conversion is most welcome on Christmas and every day of the year. The following story is inspiring (cf. Dani D’Angelo, “The Gift of Quitting” in Amazing Grace for the Catholic Heart, ed. Jeff Cavins, et. al., West Chester: Ascension Press, 2004, p. 167-169).
On Christmas morning, my little boy asked me what I was giving the Baby Jesus for His birthday. I was crushed as I had nothing. I had not baked our customary birthday cake for Baby Jesus, nor had we stored up our good deeds to fill the manger with straw, like in years past. I felt bad but the look on my son’s face told me he felt worse. The next thing out of my mouth surprised even me.
“I know”, I said impulsively. “I am giving Baby Jesus my smoking habit. The whole thing: the cigarettes, the lighters, the cravings, the crabbiness, the ashtrays both dirty and clean, everything about smoking - is what I am giving to Baby Jesus.”
He was delighted and ran to tell his sister. They were filled with such joy while I sat stunned at what I had just done. I was obsessed with cigarettes yet I had told my son that I was giving up smoking as a gift to the Baby Jesus. Was I nuts? Could I do it? “No way”, I thought. But I knew that to break such a promise to my son would haunt us both for years to come. I needed a miracle. “Look Jesus”, I prayed. “I am sorry for jumping the gun, but I made this promise to my child. Now I need You to help me keep it.”
Suddenly I was filled with a deep sense of sureness. The kids and I had a ball going from room to room collecting everything to do with cigarettes. There were packs hidden everywhere – five in the freezer alone. We took the cigarettes, lighters, and ashtrays and either gave or throw them away. Then I went from room to room taking down curtains and cleaning them. I washed walls, ceilings, clothing and everything I could find, from Christmas morning until well into the New Year. (…) That was the year of my Christmas miracle and it changed my life completely … I gave up smoking as a gift to Baby Jesus, but in turn it was a gift He gave to me.
II. POINTS FOR THE EXAMINATION OF THE HEART: A Pastoral Tool for the MEDITATIO
1. Do we welcome Jesus Christ, the Lamb of God, into our life and embrace his saving power? What areas in our life need to be liberated by him?
2. How do we respond to God the Father’s awesome love in making us his children in Jesus Christ? Do we try to abide in God and to avoid sin and “lawlessness” that drive us away from experiencing eternal life?
III. PRAYING WITH THE WORD: A Pastoral Tool for the ORATIO
O gracious Father,
we thank you for the gift of your Son Jesus,
the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world.
He is the savior of the world
and frees us from self-destruction
and all the evil forces that threaten us.
Teach us to be gentle and gracious to the saving Lamb.
Help us to welcome him joyfully into our life
and give ourselves to him, now and forever.
Amen.
***
(Cf. Opening Prayer of the Mass, Saturday, from January 2 to Epiphany)
All-powerful and ever-living God,
you give us a new vision of your glory
in the coming of Christ your Son.
He was born of the Virgin Mary
and came to share our life.
May we come to share his eternal life
in the glory of your kingdom,
where he lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit,
one God forever and ever.
Amen.
IV. INTERIORIZATION OF THE WORD: A Pastoral Tool for the CONTEMPLATIO
The following is the bread of the living Word that will nourish us throughout the day. Please memorize it.
“Behold the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world.” (Jn 1:29b) // “See what love the Father has bestowed on us that we may be called the children of God.” (1 Jn 3:1)
V. TOWARDS LIFE TRANSFORMATION: A Pastoral Tool for the ACTIO
Pray that people may graciously welcome the daily coming of the Lamb of God in our life. By your acts of justice and charity to those struggling with various addictions, enable them to experience the saving power of the compassionate Lamb of God. // By your peaceful stance and works of charity, promote the integrity and holiness of the “children of God”.
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January 4, 2024: THURSDAY – SAINT ELIZABETH ANN SETON, Religious (USA)
“JESUS SAVIOR: They Followed Him, the Lamb of God”
BIBLE READINGS
1 Jn 3:7-10 // Jn 1:35-42
I. BIBLICO-LITURGICAL REFLECTIONS: A Pastoral Tool for the LECTIO
A. Gospel Reading (Jn 1:35-42): “We have found the Messiah.”
Saint John declared in the Gospel prologue: “And the Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us” (Jn 1:14). The Incarnate Word Jesus Christ is the “Lamb of God” pointed out by the precursor, John the Baptist, to two of his disciples. Indeed, the title “Lamb of God” evokes images of the sacrificial lamb, the suffering Servant in whom Yahweh is well pleased, and the Good Shepherd.
Jesus Christ thus initiates the dialogue of discipleship: “What are you looking for?” The response of Andrew and his companion is not totally an answer, but a question pregnant with meaning: “Where are you staying?” Their question means, “Where can we find you and learn from you about our true home?” Jesus says in reply, “Come and see.” He offers an invitation to walk with him and learn what remaining with him entails, as well as our final destiny. Indeed, the positive and ready response of the disciples to his invitation is extremely inspiring: “They went and saw where Jesus was staying, and they stayed with him.” As the Word made flesh dwelt among us and stayed with us through his eternal healing presence, so the first disciples remained with Jesus, the incarnate Word and divine Teacher.
Having experienced the life-giving intimacy and power of Jesus, the Word of life, the disciple Andrew became a sharer of the Word. His inevitable response is to find someone else to share the joy of his personal encounter with the Messiah. His effort to share the Word incarnate with his brother Simon Peter bore abundant fruit.
The following story gives insight into a disciple’s ministry of sharing the Word and of bringing the saving presence of Christ to others (cf. Chaplain Samuel Boone, “The Ministry of Presence” in Guideposts, December 2011, p. 58).
Christmas time can be lonesome for soldiers. I remember being stuck on an Army base in Germany one Christmas Eve with a case of the flu. My buddies went out partying while I could barely move from my bunk. The one person who dropped by was a chaplain. “Son”, he said, “you look like you could use some chicken soup.”
I didn’t put much stock in religion then, but the fact that this was a busy man – he had a Christmas Eve service to put on after all – made time to see me made an impression. He even brought by some of his wife’s chicken soup. That’s what military chaplains call the ministry of presence. You can’t expect the soldiers under your care to waltz into your office. You’ve got to reach them where they are: in the mess hall, at their posts, in the barracks.
That good man changed my life. I got well, dropped by the chapel, made a profession of faith and eventually became a chaplain myself.
B. First Reading (1 Jn 3:7-10): “Those who are begotten by God commit no sin.”
The Christmas mystery – his “appearing” in our time and space - continues to impact us. The Son of God “appeared” in order to destroy the devil’s deeds. He is the “Lamb of God” who takes away the sins of the world. In Jesus Christ, we become children of God. He is the Righteous One to imitate. The reading (1 Jn 3:7-10) underlines that the “righteous” children imitate the holiness of Jesus Savior. We must keep ourselves pure as Christ is pure and holy as he is holy. The “seed” of God remains in the one begotten by him. The “seed” is the living Word that brings his children into harmony with his saving will.
The following story entitled “The Seed” and circulated on the Internet gives insight into the “righteousness” that befits the children of God.
A successful Christian businessman was growing old and knew it was time to choose a successor to take over the business. Instead of choosing one of his directors or his children, he decided to do something different. He called all the young executives in his company together. “It is time for me to step down and choose the next CEO” he said. “I have decided to choose one of you.” The young executives were shocked, but the boss continued. “I am going to give each one of you a seed today – a very special seed. I want you to plant the seed, water it, and come back here one year from today with what you have grown from the seed I have given you. I will then judge the plants that you bring, and the one I choose will be the next CEO.”
One man named Jim was there that day and he, like the others, received a seed. He went home and excitedly told his wife the story. She helped him get a pot, soil and compost and he planted the seed. Every day, he would water it and watch to see if it had grown. After about three weeks, some of the other executives began to talk about their seeds and the plants that were beginning to grow. Jim kept checking his seed, but nothing ever grew. Three weeks, four weeks, five weeks went by, still nothing. By now, others were talking about their plants, but Jim didn’t have a plant and he felt like a failure.
Six months went by – still nothing in Jim’s pot. He just knew he had killed his seed. Everyone else had trees and tall plants, but he had nothing. Jim didn’t say anything to his colleagues however. He just kept watering and fertilizing the soil – he so wanted the seed to grow.
A year finally went by and all the young executives of the company brought their plants to the CEO for inspection. Jim told his wife that he wasn’t going to take an empty pot. But she asked him to be honest about what happened. Jim felt sick to his stomach. It was going to be the most embarrassing moment of his life, but he knew his wife was right. He took his empty pot to the board room. When Jim arrived, he was amazed at the variety of plants grown by the other executives. They were beautiful – in all shapes and sizes. Jim put his empty pot on the floor and many of his colleagues laughed. A few felt sorry for him.
When the CEO arrived, he surveyed the room and greeted his young executives. Jim just tried to hide in the back. “My, what great plants, trees, and flowers you have grown”, said the CEO. “Today one of you will be appointed the next CEO!” All of a sudden, the CEO spotted Jim at the back of the room with his empty pot. He ordered the financial director to bring him to the front. Jim was terrified. He thought, “The CEO knows I am a failure! Maybe he will have me fired!” When Jim got to the front, the CEO asked him what had happened to his seed. Jim told the story.
The CEO asked everyone to sit down except Jim. He looked at Jim, and then announced to the young executives, “Here is your next Chief Executive! His name is Jim!” Jim couldn’t believe it. Jim couldn’t even grow his seed. “How could he be the new CEO?” the others said. Then the CEO said, “One year ago today, I gave everyone in this room a seed. I told you to take the seed, plant it, water it, and bring it back to me today. But I gave you all boiled seeds; they were dead – it was not possible for them to grow. All of you, except Jim, have brought me trees and plants and flowers. “When you found that the seed would not grow, you substituted another seed for the one I gave you. Jim was the only one with the courage and honesty to bring me a pot with my seed in it. Therefore, he is the one who will be the new Chief Executive!”
II. POINTS FOR THE EXAMINATION OF THE HEART: A Pastoral Tool for the MEDITATIO
1. Do I endeavor to really follow Jesus and invite others to follow him?
2. Do we rejoice in the Christmas mystery of Christ “appearing”? Do we endeavor to imitate the righteousness and holiness of Christ and prove ourselves to be truly the children of God?
III. PRAYING WITH THE WORD: A Pastoral Tool for the ORATIO
Almighty Father,
we thank you for Jesus Christ, the Lamb of God.
His gentle and compassionate presence
inspires love and affection.
Like Andrew and John, we are fascinated and seek him.
And so we respond to Jesus’ invitation, “Come and see”
and follow him.
Help us to bring forth his saving presence
and invite others to follow him.
Grant us the grace to remain with him, forever and ever.
Amen.
***
(Cf. Opening Prayer of the Mass, Saturday, from January 2 to Epiphany)
All-powerful and ever-living God,
you give us a new vision of your glory
in the coming of Christ your Son.
He was born of the Virgin Mary
and came to share our life.
May we come to share his eternal life
in the glory of your kingdom,
where he lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit,
one God, forever and ever.
Amen.
IV. INTERIORIZATION OF THE WORD: A Pastoral Tool for the CONTEMPLATIO
The following is the bread of the living Word that will nourish us throughout the week. Please memorize it.
“They followed Jesus.” (Jn 1:37b) // “No one who is begotten by God commits sin, because God’s seed remains in him.” (1 Jn 3:9)
V. TOWARDS LIFE TRANSFORMATION: A Pastoral Tool for the ACTIO
Pray for the increase and perseverance of priestly and religious vocations. By a Christ-centered life, marked by charity and faithful service, enable the people around you to feel the saving presence of Christ and yearn to follow him. // In your daily dealings with the people around you, let the holiness and integrity that befit the children of God shine through and inspire people to do good.
*** *** ***
January 5, 2024: FRIDAY – SAINT JOHN NEUMANN, Bishop (USA)
“JESUS SAVIOR: His Call to Discipleship Resounds”
BIBLE READINGS
1 Jn 3:11-21 // Jn 1:43-51
I. BIBLICO-LITURGICAL REFLECTIONS: A Pastoral Tool for the LECTIO
Philip received a direct call from Jesus of Nazareth, “Follow me”. Like Andrew, Philip believed he had found the Messiah in the person of Jesus of Nazareth and therefore invited Nathanael, “Come and see”. Skeptical but sincere in his search for truth, Nathanael went to see Jesus who commended him as an Israelite without guile or falsehood. Nathanael was astonished by Jesus’ intimate knowledge of his personal integrity. He became even more impressed when Jesus told him that before Philip called him, he was sitting under the fig tree. According to Jewish tradition, the rabbis studied the law “under the fig tree”. Thus Nathanael, a man intent on studying Scripture and receptive to the coming of the Messiah, became a disciple of Jesus.
The celebration of the Christmas mystery invites us to share the joy of the coming of Jesus the Messiah and to a deeper contemplation of the divine plan of salvation. One way to achieve this is through Christmas carols. The following article, circulated through the Internet, about the well-loved Christmas carol “The Twelve Days of Christmas” invites us to cherish the various elements of Christian faith, which we should ponder “under the fig tree”.
From 1558 until 1829, Roman Catholics in England were not permitted to practice their faith openly. Someone during that era wrote this carol as a catechism song for young Catholics. It has two levels of meaning plus a hidden meaning known only to members of their church. Each element in the carol has a code word for a religious reality which the children could remember.
- The partridge in a pear tree was Jesus Christ.
- The two turtle doves were the Old and New Testaments.
- Three French hens stood for faith, hope and love.
- The four calling birds were the four gospels of Matthew, Mark, Luke and John.
- The five golden rings recalled the Torah or Law, the first five books of the Old Testament.
- The six geese a-laying stood for the six days of creation.
- The seven swans a-swimming represented the sevenfold gift of the Holy Spirit: prophecy, serving, teaching, exhortation, contribution, leadership and mercy.
- The eight maids a-milking were the eight beatitudes.
- Nine ladies dancing were the nine fruits of the Holy Spirit: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control.
- The ten lords a-leaping were the ten commandments.
- The eleven pipers piping stood for the eleven faithful disciples.
- The twelve drummers drumming symbolized the twelve points of belief in the Apostles’ Creed.
II. POINTS FOR THE EXAMINATION OF THE HEART: A Pastoral Tool for the MEDITATIO
Are we eager, like Andrew and Philip, to share our experience of Christ with others? Are we intent to study Scripture and, like Nathanael, are we receptive to the coming of the Messiah?
III. PRAYING WITH THE WORD: A Pastoral Tool for the ORATIO
Lord Jesus,
we thank you for calling Philip
and for his eagerness to share his messianic joy with Nathanael.
Help us to live without guile and with personal integrity.
Teach us how to sit “under the fig tree”
and learn the Scripture with a devout heart
so that we may truly welcome you as our saving Lord.
Grant that we may share your word and resound your call
so that all may know, love and follow you.
You live and reign forever and ever.
Amen.
IV. INTERIORIZATION OF THE WORD: A Pastoral Tool for the CONTEMPLATIO
The following is the bread of the living Word that will nourish us throughout the day. Please memorize it.
“We have found the one about whom Moses wrote in the law, and also the prophets, Jesus, son of David, from Nazareth.” (Jn 1:45)
V. TOWARDS LIFE TRANSFORMATION: A Pastoral Tool for the ACTIO
Pray that people of good will may continue to study the Scripture and find wisdom and strength in it. By your word and deeds promote vocation awareness and response in your parish and other types of community.
*** *** ***
January 6, 2024: SATURDAY – CHRISTMAS WEEKDAY; SAINT ANDRÉ BESSETTE, Religious, USA
“JESUS SAVIOR: He Is the Son of Adam, the Son of God”
BIBLE READINGS
1 Jn 5:5-13 // Lk 3:23-38
I. BIBLICO-LITURGICAL REFLECTIONS: A Pastoral Tool for the LECTIO
Today’s Gospel reading (Lk 3:23-38) presents the genealogy of Jesus Christ, the son of Adam, the Son of God. The purpose of this list of ancestry is to show from the beginning that Jesus brings salvation for all the children of Adam. In presenting a line of ancestors which goes back to Adam, “son of God”, the evangelist Luke emphasizes Jesus’ universal sonship. By his incarnation and by undergoing the paschal mystery of his passion, death and glorification, the divine Son Jesus deeply immersed himself into the current of salvation history and became the principle of a redeemed and renewed humanity.
In this Christmas season we contemplate the genealogy of Jesus Christ as a powerful manifestation of his intimate participation in the vicissitudes of humanity. The immersion of our Savior Jesus in the painful human lot continues in the “here and now” as the following letter of the PDDM Sisters would show. The Sisters are writing from Iligan City, Philippines, which was devastated this December by a typhoon and flash flood just a few days before Christmas.
Christmas 2011
Greetings of Peace!
It will be a simple and austere Christmas for us PDDM Sisters here in Iligan City.
· No Christmas lights because there is still no electricity in most places.
· No Christmas Tree because the trees were cut by illegal loggers and caused flash floods.
· No Belen for the Holy Family because most houses were destroyed and washed out.
· No caroling because the children lost their voices crying for help.
· No ham and Queso de Bola because food is rationed to the survivors who wait for hours to receive their share.
· No soft drinks because water is running out to quench the thirst of the victims.
Jesus will be born tonight in the evacuation centers … Yet this will be the most meaningful and real Christmas ever because of the love, sharing, and concern of people for each other. Indeed, God is with us and is dwelling among our suffering sisters and brothers.
Thank you for being one with us in your prayers, help and loving concern. Have a blessed and meaningful Christmas everyone …
II. POINTS FOR THE EXAMINATION OF THE HEART: A Pastoral Tool for the MEDITATIO
Do we realize how deeply the divine Son Jesus is involved in the human lot? Do we endeavor to be united with Jesus in his mission to save us all?
III. PRAYING WITH THE WORD: A Pastoral Tool for the ORATIO
Lord Jesus,
you are the son of Adam, the “son of God”.
We thank you for immersing yourself
into the deep current of human history,
which is turbulent and troubled with cares and sinfulness.
You are our salvation!
Grant that we may extend your saving help
to the needy and distressed people of today.
Help us to alleviate
the suffering of the victims of war, hatred, and various calamities.
You are our loving and protecting Brother.
Through you, with you and in you,
we are the children of God whom we love and adore,
now and forever.
Amen.
IV. INTERIORIZATION OF THE WORD: A Pastoral Tool for the CONTEMPLATIO
The following is the bread of the living Word that will nourish us throughout the day. Please memorize it.
“He was the son of Adam, the son of God.” (Lk 3:38)
V. TOWARDS LIFE TRANSFORMATION: A Pastoral Tool for the ACTIO
Pray for our suffering brothers and sisters that people of good will may respond to their needs and alleviate their misery. Endeavor to assist the devastated people in various parts of the world with your prayers and material aid.
*** *** ***
Prepared by Sr. Mary Margaret Tapang PDDM
PIAE DISCIPULAE DIVINI MAGISTRI
SISTER DISCIPLES OF THE DIVINE MASTER
60 Sunset Ave., Staten Island, NY 10314
Tel. (718) 494-8597 // (718) 761-2323
Website: WWW.PDDM.US