Seventh Day in the Octave of Christmas

Let the heavens be glad and the earth rejoice! Sing to the LORD a new song; sing to the LORD, all you lands. Sing to the LORD; bless his name; announce his salvation, day after day.

Part of being Christian is announcing God’s salvation, day after day. We do this through our thoughts by constantly trying to keep them on what is right and good. We do this with our words by disciplining our tongues so they speak the Good News and the truth in ways that bring people closer to God. We do this through our works by offering them all up to God as sacrifices. Our entire lives should proclaim the goodness of the Lord by reflecting the life of Christ in all things. We should be welcoming gates through which others can glimpse the promises of God and be attracted to the Christian faith.

How can we align our thoughts, words, and works with the Lord’s? What can we do to proclaim the Good News wherever we go? Are our lives attracting people to God or pushing them away?

O Lord, we shall announce your salvation, day after day.

Amen.

Feast of the Holy Family of Jesus, Mary and Joseph

Blessed are those who fear the Lord and walk in his ways. Blessed is everyone who fears the LORD, who walks in his ways! For you shall eat the fruit of your handiwork; blessed shall you be, and favored.

Fear of the Lord is something many misunderstand. There are many types of fear. Fear for our lives, our health, our finances. Fear for ourselves, for others, for loved ones. Fear of the Lord is a fear of disappointing Him. It is a fear of not living up to the standards Jesus has set for us through his life and works. It is a fear of losing our way and falling into temptation and sin. Thankfully, God has given us everything we need to be successful as Christians and walk in His ways. He blesses and favors us in our thoughts, words, and works so we can be fruitful in our services to Him and His children.

Do we have a healthy fear of the Lord? How can we be more faithful to Him and walk in His ways? What can we do with all the graces, blessings, and favors God has given us?

O Lord, we fear disappointing you and ask for your help so we might walk in your ways always and forevermore.

Amen.

The Fifth Day in the Octave of Christmas

Let the heavens be glad and the earth rejoice! Sing to the LORD a new song; sing to the LORD, all you lands. Sing to the LORD; bless his name.

We have much to be glad and rejoice about in our lives. As such, our thoughts, words, and works should sing to the Lord and bless His name. After all, it is because of God that we have the time, talents, and treasures present in our lives. We would be nothing and have nothing, if it wasn’t for the generosity of our Heavenly Father, who gave us not only His Beloved Son as a sacrifice for our sins, but His Holy Spirit as a guide to holiness.

Are we glad for all we have? Do we rejoice in God’s Goodness and Graces? How can we make our lives sing God’s praises?

O Lord, we bless your name and sing with joy to you.

Amen.

Feast of the Holy Innocents, martyrs

Our soul has been rescued like a bird from the fowler's snare. Had not the LORD been with us—when men rose up against us, then would they have swallowed us alive, When their fury was inflamed against us.

Our souls can be ensnared by many things in this world. They can be ensnared by sin, fears, doubts, anxieties, imperfections, financial worries, health scares, the loss of loved ones, persecutions, and many other trials. However, God will always rescue us from these difficulties if we are willing to accept His help. Even when things seem the worst, He can bring about our triumph. There is no challenge He can’t help us overcome. This doesn’t mean we won’t suffer, like Jesus suffered, but it does mean we will always have the graces we need to overcome every obstacle in our lives.

What things in the world are trying to ensnare us? How can we avoid or overcome these things? What can we do to learn to suffer patiently and trust in God’s ultimate triumph?

O Lord, rescue us from the snares of our enemies.

Amen.

Feast of Saint John, Apostle and evangelist

Rejoice in the Lord, you just! The LORD is king; let the earth rejoice; let the many isles be glad. Clouds and darkness are around him, justice and judgment are the foundation of his throne.

Sometimes God comes into our lives like a storm. He thunders and lightnings. and lets us know He is powerful, but He can also come in gentle and unseen ways. In whatever form He comes, He arrives to do one thing... to love us. He is just and good and wants what is best for us, even if we don't know what that is. Sometimes he comes as a storm to shake us and rouse us from a spiritual sleep. Other times He comes as a whisper of inspiration that guides us to a better life. No matter what, we should rejoice in His coming and in His staying with us always and everywhere we go.

Do our lives seem to be stormy lately? If so, then what might God be trying to show us through the lightning? Are we as equally open to the gentle whispers He sends us through the Holy Spirit?

O Lord, we are glad and rejoice at your coming into our lives.

Amen.

Feast of Saint Stephen, first martyr

Into your hands, O Lord, I commend my spirit. Be my rock of refuge, a stronghold to give me safety. You are my rock and my fortress; for your name's sake you will lead and guide me.

During this Christmas season, we should be more willing than ever to commend our spirits into the hands of our Lord and God. After all, He gave Himself to us through His Beloved Son, Jesus. He asked us, through Mary and Joseph, to take care of His Word Made Flesh. How wondrous is the Incarnation! Our rock of refuge transformed into a child in a manger. Our stronghold a babe in swaddling clothes. Our leader and our guide come into the world as a little one. This is why we trust in God's Goodness and Compassion... because He became one of us in all things, except for sin and so He knows our frailty and weaknesses and is willing to show us how to overcome them.

Do we commend our spirits to God on a daily basis? What can we do to prepare ourselves for God's coming into our lives? How can we let God lead and guide us along the way of salvation?

O Lord, we commend our spirits to you.

Amen.

Christmas

All the ends of the earth have seen the saving power of God. Sing praise to the LORD with the harp, with the harp and melodious song. With trumpets and the sound of the horn sing joyfully before the King, the LORD.

Joy to the world! The Lord has come! Sing praise to our Wonderful God and Glorious king! He has come down from Heaven to join with us as a babe and a man. He has shared his deep love for us as he has shared in our humanity. He comes to us in the Eucharistic Feast and in gives us food and drink that nourishes our souls and grows our faith, hope, and love.

How are we expressing our joy at Christ’s birth? What can we do to prepare ourselves for his Second Coming? Are we thankful for the gifts he has given us throughout our lives from conception to now?

O Lord, we sing your praise with joyful and expectant hearts.

Amen.

Fourth Monday of Advent

For ever I will sing the goodness of the Lord. The favors of the LORD I will sing forever; through all generations my mouth shall proclaim your faithfulness. For you have said, "My kindness is established forever"; in heaven you have confirmed your faithfulness.

God has been very good to us. He has given us life. He has made us in His Divine Image. He has provided us with free will so we can truly love Him and others as He loves us. He has poured out His blessings and favors upon us. He has been a faithful Father to us. He has been a loving brother and teacher. He has been a guiding Spirit. He has shown us His Kindness. We cannot imagine how much God has done for us throughout our lives from the moment of our conception to the moment of our death and beyond. All we can do is accept His gifts and use them to the best of our abilities for the good of all whom we meet.

Do we thank God for all He has done for us? How can we reflect God’s Goodness in our own lives? What can we do to be better children of our Heavenly Father?

O Lord, we sing of your goodness.

Amen.

Fourth Sunday of Advent

When Christ came into the world, he said: "Sacrifice and offering you did not desire, but a body you prepared for me; in holocausts and sin offerings you took no delight. Then I said, 'As is written of me in the scroll, behold, I come to do your will, O God.'"

The only sacrifice and offering God desires from us is for us to echo the words of Mary and say, “Behold the handmaid of the Lord, may it be done unto me according to thy Will.” All the almsgiving, mortifications, and prayers mean nothing if we do not do them in accordance and in respect of God’s Will. If someone needs help, but we say to them come back later I’m praying, then are we doing God’s Will? If we mortify ourselves in some way during Fridays or Lent out of obligation and not love of God, then how can we expect to grow in faith? If we give alms to the poor or needy, but do so only out of our surplus or to absolve ourselves from doing more, then are we truly being charitable? We can do all the right things, for all the wrong reasons. However, if we make our entire lives into sacrifices and are willing to give everything to God, then His Spirit will work through us and we will become not only a worthy offering, but a fruitful vine full of good works.

Are we willing to do God’s Will no matter what it might cost us in the world? How can we transform ourselves into living sacrifices for the glory of God and the good of others? What can we do to ensure we are doing the right things for the right reasons?

O Lord, we come to do your will.

Amen.

Third Saturday of Advent

My heart exults in the Lord, my Savior. "My heart exults in the LORD, my horn is exalted in my God. I have swallowed up my enemies; I rejoice in my victory."

Our hearts and minds should exult in the Lord, our Savior. We should find solace in our God. We should be uplifted by the knowledge that God is with us and will never abandon us. We should give glory, honor, and praise to our Heavenly Father for He is good and loving and protective. He will not let any harm come to our souls if we allow Him to guard us from wickedness. He will defeat our enemies, especially sin and death, and bring us joyful triumph and eternal life. We should exalt Him for all He has done for us, is doing for us, and will do for us. He is our Savior and in Him we should trust, always and in every way.

Do our hearts and minds exult in the Lord? Do we give Him the glory, honor, and praise He deserves? How can we become more perfect in our thanksgiving to Him?

O Lord, we rejoice in you and the victories you bring us in this life.

Amen.

Third Friday of Advent

Exult, you just, in the Lord! Sing to him a new song. Give thanks to the LORD on the harp; with the ten-stringed lyre chant his praises. Sing to him a new song; pluck the strings skillfully, with shouts of gladness.

We have much to be thankful for as the children of God. We could ask for no better Father than our God. He gave us our lives. He gives us His constant love. He will give us salvation and eternal life, if we accept His guidance and graces. This is why we should exult in God and sing to Him a new song. We should praise Him for everything He has done for us and shout for gladness for all His kindnesses. Our hearts should have but one response to God for all He has done for us... to glorify and love Him.

What are the things in our lives we should be grateful for? What can we do to give thanks to God for what He has given us? How can we nurture glad and thankful hearts in ourselves and others?

O Lord, we shout for gladness for all that you’ve done for us.

Amen.

Third Thursday of Advent

Let the Lord enter; he is the king of glory. The LORD's are the earth and its fullness; the world and those who dwell in it. For he founded it upon the seas and established it upon the rivers.

All of creation is God’s and we would do well to remember that. Nothing we have is our own. Everything is a gift from God. Our lives, our food, our drink, our clothing, our homes, our goods... all of them come from our Heavenly Father, who knows what is best for His children. All the good fruits we produce in thought, word, or work find their source, center, and summit in God. He established everything in the universe for our own good and the good of all His children and this is why we should let Him enter into our hearts and minds. He is the Lord of our lives and the King of our spirits. He is the life-giving water that sustains us in the dryness of the world. He is the warming light that nourishes our souls. In Him, we find both Creator and Savior and a King of Kings.

Do we remember that nothing good comes from us alone, but from our participation in God’s Will? Do we give thanks to God for all He has done for us? Are we willing to let Him into our lives when the rest of the world tells us to shut Him out and be “self-sufficient”?

O Lord, enter into our hearts and be glorified.

Amen.

Third Wednesday of Advent

My mouth shall be filled with your praise, and I will sing your glory! Be my rock of refuge, a stronghold to give me safety, for you are my rock and my fortress. O my God, rescue me from the hand of the wicked.

God is our rock of refuge. He will always provide us shelter from the storms of our lives and give us rest when we are wary. The stronghold of His Love and Grace gives us safety from the moment of our conception to the moment of death and beyond. He is a Fortress against the wickedness and snares of the Devil and if we trust in Him, then nothing can overcome us. He is our rescuer from sin and death. He is our Savior and our mouths should be filled with praise for Him. Our hearts should sing His glory. For He will never abandon us to the wicked.

Do we take refuge in God when our lives are difficult and stormy? Do we give thanks to God for all the graces He gives us and the spiritual shelter He provides us? What can we do to repay His Infinite Kindness?

O Lord, you are our rock and we praise and glorify you for the refuge you constantly provide us in our lives.

Amen.

Third Tuesday of Advent

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.

Just as God does everything that He can to help the poor and afflicted, so to, we must do the same. When we see someone in need, even someone who might be repulsed by, we must do everything we can to help them within reason. We should strive to rescue those who call out to us, to help those in need, to have pity on the lowly and the poor. This is the type of justice God is calling all of us to make a reality in our own lives and in the lives of others. We might not be able to save everyone, Jesus couldn't do that, but we can do our best to be good and faithful servants.

Are we open to helping the poor and afflicted? What gifts and talents do we have that we can share with those in need? How can we be more just in our dealings with others?

O Lord, let your justice flourish through us, especially in our dealings with the poor and the afflicted.

Amen.

Third Monday of Advent

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.

We all are called to be just in our dealings with God and others. If we want to be part of the Kingdom of our Heavenly Father, then we must treat others with dignity and respect. We have to govern ourselves with discipline so our every thought, word, and work will build up the Kingdom of God and not tear it down. When others see us, they should know we are Christians by our faith, our hope, and our love. They should say, "there is a just people" and we should respond, "come join us."

What can we do to govern ourselves with justice? How can we help justice flourish in our own time? How can we bring peace into our lives and the lives of those around us?

O Lord, plant your justice in our minds and hearts so they might yield the fruits of peace.

Amen.

Third Sunday of Advent

Rejoice in the Lord always. I shall say it again: rejoice! Your kindness should be known to all. The Lord is near. Have no anxiety at all, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, make your requests known to God. Then the peace of God that surpasses all understanding will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.

There is a lot to be joyful about in our lives. No matter what trials we might be undergoing, we should have no anxiety at all because as Christians we know God is with us and will never abandon us. As long as we are prayerful and willing to ask for God’s help, then He will grant His Grace to us. Perhaps not in the time and place we would choose, but at the time and place that will do the most good for our souls. If we trust God in this way, then we shall have His peace within our hearts and minds, knowing our requests will be fulfilled to our betterment. So, let us give thanks to our God, who is our Heavenly Father, Loving Brother, and Protective Spirit.

How can we cultivate a joyful spirit, even in times of trial and distress? How can we imitate God’s Kindness to all whom we meet? What can we do to prepare our hearts and minds for God’s Peace?

O Lord, guard our hearts and minds.

Amen.

Second Saturday of Advent

 Lord, make us turn to you; let us see your face and we shall be saved. O shepherd of Israel, hearken, From your throne upon the cherubim, shine forth. Rouse your power.

Sometimes we can become lost in the world and need God’s help to find our way back to Him. We need His Light to show us the way. We need to see His Face in family, friends, neighbors, and even strangers so we might be reminded He is always with us. We need His guidance and protection to lead us where we are called to go. We need Him to shine forth and rouse His Divine Power to save us from the temptations of the world and even from ourselves. All these things should lead us to turn to God in our lives and help others do the same.

Are we allowing God to be our spiritual shepherd? How can we be more faithful followers of Christ? How can we reflect the face of God to all whom we meet each day?

O Lord, let us see your face and be saved.

Amen.

Memorial of Saint John of the Cross, Priest and Doctor of the Church

Those who follow you, Lord, will have the light of life. Blessed the man who follows not the counsel of the wicked Nor walks in the way of sinners, nor sits in the company of the insolent, But delights in the law of the LORD and meditates on his law day and night.

If we follow the Lord, the light of life will be in us and guide us along the narrow path to Heaven. Of course, following God isn’t always easy. We are constantly counseled by the wicked to give into our temptations and walk the way of sinners. We are told by the world we should turn our backs on God and make our own way. However, we must resist these evil inclinations and instead focus on living upright lives, delighting in the laws of the Lord, and mediating upon them with humble hearts.

What can we do to open our eyes to the light of life? How can we resist the counsel of the wicked? Do we set aside time each day to meditate on God’s Divine Law?

O Lord, grant us the light of life.

Amen.

Memorial of Saint Lucy, Virgin and Martyr

The Lord is gracious and merciful; slow to anger, and of great kindness. I will extol you, O my God and King, and I will bless your name forever and ever. The LORD is good to all and compassionate toward all his works.

We are truly blessed to have a loving and compassionate God. He is infinitely patient with us through our periods of sin, doubt, indifference, and selfishness. He is constantly helping us to overcome our weaknesses and to strengthen us in faith, hope, and love. He kindly extends His hand to us offering graces, blessings, and salvation to all whom will accept Him into their hearts. He is good to us all, even when we feel most abandoned and lost. Though we do not always see Him in our lives, He is always with us, waiting for us to open our eyes again and see Him next to us through thick and thin.

Do we recognize how blessed we are to have such a good God on our side? What can we do to express our thankfulness for His Graces, Love, and Mercy? How can we become more like Him, good and compassionate to all whom we meet each day?

O Lord, we extol you and bless your name forever.

Amen.

Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe

You are the highest honor of our race. Blessed are you, daughter, by the Most High God, above all the women on earth; and blessed be the LORD God, the creator of heaven and earth. 

Mary is blessed among all women and beloved by God. She was kept from sin through the Immaculate Conception and has the highest honor of our race as the Mother of God. Her trust in and faithfulness to Her Heavenly Father are virtues we all should seek to imitate. We also should mirror her openness to God's Will in her life. Like her, we should constantly be saying, "Behold, I am the handmaid of the Lord. May it be done to me according to your word." So, too, she was the perfect disciple of her Beloved Son, Jesus, following his teachings even before he spoke them aloud. The Word of God dwelt in her and though she didn't always understand its meaning, she always treasured each revelation in her heart. Last but not least, she was a constant co-worker with the Holy Spirit, open to His fruitfulness, guidance, and inspirations. This is what sets Mary apart. She made her will one with the Holy Trinity and let her God guide her every thought, word, and work. May we do our best to imitate her in this regard.

Do we honor Mary as we should? Do we seek her help and intercession in our times of need? What can we do to build a closer relationship with her?

O Lord, thank you for giving us such a blessed Heavenly Mother.

Amen.

Second Tuesday of Advent

The Lord our God comes with power. Sing to the LORD a new song; sing to the LORD, all you lands. Sing to the LORD; bless his name; announce his salvation, day after day.

Our God is powerful and He will do everything He can to save us. He will move mountains to move our hearts closer to Him. He will fill in valleys to raise our spirits. He will send angels to protect and guide us. He has already sent His Beloved Son to live, suffer, and die for us so we might grow in faith, hope, and love. He will bless us with every grace and give us every chance to choose Him over the world. Day after day, He offers us salvation. And if we will treat others as He treats us, then one day we shall stand before Him and He will say to us, "Well done, my good and faithful servants." And we will sing His praises for the rest of time.

Do we sing to the Lord and bless His Holy Name? Do we trust in His power? What can we do to become a good and faithful servant worthy of the salvation He offers to us each day?

O Lord, we sing to you and bless your name.

Amen.

Second Monday of Advent

Our God will come to save us! I will hear what God proclaims; the LORD --for he proclaims peace to his people. Near indeed is his salvation to those who fear him, glory dwelling in our land.

Our God has come to save us. He came in the form of a little baby named Jesus Christ. He came into this world in a lowly manger. He came to a mother, who gave herself completely to God’s Will when she said, “Be it done unto me according to thy word.” He came to an adoptive father who did not question God’s Will when told to flee to Egypt. He came to be lost and then found in the temple. He came to be a minister of the truth, showing others the way to live their lives. He came to cure the sick, feed the hungry, cast out demons. He came to give hope to the hopeless and free the imprisoned. He came to save us from sin and death. He came to die for us from the moment he cried out as a babe to the moment he offered up his spirit on the cross. He came to rise for us and show us a new path to Heaven and eternal life. He came to give us the Holy Spirit to be our Advocate and Guide. He came to mend our relationship with our Heavenly Father and transform us into worthy co-heirs to the Kingdom of God.

How often do we thank God for coming into our lives and saving us? Are we even aware of His coming? How can we become more aware of His Presence with us and His saving graces?

O Lord, come to save us.

Amen.

Second Sunday of Advent

And this is my prayer: that your love may increase ever more and more in knowledge and every kind of perception, to discern what is of value, so that you may be pure and blameless for the day of Christ, filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ for the glory and praise of God.

We all should pray for an increase in our ability to love. In addition, we need to pray for the knowledge and the perception to love wisely and well and to choose right over wrong. We need knowledge to understand what to think, say, and do to help others. We need the perception to recognize when and where we are needed. We need knowledge, perception, and love in order to follow the commandments and live holy and pure lives. When we have these three things, then we shall be fruitful in our faith and bear righteousness into the world. By doing this, we plant the seeds of love wherever we go, giving glory and praise to God and growing the faith of others.

Do we pray for love, knowledge and perception? How can we come to see what is truly of value in this world so that we might become pure and blameless? What can we do to increase in love and righteousness so that we can bear good fruits?

O Lord, increase our ability to love through knowledge and perception of your Divine Will.

Amen.

Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary

Sing to the Lord a new song, for he has done marvelous deeds. Sing to the LORD a new song, for he has done wondrous deeds; His right hand has won victory for him, his holy arm.

On this Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception of the Blesses Virgin Mary, it is only right that we sing to the Lord a new song and proclaim the marvelous deeds God has done for us. These are words that echo those Mary spoke to Elizabeth in the Magnificat where she proclaims the greatness of the Lord, rejoices in the Savior, and recognizes the great things God has done for her. In a similar way, we are also called to follow in Mary’s footsteps by proclaiming God’s greatness, rejoicing in His saving grace, and giving thanks for all He has done for us. If we do these things and live our lives in accordance with the Scriptures and the teachings of the Church, then we shall be a part of God’s victory and share in His Triumph over sin and death.

Do we sing God’s praises? In what ways can we rejoice in God, our Savior? How can we express the depths of our thanksgiving for all God has done for us?

O Lord, we praise and thank you for all the marvelous deeds you have done for us.

Amen.

Memorial of Saint Ambrose, Bishop and Doctor of the Church

The Lord is my light and my salvation. The LORD is my light and my salvation; whom should I fear? The LORD is my life's refuge; of whom should I be afraid?

With the Lord as our light and our salvation, we have nothing to fear. He illuminates our lives, leading us out of darkness and sin. He guides our way like a lighthouse, protecting us from the hazards that can sometimes beset us. He is our refuge, too, providing each of us with a safe haven within His Sacred Heart. When we are wary, He gives us rest. When we are needy, He sustains us. When we are lost, He finds us and leads us back home to Him. This is why we should place our complete trust in Him. He will never abandon us. He will always do everything within His Power to bring us to the Promised Land and life everlasting.

Are our eyes open to the light of Christ? Are we willing to leave the temptations of the darkness and follow where God is calling us? How can we rid ourselves of the fears that keep us from seeking the light?

O Lord, you are our light and our salvation.

Amen.

First Thursday of Advent

Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord. Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good, for his mercy endures forever. It is better to take refuge in the LORD than to trust in man. It is better to take refuge in the LORD than to trust in princes.

The Lord is our refuge. He is there for us always. In good times and in bad times, in sickness and in health, He is with us. His Mercy and Grace protect us and guide us from the moment we are conceived to the moment of our rebirth in the afterlife. His Goodness leads to our good. If we trust in Him above all else, then we will not be disappointed. Instead, we will be blessed with life everlasting.

Have we given thanks to God for all He has done for us? Do we seek shelter in Him when we are in need or sorrow? Do we trust in Him more than ourselves or others?

O Lord, we give thanks for all the blessings you have given us.

Amen.

First Wednesday of Advent

I shall live in the house of the Lord all the days of my life. The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want. In verdant pastures he gives me repose; Beside restful waters he leads me; he refreshes my soul.

The house of the Lord can reside in our hearts as well as the Church. Our hearts, which may be unworthy mangers, can be made worthy to receive Jesus through the sacrament of reconciliation. We can clean out all our old ways and give Christ a place to lay his head when he comes to us in the sacrament of communion. By making our hearts into his home, we open ourselves to all the graces God has prepared for us. He grants us his protection. He gives us repose and inner peace. He leads us to the life-giving waters of love and mercy. He refreshes our souls through His Divine Presence. He makes us into living temples, shining His Light upon the world around us and leading others to rest in Him.

Are we willing to clean out all those things that prevent God from living within us? How can we cleanse ourselves, like Joseph and Mary cleansed and made ready the manger before Christ's birth? What can we do to prepare ourselves to be dwelling places of our Savior and our God?

O Lord, dwell within us and make us holy.

Amen.

First Tuesday of Advent

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.

Justice will flourish around us if we live the Christ-like life. When we treat others with dignity and love, they are more likely to respond in kind. Even if they don't respond to our kindness, we will have done the right thing and be at peace with ourselves. We also need to govern our own hearts, minds, and bodies with justice, fostering every virtue and uprooting ever vice. In this way, we can grow in faith, hope, and love. This is why it is so important for us to pray for God' Justice and Mercy in our own lives and to trust that God will endow us with both so we can live holy and fruitful lives forever and ever.

Are our lives governed by God's Justice? How can we promote and nurture the virtue of justice in our own lives and the lives of others? What acts of justice is God calling us to perform for Him and His children?

O Lord, may your justice flourish in us and bring us peace forever.

Amen.

Memorial of Saint Francis Xavier, Priest

Let us go rejoicing to the house of the Lord. I rejoiced because they said to me, "We will go up to the house of the LORD." And now we have set foot within your gates, O Jerusalem.

When we go to mass or to any gathering of the faithful, we should go rejoicing. We should put aside all our worldly doubts, fears, and anxieties and focus on being with God. Often, we are beset by distractions in our lives and may be tempted to give them our attention, but we should offer all these up to God and use them as stepping stones to mediation and contemplation of God. This transforms what could lead us astray into something that leads us closer to God. So, when we step through the doors of our church, let us leave behind the world and all its empty worries and instead dedicate ourselves to a deeper participation in the mass and all our church's gatherings.

How can we prepare ourselves to go to church? What can we do to transform our worldly worries into spiritual opportunities for deepening our faith? How can we participate more fully in the mass and in the various spiritual gatherings at our church?

O Lord, let us go rejoicing to your house.

Amen.

First Sunday of Advent

May the Lord make you increase and abound in love for one another and for all, just as we have for you, so as to strengthen your hearts, to be blameless in holiness before our God and Father at the coming of our Lord Jesus with all his holy ones. Amen.

Jesus came into the world through the Incarnation as a little child. He came to proclaim the Good News, save souls, and prepare the world for his next coming. As this Christmas season begins, we would do well to keep in mind both the First and the Second Coming. The first because through it we were freed from sin and saved from death. The second because it promises everlasting life and the unfathomable experience of being in God’s Divine Presence forever. In both cases, God will increase us, strengthen our hearts, and make us holy. The Incarnation was the beginning of our Christian faith, the Second Coming will be its pinnacle. We can only hope the way we spend our lives will lead us to Hosanna in the Highest and a life full of spiritual blessings and saving graces.

In what ways are we preparing ourselves for the coming of Christmas? How can we also prepare ourselves for the Second Coming? How can we help others to prepare for and anticipate these spiritual events?

O Lord, strengthen our hearts and make them holy.

Amen.

Fourth Anniversary!

Another year has passed and we have reached the four years mark! When I started this blog, I had about six years worth of material stocked up... so we are two-third of the way done. According to my stats' button, this site has almost 16,000 visits. Thank you to everyone who has visited! I hope you all are getting something out of these reflections.

I look forward to reflecting on the daily Psalms (since we've read all the daily gospels and 1st readings over the course of the past four years) and Sunday's second readings with you in the coming year.*

Lastly, I hope you will continue to walk with me on this journey and explore the wonderful readings the Catholic Church.

*For those who don't know, each year's Sunday readings focus on a particular gospel: Matthew, Mark, and Luke. John is used for special occasions, such as the Easter season. This way Catholics who do the daily readings read a good amount of the Old Testament and most of the New Testament every three years!

Thirty-Fourth Saturday in Ordinary Time

They will look upon his face, and his name will be on their foreheads. Night will be no more, nor will they need light from lamp or sun, for the Lord God shall give them light, and they shall reign forever and ever.

If we are true to our faith, the name of God will be written on our foreheads. Our lips will proclaim the Word of God. Our hands will do the work of God. Our feet will follow the path God has set before us. Our minds will meditate on and contemplate God. Our hearts will be at one with the Sacred Heart of Jesus. Our lives will be fruitful and abundant with good works. God's Light will dwell within us and make us into shining beacons of faith and hope and love. And the Lord will reign within us and through us to the rest of the world.

Are we living fruitful lives? How can we grow in faith and become more Christ-like in all things? What can we do to bring the God's Light into the world around us?

O Lord, write your name upon our foreheads and our hearts.

Amen.