Category: Prayer Intention

“Prepare for the Lord a people well-disposed.” –Luke 1:17 Mass Readings: December 19 First: Judges 13:2-7,24-25; Resp: Psalm 71:3-6,16-17; Gospel: Luke 1:5-25 In today’s Scripture readings, God takes the initiative to break into human lives and begin to deliver His people. His deliverance occurs through the conception of children, in this case Samson and John the Baptizer (see Jgs 13:5ff; Lk 1:13ff). These babies prepare the way for the birth of another Baby, Jesus. God does not drop salvation impersonally out of the sky. He sends His salvation in incarnate, human packages to which we can relate and whom we...

“When Joseph awoke he did as the angel of the Lord had directed him.” –Matthew 1:24 Mass Readings: December 18 First: Isaiah 7:10-14; Resp: Psalm 24:1-6; Second: Romans 1:1-7;Gospel: Matthew 1:18-24 Joseph believed that Mary was pregnant not because of sexual relations, but by the Holy Spirit (Mt 1:20). He believed this because of God’s grace given him in a dream about an angel bearing the message of the virgin-conception (Mt 1:20). Many people would consider Joseph one of the biggest fools ever, but we recognize him as one of the greatest men of faith in history. To not divorce...

“A family record of Jesus Christ…” –Matthew 1:1 Mass Readings: December 17 First: Genesis 49:2,8-10; Resp: Psalm 72:1-4,7-8,17; Gospel: Matthew 1:1-17 At Christmas time, many families put up a Christmas tree, and on it they hang ornaments. Often each person in the family will have an ornament bearing their name. It’s easy to picture Mom and Dad grabbing little Johnny’s ornament, polishing it, and telling joyful stories about Johnny’s life as they hang it on the tree. Each one of us is a member of God’s family. We were created in His image (Gn 1:27). Jesus has carved each of...

“Observe what is right, do what is just; for My salvation is about to come, My justice, about to be revealed.” –Isaiah 56:1 Mass Readings: December 16 First: Isaiah 56:1-3,6-8; Resp: Psalm 67:2-3,5,7-8; Gospel: John 5:33-36 St. John the Baptizer “was the lamp, set aflame and burning bright, and for a while you exulted willingly in his light” (Jn 5:35). Those who have accepted John’s call to repentance are ready to meet Jesus this Christmas. Yet many still refuse God’s grace of repentance. These people will be given a “testimony greater than John’s, namely, the works the Father has given...

“What did you go out to see?” –Luke 7:24 Mass Readings: December 15 First: Isaiah 54:1-10; Resp: Psalm 30:2,4-6,11-13; Gospel: Luke 7:24-30 Jesus asks the crowds and us: “What, really, did you go out to see – someone dressed luxuriously? Remember, those who dress in luxury and eat in splendor are to be found in” shopping malls, sleighs, and endless TV Christmas specials (see Lk 7:24-25). The crowds flock to see Santa, searching for glad tidings, good cheer, and perhaps, somehow, a measure of love. Today, the Church proclaims to the searching crowds that good news and love are available...