Saints and the Liturgical Year

[grateful_child]

December 25 - Solemnity of the Nativity of the Lord (Christmas):

Collect (Opening Prayer At the Vigil Mass):
“O God, who gladden us year by year
as we wait in hope for our redemption,
grant that, just as we joyfully welcome
your Only Begotten Son as our Redeemer,
we may also merit to face him confidently
when he comes again as our Judge.
Who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
one God, for ever and ever.”

Today’s Scripture readings and reflections:
usccb.org/bible/reflections/
ymlp232.net/archive_gbmbuqgjgu.php
www.catholicculture.org/culture/liturgicalyear/calendar/day.cfm?date=2016-12-25

Collect (Opening Prayer at Mass during the day):
“O God, who wonderfully created the dignity of human nature
and still more wonderfully restored it,
grant, we pray,
that we may share in the divinity of Christ,
who humbled himself to share in our humanity.
Who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
one God, for ever and ever.”

Note: “THE NEXT days of the Octave of the Nativity of the Lord show that the Nativity of the Lord is also a feast of Christ’s final coming, when he will be surrounded by his angels and saints, represented by St. Stephen [December 26], St. John the Apostle [December 27], and the Holy Innocents [December 28].” (Ordo.)

ADVENT From EWTN:
www.ewtn.com/advent/​

Thank you, Lord for the gift of your Son,
for all the blessings you have given us this year,
in the past, and for all the blessings you will be giving us
in the coming years! Amen.

Wishing you all
a very Blessed Christmas
and a Happy New Year!

 

[grateful_child]

December 26 - Saint Stephen, The First Martyr (Feast):

Collect (Opening Prayer):
“Grant, Lord, we pray,
that we may imitate what we worship,
and so learn to love even our enemies,
for we celebrate the heavenly birthday
of a man who knew how to pray even for his persecutors.
Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son,
who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
one God, for ever and ever.”

Today’s Scripture readings and reflections:
usccb.org/bible/reflections/
ymlp232.net/archive_gbmbuqgjgu.php

“St. Stephen was the first Christian martyred and one of the seven deacons who helped the Apostles. He died praying for his executioners; the similarities between his martyrdom and the Crucifixion of Our Lord show his perfect imitation of Christ even unto death. His name is included in the Roman Canon (Eucharistic Prayer I).” (Daily Roman Missal, MTF.)

For more on St. Stephen, see links:
www.ewtn.com/saintsHoly/saints/S/ststephen.asp
www.catholicculture.org/culture/liturgicalyear/calendar/day.cfm?date=2016-12-26

 

[grateful_child]

December 27 - Saint John, Apostle and Evangelist (Feast):

Collect:
“O God, who through the blessed Apostle John
have unlocked for us the secrets of your Word,
grant, we pray,
that we may grasp with proper understanding
what he has so marvelously brought to our ears.
Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son,
who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
one God, for ever and ever.”

Today’s Scripture readings and reflections:
usccb.org/bible/reflections/
ymlp232.net/archive_gbmbuqgjgu.php

“Born in Bethsaida, the fisherman St. John was called to follow Christ while mending his nets; he wrote a Gospel, three Epistles, and the Book of Revelation. With his brother St. James and St. Peter, St. John witnessed the Transfiguration. At the Last Supper, this ‘beloved disciple’ leaned on Our Lord’s breast, and at the foot of the Cross, Christ entrusted his own Mother to his care. St. John’s purity kept him close to Christ. He was exiled to the island of Patmos under Emperor Domitian.” (Daily Roman Missal, MTF.)

For more on St. John, see links:
www.ewtn.com/saintsHoly/saints/J/stjohn.asp
catholicculture.org/culture/liturgicalyear/calendar/day.cfm?date=2016-12-27

 

[grateful_child]

December 28 - The Holy Innocents, Martyrs (Feast):

Collect:
“O God, whom the Holy Innocents confessed
and proclaimed on this day,
not by speaking but by dying,
grant, we pray,
that the faith in you which we confess with our lips
may also speak through our manner of life.
Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son,
who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
one God, for ever and ever.”

Today’s Scripture readings and reflections:
usccb.org/bible/reflections/
ymlp232.net/archive_gbmbuqgjgu.php

“This feast celebrates the memory of the male children King Herod ordered to be killed in his attempt to kill the infant Christ. These innocent victims thus bear witness to Christ in the world and God’s care for even the most helpless of people.” (Daily Roman Missal, MTF.)

For more on the Holy Innocents, see links:
www.ewtn.com/saintsHoly/saints/H/holyinnocents.asp
www.catholicculture.org/culture/liturgicalyear/calendar/day.cfm?date=2016-12-28

 

[grateful_child]

December 25 - Solemnity of the Nativity of the Lord (Christmas):

Collect (Opening Prayer At the Vigil Mass):
“O God, who gladden us year by year
as we wait in hope for our redemption,
grant that, just as we joyfully welcome
your Only Begotten Son as our Redeemer,
we may also merit to face him confidently
when he comes again as our Judge.
Who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
one God, for ever and ever.”

Today’s Scripture readings and reflections:
usccb.org/bible/reflections/
ymlp232.net/archive_gbmbuqgjgu.php
www.catholicculture.org/culture/liturgicalyear/calendar/day.cfm?date=2016-12-25

Collect (Opening Prayer at Mass during the day):
“O God, who wonderfully created the dignity of human nature
and still more wonderfully restored it,
grant, we pray,
that we may share in the divinity of Christ,
who humbled himself to share in our humanity.
Who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
one God, for ever and ever.”

Note: "THE NEXT days of the Octave of the Nativity of the Lord show that the Nativity of the Lord is also a feast of Christ’s final coming, when he will be surrounded by his angels and saints, represented by St. Stephen [December 26], St. John the Apostle [December 27], and the Holy Innocents [December 28]." (Ordo.)

ADVENT From EWTN:
www.ewtn.com/advent/​

Thank you, Lord for the gift of your Son,
for all the blessings you have given us this year,
in the past, and for all the blessings you will be giving us
in the coming years! Amen.

Wishing you all
a very Blessed Christmas
and a Happy New Year!

Sharing this reflection from the Euchalette, 12/25/2016, Christmas Day, p. 1:

JESUS CHRIST, GOD-WITH-US

"A Blessed Christmas to all! This is the day we have longed for, and for which we have been preparing during these past four weeks – the commemoration of the earthly birth of God’s eternal Son. No words can express the importance of that event in the history of humankind as well as our personal lives. In all truth we can say that, after the birth of Jesus Christ, nothing and nobody has been the same as before, for in him God has become a brother to every human being in the fullest sense. God’s incarnate Son has come to share our problems, worries, and aspirations that we might share God’s peace and God’s very life.

With hearts full of gratitude, let us offer ourselves totally to the Lord, especially in this Eucharistic celebration we are about to begin."

 

[grateful_child]

December 29, 2016, Thursday - Fifth Day within the Octave of the Nativity of the Lord (Christmas)):

Collect (Opening Prayer):
“Almighty and invisible God,
who dispersed the darkness of this world
by the coming of your light,
look, we pray, with serene countenance upon us,
that we may acclaim with fitting praise
the greatness of the Nativity of your Only Begotten Son.
Who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
one God, for ever and ever.”

Today’s Scripture readings and reflections:
usccb.org/bible/reflections/
ymlp232.net/archive_gbmbuqgjgu.php

December 29 - St. Thomas Becket, Bishop and Martyr (Optional Memorial)

Collect (Opening Prayer):
“O God, who gave the Martyr Saint Thomas Becket
the courage to give up his life for the sake of justice,
grant, through his intercession,
that, renouncing our life
for the sake of Christ in this world,
we may find it in heaven.
Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son,
who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
one God, for ever and ever.”

“Born in London, St. Thomas (1118-1170) studied in Paris. He was named chancellor to the king and later was consecrated Archbishop of Canterbury. A conversion followed his appointment as archbishop; he absorbed himself in his duties, defending the right of the Church against King Henry II, who exiled him for six years. Upon his return, St. Thomas endured trials and was martyred by agents of the king.” (Daily Roman Missal, MTF.)

For more on St. Thomas Becket, see links:
www.ewtn.com/saintsHoly/saints/T/stthomasbecket.asp
www.catholicculture.org/culture/liturgicalyear/calendar/day.cfm?date=2016-12-29

 

[grateful_child]

December 30, 2016 - Feast of the Holy Family of Jesus, Mary and Joseph:

Collect (Opening Prayer):
“O God, who were pleased to give us
the shining example of the Holy Family,
graciously grant that we may imitate them
in practicing the virtues of family life and in the bonds of charity,
and so, in the joy of your house,
delight one day in eternal rewards.
Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son,
who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
one God, for ever and ever.”

Today’s Scripture readings and reflections:
usccb.org/bible/reflections/
ymlp232.net/archive_gbmbuqgjgu.php

"The hidden life at Nazareth allows everyone to enter into fellowship with Jesus by the most ordinary events of daily life:

'The home of Nazareth is the school where we begin to understand the life of Jesus - the school of the Gospel. First, then, a lesson of silence. May esteem for silence, that admirable and indispensable condition of mind, revive in us … a lesson on family life. May Nazareth teach us what family life is, its communion of love, its austere and simple beauty, and its sacred and inviolable character … A lesson of work. Nazareth, home of the ‘Carpenter’s Son’, in you I would choose to understand and proclaim the severe and redeeming law of human work… To conclude, I want to greet all the workers of the word, holding up to them their great pattern, their brother who is God" (CCC533). (Daily Roman Missal, MTF.)

For more on the Feast of the Holy Family, see links:
www.catholicculture.org/culture/liturgicalyear/calendar/day.cfm?date=2016-12-30
www.ncregister.com/site/article/the-holy-family-at-christmas-model-of-faith-and-love

 

[grateful_child]

December 31, 2016 - Saturday, Seventh Day within the Octave of the Nativity of the Lord (Christmas):

Collect (Opening Prayer):
“Almighty ever-living God,
who in the Nativity of your Son
established the beginning and fulfillment of all religion,
grant, we pray, that we may be numbered
among those who belong to him,
in whom is the fullness of human salvation.
Who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
one God, for ever and ever.”

Today’s Scripture readings and reflections:
usccb.org/bible/reflections/
ymlp232.net/archive_gbmbuqgjgu.php

December 31 - Saint Sylvester I, Pope (Optional Memorial):

Collect (Opening Prayer):
“Come, O Lord, to the help of your people,
sustained by the intercession of Pope Saint Sylvester,
so that, running the course of this present life under your guidance,
we may happily attain life without end.
Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son,
who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
one God, for ever and ever.”

“St. Sylvester (d.335) served the Church when the Arian heresy and the Donatist schism had provoked great discord. After the Peace of Constantine, he contributed to the expansion of the Faith throughout the Roman world.” (Daily Roman Missal, MTF.)

For more on Pope St. Sylvester, see links:
www.ewtn.com/saintsHoly/saints/S/stsylvester.asp
www.catholicculture.org/culture/liturgicalyear/calendar/day.cfm?date=2016-12-31

 

[grateful_child]

January 1, 2017 - Solemnity of Mary, the Holy Mother of God (Holy Day of Obligation):
Today is also World Day of Prayer for Peace.

Collect (Opening Prayer):
“O God, who through the fruitful virginity of Blessed Mary
bestowed on the human race
the grace of eternal salvation,
grant, we pray,
that we may experience the intercession of her,
through whom we were found worthy
to receive the author of life,
our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son.
Who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
one God, for ever and ever.”

Today’s Scripture readings and reflections:
usccb.org/bible/reflections/
ymlp232.net/archive_gbmbuqgjgu.php

"Today’s feast commemorates the important role Our Lady had in God’s work of salvation. It reminds us of the singular dignity accorded by God to Mary, as Mother of God. And, as is Mary’s role, her feast today points us to Jesus, the newborn Prince of Peace.

“This oldest feast of the Blessed Virgin Mary celebrates the mystery of her being the Mother of Jesus Christ, true God and true Man. It is the principal feast of Mary, because her divine Motherhood is the reason why she received the special privileges of Immaculate Conception and Assumption into heaven. Mary is the Mother of Christ and the Mother of the Church.” (ORDO.)

For more on the Solemnity of Mary, the Holy Mother of God, see links:
www.ewtn.com/saintsHoly/saints/S/solemnityofmary.asp
www.catholicculture.org/culture/liturgicalyear/calendar/day.cfm?date=2017-01-01

 

[grateful_child]

January 2 - Saints Basil the Great and Gregory Nazianzen, Bishops and Doctors of the Church (Memorial):

Collect (Opening Prayer):
“O God, who were pleased to give light to your Church
by the example and teaching
of the Bishops Saints Basil and Gregory,
grant, we pray,
that in humility we may learn your truth
and practice it faithfully in charity.
Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son,
who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
one God, for ever and ever.”

Today’s Scripture readings and reflections:
usccb.org/bible/reflections/
ymlp232.net/archive_gbmbuqgjgu.php

"St. Basil (329-379) was a brilliant student born of a Christian family in Caesarea, Cappadocia (modern-day Turkey). He fought the Arian heresy vigorously. He followed the monastic way of life before being elected Archbishop of Caesarea in 370. Monks of the Eastern Rites still follow the monastic rule he wrote.

St. Gregory (329-389) was also from Cappadocia. A friend of St. Basil, he also followed the monastic way of life before being elected Archbishop of Constantinople in 381, in which capacity he fought against the Arian heresy at its height. He is called ‘The Theologian’ because of his great learning and talent for oratory." (Daily Roman Missal, MTF.)

For more on Sts. Basil the Great and Gregory Nazianzen, see links:
www.catholicculture.org/culture/liturgicalyear/calendar/day.cfm?date=2017-01-02
www.ewtn.com/saintsHoly/saints/B/stbasilthegreat.asp
www.ewtn.com/saintsHoly/saints/G/stgregorynazianzen.asp

 

[grateful_child]

January 1, 2017 - Solemnity of Mary, the Holy Mother of God (Holy Day of Obligation):
Today is also World Day of Prayer for Peace.

Collect (Opening Prayer):
“O God, who through the fruitful virginity of Blessed Mary
bestowed on the human race
the grace of eternal salvation,
grant, we pray,
that we may experience the intercession of her,
through whom we were found worthy
to receive the author of life,
our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son.
Who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
one God, for ever and ever.”

Today’s Scripture readings and reflections:
usccb.org/bible/reflections/
ymlp232.net/archive_gbmbuqgjgu.php

"Today’s feast commemorates the important role Our Lady had in God’s work of salvation. It reminds us of the singular dignity accorded by God to Mary, as Mother of God. And, as is Mary’s role, her feast today points us to Jesus, the newborn Prince of Peace.

“This oldest feast of the Blessed Virgin Mary celebrates the mystery of her being the Mother of Jesus Christ, true God and true Man. It is the principal feast of Mary, because her divine Motherhood is the reason why she received the special privileges of Immaculate Conception and Assumption into heaven. Mary is the Mother of Christ and the Mother of the Church.” (ORDO.)

For more on the Solemnity of Mary, the Holy Mother of God, see links:
www.ewtn.com/saintsHoly/saints/S/solemnityofmary.asp
www.catholicculture.org/culture/liturgicalyear/calendar/day.cfm?date=2017-01-01

Sharing this reflection from the Euchalette, Jan 1, 2017: Solemnity of Mary, Mother of God, p.1:

LET THERE BE PEACE ON EARTH

A Happy and Peaceful New Year to one and all! There is no better wish we can exchange on this day, for we need peace in our hearts, our families, our nation, and throughout the world. So many resources are misused or squandered. So many lives are destroyed by hatred and war.

But we are aware that real and lasting peace can come only if people obey God’s law and if God blesses their efforts. And we know that He is ready to grant us this most precious gift at the intercession of our Blessed Mother, whom we honor today as “Mother of God.” May she bring the warring factions and nations to lay aside all hatred and start working together to build a civilization of love, justice, and peace. Let this be the main intention for which we offer this Eucharist.

 

[grateful_child]

January 3, 2017 - Tuesday of Christmas Time before Epiphany:

Collect (Opening Prayer):
“O God, who in the blessed childbearing of the holy Virgin Mary
kept the flesh of your Son
free from the sentence incurred by the human race,
grant, we pray,
that we, who have been taken up into this new creation,
may be freed from the ancient taint of sin.
Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son,
who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
one God, for ever and ever.”

Today’s Scripture readings and reflections:
usccb.org/bible/reflections/
ymlp232.net/archive_gbmbuqgjgu.php

January 3 - The Most Holy Name of Jesus (Optional Memorial):

Collect (Opening Prayer):
“O God, who founded the salvation of the human race
on the Incarnation of your Word,
give your peoples the mercy they implore,
so that all may know there is no other name to be invoked
but the Name of your Only Begotten Son.
Who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
one God, for ever and ever.”

"From apostolic times, the Church has professed, 'at the name of Jesus every knee should bend, of those in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father (Phil 2:10-11). Through the efforts of St. Bernardine of Siena, devotion to the Holy Name of Jesus was promoted through the inscription of its monogram (IHS) and the addition of the name of Jesus to the Hail Mary. Pope Sixtus V granted an indulgence for piously uttering the phrase 'Praised be Jesus Christ!" (Enchiridion Indulgentiarum).((Daily Roman Missal, MTF.)

For more on the Most Holy Name of Jesus:
catholicculture.org/culture/liturgicalyear/calendar/day.cfm?date=2017-01-03

 

[grateful_child]

January 4, 2017 - Wednesday of Christmas Time before Epiphany:

Collect (Opening Prayer):
“Grant us, almighty God, that the bringer of your salvation,
who for the world’s redemption came forth with newness of heavenly light,
may dawn afresh in our hearts and bring us constant renewal.
Who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
one God, for ever and ever.”

Today’s Scripture readings and reflections:
usccb.org/bible/reflections/
ymlp232.net/archive_gbmbuqgjgu.php

January 4 - Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton, Religious (Memorial in the Dioceses of the United States):

Collect (Opening Prayer):
“O God, who crowned with the gift of true faith
Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton’s burning zeal to find you,
grant by her intercession and example
that we may always seek you with diligent love
and find you in daily service with sincere faith.
Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son,
who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
one God, for ever and ever.”

"Born in New York, St. Elizabeth (1774-1821) married and bore five children. After her husband’s death, she converted to Catholicism and founded the first religious society in the United States of America, the Sisters of Charity, a community of teaching sisters that founded Catholic schools, especially to educate underprivileged children. She laid the foundation of the American parochial school system and was the first person born in the United Sates of America to be canonized. (Daily Roman Missal, MTF.)

For more on St. Elizabeth Ann Seton, see links:
www.ewtn.com/saintsHoly/saints/E/stelizabethannseton.asp
catholicculture.org/culture/liturgicalyear/calendar/day.cfm?date=2017-01-04

 

[grateful_child]

January 5, 2017 - Thursday of Christmas Time before Epiphany:

Collect (Opening Prayer):
“O God, who by the Nativity of your Only Begotten Son
wondrously began for your people the work of redemption,
grant, we pray, to your servants such firmness of faith,
that by his guidance they may attain the glorious prize you have promised.
Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son,
who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
one God, for ever and ever.”

Today’s Scripture readings and reflections:
usccb.org/bible/reflections/
ymlp232.net/archive_gbmbuqgjgu.php

January 5 - Saint John Neumann, Bishop (Memorial in the Dioceses of the United States):

Collect (Opening Prayer):
“O God, who called the Bishop Saint John Neumann,
renowned for his charity and pastoral service,
to shepherd your people in America,
grant by his intercession
that as we foster the Christian education of youth
and are strengthened by the witness of brotherly love,
we may constantly increase the family of your Church.
Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son,
who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
one God, for ever and ever.”

“Born in Bohemia, St. John (1811-1860) felt a desire to help in the missions in the United States of America, and he was ordained in New York in 1836. Entering the Congregation of the Most Holy Redeemer, he established parishes and parish schools. In 1852 he was consecrated Bishop of Philadelphia and prescribed the Forty Hours devotion.” (Daily Roman Missal, MTF.)

For more on St. John Neumann and St. Telesphorus, see links:
www.ewtn.com/saintsHoly/saints/J/stjohnneumann.asp
catholicculture.org/culture/liturgicalyear/calendar/day.cfm?date=2017-01-05

 

[grateful_child]

January 6, 2017 - Friday of Christmas Time before Epiphany:

Collect (Opening Prayer):
“Cast your kindly light upon your faithful, Lord, we pray,
and with the splendor of your glory
set their hearts ever aflame,
that they may never cease to acknowledge their Savior
and may truly hold fast to him.
Who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
one God, for ever and ever.”

Today’s Scripture readings and reflections:
usccb.org/bible/reflections/
ymlp232.net/archive_gbmbuqgjgu.php

January 6 - Saint Andre Bessette, Religious (Optional Memorial in the Dioceses of the United States):

Collect (Opening Prayer):
“Lord our God, friend of the lowly,
who gave your servant, Saint Andre Bessette,
a great devotion to Saint Joseph
and a special commitment to the poor and afflicted,
help us through his intercession
to follow his example of prayer and love
and so come to share with him in your glory.
Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son,
who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
one God, for ever and ever.”

“St. Andre (1845-1937) was born near Quebec and entered the Congregation of the Holy Cross. He performed humble tasks for more than forty years and entrusted all of the poor and sick who flocked to his cell to the care of St. Joseph, the Spouse of the Blessed Virgin Mary. He built a shrine to St. Joseph in Montreal, which after St. Andre’s death, grew into a great basilica: St. Joseph’s Oratory.” (Daily Roman Missal, MTF.)

For more on St. Andre Bessette, see links:
www.catholicculture.org/culture/liturgicalyear/calendar/day.cfm?date=2017-01-06
www.ewtn.com/saintsHoly/saints/A/blandrebessette.asp

 

[grateful_child]

January 7, 2017 - Saturday of Christmas Time before Epiphany:

Collect (Opening Prayer):
“Almighty ever-living God,
who were pleased to shine forth with new light
through the coming of your Only Begotten Son,
grant, we pray,
that, just as he was pleased to share our bodily form
through the childbearing of the Virgin Mary,
so we, too, may one day merit
to become companions in his kingdom of grace.
Who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
one God, for ever and ever.”

Today’s Scripture readings and reflections:
usccb.org/bible/reflections/
ymlp232.net/archive_gbmbuqgjgu.php

January 7 - Saint Raymond of Penyafort, Priest (Optional Memorial):

Collect (Opening Prayer):
“O God, who adorned the Priest Saint Raymond
with the virtue of outstanding mercy and compassion
for sinners and for captives,
grant us, through his intercession,
that, released from slavery to sin,
we may carry out in freedom of spirit
what is pleasing to you.
Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son,
who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
one God, for ever and ever.”

“Born in Barcelona, St. Raymond (1175-1275) was the third superior general of the Dominican Order. He is famous for his efforts to abolish slavery. He wrote five books of Decretals, which constitute a valuable contribution to the development of canon law. The Summa de Casibus Penitentiae, which is about the correct and fruitful administration of the Sacrament of Penance, is the most notable of his works.” (Daily Roman Missal, MTF.)

For more on St. Raymond of Penyafort, see links:
www.catholicculture.org/culture/liturgicalyear/calendar/day.cfm?date=2017-01-07
www.ewtn.com/saintsHoly/saints/R/straymondofpenyafort.asp

 

[grateful_child]

January 8, 2017 - The Epiphany of the Lord (Solemnity):

Collect (Opening Prayer) at the Vigil Mass:
“May the splendor of your majesty, O Lord, we pray,
shed its light upon our hearts,
that we may pass through the shadows of this world
and reach the brightness of our eternal home.
Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son,
who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
one God, for ever and ever.”

Collect (Opening Prayer) at Mass during the Day:
“O God, who on this day
revealed your Only Begotten Son to the nations
by the guidance of a star,
grant in your mercy
that we, who know you already by faith,
may be brought to behold the beauty of your sublime glory.
Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son,
who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
one God, for ever and ever.”

Today’s Scripture readings and reflections:
usccb.org/bible/reflections/
ymlp232.net/archive_gbmbuqgjgu.php
www.catholicculture.org/culture/liturgicalyear/calendar/day.cfm?date=2017-01-08

“The general manifestation of God’s presence in nature and its attendant beauty has sometimes been referred to as ‘diaphany’, a Greek word meaning ‘to appear through,’ but beyond and deeper than this diaphany is the ‘theophany’ in the history of the people of God. The ‘Epiphany’ is the ultimate manifestation, and is applied to the revelation of God’s glory in Jesus of Nazareth who becomes the complete sign of this glory. John’s Gospel has worked out this theme best. True wisdom is to seek, find, recognize,and adore God’s real presence in the signs and events of our times.” (ORDO)

 

[grateful_child]

January 09, 2017 - The Baptism of the Lord (Feast):

Collect (Opening Prayer):
“Almighty ever-living God,
who, when Christ had been baptized in the River Jordan
and as the Holy Spirit descended upon him,
solemnly declared him your beloved Son;
grant that your children by adoption,
reborn of water and the Holy Spirit,
may always be well pleasing to you.
Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son,
who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
one God, for ever and ever.”

Today’s Scripture readings and reflections:
usccb.org/bible/reflections/
ymlp232.net/archive_gbmbuqgjgu.php
www.ewtn.com/library/PAPALDOC/b16baptLord10.HTM
www.catholicculture.org/culture/liturgicalyear/calendar/day.cfm?date=2017-01-09

 

[grateful_child]

January 09, 2017 - The Baptism of the Lord (Feast):

Collect (Opening Prayer):
“Almighty ever-living God,
who, when Christ had been baptized in the River Jordan
and as the Holy Spirit descended upon him,
solemnly declared him your beloved Son;
grant that your children by adoption,
reborn of water and the Holy Spirit,
may always be well pleasing to you.
Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son,
who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
one God, for ever and ever.”

Today’s Scripture readings and reflections:
usccb.org/bible/reflections/
ymlp232.net/archive_gbmbuqgjgu.php
www.ewtn.com/library/PAPALDOC/b16baptLord10.HTM
www.catholicculture.org/culture/liturgicalyear/calendar/day.cfm?date=2017-01-09

On Monday, January 09, 2017, Feast of the Baptism of the Lord, *Christmas Time *ends. The Ordinary Time of the Liturgical Year then begins on Tuesday, January 10. It continues until February 28, Tuesday before Ash Wednesday on March 01 which starts the Lenten Season. The Ordinary Time then resumes on June 5, the day after Pentecost, and it continues on until December 02, the day before Advent 2017 begins.

Advent, Christmas Time, Lent, and Eastertime are seasons of the Liturgical Year which celebrate a specific mystery of Christ. Ordinary Time, which consists of the remainder of the Liturgical Year dedicates its celebrations to “the mystery of Christ in all its fullness.”

As we all know, the Baptism of the Lord is the first mystery of the *Luminous Mysteries *of the Holy Rosary. In addition to the links provided above, here are some links to refresh us on the importance of this great mystery of our Faith:

A Reflection by Pope Saint John Paul II:
www.ewtn.com/Devotionals/prayers/rosary/Baptism.htm

Below are excerpts from a reflection on the Baptism of the Lord, found in the Euchalette, 01/13/13, by Jess P. Balon:

The Meaning of Jesus’ baptism in the Jordan:

"Jesus did not need to receive John’s baptism. He needed no conversion or repentance, since he was absolutely sinless. He did not need to prepare himself to welcome the Kingdom either … Actually, he himself was the beginning of the Kingdom of God on earth! And yet we know that it was Jesus himself who insistently asked to be baptized by John. Why? Because he knew that the reception of that baptism was part of the Father’s plan for him…

While for all other people who have received it, John’s baptism was a preparation for the Kingdom, for Jesus it was an inauguration of the Kingdom, the formal beginning of his mission of salvation.

The baptism received by Jesus, therefore, though externally similar to that received by thousands of others, was essentially different, actually unique. It had a saving dimension / effect, not for Jesus, but for all men." (p. 4).

The baptism of Jesus and our baptism:

"The baptism received by Jesus, then, was also different from the one through which we have become Christians. All of us need to be baptized in order to be re-established in a filial relationship with God. Each of us needs to become by grace what Jesus Christ is by nature: a child of God.

The baptism of Jesus did not bring about any change or purification in him. It only manifested what he was: God’s beloved Son. His baptism was a revelation, an epiphany. The sacrament of baptism that we have received, instead, has brought about in us a radical change: from sinful and unworthy creatures, it has made us adopted children of the Father, brothers / sisters of Christ, and temples of the Holy Spirit…

Our baptism, however, has also a fundamental similarity with that of Jesus in its commitment aspect. Jesus’ baptism, in fact, was, on his part, a formal commitment to fulfill the Father’s will / plan to the very end. Such a commitment is also part of our baptism. We have to remember this and live up to the commitment we undertook, with the same dedication and fidelity shown by Jesus." (p.4).

 

[grateful_child]

January 10, 2017 - Tuesday, First Week of Ordinary Time:

Collect (Opening Prayer):
“Attend to the pleas of your people with heavenly care,
O Lord, we pray,
that they may see what must be done
and gain strength to do what they have seen.
Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son,
who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
one God, for ever and ever.”

Today’s Scripture readings and reflections:
usccb.org/bible/reflections/
ymlp232.net/archive_gbmbuqgjgu.php

For information on St. William of Bourges, see link:
www.catholicculture.org/culture/liturgicalyear/calendar/day.cfm?date=2017-01-10