Saints and the Liturgical Year

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December 20, 2012 - Thursday, 3rd Week of Advent:

Collect:
“O God, eternal majesty, whose ineffable Word
the immaculate Virgin received through the message of an Angel
and so became the dwelling-place of divinity,
filled with the light of the Holy Spirit,
grant, we pray, that by her example
we may in humility hold fast to your will.
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:
ymlp232.net/archive_gbmbuqgjgu.php
www.catholicculture.org/culture/liturgicalyear/calendar/day.cfm?date=2012-12-20
 
December 21, 2012 - Friday, 3rd Week of Advent:

Collect:
“Hear in kindness, O Lord,
the prayers of your people, that those who rejoice
at the coming of your Only Begotten Son in our flesh
may, when at last he comes in glory,
gain the reward of eternal 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:
ymlp232.net/archive_gbmbuqgjgu.php

December 21 - St. Peter Canisius, Priest and Doctor of the Church (Optional Memorial):

Collect:
“O God, who for the defense of the Catholic faith
made the Priest Saint Peter Canisius
strong in virtue and in learning,
grant, through his intercession,
that those who seek the truth
may joyfully find you, their God,
and that your faithful people
may persevere in confessing 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 Holland, the Jesuit St. Peter (1521-1597) lived for many years in Germany, where he defended the Faith by writing and teaching. He founded several Catholic colleges, and his Catechism was published in nine languages and fifty-five editions.” (Daily Roman Missal, MTF.)

For more on St. Peter Canisius, click links:
www.catholicculture.org/culture/liturgicalyear/calendar/day.cfm?date=2012-12-21
www.ewtn.com/saintsHoly/saints/P/stpetercanisius.asp
 
December 22, 2012 - Saturday, 3rd Week of Advent:

Collect:
“O God, who, seeing the human race fallen into death,
willed to redeem it by the coming of your Only Begotten Son,
grant, we pray,
that those who confess his Incarnation with humble fervor
may merit his company as their Redeemer.
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:
ymlp232.net/archive_gbmbuqgjgu.php
www.catholicculture.org/culture/liturgicalyear/calendar/day.cfm?date=2012-12-22
 
December 23, 2012 - 4th Sunday of Advent:

Collect:
“Pour forth, we beseech you, O Lord,
your grace into our hearts,
that we, to whom the Incarnation of Christ your Son
was made known by the message of an Angel,
may by his Passion and Cross
be brought to the glory of his Resurrection.
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:
ymlp232.net/archive_gbmbuqgjgu.php
www.catholicculture.org/culture/liturgicalyear/calendar/day.cfm?date=2012-12-23

December 23 - Saint John of Kanty, Priest (Optional Memorial):

Collect:
“Grant, we pray, almighty God,
that by the example of the Priest Saint John of Kanty
we may advance in the knowledge of holy things
and, by showing compassion to all,
may gain forgiveness in your sight.
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.”

For more on St. John of Kanty, see link:
www.ewtn.com/saintsHoly/saints/J/stjohnofkanty.asp
 
As we near the end of the Advent season and approach Christmas and the New Year, we hear ourselves praying louder: Maranatha! O Lord! Come!

Some of us may ask: But where is He? Where can He be found? The answer lies in silent prayer.

Venerable Fr. Marie-Eugene of the Child Jesus, Carmelite, writes in his booklet '15 Days of Prayer’:

"Silent prayer has us seek God in the center of our soul. Where could we find Him more intimately than in our inner depths where He communicates His divine life, making each one of us personally His Child?

God, Who is present and acting within me, is truly my Father, for He begets me unceasingly by the outpouring of His life; I can embrace Him myself with a filial embrace in these regions where He is giving Himself. My Lord and my God truly dwells within me; and when my soul is purified enough to receive the power to see God as He is, I will discover Him penetrating, enveloping my soul in those intimate regions where I now seek Him in faith.

… By keeping me in the company of the Holy Trinity who dwells there, silent prayer is more than a preparation for eternal life; it is a real beginining of that very life beneath the veil of faith." (p.17).

“Where is He? Within me. At the well-spring of my being; in that deepest of places wherein He begets me; in … the secret place from whence the Father calls me; where I can trust, where I can answer in complete freedom: in my soul.” (p. 19).

(This is part 1. Read on to part 2.)
 
(Part 2.)

So, where is He? He is in the center of my soul. He is in my inner depths - me as His child, and He as my Father.

Yes. God is within me, always present within me … Often however, I am the one absent, pre-occupied, distracted and at times caught in a stupor by the overwhelming trials of life which I try to handle alone …

During these remaining days of Advent, let us ask our Blessed Mother to help us make sure that we, too, are always present to the Lord. With all the rush and preparations for our Christmas celebration, let us make sure we are truly present to meet the Lord Jesus on Christmas Day to thank Him for becoming one of us, for identifying Himself with us, so that He can atone for our sins and restore friendship once again between us and the Almighty. Let us thank the Almighty Father and the Holy Spirit for initiating this restoration of our ruptured relationship with the Almighty.

And then, after the celebrations are over, let us always be present to the Lord in our soul - loving, praising and thanking Him as the Source of our being, and for Whose sake we continue to handle the daily duties of our state in life as faithfully as we can.

May we all have a wonderful Christmas encounter with the Lord Jesus on His birthday; and may this Christmas encounter spur us on towards a higher and more delicate level of relationship with Our Lord - the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit. Amen.
 
December 24, 2012 - Monday, 4th Week of Advent:

Collect:
“Come quickly, we pray, Lord Jesus,
and do not delay,
that those who trust in your compassion
may find solace and relief in your coming.
Who live and reign with God the Father
in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
one God, for ever and ever.”

Today’s Scripture readings and reflections:
ymlp232.net/archive_gbmbuqgjgu.php
www.catholicculture.org/culture/liturgicalyear/calendar/day.cfm?date=2012-12-24

Note: This evening, we have the Vigil Mass of the Solemnity of the Nativity of the Lord (Christmas).
 
Amiciel said:
(Part 2.)

So, where is He? He is in the center of my soul. He is in my inner depths - me as His child, and He as my Father.

Yes. God is within me, always present within me … Often however, I am the one absent, pre-occupied, distracted and at times caught in a stupor by the overwhelming trials of life which I try to handle alone …

During these remaining days of Advent, let us ask our Blessed Mother to help us make sure that we, too, are always present to the Lord. With all the rush and preparations for our Christmas celebration, let us make sure we are truly present to meet the Lord Jesus on Christmas Day to thank Him for becoming one of us, for identifying Himself with us, so that He can atone for our sins and restore friendship once again between us and the Almighty. Let us thank the Almighty Father and the Holy Spirit for initiating this restoration of our ruptured relationship with the Almighty.

And then, after the celebrations are over, let us always be present to the Lord in our soul - loving, praising and thanking Him as the Source of our being, and for Whose sake we continue to handle the daily duties of our state in life as faithfully as we can.

May we all have a wonderful Christmas encounter with the Lord Jesus on His birthday; and may this Christmas encounter spur us on towards a higher and more delicate level of relationship with Our Lord - the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit. Amen.
Click to expand...
Beautiful, Amiciel! Thanks for sharing!
 
December 25 - Solemnity of the Nativity of the Lord (Christmas):

Collect (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.”

Today’s Scripture readings and reflections:
ymlp232.net/archive_gbmbuqgjgu.php
www.catholicculture.org/culture/liturgicalyear/calendar/day.cfm?date=2012-12-25

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.)
 
Wishing everyone here,
a very Blessed Christmas
and a Happy New Year!

Thank you, Lord, for all the blessings you have given us this year,
and for all the blessings you will be giving us in the coming years!
Alleluia! Amen!
 
grateful_child said:
December 25 - Solemnity of the Nativity of the Lord (Christmas):

Collect (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.”

Today’s Scripture readings and reflections:
ymlp232.net/archive_gbmbuqgjgu.php
www.catholicculture.org/culture/liturgicalyear/calendar/day.cfm?date=2012-12-25

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.)
Click to expand...
A reflection from today’s Euchalette, p. 1:

"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 …" (p. 1.)
 
December 26 - Saint Stephen, The First Martyr (Feast):

Collect:
“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:
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=2012-12-26
 
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:
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
www.catholicculture.org/culture/liturgicalyear/calendar/day.cfm?date=2012-12-27
 
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:
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=2012-12-28
 
Merry Christmas Grateful Child!

Merry Christmas everyone! 🙂

'As I in hoary winter’s night stood shivering in the snow,
Surprised I was with sudden heat which made my heart to glow;
And lifting up a fearful eye to view what fire was near,
A pretty babe all burning bright did in the air appear;
Who, scorched with excessive heat, such floods of tears did shed
As though his floods should quench his flames which with his tears were fed.

Alas, quoth he, but newly born in fiery heats I fry,
Yet none approach to warm their hearts or feel my fire but I!
My faultless breast the furnace is, the fuel wounding thorns,
Love is the fire, and sighs the smoke, the ashes shame and scorns;
The fuel justice layeth on, and mercy blows the coals,
The metal in this furnace wrought are men’s defiled souls,
For which, as now on fire I am to work them to their good,
So will I melt into a bath to wash them in my blood.

With this he vanished out of sight and swiftly shrunk away,
And straight I called unto mind that it was Christmas day.’

St. Robert Southwell, ‘St. Peter’s Complaint’, ‘The Burning Babe’
 
Shin said:
Merry Christmas Grateful Child!

Merry Christmas everyone! 🙂

'As I in hoary winter’s night stood shivering in the snow,
Surprised I was with sudden heat which made my heart to glow;
And lifting up a fearful eye to view what fire was near,
A pretty babe all burning bright did in the air appear;
Who, scorched with excessive heat, such floods of tears did shed
As though his floods should quench his flames which with his tears were fed.

Alas, quoth he, but newly born in fiery heats I fry,
Yet none approach to warm their hearts or feel my fire but I!
My faultless breast the furnace is, the fuel wounding thorns,
Love is the fire, and sighs the smoke, the ashes shame and scorns;
The fuel justice layeth on, and mercy blows the coals,
The metal in this furnace wrought are men’s defiled souls,
For which, as now on fire I am to work them to their good,
So will I melt into a bath to wash them in my blood.

With this he vanished out of sight and swiftly shrunk away,
And straight I called unto mind that it was Christmas day.’

St. Robert Southwell, ‘St. Peter’s Complaint’, ‘The Burning Babe’
Click to expand...
Great reminder for Christmas! Thanks, Shin.
 
December 29 - Fifth Day within the Octave of the Nativity of the Lord [Christmas]:

Collect:
“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:
ymlp232.net/archive_gbmbuqgjgu.php

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

Collect:
“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=2012-12-29
 
December 30, 2012 - The Sunday within the Octave of the Nativity of the Lord [Christmas] -
Feast of the Holy Family of Jesus, Mary and Joseph:

Collect:
“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:
ymlp232.net/archive_gbmbuqgjgu.php

For more on the feast of the Holy Family, see links:
www.catholicculture.org/culture/liturgicalyear/calendar/day.cfm?date=2012-12-30
www.ncregister.com/site/article/the-holy-family-at-christmas-model-of-faith-and-love/
 
grateful_child said:
December 30, 2012 - The Sunday within the Octave of the Nativity of the Lord [Christmas] -
Feast of the Holy Family of Jesus, Mary and Joseph:

Collect:
“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:
ymlp232.net/archive_gbmbuqgjgu.php

For more on the feast of the Holy Family, see links:
www.catholicculture.org/culture/liturgicalyear/calendar/day.cfm?date=2012-12-30
www.ncregister.com/site/article/the-holy-family-at-christmas-model-of-faith-and-love/
Click to expand...
Here are some excerpts from today’s Euchalette:

"By a happy coincidence, this year the Feast of the Holy Family falls on the last Sunday of the year. This gives us a further reason to raise our minds and hearts to God in gratitude for the many blessings He has granted our families during the year that is about to end. Although we may not be fully aware of all the blessings we have received from the Lord, the little we know is more than enough to bring us to thank Him with all our hearts, especially through this Eucharistic Sacrifice.

This is also the time to entrust our own family, as well as all the families throughout the world, to the protection of the Holy Family of Nazareth during the new year we are about to begin. May the Lord be the heart of our family. May we love and serve Him as Jesus, Mary, and Joseph did. May He watch over us as He loved and protected the Holy Family of Nazareth." (p.1).

“It is in the family that the reform of society begins, because it is there that we learn to respect and help one another, we practice patience and justice, we learn to share and to love in an unselfish and practical manner …” (p. 4).

O Holy Family of Nazareth, keep our families united in peace and mutual respect. Enable us to support one another, especially in times of trial; and may you grant each member of our family good health, financial stability and holiness of life. Amen.
 
Amiciel said:
Here are some excerpts from today’s Euchalette:

"By a happy coincidence, this year the Feast of the Holy Family falls on the last Sunday of the year. This gives us a further reason to raise our minds and hearts to God in gratitude for the many blessings He has granted our families during the year that is about to end. Although we may not be fully aware of all the blessings we have received from the Lord, the little we know is more than enough to bring us to thank Him with all our hearts, especially through this Eucharistic Sacrifice.
…
Click to expand...
Fr. Leo Clifford, ofm, on Gratitude.

www.youtube.com/watch?v=g6oQtWRAqYQ
 
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