SOCL, Christmas, Midnight

Cycle A,B,C

December 24, 2024

I proclaim to you good news of great joy: today a Savior is born for us, Christ the Lord.

See

In the darkest part of night, when shepherds watch and empires count their subjects, God chooses to illuminate our world in the most unexpected way. A child in a manger becomes the answer to humanity's deepest longings. Isaiah's prophecy of light dawning upon those in darkness finds its fulfillment not in grand palaces but in the simplicity of Bethlehem. While Caesar Augustus seeks to count his subjects, God chooses to be counted among them. The great irony of Christmas is that the Wonder-Counselor, God-Hero, and Prince of Peace arrives not with armies but in swaddling clothes, teaching us that true power lies in vulnerability and love.

Listen

Isaiah 9:1-7; Psalm 96 (95); Titus 2:11-14; Luke 2:1-14

Reflect

(Luke 2:1-14)

-"The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light." Reflect on the dark places in your life and world that need Christ's light. How can you help carry this light to others?

-Shepherds, considered among the lowest in society, were the first to receive the good news. Consider how God continues to reveal himself to the humble and overlooked. Where do you see God working in unexpected places?

-"There was no room for them in the inn." Meditate on the areas of your life where you might be too full to welcome Jesus. What needs to be cleared out to make room for Christ?

-The angels proclaim "peace to those on whom his favor rests." How can you be an instrument of this peace in your family, community, and world?

Pray

Prince of Peace, born in the silence of night, transform our darkness into light and our fear into joy, that we may see You in humble places, hear Your voice in unexpected messengers, and, like the shepherds, angels, and Mary, embrace Your presence, sharing Your good news and becoming Your light and peace for the world.

SOCL, Christmas, Vigil

Cycle A,B,C

December 24, 2024

Tomorrow the wickedness of the earth will be destroyed: the Savior of the world will reign over us.

See

Tracing origins has always been of interest and nowadays it is possible to have a sample of your DNA tested to find out what kind of genetic mix you are. It can lead to surprises! Jesus also had shadows in his genealogy, as is normal. There is hope, too, in the ancestors: God can write straight with our crooked lines. The shadows are not simply in our past, somehow in others, but in each of us as well. But the great message of the Gospel is that our past does not always have to stalk us—there is total forgiveness and even amnesia in God: I, I am the one who blots out your rebellious deeds for my sake; your sins I do not remember. (Isa 43:25)

Listen

Isaiah 62:1-5; Ps 89 (88); Acts 13:16-17, 22-25; Matthew 1:1-25

Reflect

(Matthew 1:1-25)

-Every family tree contains shadows, shadows which can overshadow later generations. What have you learned about yourself from your family history?

-In the narrative, Joseph faces a very challenging situation with a combination of kindness and logic, only to have both sent aside by the surprise of God. Have you had that experience too?

-God-with-us is a powerful expression, inviting me to reflect on my own experience of God with me in my life. Can I name any important moments of God’s presence?

-Every birth is a blessing—even my own! Am I still a blessing to those around me?

Pray

God of generations, You weave our lives into Your great story of salvation. Help us, like Joseph, to trust beyond our understanding, To choose love over convention, And to recognize Your presence in unexpected places. Transform our "Forsaken" moments into "My Delight," Our fears into faithful action, Our doubts into dreams of Your purpose. As we celebrate Emmanuel, "God with us," Make our hearts ready to welcome You anew, Not just in the manger, But in every moment of our lives. Through Christ our Lord. Amen.

One another, Advent4C

December 22, 2024

Micah 5:2-5 (1-4); Psalm 80 (79); Hebrews 10:5-10; Luke 1:39-44

In joyful anticipation of the Lord’s coming at Christmas, let us join our hearts and voices in prayer:

For our Church and parish community, that, like the almost unseen village of Bethlehem, we may reflect, in our life together, the light of God’s love: let us pray to the Lord.

For the nations and peoples of the world, that the reign of God’s justice and mercy may reach to the ends of the earth: let us pray to the Lord.

For all parents and guardians of children, that they may see in Mary and Elizabeth models of loving patience and selfless devotion to children and family: let us pray to the Lord.

For those who do not celebrate Christ’s birth, that they, too, may know the joy and peace of God’s reign: let us pray to the lord.

For our Jewish neighbors and friends, our ancestors in the faith, that God will continue to bless them with happiness and peace: let us pray to the Lord.

For those who have died in the peace of Christ [especially _________], that the new life of the Messiah may be theirs: let us pray to the Lord.

For the prayers we now make in the silence of our hearts [Pause...]: let us pray to the Lord.

O Lord, our Shepherd and Guide, come and shatter the darkness of our world with the light of your love. May these prayers we offer and our work to bring them to fulfillment bring the light and peace of the Messiah into our own time and place.

References

-United States Conference of Catholic Bishops. (2024al, December 22). Fourth Sunday of Advent. USCCB. https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/122224.cfm

-Cormier, J. (1995). Lord, Hear Our Prayer: Prayer of the Faithful for Sundays, Holy Days, and Ritual Masses.