Christmas Day - Solemnity of the Nativity of the Lord

Reflection Questions

Today is born our Savior, Christ the Lord!

Throughout these four week of Advent, filled with anticipation and preparation, we have finally arrived on the day of our Savior's birth!  We pray that we might gain strength and courage from Jospeh and Mary's example of humility and trust in circumstances that were less than ideal - giving birth in a stable.  May we believe that God can do the same in our lives - bring about great joy and new life amidst any circumstance we find ourselves in.  We thank God with grateful hearts for the gift of Jesus who taught us to be bearers of peace, compassion and love.

Christmas is the season that promises
to touch our deepest needs and to meet
our deepest longings; it is the story of
God remembering us, caring about us,
and squeezing himself into time and space,

drawing near, even as one of us. 

~Timothy Clayton

Prayer

Rejoice, for the Lord is near; let your kindness be known to all!
Scripture

First Reading: Isaiah 9:1-6
Psalm: 96:1-3, 11-13
Second Reading: Titus 2:11-14
Gospel: Luke 2:1-14


Daily Scripture readings can be found online at the USCCB website

Monday of the Fourth Week of Advent

Reflection Questions

"Here I am living in a house of cedar, while the ark of God dwells in a tent!" Where have we placed God in our life and is it where He hopes to be?  How can we enshrine God in our hearts and recognize His presence in all things? 

"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."  How have we helped pass along and proclaim His faithfulness to other generations?  When you think of "kindness" in terms of God, what do you think it means?  How kind have you been towards others lately?  How kind have you been towards yourself?

"Blessed be the Lord, the God of Israel; for he has come to his people and set them free" Today's reading contains the powerful prayer called the Canticle of Zechariah.  What does "freedom in God" mean to you?  How has God set you free?
Prayer

God of freedom, may we create a dwelling place for You within our Churches, within our homes, and within our hearts.  May we learn to place You in the center of our lives so that we can be guided in the ways of mercy and peace.  Let us always be willing to proclaim Your unending faithfulness to all we encounter and remember to be kind and compassionate with one another.  May Your love free us from false illusions, trying to be something other than who you created, and from the burden of sin.  For ever I will sing the goodness of the Lord!
Scripture

First Reading: 2 Samuel 7:1-5, 8b-12, 14a, 16
Psalm: 89:2-3, 4-5, 27, 29
Gospel: Luke 1:67-79


Daily Scripture readings can be found online at the USCCB website

Sunday of the Fourth Week of Advent

Reflection

The last week of Advent's readings do a great job of summing everything up. The first reading emphasizes that a Messiah is coming to bring salvation. The second reading announces Jesus' presence to the community. In the Gospel reading for this week, Mary sets out and travels to her cousin Elizabeth. It can relate to many of our own journeys, as we travel to be with family for Christmas on Tuesday.

It is the Gospel that says the most. In the Gospel, God is reminding us that those who believe what was spoken to us by the Lord would be fulfilled. This reminder is necessary during Advent. Remembering the real meaning of Christmas can be a challenge, for life gets crazy around Christmas: there are Christmas parties to attend, many presents to buy, and it is easy to forget why you are doing it all. Christmas is a celebration of the birth of Jesus, and it is easy to lose that in the shuffle of the hectic Christmas season. Instead, it is a time to focus on what is important: family, friends, and God.

Emily Clegg '16

Prayer

Father, this week, as we celebrate Christmas, be with us to remind us of Your love. Bless those who are traveling for the holidays: may their journeys be completed safely. May all remember what is truly important this Christmas.  Amen.
Scripture

First Reading: Micah 5:1-4a
Psalm: 80:2-3, 15-16, 18-19
Second Reading: Hebrews 10:5-10
Gospel: Luke 1:39-45

Daily Scripture readings can be found online at the USCCB website

Christmas.  Amen.

Saturday of the Third Week of Advent

Reflection Questions

"I prayed for this child, and the Lord granted my request.  Now I, in turn, give him to the Lord; as long as he lives, he shall be dedicated to the Lord."  What is the most precious thing that you value in your life?  How has God been a part of that?  What are you willing to give to God out of a grateful heart?

"He has filled the hungry with good things, and the rich he has sent away empty."  Today's Gospel is Mary's beautiful prayer called the Magnificat.  What parts of the prayer do you feel you share with Mary?  What are you hungry for spiritually?

"He has come to the help of his servant Israel for he remembered his promise of mercy, the promise he made to our fathers, to Abraham and his children for ever."  How has God shown mercy with you?  What does God's promise of faithfulness mean to you?  How have you been faithful in your promises to others?
Prayer

Faithful God of mercy, may we recognize that all good things come from You.  May we have the courage to give of our very selves what we value most to You in the form of service and love. May we hunger for justice, peace and compassion in our world and be willing to be those very things in our own lives.  May we be merciful as You are merciful and may we be faithful to both You and those in our lives.  My heart exults in the Lord, my Savior!
Scripture

First Reading: 1 Samuel 1:24-28
Psalm: 1 Samuel 2:1, 4-8
Gospel: Luke 1:46-56


Daily Scripture readings can be found online at the USCCB website

Friday of the Third Week of Advent

Reflection Questions

"He will rejoice over you with gladness, and renew you in his love, He will sing joyfully because of you, as one sings at festivals."  How has God renewed you in His love this Advent season?  Can you imagine God singing joyfully because of you?  Is it difficult or easy to imagine God celebrating over you and why?

"Give thanks to the Lord on the harp; with the ten-stringed lyre chant his praises.  Sing to him a new song."  Have you given thanks to God lately for the blessings in your life?  What are you grateful for?  How do you express your thanks to God?

"For at the moment the sound of your greeting reached my ears, the infant in my womb leaped for joy."  What brings you great joy?  How do you express your joy?
Prayer

God of joy, renew us in Your love and help us accept your overwhelming joy You find in us.  May we always give thanks to You for the many ways in which you enrich our lives and help us grow more deeply and fully into who You created us to be.  May we recognize the joy in our lives and embrace it.  May we celebrate Your goodness and Your grace that you give to us.  Exult, you just, in the Lord!  Sing to him a new song.
Scripture

First Reading: Songs 2:8-14 or Zep 3:14-18
Psalm: 33:2-3, 11-12, 20-21
Gospel: Luke 1:39-45

Daily Scripture readings can be found online at the USCCB website

Thursday of the Third Week of Advent

Reflection Questions
"Therefore the Lord himself will give you this sign: the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and shall name him Emmanuel."  Emmanuel means "God with us" but it also can be translated into "God for us."  Is it difficult or easy for you to believe that God is on your side and wanting what is best for you?  What are the ways in which God is for you?  What do you think God wants or desires for you?

"But she was greatly troubled at what was said and pondered what sort of greeting this might be.  Then the angel said to her, 'Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God.'"  When have you felt troubled and God has offered you comfort?  What are you fearful of right now and what is God saying to you about it?

"The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you."  When have you felt the power of the Holy Spirit in your life?  How has it energized and inspired you to make changes in your life and given you courage to move in the direction God is asking of you?

Prayer

God who is with and for us, help us truly believe that You desire what is best for us and will be with us throughout all circumstances.  When we feel troubled and afraid, let us find comfort and peace knowing that Your presence is with us always if only we turn to You with our concerns and worries.  Open our hearts to the power of the Holy Spirit.  Through the Holy Spirit, may we be given both courage and conviction to do what is loving and just. Let the Lord enter; he is the king of glory!
Scripture

First Reading: Isaiah 7:10-14
Psalm: 24:1-6
Gospel: Luke 1:26-38

Daily Scripture readings can be found online at the USCCB website

Wednesday of the Third Week of Advent

Reflection Questions

"For you are my hope, O Lord; my trust, O God, from my youth.  On you I depend from birth; from my mother's womb you are my strength."  What are you hoping for right now?  Where does your hope come from?

"He will be filled with the Holy Spirit even from his mother's womb, and he will turn many of the children of Israel to the Lord their God."  What does John the Baptist mean to you and how do you imitate his passion and determination in his faith?  How do you help others turn towards God?

"How shall I know this?  For I am an old man, and my wife is advanced in years."  Sometimes it is difficult to to change your expectations.  What do you expect from God?  Do you put limits around what you expect God to do?  In what ways has God surprised you with good and unexpected news?
Prayer

God of surprises, we know that You have loved us and been with us in every moment of our existence on earth.  May we always place our hope in You and depend on You for our strength in times of trial.  Fill us with the Holy Spirit that we might help others turn towards God by our words and actions to those around us.  May we be open to ways in which You might surprise us with unexpected blessings.  Help us accept Your gifts and possibilties that You offer us.  My mouth shall be filled with Your praise, and I will sing Your glory!
Scripture

First Reading: Judges 13:2-7, 24-25a
Psalm: 71:3-6ab, 16-17
Gospel: Luke 1:5-25


Daily Scripture readings can be found online at the USCCB website

Tuesday of the Third Week of Advent

Reflection Questions

"As king he shall reign and govern wisely, he shall do what is just and right in the land.  In his days, Judah shall be saved, Israel shall dwell in security.  This is the name they will give him: 'The Lord our justice.'"  What does the phrase "The Lord our justice" mean to you?  What do you think would be God's justice played out in your life?

"Joseph her husband, since he was a righteous man, yet unwilling to expose her to shame, decided to divorce her quietly."  There is not much we know about Joseph, but what we do know indicates that he was kind and trusted in God's plans, no matter how unusual they seem.  When was a time when God called us to do something that seemed confusing or strange at first?  How do you discern what it is that you feel God asking you to do?

"Behold, the virgin shall be with child and bear a son, and they shall name him Emmanuel, which means 'God is with us.'" What are the times in which you feel you need God with you most?  In what ways is God with us now?  If God is already with us now, what are the new ways which we are preparing to welcome his coming at Christmas?
Prayer

God the Father, help us to learn to trust You amidst strange and confusing circumstances.  May we be about to focus on what You are calling us to do that what what other people will think of our choices.  May we do what is right and just, not in human terms, but in what we understand You are asking of us.  God, be with us now and help us recognize Your presence with us, yet may we be open to the new ways You can enter into our lives this coming Christmas season. Justice shall flourish in his time, and fullness of peace for ever!
Scripture

First Reading: Jeremiah 23:5-8
Psalm: 72:1-2, 12-13, 18-19
Gospel: Matthew 1:18-24

Daily Scripture readings can be found online at the USCCB website

Monday of the Third Week of Advent

Reflection Questions

"Justice shall flower in his days, and profound peace, till the moon be no more.  May he rule from seas to sea." What would this day where justice and profound peace rule look like?  How do we move closer to this place in our own way and time now?

"In him shall all the tribes of the earth be blessed; all the nations shall proclaim his happiness."    Again, this is an image of peace and blessedness among all peoples.  Is this hard to imagine?  How are we proclaiming his happiness?

"The book of the genealogy of Jesus Christ, the son of David, the son of Abraham."  Our heritage and where we came from is important in forming who we are.  Not everyone is perfect, yet we each add something unique to our families.  Who is someone in your family lineage who you look up to as a model?  Do you think of how you are spiritually part of Jesus' family and what does that mean to you?
Prayer

Loving God, center of our families, help us bring about justice and peace in our world by beginning within our own homes.  May we value and embrace the beauty of our families, despite our weaknesses and flaws, and help us to be more loving towards one another.  May we learn from the example of those who have come before us and may we be that model of light for our families as well.  Justice shall flourish in his time, and fullness of peace for ever!
Scripture

First Reading: Genesis 49:2, 8-10
Psalm: 42: 1-4, 7-8, 17
Gospel: Matthew 1:1-17

Daily Scripture readings can be found online at the USCCB website

Third Sunday of Advent

Reflection

When you hear the phrase, “the good news,” what do you think of?  For me, this phrase can bring up images of people on the street corners preaching their versions of the Gospel in an uncomfortable manner.  But when we turn to the words of scripture this week, the good news looks nothing like this.  It is comforting beyond measure.  God is not distant; rather, He “is in your midst.”  Especially this week, we need to remember this, and take comfort in our God.  It is easy to feel angry with God when horrible things happen to good people.  It doesn’t make any sense to us.  But we can bear these tragedies because we are promised that, “the peace of God that surpasses all understanding will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.”  We are not strong enough to save ourselves from sin; this is why we need the sacrifice of Jesus Christ.  In a similar way, we are not strong enough to weather the storm of such heartache alone; we must find refuge in our Father, who yearns to strengthen us when we are weak. 

In the readings this Sunday, we hear the call to rejoice.  Advent is a time for rejoicing, for we anticipate the birth of our Savior.  And though we may feel like it is impossible to rejoice at a time like this, and that the only proper thing to do is mourn, we can remember that God is rejoicing over us, even when we cannot rejoice.  While we struggle to come to terms with the tragedy, we affirm: “My strength and my courage is the LORD.”  With God, we can endure.

Amelia Seman, '15

Prayer
Father, we pray this Sunday especially for those who lost their lives this week.  We ask that you welcome them in to your heavenly kingdom, and that you be with their families in a special way as they grieve.  Be also with the survivors and their families, help them to heal from the scars of this ordeal, and allow them to be supported by their community.  Help us show our kindness to all who need love and support throughout this healing journey.  Teach us, Lord, through this tragedy, and draw us closer to you as we seek comfort and understanding.  Renew us in your love.  In your great and holy name we pray, Amen.

 

Scripture

First Reading: Zep 3: 14-18a

Psalm: Isaiah 12:2-6
Second Reading: Phil 4:4-7

Gospel: Luke 3:10-18

Daily Scripture readings can be found online at the USCCB website

Friday of the Second Week of Advent

Reflection Questions

"I, the Lord, your God, teach you what is for your good, and lead you on the way you should go."  How has God lead you on the way you should go?  How have you seen wisdom in what God has taught you?

"He is like a tree planted near running water, that yields its fruit in due season, and whose leaves never fade.  Whatever he does, prospers."  What is it that you "place yourself next to" that gives you life and helps you prosper?  What gives you inspiration and wisdom in the ways God wants you to "grow"?  How can you be near this source of wisdom (Scripture, an important person, prayer books, Mass) more frequently this Advent season?

"But wisdom is vindicated by her works."  How have you seen the impact of wise choices play out in your life?  What does a wise person "look like"? 
Prayer

God of wisdom, please teach us the ways we should go and help us realize the goodness and love contained in Your teaching.  Help us gain wisdom and be inspired by living sources that will draw us closer to You.  May we be a source of goodness and wisdom to those around us, especially by our example and our "fruits" of that wisdom.  This Advent season, may we realize even more deeply that You long for us to prosper, grow, and love in the ways that You hope for us to live.  Those who follow you, Lord, will have the light of life.
Scripture

First Reading: Isaiah 48:17-19
Psalm: 1:1-4, 6
Gospel: Matthew 11:16-19

Daily Scripture readings can be found online at the USCCB website

Thursday of the Second Week of Advent

Reflection Questions

"I will help you, says the Lord."  In what ways has God helped you lately?  What do you need help with that you can bring to God in prayer?

"I, the Lord, will answer them; I, the God of Israel, will not forsake them.  I will open up rivers on the bare heights, and fountains in the broad valleys; I will turn the desert into a marshland, and the dry ground into springs of water."  God promises yet again to respond and not forsake us.  How does it feel to hear these words of comfort?  The imagery is one of water and refreshment.  How does the living waters of God refresh you? 

"Whoever has ears ought to hear." What voices are around you that you listen to the most?  What can make it difficult to hear God's voice?  Do we often have "selective hearing" with God and why?  How can we be not only more open to hearing, but putting what we hear into action?
Prayer

God of living water, You promise not to abandon us or forsake us; may we not abandon You or forsake You.  Fill us with Your goodness and refresh and renew us with new life as we prepare for the new life of Jesus' birth.  Help us to always hear Your voice amidst the many voices that crowd our everyday lives.  May we discern the many ways You speak to us and may we be open to the message You give us.  The Lord is grcious and merciful; slow to anger and of great kindness!
Scripture

First Reading: Isaiah 41:13-20
Psalm: 145:1, 9-13ab

Gospel: Matthew 11:11-15

 

Daily Scripture readings can be found online at the USCCB website

Wednesday of the Second Week of Advent

Feast of our Lady of Guadalupe
Reflection Questions

"Sing and rejoice, O daughter Zion!  See, I am coming to dwell among you, says the Lord!"  How does God dwell among you?  In what ways to celebrate when someone you love comes to be with you?

"Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God."  Do you find it difficult or easy to believe God speaking these words to you: "you have found favor with God"?  Imagine God feeling delighted in you and how you would respond.

"Mary said, 'Behold, I am the handmaid of the Lord.  May it be done to me according to Your word.'"  When have you given up your own ideas and agenda and listened to where and what God was calling you to?  When have you chosen to follow God even though it was troubling and unexpected at the time?
Prayer

God of delight, may we greet You with openness and joy  when You come to dwell among us once again this coming Christmas.  Make ready our hearts so that we may let go of our own expectations and be willing to accept where and who You are calling us to be, even though it may seem strange and unknown to us.  Help us believe that you find great favor with us as we strive to be loving and just.  May we be encouraged by Mary's willingness to trust in God despite feeling troubled and confused and be open to the ways in which God surprises us with new life.  May we not be afraid and welcome Jesus dwelling among us!
Scripture

First Reading: Zec 2:14-17 or Ps1:1Rv 11:19a; 12:1-6a, 10ab

Psalm: Jdt 13:18bcde, 19

Gospel: Luke 1:26-38 or Luke 1:39-47

Daily Scripture readings can be found online at the USCCB website

Tuesday of the Second Week of Advent

Reflection Questions

"Comfort, give comfort to my people, says your God.  Speak tenderly to Jerusalem."  How have you received comfort from God lately?  How have you given comfort to others?  Do we speak to each other with tenderness or rebuff?

"Make straight in the wasteland a highway for our God!  Every valley shall be filled in, every mountain and hill shall be made low." Has your life felt "bumpy" lately?  What are the mountains in our lives that need to be made low (pride, self-importance, arrogrance) and the valleys that need to be filled in (despair, disappointment, worry, fear)? 

"Fear not to cry out and say to the cities of Judah: Here is your God!"  Once again, we are reminded in the readings not to fear and to proclaim God's presence in our lives with confidence.  How have you proclaim God's presence to others today?  Do you feel fearful to do so or happy to do so?

"In just the same way, it is not the will of your heavenly Father that one of these little ones be lost."  Why do you think we wander away from God sometimes?  In what ways are we lost to God right now?  How do you feel that God will not ever abandon even the littlest ones among us?
Prayer

Jesus our Shephard, may we always feel the depth of Your comfort and care for us.  Teach us to use tenderness with one another's hearts in both our words and actions.  May we not get stranded on the mountains or stuck in valleys of our own creation, but make straight the way of the Lord in our lives.  Let fear not overtake us, but cry out to God who is our comfort and our strength.  May we always find our way back to You when we are lost.  The Lord our God comes with power!
Scripture

First Reading: Isaiah 40:1-11

Psalm 96: 1-3, 10-13

Gospel: Matthew 18:12-14

Daily Scripture readings can be found online at the USCCB website

Daily Scripture readings can be found online at the USCCB website

Daily Scripture readings can be found online at the USCCB website