DECEMBER
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25VIGIL
25MIDNIGHT
25DAY
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Thursday, December 1, 2016THURSDAY
(Lec. 178) OF ADVENT
1)Isaiah 26:1-6- FIRST WEEK
2)Matthew 7:21, 24-27
FOCUS:True discipleship requires action.
Accomplishing a goal requires motivation, knowledge and action. It is not enough simply to think or talk about it; you have to act. Discipleship is no different. Today, Jesus tells us that not all those who say, Lord, Lord, will enter the kingdom of heaven – only those who do the Father’s will.
LITURGY OF THE WORD
Today’s reading from Isaiah contains words proclaimed by the people of Judah. They sing of trusting in the Lord, who will strengthen them and give them a lasting foundation. In the Gospel, Jesus describes true discipleship – doing the will of the Father. He speaks of building a strong foundation in the Lord in order to withstand the trials and tribulations of life, and helping to build the kingdom of God on earth.
UNIVERSAL PRAYER
PRIEST:Understanding that the Lord is our rock and salvation, we join in offering him our prayers for our needs and the needs of the world.
1)That all members of the Church will use this Advent season as an opportunity to renew our relationship with Christ, let us pray to the Lord.
2)That leaders of nations may respect the lives and dignity of all people when they enact laws and regulations, let us pray to the Lord.
3)That those whose homes have been damaged or destroyed by natural disasters may be blessed to find places of safe haven and shelter, let us pray to the Lord.
4)That we in this parish community may seek to build our foundations of discipleship on Christ, the eternal rock, let us pray to the Lord.
5)That those who died may come to perpetual peace and joy in heaven, let us pray to the Lord.
6)(Special petition/s)
PRIEST:Faithful and loving God, in your goodness and love please hear and answer our prayers. We ask this through your son, Jesus Christ, our Lord.
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Friday, December 2, 2016FRIDAY
(Lec. 179) OF ADVENT
1)Isaiah 29:17-24- FIRST WEEK
2)Matthew 9:27-31
FOCUS:Christ came to save us and heal us of our spiritual blindness – that we might walk in the light of his love forever.
Christ is the Light of the world. He is able to heal us of our spiritual blindness, similar to the way he healed the two blind men in today’s Gospel, but we must have faith. Let us place our trust in Jesus so we might gain greater clarity of spiritual sight and walk more fully in the light of his love.
LITURGY OF THE WORD
The first reading from Isaiah prophesies that the Lord will raise up the deaf, the blind and the lowly. The Lord says that Jacob shall no longer be ashamed. In the Gospel, Jesus gives sight to two blind men who believe. Although Jesus warns them not to, they spread word of him throughout the land.
UNIVERSAL PRAYER
PRIEST:With humble hearts, let us present our needs to our Father in heaven.
1)That those who serve the Church as missionaries may continue to share the light of Christ with those who have not heard his Gospel message, let us pray to the Lord.
2)That government leaders may always be guided by integrity and fairness in their decision-making, let us pray to the Lord.
3)That those who have recently suffered the loss of a loved one may find strength and consolation in the promise and hope of eternal life in heaven, let us pray to the Lord.
4)That those from our parish community who serve in the military may be kept safe from harm and return home to their families, let us pray to the Lord.
5)That those who have died may experience the fullness of life and love in God’s heavenly kingdom, let us pray to the Lord.
6)(Special petition/s)
PRIEST:Father, hear our prayers and grant us the grace needed to lead lives that are holy and pleasing to you. We ask this through your son, Jesus Christ, our Lord.
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Saturday, December 3, 2016SATURDAY
(Lec. 180) OF ADVENT
1)Isaiah 30:19-21, 23-26- FIRST WEEK
2)Matthew 9:35–10:1, 5a, 6-8(OBL MEM
Saint Francis Xavier,
Priest)
FOCUS:Each of us is called to give witness to the Gospel, and share God’s love with others.
Similar to the way that Jesus commissioned the Twelve Apostles to preach the Gospel and to bring God’s healing and saving love to others, we are called to do the same. We do this by leading lives consistent with the faith we profess, and giving of ourselves generously in service to others.
LITURGY OF THE WORD
The first reading from Isaiah speaks of the joy and delight to be found in serving the Lord, and the abundant blessings God bestows upon those who are faithful to him. In the Gospel, Jesus calls and sends out the Twelve Apostles, and gives them authority to heal in his name.
UNIVERSAL PRAYER
PRIEST:Knowing that God provides for our every need, we present our prayers and petitions to him with confidence.
1)That Pope Francis, and all bishops and priests, will continue to shepherd the faithful to walk in the ways of the Lord, let us pray to the Lord.
2)That all faithful members of the Church may be moved and strengthened by the prayers and example of Saint Francis Xavier to proclaim that the kingdom of heaven is at hand, let us pray to the Lord.
3)That those who suffer with addiction or mental illness may find strength and comfort through God’s healing touch, let us pray to the Lord.
4)That during these days of Advent preparation, we in this faith community will seek to share the light of Christ with all whom we encounter, let us pray to the Lord.
5)That those who have died may come to share fully in eternal life, let us pray to the Lord.
6)(Special petition/s)
PRIEST:Father of mercy, hear our prayers and grant us those things which we most truly need to sustain us on our earthly pilgrimage of faith. Through Christ our Lord.
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SUNDAY, DECEMBER 4, 2016SECOND SUNDAY
(Lec. 4)OF ADVENT
1)Isaiah 11:1-10
2)Romans 15:4-9
3)Matthew 3:1-12
FOCUS: We are called to prepare the way for Jesus.
John the Baptist was called by God to prepare the way for Jesus. He did this by proclaiming a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins. Similarly, each one of us is called by God to prepare the way for Jesus. We do this whenever we assist someone in need, visit someone who is sick or lend a listening ear.
LITURGY OF THE WORD
The first reading prophesies that the Spirit of the Lord will rest upon the promised Messiah, who shall come forth from the line of King David. The second reading from Romans reminds us that by living in love and unity with one another, we glorify God. In the Gospel, John the Baptist preaches in the desert, Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.
UNIVERSAL PRAYER
PRIEST:Confident of our heavenly Father’s loving mercy, we offer him our prayers and petitions.
1)For all members of the Church, that we may open ourselves more fully to the grace and workings of the Holy Spirit so as to go forth and give witness to the Gospel in our everyday lives, let us pray to the Lord.
2)For world leaders, that they reflect the love, joy and peace of the Lord to their people by acting justly and with compassion, let us pray to the Lord.
3)For those who are sick, may their faith in Christ Jesus bring them healing, hope and strength, let us pray to the Lord.
4)For families in this parish community who are torn by conflict, may this Advent season give them the opportunity to work toward forgiveness and reconciliation, let us pray to the Lord.
5)For those who have died, may they come to enjoy perfect happiness with all the angels and saints in heaven, let us pray to the Lord.
6)(Special petition/s)
PRIEST:Loving Father, answer our prayers according to your holy will. We ask this through Christ our Lord.
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Monday, December 5, 2016MONDAY
(Lec. 181) OF ADVENT
1)Isaiah 35:1-10- SECOND WEEK
2)Luke 5:17-26
FOCUS:Faith enables us to navigate life’s twists and turns and keep our feet planted on the path to life.
Unexpected twists and turns are part and parcel of life. If we try to handle them all on our own, we will surely fail. But if we trust in God and rely upon him for guidance and support, we will find the strength to persevere and stay on the path of discipleship and life.
LITURGY OF THE WORD
Today’s first reading from Isaiah describes the joyful return of God’s people to the Holy Land from exile in Babylon. The Gospel tells of Jesus healing a paralytic lowered to him through a hole made in the roof of a house.
UNIVERSAL PRAYER
PRIEST:Let us come before our almighty God with our prayers, confident that he provides for our needs.
1)For all members of the Church, that the Holy Spirit might guide us as we share the light of Christ in our world, let us pray to the Lord.
2)For civic leaders, that Christ might strengthen their will to seek nonviolent solutions to the problems that plague us, let us pray to the Lord.
3)For those who have suffered the recent loss of a loved one in this Advent season, may they find strength and solace through the coming of the Christ child, let us pray to the Lord.
4)For members of our parish, that we might be open to the workings of the Holy Spirit to inspire us to reach out to those in need, let us pray to the Lord.
5)For those who have died, that they may live in the light of God’s love for all eternity in heaven, let us pray to the Lord.
6)(Special petition/s)
PRIEST:Heavenly Father, we are grateful for the many blessings you bestow upon us, and we ask that you answer our prayers according to your will, through Christ our Lord.
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Tuesday, December 6, 2016TUESDAY
(Lec. 182) OF ADVENT
1)Isaiah 40:1-11- SECOND WEEK
2)Matthew 18:12-14(Opt. Mem.
Saint Nicholas, Bishop)
FOCUS:God’s power is found in love and consolation.
It is easy to think of power as something that injures or takes advantage of another. But God’s power is one of love; it is a love that consoles, rescues from death and seeks us out when we go astray
LITURGY OF THE WORD
The passage from Isaiah provides us with some of the most optimistic and consoling words in Scripture. God’s power is shown in his love toward us, and he uses it for our rescue and our safety. The parable of the lost sheep in Matthew’s Gospel demonstrates the love God has for his people, and all that he will do to keep us safe and bring us home.
UNIVERSAL PRAYER
PRIEST:With confidence in his love and mercy, we offer our petitions to our ever-faithful God.
1)For all members of the Church, may we be bearers of God’s saving and healing love to a world broken and divided by violence and indifference, let us pray to the Lord.
2)For all leaders of communities and nations, may they carry out their duties with integrity, and always work to safeguard the dignity and sanctity of all human life, let us pray to the Lord.
3)For all who struggle under a cross of chronic illness, may they find strength and hope in Jesus which helps them carry their load, let us pray to the Lord.
4)For the members of this faith community, may we love, support and encourage one another to keep our feet planted on the path of life, let us pray to the Lord.
5)For all who have died, may they one day come to dwell in the new and heavenly Jerusalem, let us pray to the Lord.
6)(Special petition/s)
PRIEST:God of love and consolation, we offer these prayers to you in confidence that you will hear and answer them. We ask this through your son, Jesus Christ.
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Wednesday, December 7, 2016WEDNESDAY
(Lec. 183) OF ADVENT
1)Isaiah 40:25-31- SECOND WEEK
2)Matthew 11:28-30(OBL MEM
Saint Ambrose,
Bishop and Doctor
of the Church)
FOCUS:Jesus offers us a blessed invitation to rest in him when we are weary.
The Lord’s great strength lifts us when we are tired and feel we cannot go on. The demands of daily life can seem daunting, but if we seek out Jesus for strength and guidance, he will help us carry our cross. Jesus is our respite when the world seems to go on “non-stop.”
LITURGY OF THE WORD
The first reading from Isaiah reminds us that God gives us strength at all times and renews us so that we may run and not grow weary, walk and not grow faint. In the Gospel, we learn that Jesus gives us rest from our busy lives, cares and burdens.
UNIVERSAL PRAYER
PRIEST:The Lord saves his people. With love, hope and faith, we now bring our needs to our gracious God.
1)For the Church, that she may continue to succeed in her mission of bringing the Good News of God’s love and mercy to all people, let us pray to the Lord.
2)For leaders throughout the world, may they always seek ways to bring about peace and tolerance in their societies, let us pray to the Lord.
3)For those who suffer from isolation during this Advent season, may they by comforted and lifted up by the compassion of Jesus and the kindness of others, let us pray to the Lord.
4)For catechists in this faith community, may they continue to be guided by the Holy Spirit as they pass along the faith to our young people, let us pray to the Lord.
5)For those who have died, may they find rest from their labors in the kingdom of heaven, let us pray to the Lord.
6)(Special petition/s)
PRIEST:God our Father, we come before you trusting that you will answer our prayers according to your will. For we offer them to you through Christ, our Lord.
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Thursday, December 8, 2016THE IMMACULATE
(Lec. 689) CONCEPTION OF THE
1) Genesis 3:9-15, 20BLESSED VIRGIN MARY
2) Ephesians 1:3-6, 11-12(Patronal Feast Day
3) Luke 1:26-38of the
United States of America)
- SOLEMNITY
(Holy Day of Obligation)
FOCUS: We celebrate the unique place of Mary in God’s plan of salvation.
With the coming of Christ into our world, God enters into humanity in a new and dynamic way. Mary’s role in this great drama as mother is essential, and yet another example of how God has chosen and blessed the people who belong to him. With this Christ-filled blessing comes God’s peace, and our adoption as his sons and daughters.
LITURGY OF THE WORD
The reading from Genesis recalls that moment when humanity, having defied its Creator, is expelled from Eden and separated from the Lord. Saint Paul reminds the Ephesians that, like all believers in Christ, they have been chosen, blessed and called to be holy before the Lord. The Gospel recalls the Annunciation and Mary’s yes to the Lord.
UNIVERSAL PRAYER
PRIEST:We place our hopes and prayers in the hands of our merciful Father, who sent his Son that we might be adopted as God’s sons and daughters.
1)For all members of the Church, that we, like Mary, may grow ever more faithful in our discipleship and ever stronger in our faith, let us pray to the Lord.
2)For government leaders, that the Gospel message of peace and blessing may inform and direct their decisions and actions, let us pray to the Lord.
3)For peace in our homes and communities, may we turn away from death and division and choose to respect the human dignity of each person, let us pray to the Lord.
4)For the sick and dying, that Mary’s example of faith and trust in God’s holy will might give them hope and courage, let us pray to the Lord.
5)For those who have died marked with the sign of faith, may they, like our Blessed Mother, come to share in the fullness of Christ’s glory, let us pray to the Lord.
6)(Special petition/s)
PRIEST:Almighty and living God, hear our prayers and open our hearts so that, like Mary, we may ponder your many blessings in our lives and praise you for your eternal mercy. We make our prayer through Christ, our Lord.
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Friday, December 9, 2016FRIDAY
(Lec. 185) OF ADVENT
1)Isaiah 48:17-19- SECOND WEEK
2)Matthew 11:16-19(Opt. Mem.
Saint Juan Diego Cuauhtlatoatzin)
FOCUS:Every Christian is called to be in dialogue with the message of sacred Scripture.
The great Scripture scholar Saint Jerome once said, “Ignorance of the Scriptures is ignorance of Christ.” Scripture is addressed to us, and we must try to understand what the Lord wants to tell us. We need to remember that the word of God has been given to us to build communion with others on our journey toward the heavenly kingdom.