Second Sunday of Advent - Year A

Visit www.usccb.org/nab for readings.

READING I
Isaiah 11:1-10

What beautiful imagery Isaiah brings to us! The time of justice and peace that we heard of last week is now described more fully and in terms of who will bring about this peaceable kingdom. We are told the king will be of the root of Jesse and will be for all nations, including Gentiles as well as Jews. There is no reason we cannot be instruments helping to bring about a peaceable kingdom. No, we can't do it alone, but we can make the world a better place because of our being here. We have Isaiah's imagery to motivate us; and the gifts of the Spirit to fortify us on our journey.

READING II
Romans 15:4-9

Paul speaks of the Old Testament message as being one to instruct us so that we might have endurance. Paul encourages us that we might remain faithful and continues Isaiah's message of harmony. He instructs us that by opening our hearts to others, by being hospitable we can help to bring about this peaceable kingdom. Jesus has come to the Jews, the circumcised; and to the Gentiles, the uncircumcised. Jesus welcomes all.

GOSPEL
Matthew 3:1-12

During this season of Advent, we appreciate hearing of John the Baptist preaching in the desert of Judea. This prophet, who baptized believers in the Jordan River served as the forerunner of Jesus. John's message is one of repentance. This will also be Jesus' message. For the Pharisees and Sadducees, ritual purity was of prime importance. Matthew presents the Baptist as warning them, and in effect us, not to be so concerned with ritual as much as how well we live our lives.

Are we faithful to the message of Jesus? He did not spend his time condemning others, but in loving them into obedience. If we care for others, as did Jesus, how do we show it?

The prophet Isaiah tells us that it is possible to live in peace with others. During Advent what special efforts can you make to get along with others? Practice peacemaking!

Are we faithful to the message of Jesus? He did not spend his time condemning others, but in loving them into obedience. If we care for others, as did Jesus, how do we show it?

The prophet Isaiah tells us that it is possible to live in peace with others. During Advent what special efforts can you make to get along with others? Practice peacemaking!

December 9 - St. Juan Diego
St. Juan Diego was an Aztec who lived near Mexico City. On this day in the year 1531, Our Lady of Guadalupe, dressed as an Aztec maiden, appeared to him and asked that a shrine be built to honor the Mother of God. During his fifth visit to Mexico in 2002, Pope John Paul II canonized Juan Diego.

December 10 - Bl. John Mason
A layman, Blessed John Mason was arrested for harboring a priest in the 16th century in England during a time of persecution of Catholics. In 1929, Pope Pius XI beatified him.

December 11 - St. Damasus I
St. Damasus I (304-384), a pope of the early Church, was the son of a priest. One of his most important contributions was his encouragement of St. Jerome in his biblical studies and work. He also restored the catacombs and cared for martyrs' burial places. Damasus is the patron saint of archaeologists.

December 12 - Our Lady of Guadalupe
Today celebrates Our Lady of Guadalupe. In 1531, Mary appeared to Juan Diego, an Aztec peasant, as the "dark virgin" because her skin tone matched that of Juan Diego. The millions who visit her shrine today honor the Mother of God who, like Jesus, identifies with us, whoever we are.

December 13 - St. Lucy
This is the memorial of St. Lucy, a young woman from Sicily who was martyred around 304. Her name means "light." People suffering from diseases of the eyes sometimes pray to St. Lucy for help and healing.

December 14 - St. John of the Cross
Today is the feast of St. John of the Cross, who lived in late-16th-century Spain and is known as the Mystical Doctor. John became a Carmelite priest and a determined reformer. He was strongly opposed and even put in solitary confinement. His beautiful books on prayer and the spiritual life are still read by many today.

December 15 - Bl. Mary Frances Schervier
In 1844, Mary Frances Schervier became a Secular Franciscan. Soon after, she and four companions formed the Sisters of the Poor of St. Francis. This religious community cares for those in poverty. Today, the community also operates hospitals and homes for the aged. Pope Paul VI beatified Blessed Mary Frances Schervier in 1974.

Pearl Harbor Day
In 1941, the Japanese Air Force bombed a United States naval base in Pearl Harbor, Hawaii, in a surprise attack. The U.S. Navy was severely crippled by this attack and many lives were lost. The Japanese lost none of their ships and only a few aircraft. The attack led to the United States' participation in World War II.

Afghanistan President
In 2004, Hamid Karzai was inaugerated as Afghanistan's first popularly elected president. He had led the interim government since December 5, 2001.

Third Sunday of Advent - Year A

Visit www.usccb.org/nab for readings.

READING I
Isaiah 35:1-6a, 10

Today we celebrate the mid-point of Advent with Gaudete Sunday. Isaiah certainly helps us to be joyful. He relates three types of positive change so the land will no longer be arid and rocky, but will burst into bloom; those who are weak or disabled will be made strong; and those in exile will be returned to their home, Jerusalem [Zion]. Bringing this message into 21st century terms, we see a hope for polluted lands to be made whole again, for the weak and suffering to gain strength, and for those who are considered unacceptable to find acceptance. Persons with AIDs fit into the last two categories. Not only are they weak and suffering, but find themselves shunned by society at large. This is a time to reflect on ways that individuals can help to bring about positive change. Perhaps the joyful encouragement of Isaiah can help us spring into action.

READING II
James 5:7-10

The Second Coming of Christ has not occurred and people are becoming impatient. James urges patience -- not only in the waiting, but also in the treatment of others during the waiting period. We are waiting also to celebrate the first coming of Jesus at Christmas. In all our waiting we are urged to be patient and to help to bring about a better world in the meantime. A suggested way to live is without judging others with the added admonition "that you may not be judged."

GOSPEL
Matthew 11:2-11

While it may be that John the Baptist was confused about the type of leader Jesus was to be, it is also possible that Matthew presents events this way to remind listeners of the many good works that Jesus performs. Jesus says only that good things are happening. He credits God the Father with using him as a tool for making these events occur. Jesus goes on to speak well of John the Baptist. He states John's mission as one of preparing the way for the Messiah.

What is your patience level today? This can be a hectic time while preparing for holiday sharing and also trying to maintain a spiritual focus on the coming celebration. Give yourself a time-out. Be patient with yourself as well as others.

This is a good week to practice being patient. The coming Christmas celebration is not just about gift giving and receiving. When can you find some quiet time to think about Jesus, our Savior, whose birthday we will soon celebrate?

December 16 - St. Adelaide
Today we remember St. Adelaide (931-999), Empress of Germany. She dedicated herself to founding and restoring monasteries as well as working for the conversion of the Slavic people.

December 17 - St. Lazarus of Bethany
Lazarus of Bethany was a friend of Jesus and the brother of Martha and Mary. When Jesus heard of Lazarus' illness, he waited to go to Judea after Lazarus died. Jesus raised Lazarus from the dead, an act that symbolizes the life Jesus gives to all who believe in him.

December 18 - St. Flannan
In the seventh century, Flannan was educated in Ireland by monks. A holy and wise man, he made a pilgrimage to Rome. While there, Pope John IV made him a bishop. After his return, Bishop Flannan dedicated his life to serve God and God's people.

December 18 - St. Winebald
St. Winebald is honored for his important work in the education of the clergy in the eighth century.

December 19 - St. Anastasius
St. Anastasius is honored today. He was elected pope in 399. Both St. Jerome and St. Augustine noticed his holiness and simple lifestyle.

December 20 - St. Philogonius
St. Philogonius was a layman in Antioch during the early fourth century. Because of his learning, his skill as a lawyer, and his reputation as an honest and generous person, he was named bishop of Antioch, the second oldest diocese (after Jerusalem) in the Christian world.

December 21 - St. Peter Canisius
St. Peter Canisius was a Jesuit priest who lived and worked tirelessly in Italy and Germany during the 16th century. A Doctor of the Church, he taught, handled Church problems, wrote constantly, and still found time to visit the sick during the Great Plague.

December 22 - St. Chaeremon
Today is the memorial of St. Chaeremon, who was a bishop in Egypt during the third century. He is said to have taken refuge in the mountains of Arabia to escape persecution, and was never heard from again.

New UN Secretary General
On this day in 2006 Ban Ki-moon was sworn in for a five-year term as the eighth United Nations' Secretary General. He also serves as South Korea's foreign minister. He replaced Kofi Annan of Ghana who served two five-year terms.

Roald Amundsen
On this day in 1911, a Norwegian explorer, Roald Amundsen, was the first person to reach the South Pole. He lost the 1909 race to the North Pole to the American team, led by Robert Peary, but he didn't let that discourage him from mounting another expedition just two years later.

Fourth Sunday of Advent - Year A

Visit www.usccb.org/nab for readings.

READING I
Isaiah 7:10-14

The Davidic monarchy is being threatened. The prophet Isaiah urges King Ahaz to ask for a sign from God that all will be well. Ahaz of Judah is in too much of a panic to respond. Isaiah becomes impatient and says that the Lord himself will offer a sign. The sign is that a virgin, or young woman, will bear a son to be named Emmanuel. This probably refers to the birth of Hezekiah who is to continue the Davidic monarchy. As Christians today, we see this prophecy fulfilled by Mary's birth to Jesus, Emmanuel.

READING II
Romans 1:1-7

At the beginning of this letter, Paul introduces himself to the people of Rome prior to his first visit there. He identifies himself as an apostle, even though he was not of the original 12. He identifies his apostleship as coming directly from the risen Jesus. He further identifies himself as an apostle to the Gentiles. As in the first reading, Paul notes that Jesus is of the family of David. This confirms the continuation of David's line. All three readings today echo this fact.

GOSPEL
Matthew 1:18-24

Matthew continues Isaiah's prophecy narrative. First, Joseph is addressed as a Son of David. This assures David's family lineage. An angel clarifies Mary's virginal pregnancy as occurring through the intervention of the Holy Spirit. Then, taken directly from Isaiah, is the naming of the child as Emmanuel, "God with us." This Gospel reveals Joseph's sense of righteousness and his obedience to the will of God.

Joseph must have been quite distressed as Mary's pregnancy became evident. How can Joseph's courage help you in times of trouble?

The prophet Isaiah tried to advise a king about coming trouble. The king was too afraid to listen to him. When you are afraid, will you remember to look to God who is with you and will always help you?

December 23 - St. Marguerite dÕYouville
Today we remember St. Marie Marguerite d'Youville, Canada's first native-born canonized saint. She was a married woman who lived a very difficult life during the 18th century. Upon the death of her husband, several laywomen of her parish joined her to take care of the poor, sick, prisoners, and slaves. They later became the Sisters of Charity. St. Marie Marguerite was canonized in 1990.

December 23 - St. John of Kanty
At the age of 41, John Kanty was sent to serve as a pastor in a town in Bohemia. It took eight years for the people there to accept him even though he had served them with geniune interest and concern. In 1431, he was sent back to Cracow. For the rest of his life he taught sacred scripture at the University of Cracow. He once said, "Fight all error, but do it with good humor, patience, kindness, and love." He is patron of Lithuania and Poland.

December 24 - St. Adela
St. Adele was a student of St. Boniface during the eighth century. She was born a princess in Germany. She became a nun after the death of her husband and made provisions for the care of her son. She served as Abbess of a convent she founded and ruled it with holiness and compassion.

December 25 - St. Alburga of Wilton
Princess Alburga was married to Earl Wulston who founded Wilton Abbey in 773. After his death, she changed the abbey into a convent for women. St. Alburga opened this convent with 12 Benedictine nuns. She later retired there.

December 26 - St. Stephen
Today is the memorial of St. Stephen, one of the first deacons of the Church and the man honored as the first Christian martyr. As a deacon, he brought food and clothes to the poor, to widows, and to orphans. He spoke bravely and openly about salvation through Jesus Christ, and for this he was stoned to death.

December 27 - St. John the Evangelist
John's Gospel is unique for its poetic depth and thought. It speaks of the divine sonship of God. St. John the Evangelist may have been one of the 12 apostles of Jesus, but it is also possible he was a disciple within the apostolic community.

December 28 - The Holy Innocents
Today we remember the Holy Innocents. When Herod heard from the Magi that a new king was born in Bethlehem, he sent soldiers to kill all infant boys two years of age and younger in that area.

December 29 - St. Thomas Becket
St. Thomas Becket was a young chancellor of England and loved the good life. The king insisted Thomas be made a bishop. Thomas then radically changed his lifestyle, giving away all his riches. After conflict with the king, he was martyred in Canterbury Cathedral.

Plymouth
On this day in 1620, a scouting party from the Mayflower went ashore and explored the area of eastern Massachusetts where the second English colony would be set up. The first colony was Jamestown, set up by adventurers seeking new areas to conquer. But people seeking religious freedom, in contrast, set up Plymouth.

Hanukkah
The Jewish feast of Hanukkah begins on the 25th day of the Hebrew month Kislev. It recalls the legend of lights. The Israelites worked to repair their Temple after it had been recaptured from the Syrians. There was only enough oil to provide light for the menorah for one day. But, the oil burned for eight whole days! That is why Hanukkah lasts for eight days and a candle is lit for each day of celebration. Hanukkah begins at sunset today.

Winter Solstice
Today is the winter solstice, the day with the shortest period of daylight, and the official beginning of winter in the Northern Hemisphere. The winter solstice has been celebrated by many cultures with a festival of lights, because each day following the solstice brings more daylight.