24 Dec For our Christmas special this year, we have 2 guest contributors writing the reflections for the 4 sets of Mass readings on Christmas Day. Desmond Soon, a long-time reader and regular guest contributor for this event returns to write today’s Vigil Mass reflection. Annette Soo is our new contributor. She will be joining [...]
23 Dec – Fourth Sunday of Advent Mary’s Child: The Prince Of Peace From the least of the clans foJudah, from Mary his lowly handmaid, God prepared a body for his Christ, who comes to fill the world with his spirit of peace. – The Sunday Missal ___________________________ Micah 5:1-4 The Lord says this: But [...]
22 Dec _____________________ 1 Samuel 1:24-28 When Hannah had weaned the infant Samuel, she took him up with her together with a three-year old bull, an ephah of flour and a skin of wine, and she brought him to the temple of the Lord at Shiloh; and the child was with them. They slaughtered the [...]
21 Dec – Memorial for St. Peter Canisius, Priest, Doctor of the Church Peter (1521–1597) was the son of Jacob Canisius, a wealthy burgomeister, and Ægidia van Houweningen, who died shortly after Peter’s birth. He was educated in Cologne, Germany, where he studied art, civil law, and theology. He received a master’s degree by age [...]
20 Dec _____________________ Isaiah 7:10-14 The Lord spoke to Ahaz and said, ‘Ask the Lord your God for a sign for yourself coming either from the depths of Sheol or from the heights above.’ ‘No,’ Ahaz answered ‘I will not put the Lord to the test.’ Then Isaiah said: ‘Listen now, House of David: are [...]
19 Dec _____________________ Judges 13:2-7.24-25 There was a man of Zorah of the tribe of Dan, called Manoah. His wife was barren, she had borne no children. The angel of the Lord appeared to this woman and said to her, ‘You are barren and have had no child. But from now on take great care. [...]
18 Dec _____________________ Jeremiah 23:5-8 See, the days are coming – it is the Lord who speaks – when I will raise a virtuous Branch for David, who will reign as true king and be wise, practising honesty and integrity in the land. In his days Judah will be saved and Israel dwell in confidence. [...]
17 Dec _____________________ Genesis 49:2.8-10 Jacob called his sons and said: ‘Gather round, sons of Jacob, and listen; listen to Israel your father. Judah, your brothers shall praise you: you grip your enemies by the neck, your father’s sons shall do you homage, Judah is a lion cub, you climb back, my son, from your [...]
16 Dec – Third Sunday of Advent A Day Of Festival Today we sing and shout for joy with Christ, the Lord of the Dance, who brings us the Good News of our redemption, and renews us by his love. – The Sunday Missal _____________________ Zephaniah 3:14-18 Shout for joy, daughter of Zion, Israel, shout [...]
15 Dec _____________________ Ecclesiasticus 48:1-4.9-12 The prophet Elijah arose like a fire, his word flaring like a torch. It was he who brought famine on the people, and who decimated them in his zeal. By the word of the Lord, he shut up the heavens, he also, three times, brought down fire. How glorious you [...]
