24 Dec _____________________ 2 Samuel 7:1-5.8-12.14.16 Once David had settled into his house and the Lord had given him rest from all the enemies surrounding him, the king said to the prophet Nathan, ‘Look, I am living in a house of cedar while the ark of God dwells in a tent.’ Nathan said to the [...]
23 Dec – Memorial for St John Kanty, Presbyter John (1390-1473) was a Polish country lad. A brilliant student at the University of Krakow, Poland, he became a priest and professor of theology at the University of Krakow, where he was falsely accused and ousted by university rivals. At the age of 41, he was [...]
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 – Fourth Sunday of Advent Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ! A blessed Advent to you! It is an OXYGEN tradition that the Christmas Masses reflections are done by you, the readers. Volunteer reflections in the past have been truly insightful and we look forward to your contributions this year. There are four [...]
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 [...]
13 Dec _____________________ Isaiah 54:1-10 Shout for joy, you barren women who bore no children! Break into cries of joy and gladness, you who were never in labour! For the sons of the forsaken one are more in number than the sons of the wedded wife, says the Lord. Widen the space of your tent, [...]
13 Dec - Memorial for St. Lucy, virgin, martyr Lucy (c. 283) was a rich, young Christian of Greek ancestry. She was raised in a pious family, and vowed her life to Christ. Her Roman father died when she was young. Her mother, Eutychia, arranged a marriage for her. For three years, she managed to keep [...]
