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A Reading from the Book of Prophet Isaiah
Is 61:1-2,10 - 11
The prophet describes his mission as service to his people. He announces glad tidings to the captives back from exile in Babylon. The second part of this poem is the joyful reaction of Jerusalem (God's people). She is overwhelmed by the abundant goodness of the Lord, who has bedecked her with a robe of salvation and precious jewelry. This poem greatly influenced our Lord's understanding of his mission of service. In describing his mission, he refers twice to it.
God's word through this tradition could be that there is joy in service and that the riches that we possess though faith and baptism are a great joy as well. The Responsorial Psalm is the well-known song that Luke put into the mouth of Mary when she visited Elizabeth. We should pray it with her: "His servant" is Israel, God's people, you and I. My soul [that is, I] rejoices in my God: this is not instant joy. It is a kind of happiness that must be obtained and safeguarded time and again with faith and patience.
The Responsorial Psalm is that that we put our trust in Jesus because of his love and kindness and that he has done great things for us, so we should be filled with joy and love for him and thoro be like him.
in your self-giving. He raises up the lowly from the dust; from the dunghill he lifts up the poor. Our help is from the Lord, who made heaven and earth. The Lord hears the cry of the poor!
A Reading, From the First Letter of Saint Peter to the Thessalonians
1Thes 5:16-24
Paul explains what kind of people we should be while waiting for the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ at Christmas, and in that perspective for his final coming to judge the living and the dead. Waiting with hope for final and complete happiness, Christians have reason for joy. "[Lord,] prepare our hearts and remove the sadness that hinders us from feeling the joy and hope which his [the Savior's] presence will bestow."
In the Gospel of John
Jn 1:6-8, 19-28
The question that no intelligent person can ignore is "Who is this Man, Jesus Christ, who started that worldwide movement called Christianity?" It has existed for some 2000 years. Apparently, it has satisfied the aspirations of millions. It has given a kind of joy and happiness for which martyrs have laid down their lives.
John the Baptist explains it to us. Jeus is Light and Lord. Many do not recognize him yet, but he is great. Notice the unselfishness of John. He himself is a preacher, but he bears witness to him, whose sandal is not worthy to unfasten. John is the pattern of the Church's ministry today. There are many in every community who are searching. It should be our joy by word and example to point to the Lord Jesus as an example to the search.
Newsy Notes
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Deacon Bob Brazier, CRE
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REMEMBER:
Happy 3rd week of Advent
1st Communion
CONFIRMATION
Address future PSR and Sacramental Preparation Questions to:
Deacon Bob Brazier at bbrazier@sttm.org
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