Isaiah 61:1 – 2a, 10 – 11

The Third Sunday of Advent is also called Gaudete Sunday because, in both the first and second readings, we are called to rejoice; the Lord is near!  As we quickly approach Christmas, we wait in eager anticipation of the coming of the Lord.  Let’s keep that in mind as we reflect on this Sunday’s readings.

This Sunday, we will hear again from the Book of the Prophet Isaiah.  The section we will hear is from the 61^st chapter, so we know that it is from […]

Baruch 5:1 – 9

This Sunday, we will hear from the Book of Baruch.  The name is interesting; as you all know, it is derived from the Hebrew – בָּרוּךְ‎ – which means “Blessing.”  We don’t hear often from Baruch; in fact, this is the only time we hear from him on Sunday in the entire three-year cycle.  It is one of the many options at the Easter Vigil, but is seldom selected because others are more appropriate.  So, let’s review what we know about him and his book. 

The opening […]

Daniel 7:13-14

This Sunday, we will hear again from the Book of Daniel. Again, the passage was clearly chosen to prepare us for the Gospel.  Let’s review our current understanding about this book; you will recall that we heard a passage from it just last Sunday.  We have come to understand this book as being apocalyptic in style, written around 165BC.  An uncritical reading of the book would lead us to conclude that it is a sort of biography written about an historical person who lived during the time of Nebuchadnezzar, […]

Opening Prayer:  Daniel 7: 13-14

Daniel 12:1 – 3

As we come to the end of the liturgical year – next Sunday is already the last Sunday of the Year when we celebrate the feast of Our Lord Jesus Christ, King of the Universe – we remember it as Christ the King – we are given an opportunity to reflect on the end of time.  All three readings speak of the end of the world and the final judgment.

This Sunday, we will first hear from the Book of the Prophet Daniel. Again, […]

1 Kings 17:10-16

As we approach the end of the liturgical year – the Feast of Christ the King is in just two weeks and Advent begins in three weeks – the focus of our Sunday readings turns to the end times and what is expected of those who claim to be faithful disciples of the living God.  As disciples, we are expected to know and live out the covenant relationship that God has initiated and we have accepted.  Jesus is the norm by which we are to live as Christians.  […]