Sunday ~ The Baptism of the Lord: Isaiah 42:1-4, 6-7; Psalm 29:1-4, 9-10; Acts 10:34-38; Matthew 3:13-17 ~ anointed

Last Sunday of Christmas: The Baptism of the Lord

+ In the Name of the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen

Opening sentence and prayer:

Today Jesus was baptized in the Jordan; the Father recognized Him as His beloved Son; the Holy Spirit prepared Him for His mission of service. May the Lord’s Spirit of sonship and service be always with you.
__________

God our Father, with Jesus you call us to be your beloved sons and daughters and with Him you give us the mission to become humble and dedicated servants. Grant that we may not break those crushed by sin and sorrow. Help us to serve always the cause of right, to be eyes to the blind and a voice for the downtrodden. May we please you in all we do. We ask this in the name of Jesus our Lord.

A Reading from the Old Testament: Isaiah 42:1-4, 6-7 (NLT)

candle

“Look at my servant, whom I strengthen. He is my chosen one, who pleases me. I have put my Spirit upon him. He will bring justice to the nations. He will not shout or raise his voice in public. He will not crush the weakest reed or put out a flickering candle. He will bring justice to all who have been wronged. He will not falter or lose heart until justice prevails throughout the earth. Even distant lands beyond the sea will wait for his instruction.”
__________

“I, the Lord, have called you to demonstrate my righteousness. I will take you by the hand and guard you, and I will give you to my people, Israel, as a symbol of my covenant with them. And you will be a light to guide the nations. You will open the eyes of the blind. You will free the captives from prison, releasing those who sit in dark dungeons.”

A Reading from the Psalms: Psalm 29:1-4, 9-10 (NLT)

Honor the Lord, you heavenly beings; honor the Lord for his glory and strength. Honor the Lord for the glory of his name. Worship the Lord in the splendor of his holiness. The voice of the Lord echoes above the sea. The God of glory thunders. The Lord thunders over the mighty sea. The voice of the Lord is powerful; the voice of the Lord is majestic.
__________

The voice of the Lord twists mighty oaks and strips the forests bare. In his Temple everyone shouts, “Glory!” The Lord rules over the floodwaters. The Lord reigns as king forever.

A Reading from Acts of the Apostles: Acts 10:34-38 (NLT)

Then Peter replied, “I see very clearly that God shows no favoritism. In every nation he accepts those who fear him and do what is right. This is the message of Good News for the people of Israel — that there is peace with God through Jesus Christ, who is Lord of all. You know what happened throughout Judea, beginning in Galilee, after John began preaching his message of baptism. And you know that God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and with power. Then Jesus went around doing good and healing all who were oppressed by the devil, for God was with him.”

Baptism of Jesus

A Reading from the Gospels: Matthew 3:13-17 (NLT)

Then Jesus went from Galilee to the Jordan River to be baptized by John. But John tried to talk him out of it. “I am the one who needs to be baptized by you,” he said, “so why are you coming to me?”

But Jesus said, “It should be done, for we must carry out all that God requires.” So John agreed to baptize him.

After his baptism, as Jesus came up out of the water, the heavens were opened and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and settling on him. And a voice from heaven said, “This is my dearly loved Son, who brings me great joy.”

Intercessions:

Heavenly Father: You sent Jesus to live among us as a servant… to set us free… and to make us new. Lord, hear me as I pray.

+ For the Church and its leaders – that they may not seek compromises with wealth and power but serve and help the poor, the sick, and the broken-hearted. Lord, hear my prayer.
+ For all those who are baptized – that we may follow Christ and that, like Him, we may learn to serve rather than to be served. Lord, hear my prayer.
+ For Christian communities around the world – that the eucharist may strengthen in us the gifts of the Holy Spirit and make us ever more faithful to our calling as Your beloved children. Lord, hear my prayer.
+ For Christians and for all people – that the Holy Spirit may guide us to respect all who are little and defenseless, particularly the unborn; and that we may not crush them but offer them justice, mercy and grace. Lord, hear my prayer.
+ For all those who don’t know Christ or who are estranged from the Church – that the way I live out my Christian life may reveal to them the love of Christ. Lord, hear my prayer.

Lord God, You have called me to become a new creation when I was baptized and filled with the Holy Spirit. Forgive me my fears and anxieties and keep on renewing me through Your Spirit – that I may have the courage to go with Christ all the way, for He is Your Son and my Lord for ever. Amen.

Spiritual Song: “Take Us to the River” – Robin Mark

+ In the Name of the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen

Epiphany Sunday: Isaiah 60:1-6; Psalm 92:1-2a, 7-8, 10b-13; Ephesians 3:2b-4; Matthew 2:1-12 ~ your light has come

Epiphany Sunday

+ In the Name of the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen

Opening sentence:

May the splendor of Your majesty, O Lord, shed its light upon our hearts, that we may pass through the shadows of this world and reach the brightness of our eternal home. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever.

A Reading from the Old Testament: Isaiah 60:1-6 (NLT)

“Arise, Jerusalem! Let your light shine for all to see. For the glory of the Lord rises to shine on you. Darkness as black as night covers all the nations of the earth, but the glory of the Lord rises and appears over you. All nations will come to your light; mighty kings will come to see your radiance.

“Look and see, for everyone is coming home! Your sons are coming from distant lands; your little daughters will be carried home. Your eyes will shine, and your heart will thrill with joy, for merchants from around the world will come to you. They will bring you the wealth of many lands. Vast caravans of camels will converge on you, the camels of Midian and Ephah. The people of Sheba will bring gold and frankincense and will come worshiping the Lord.”

A Reading from the Psalms: Psalm 92:1-2a, 7-8, 10b-13 (NLT)

It is good to give thanks to the Lord, to sing praises to the Most High. It is good to proclaim your unfailing love in the morning….
__________

Though the wicked sprout like weeds and evildoers flourish, they will be destroyed forever. But you, O Lord, will be exalted forever.
__________

You have anointed me with the finest oil. My eyes have seen the downfall of my enemies; my ears have heard the defeat of my wicked opponents. But the godly will flourish like palm trees and grow strong like the cedars of Lebanon. For they are transplanted to the Lord’s own house. They flourish in the courts of our God.

A Reading from Paul’s Letter to the Church in Ephesus: Ephesians 3:2b-4 (NLT)

God gave me the special responsibility of extending his grace to you Gentiles. As I briefly wrote earlier, God himself revealed his mysterious plan to me. As you read what I have written, you will understand my insight into this plan regarding Christ.

A Reading from the Gospels: Matthew 2:1-12 (NLT)

Jesus was born in Bethlehem in Judea, during the reign of King Herod. About that time some wise men from eastern lands arrived in Jerusalem, asking, “Where is the newborn king of the Jews? We saw his star as it rose, and we have come to worship him.”

King Herod was deeply disturbed when he heard this, as was everyone in Jerusalem. He called a meeting of the leading priests and teachers of religious law and asked, “Where is the Messiah supposed to be born?”

“In Bethlehem in Judea,” they said, “for this is what the prophet wrote:

‘And you, O Bethlehem in the land of Judah, are not least among the ruling cities of Judah, for a ruler will come from you who will be the shepherd for my people Israel.’”

Then Herod called for a private meeting with the wise men, and he learned from them the time when the star first appeared. Then he told them, “Go to Bethlehem and search carefully for the child. And when you find him, come back and tell me so that I can go and worship him, too!”

After this interview the wise men went their way. And the star they had seen in the east guided them to Bethlehem. It went ahead of them and stopped over the place where the child was. When they saw the star, they were filled with joy! They entered the house and saw the child with his mother, Mary, and they bowed down and worshiped him. Then they opened their treasure chests and gave him gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh.

When it was time to leave, they returned to their own country by another route, for God had warned them in a dream not to return to Herod.

Intercessions:

Today the Church celebrates the Solemnity of the Epiphany. “The Lord and ruler is coming; kingship is his, and government and power.” With these words the Church proclaims that today’s feast brings to a perfect fulfillment all the purposes of Advent. Epiphany, therefore, marks the liturgical zenith of the Advent-Christmas season. — Pius Parsch

Arise shine inheritors of God’s light, bearers of God’s light to our darkened world, the light of God has come into our world, and nations will come to its brightness.

Arise shine, privileged ones who live in the light of Christ, bow before God, not in shame but in awe, all is visible in Christ’s eternal light, in us God’s light never goes out.

Arise shine, in Christ, God’s light has been revealed to us, it reaches across time and space, we have come to see, we have come to follow.

Arise shine, in Christ God’s light has been revealed to all people, God’s glory has been unveiled in all the earth, go and tell, go and share God’s light with our needy world.

Light of all lights – accept our worship and prayer:

+ Come and see the light of God has come into our world – may we proclaim God’s justice and love… overcome the darkness and bring new life.

+ Come and follow Christ our king has redeemed our world – draw us into a loving family from every tribe and family and culture

+ Go and tell, the Spirit has equipped us for service – may we love our neighbours as we do ourselves and bring God’s salvation to the ends of the earth

+ Come and see, come and follow, go and tell – in God’s Son the nations of the earth will put their hope

God who revealed yourself to wise men following a star – guide all who search and journey towards your Light today.

God who unveiled yourself in the gift of a son – show yourself through the gift of life today.

God who was baptized with those who declared their repentance in the Jordan river – manifest yourself to all who come with repentant hearts today.

God who fed the five thousand with a handful of fish and loaves – satisfy our hunger with your word of truth and love.

God who changed water into wine at a wedding – fill all who thirst with the free gift of the water of life.

God whose light shines like a bright guiding star have mercy on us.

Lord God Almighty, thank you that Jesus’ epiphany as Son of God reaches across time and space. As we go into this day may we embrace your call to come and see, come and follow, go and tell others. May we remember that we are bearers of Christ’s light sent out to touch others so that they may know him as Son of God and experience the wonderful hope his message brings. Amen.

Spiritual Song: Hallelujah (Light Is Come) – Barlow Girl

Hmm, my baby / Heaven sent You to me / All the world’s been praying / Who will save?

But who am I? / That here tonight / I hold the one / Who’ll bring us life

Hallelujah, we’ve been found / A child is born to save us now / Jesus Hallelujah, light has come / A Savior who will set us free / A promise for those who believe

Do You hear the Angels / Sing for You, my baby? / Men and kings have / Come to bow to You

But here in my arms / So close to me / The son of God / Now all can see

Hallelujah, we’ve been found / A child is born to save us now / Jesus Hallelujah, light has come / A Savior set us free

So praise to God on high / He has heard our cry

Hallelujah, we’ve been found / Hallelujah, we’ve been found

A child is born to save us now / Jesus Hallelujah, light has come / A Savior set us free / A promise for those who believe

Hmm, my baby
__________

Go into the world knowing you are led by the light of Christ, may the love of the Creator go before you, may the life of the Redeemer be within you, may the joy of the Spirit shine through you.

+ In the Name of the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen

Holy Family Sunday: Psalm 128:1-5; Colossians 3:12-21; Matthew 2:13-15, 19-23 ~ the domestic church

Sunday after Christmas: Feast of the Holy Family

+ In the Name of the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen

Opening sentence:

Father in heaven, creator of all, You ordered the earth to bring forth life, and crowned its goodness by creating the human family. In history’s moment when all was ready You sent your Son to dwell in time, obedient to the laws of life in our world. Teach us the sanctity of human love, show us the value of family life, and help us to live in peace with all men that we may share in your life forever. We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen

A Reading from the Psalms: Psalm 128:1-5 (NLT)

How joyful are those who fear the Lord — all who follow his ways! You will enjoy the fruit of your labor. How joyful and prosperous you will be! Your wife will be like a fruitful grapevine, flourishing within your home. Your children will be like vigorous young olive trees as they sit around your table. That is the Lord’s blessing for those who fear him.

May the Lord continually bless you from Zion. May you see Jerusalem prosper as long as you live.

A Reading from Paul’s Letter to the Church in Colossae: Colossians 3:12-21 (NLT)

The Holy Family with Saints Elizabeth and John the Baptist Peter Paul Rubens, c. 1615 — The Holy Family with Saints Elizabeth and John the Baptist
Peter Paul Rubens, c. 1615

Since God chose you to be the holy people he loves, you must clothe yourselves with tenderhearted mercy, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience. Make allowance for each other’s faults, and forgive anyone who offends you. Remember, the Lord forgave you, so you must forgive others. Above all, clothe yourselves with love, which binds us all together in perfect harmony. And let the peace that comes from Christ rule in your hearts. For as members of one body you are called to live in peace. And always be thankful.

Let the message about Christ, in all its richness, fill your lives. Teach and counsel each other with all the wisdom he gives. Sing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs to God with thankful hearts. And whatever you do or say, do it as a representative of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks through him to God the Father.

Wives, submit to your husbands, as is fitting for those who belong to the Lord.

Husbands, love your wives and never treat them harshly.

Children, always obey your parents, for this pleases the Lord. Fathers, do not aggravate your children, or they will become discouraged.

A Reading from the Gospels: Matthew 2:13-15, 19-23 (NLT)

After the wise men were gone, an angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph in a dream. “Get up! Flee to Egypt with the child and his mother,” the angel said. “Stay there until I tell you to return, because Herod is going to search for the child to kill him.”

That night Joseph left for Egypt with the child and Mary, his mother, and they stayed there until Herod’s death. This fulfilled what the Lord had spoken through the prophet: “I called my Son out of Egypt.”
__________

When Herod died, an angel of the Lord appeared in a dream to Joseph in Egypt. “Get up!” the angel said. “Take the child and his mother back to the land of Israel, because those who were trying to kill the child are dead.”

So Joseph got up and returned to the land of Israel with Jesus and his mother. But when he learned that the new ruler of Judea was Herod’s son Archelaus, he was afraid to go there. Then, after being warned in a dream, he left for the region of Galilee. So the family went and lived in a town called Nazareth. This fulfilled what the prophets had said: “He will be called a Nazarene.”

Intercessions:

The Holy Family is the name given to the family unit of Jesus: The Divine Son of God Jesus, his mother the Virgin Mary, and his foster-father Joseph…. While the exact details of the day-to-day life of the Holy Family may be unknown, we can still learn a lot from the stories we do have. The Feast is not just about the Holy Family, but about our own families too. The main purpose of the Feast is to present the Holy Family as the model for all Christian families, and for domestic life in general. Our family life becomes sanctified when we live the life of the Church within our homes. St. John Chrysostom urged all Christians to make each home a “family church,” and in doing so, we sanctify the family unit. Just how does one live out the Church in the family? The best way is by making Christ the center of family and individual life.

Lord Jesus – You willed to pass the greater part of Your life in humility and subjection to Mary and Joseph in the poor home of Nazareth. Graciously receive and consecrate my family as I turn to You today. Defend us, guard us, and establish among us Your holy reverence, true peace and concord in Christian love.

Lord Jesus – You understand the dynamics, strains and joys of human family life – hear my prayers:

+ For our devotional life – that we may prioritize daily Bible reading and prayer… and that we may worship together as a family.

+ For mutual respect and submission – that we love, honor and support one another… husbands for wives, wives for husbands, parents for children, and children for parents.

+ For our godliness – that we may better understand God’s love through our relationships with each other… as people set apart to love and serve God; and that we may be quick to forgive one another, as You have forgiven us.

+ For our responsibilities – that men protect, provide and unite their families; that women nurture, sacrifice and be the heart of their families; and that young people grow in wisdom, maturity and stature as productive, contributing, members of their families.

+ For our protection – that we are shielded from the evils of abortion, homosexuality, divorce, spousal abuse and child abuse; and that we might value the sanctity of Christian marriage and every human life.

+ For our prodigal children – that they might return to the fold of Your care; and that we might stay close to them during trying times – loving them – and trusting You to bring them home.

Almighty God, Father, Son and Holy Ghost – may You bless my family, for time and eternity, and may this blessing remain forever with us. Amen.

Hymn: “Come Children of the Risen King” – Stuart Townend

+ In the Name of the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen

4th Sunday in Advent: Isaiah 7:10-14; Psalm 24:1-6; Romans 1:1-7; Matthew 1:18-24 ~ Good News for you

THE SEASON OF ADVENT: please see resources below.

During Advent, we prepare for the celebration of Christmas – remembering that God sent His Son into our world… because He loved us.

+ In the Name of the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen

Opening sentence:

The Good News is about his Son; He is Jesus Christ our Lord. And you are included among those who have been called to belong to Jesus Christ. You are loved by God and called to be His own holy people.

A Reading from the Old Testament: Isaiah 7:10-14 (NLT)

Later, the Lord sent this message to King Ahaz: “Ask the Lord your God for a sign of confirmation, Ahaz. Make it as difficult as you want—as high as heaven or as deep as the place of the dead.”

But the king refused. “No,” he said, “I will not test the Lord like that.”

Then Isaiah said, “Listen well, you royal family of David! Isn’t it enough to exhaust human patience? Must you exhaust the patience of my God as well? All right then, the Lord himself will give you the sign. Look! The virgin will conceive a child! She will give birth to a son and will call him Immanuel (which means ‘God is with us’).

A Reading from the Psalms: Psalm 24:1-6 (NLT)

The earth is the Lord’s, and everything in it. The world and all its people belong to him. For he laid the earth’s foundation on the seas and built it on the ocean depths.

Who may climb the mountain of the Lord? Who may stand in his holy place? Only those whose hands and hearts are pure, who do not worship idols and never tell lies. They will receive the Lord’s blessing and have a right relationship with God their savior. Such people may seek you and worship in your presence, O God of Jacob.

A Reading from Paul’s Letter to the Church in Rome: Romans 1:1-7 (NLT)

This letter is from Paul, a slave of Christ Jesus, chosen by God to be an apostle and sent out to preach his Good News. God promised this Good News long ago through his prophets in the holy Scriptures. The Good News is about his Son. In his earthly life he was born into King David’s family line, and he was shown to be the Son of God when he was raised from the dead by the power of the Holy Spirit. He is Jesus Christ our Lord. Through Christ, God has given us the privilege and authority as apostles to tell Gentiles everywhere what God has done for them, so that they will believe and obey him, bringing glory to his name.

And you are included among those Gentiles who have been called to belong to Jesus Christ. I am writing to all of you in Rome who are loved by God and are called to be his own holy people.

May God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ give you grace and peace.

A Reading from the Gospels: Matthew 1:18-24 (NLT)

This is how Jesus the Messiah was born. His mother, Mary, was engaged to be married to Joseph. But before the marriage took place, while she was still a virgin, she became pregnant through the power of the Holy Spirit. Joseph, her fiancé, was a good man and did not want to disgrace her publicly, so he decided to break the engagement quietly.

As he considered this, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream. “Joseph, son of David,” the angel said, “do not be afraid to take Mary as your wife. For the child within her was conceived by the Holy Spirit. And she will have a son, and you are to name him Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins.”

All of this occurred to fulfill the Lord’s message through his prophet:

“Look! The virgin will conceive a child! She will give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel, which means ‘God is with us.’”

When Joseph woke up, he did as the angel of the Lord commanded and took Mary as his wife.

Intercessions:

Heavenly Father: During these final days before the celebration of Christmas, help me to pause and reflect on the significance of Your Son, Jesus, coming into our world…. In Your mercy, hear my prayers:

Lord Jesus – You offer peace to the world… but even in the country of Your birth there is continuing conflict.

+ I pray for the peace and goodwill of the Middle East, of Israel, and of Jerusalem in particular. Protect Your people and offer them Your comfort and deliverance from evil – especially those who suffer great persecution for their faith and trust in You.
In Your mercy, Lord, hear my prayers.

Lord Jesus – You bring Your Spirit to the world… yet our society is characterized by consumerism, entertainment and the pursuit of wealth and pleasure – all distracting from this gift.

+ I pray for those of us who live in a world of abundance and plenty – give us a spirit of contentment and generosity. May we Hear the cries of those who are destitute beyond our imagination – and may we be guided by Your Spirit in our giving.
In Your mercy, Lord, hear my prayers.

Lord Jesus – You revealed the love of God by entering our world in humility as a baby… a love which can also be seen in the miracle of every new-born child.

+ I pray for every mother and child – born, unborn, and about to be born – and especially those children who were unplanned, or unexpected. Fill their parents with Your love and enable them to see the miracle and wonder of new life… and Your plan and purpose for every child.
In Your mercy, Lord, hear my prayers.

Lord Jesus – You offer inspiration and support to all as we face the challenges of each day.

+ I pray for my family… and friends… and neighbors – You know their needs, the burdens they carry, and the cries of their hearts. Come to them in this season of advent… reveal Yourself to them. Open their eyes and ears and hearts to Your presence among us. Show Yourself to them in things big and small… and may this season be a time of encouragement, faith, and growth.
In Your mercy, Lord, hear my prayers.

Lord Jesus – You bring new life to the world, and raise the dead to eternal life.

+ I pray for all those who mourn the loss of loved ones – especially those who have died in You. Comfort them in their loss, and give them the certain hope of resurrection and reunion in eternity.
In Your mercy, Lord, hear my prayers.

God of love and goodness, of wonder and mystery, You will and desire that all people be saved and come to recognise the value of your liberating grace. Move with power among us and prepare us to share in your goodness, mercy and grace through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen

Hymn: “Lo, How a Rose Ere Blooming”

Lo, how a Rose e’er blooming / From tender stem hath sprung!
Of Jesse’s lineage coming / As men of old have sung.
It came, a flower bright, Amid the cold of winter
When half-gone was the night.

Isaiah ’twas foretold it, The Rose I have in mind:
With Mary we behold it, The virgin mother kind.
To show God’s love aright / She bore to men a Savior
When half-gone was the night.

This Flower, whose fragrance tender / With sweetness fills the air,
Dispels with glorious splendor / The darkness everywhere.
True man, yet very God, From sin and death He saves us
And lightens every load

+ In the Name of the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen

_________________________________________

THE SEASON OF ADVENT: + Online Advent Calendar – US Catholic Conference of Bishops + Online Advent Calendar for Adults – Loyola Press + Busted Halo’s Surprise Advent Calendar + 2013 Advent Devotion Apps, eBooks and More! | ChurchMag

3rd Sunday in Advent: Isaiah 35:1-6, 10; Psalm 146:6-10; James 5:7-10; Matthew 11:2-11 ~ joyful patience

THE SEASON OF ADVENT: please see resources below.

During Advent, we wait patiently for the Lord’s return… with a song of praise in our hearts. “Rejoice in the Lord, always: again, I say, rejoice. Indeed, the Lord is near.”

+ In the Name of the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen

Opening sentence:

O God, who sees how your people faithfully await the celebration of Christmas, enable us to realize the joys of our salvation, and to celebrate them always with reverent worship and glad rejoicing.

A Reading from the Old Testament: Isaiah 35:1-6 (NLT)

Even the wilderness and desert will be glad in those days. The wasteland will rejoice and blossom with spring crocuses. Yes, there will be an abundance of flowers and singing and joy! The deserts will become as green as the mountains of Lebanon, as lovely as Mount Carmel or the plain of Sharon. There the Lord will display his glory, the splendor of our God. With this news, strengthen those who have tired hands, and encourage those who have weak knees. Say to those with fearful hearts, “Be strong, and do not fear, for your God is coming to destroy your enemies. He is coming to save you.”

And when he comes, he will open the eyes of the blind and unplug the ears of the deaf. The lame will leap like a deer, and those who cannot speak will sing for joy! Springs will gush forth in the wilderness, and streams will water the wasteland.
__________

Those who have been ransomed by the Lord will return. They will enter Jerusalem singing, crowned with everlasting joy. Sorrow and mourning will disappear, and they will be filled with joy and gladness.

A Reading from the Psalms: Psalm 146:6-10 (NLT)

He made heaven and earth, the sea, and everything in them. He keeps every promise forever. He gives justice to the oppressed and food to the hungry. The Lord frees the prisoners. The Lord opens the eyes of the blind. The Lord lifts up those who are weighed down. The Lord loves the godly. The Lord protects the foreigners among us. He cares for the orphans and widows, but he frustrates the plans of the wicked.

The Lord will reign forever. He will be your God, O Jerusalem, throughout the generations. Praise the Lord!

A Reading from the Apostle James’ Letter to the Church: James 5:7-10 (NLT)

Dear brothers and sisters, be patient as you wait for the Lord’s return. Consider the farmers who patiently wait for the rains in the fall and in the spring. They eagerly look for the valuable harvest to ripen. You, too, must be patient. Take courage, for the coming of the Lord is near.

Don’t grumble about each other, brothers and sisters, or you will be judged. For look—the Judge is standing at the door!

For examples of patience in suffering, dear brothers and sisters, look at the prophets who spoke in the name of the Lord.

A Reading from the Gospels: Matthew 11:2-11 (NLT)

John the Baptist, who was in prison, heard about all the things the Messiah was doing. So he sent his disciples to ask Jesus, “Are you the Messiah we’ve been expecting, or should we keep looking for someone else?”

Jesus told them, “Go back to John and tell him what you have heard and seen — the blind see, the lame walk, the lepers are cured, the deaf hear, the dead are raised to life, and the Good News is being preached to the poor. And tell him, ‘God blesses those who do not turn away because of me.’”

As John’s disciples were leaving, Jesus began talking about him to the crowds. “What kind of man did you go into the wilderness to see? Was he a weak reed, swayed by every breath of wind? Or were you expecting to see a man dressed in expensive clothes? No, people with expensive clothes live in palaces. Were you looking for a prophet? Yes, and he is more than a prophet. John is the man to whom the Scriptures refer when they say,

‘Look, I am sending my messenger ahead of you, and he will prepare your way before you.’

“I tell you the truth, of all who have ever lived, none is greater than John the Baptist. Yet even the least person in the Kingdom of Heaven is greater than he is!

Intercessions:

Lord God of Heaven and Earth: I come before You today with a patient, joyful spirit…. anticipating Christmas, and yet longing for Your return – when all things will be made new. Hear my prayers on behalf of Your people –

+ Fill us with the joy of knowing You are near… in our praying, our longing, our hoping as we live our daily lives.

+ Give us a spirit of contentment and generosity… when everyone around us says “get more”, may we cheerfully give more – especially to those desperately in need.

+ Set us free from our fears and anxieties… to live joyfully for You and for others.

+ Forgive us our sins… and keep us sound in mind and body until the coming of Your Son.

+ Help us to stand watchful and ready… until your Son is revealed in all his glory.

May we live as godly people… clothed in our Lord Jesus Christ and filled with the Holy Spirit. Lord hear my prayer.

Hymn: “Gaudete” (Wikipedia)

Gaudete, gaudete / Christus est natus / Ex Maria Virgine / Gaudete
(Rejoice, rejoice! / Christ is born / Of the Virgin Mary / Rejoice!)

Tempus adest gratiae / Hoc quod optabamus / Carmina laetitiae / Devote reddamus
(The time of grace has come / What we have wished for / Songs of joy / Let us give back faithfully.)

Deus homo factus est / Natura mirante / Mundus renovatus est / A Christo regnante
(God has become man / Nature marveling / The world has been renewed / By Christ reigning.)

Ezechielis porta / Clausa pertransitur / Unde Lux est orta / Salus invenitur
(The closed gate of Ezekiel / Is passed through / Whence the light is raised / Salvation is found.)

Ergo nostra contio / Psallat iam in lustro / Benedicat Domino / Salus Regi nostro
(Therefore let our gathering / Now sing in brightness / Let it give praise to the Lord / Greeting to our King.)

+ In the Name of the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen

_________________________________________

Share this:

Share this:

Share this:

Share this:

Share this: