17 December 2017

Third Sunday of Advent

1st Reading:Isaiah 61:1-2, 10-11
Psalm: Luke 1:46-50, 53-54
2nd Reading: 1 Thessalonians 5:16-24
The Gospel of John 1:6-8, 19-28

A man came, sent by God. His name was John. He came as a witness, as a witness to speak for the light, so that everyone might believe through him. He was not the light, only a witness to speak for the light. This is how John appeared as a witness. When the Jews sent priests and Levites from Jerusalem to ask him, ‘Who are you?’ he not only declared, but he declared quite openly, ‘I am not the Christ’. ‘Well then,’ they asked ‘are you Elijah?’ ‘I am not’ he said. ‘Are you the Prophet?’ He answered, ‘No’. So they said to him, ‘Who are you? We must take back an answer to those who sent us. What have you to say about yourself?’ So John said, ‘I am, as Isaiah prophesied: a voice that cries in the wilderness: Make a straight way for the Lord’.

Now these men had been sent by the Pharisees, and they put this further question to him, ‘Why are you baptising if you are not the Christ, and not Elijah, and not the prophet?’ John replied, ‘I baptise with water; but there stands among you – unknown to you – the one who is coming after me; and I am not fit to undo his sandal-strap’. This happened at Bethany, on the far side of the Jordan, where John was baptising.

Announcing our Redemption

John baptises not with the Spirit, but with water; not being able to remit sins, he washes the bodies of the baptised with water, but not their souls with pardon. Why then does he baptise, if he does not remit sins by baptism? To maintain his character of forerunner. As his birth preceded our Lord’s, so does his baptism precede our Lord’s baptism. And he who was the forerunner of Christ in His preaching, is forerunner also in His baptism, which was the imitation of that Sacrament. And withal he announces the mystery of our redemption, saying that He, the Redeemer, is standing in the midst of men, and they know it not: There stands one among you, unknown to you: for our Lord, when He appeared in the flesh, was visible in body, but in majesty invisible.
St. Gregory the Great, Pope, Catena Aurea

This week’s feasts
Thu 21 Saint Peter Canisius, Priest, Doctor)
Sat 23 Saint John of Kęty, Priest)

Psalter Week III

Readings for the 4th Sunday of Advent year b
1st: 2 Samuel 7:1-5, 8-12,14,16
Psalm: 88:2-5, 27, 29
2nd: Romans 16:25-27
Gospel: Luke 1:26-38

Gaudete!

The third Sunday of Advent, or Gaudete Sunday, takes its name from the Mass Introit: Gaudete in Domino semper, (Rejoice in the Lord, always!). The Advent season, which originated as a forty day fast in preparation for Christmas, began to be observed in the fifth century shortly after the feast of Christmas itself began to be observed. In the ninth century the duration of Advent was reduced to the current four weeks as a kind of counterpart to Lent, while the third Sunday served as a halfway break  (like Laetare Sunday) through an otherwise penitential season, to highlight the nearness of the Lord’s coming. Even the organ and flowers, forbidden during the rest of the season then, were allowed on this day and rose-coloured vestments were used instead of purple (or black, as formerly). Currently, on Gaudete  Sunday, the Church not only permits signs of gladness but she even invites us to worship and hail with joy for “Indeed, the Lord is near.” The Promised Redemption must cause an expectation and thanksgiving which should never be absent from the Christian heart.
Cf. Gaudete Sunday, Catholic Encyclopedia

Saint Peter Canisius

Born in the Netherlands in 1521, Peter was the son of a wealthy man who wanted him to marry but he had taken a vow of celibacy and at 22 he Joined the Jesuits. As a priest, his main trait was love for Christ. He taught theology, catechized, preached, was rector of a university, confessor at the hospital and prison, opened many Jesuit colleges, etc.

St. Ignatius appointed him first provincial superior of Upper Germany (Swabia, Bavaria, Bohemia, Hungary, Lower and Upper Austria). He always defended obedience to Church authorities while also censuring the faults of the clergy, not without his fair share of persecutions, even from the Protestants. He devoted his life to defend, propagate, and strengthen the Church. He published many works, including several Catechisms. St. Francis of Sales sought his advice by letter. Soon after his death, reports spread of the miraculous help obtained by invoking his name.

St. Peter Canisius, Pray for us.

Christmas Vigil Mass will be next Sunday 24 December. We begin with Christmas Carols at 9pm followed by Holy Mass.

Christmas Masses on Monday 25 December will be as on Sundays.

CARITAS urgently needs Christmas presents for children up to 16 yrs. (Unwrapped please) Thanks for your prayers and support!

Mass Times HERE