Sunday, December 9, 2018

Baruch 5:1-9, Psalm 126:1-6, Philippians 1:4-6, 8-11, Luke 3:1-6

DAILY HOLY MASS READINGS

2nd Sunday of Advent

Prepare the way of the Lord, make straight his paths:
all flesh shall see the salvation of God. Lk 3:4, 6


Baruch 5:1-9, Psalm 126:1-6, Philippians 1:4-6, 8-11,
Luke 3:1-6

Baruch 5:1-9

My Love, Beloved of my soul,

I know these beautiful words from the prophet Baruch are for the Church that You have established here on earth with Your coming into the world. But they also speak to me and my situation right now. They are Your words of comfort and assurance to me in the here and now, in the present circumstances of my life.

My Beloved, You are the glory of my soul. You are my crown, You are God's pledge to me in this life and I will receive the fullness of life in You in the life to come.

Today the Church is invited to take off her robes of mourning and misery and put on the splendor of the glory of God and this invitation is extended to me as well. 

I am grafted to Your Body which is the Church. As a member of the Church, I receive Your life and Your grace. You have called me by name. I am yours.

Your promises and Your blessings are not only for the Church and all its members who believe, but they are for me personally as well and for my children. Thank You for all Your glorious promises. I claim each one of them for me and mine. We will advance safe and secure in Your glory for You will cover us in the shadow of Your wings as You lead us in joy and with mercy and justice all the days of our lives.

Psalm 126:1-6

My Love, Beloved of my soul,

In every life, there are times of sorrow, tribulations, and joy. If we face the difficult times with faith, our gaze unwaveringly upon You, we will be led to times of refreshment and rest in You. Life is a daily struggle, an uphill battle because of sin. However, we are not alone. You accompany us and give us strength for the journey in the Eucharist and the other Sacraments. You pour grace upon grace into our souls and You help us along for we are Your sheep.

Truly, You have done great things for us. You established the Kingdom of God among us. It is here already, in our midst, and we are called to make it known so that others too may enjoy the fruits of our redemption.

Life in this valley of tears can be one of great joy if we yield our lives to You and to the Holy Spirit. With times of sorrow come times of refreshment as well for You do not try us beyond our ability to endure. All our experiences can be put to good use as we help others along the way to heaven. Thank You, Beloved, for not abandoning me but staying ever more closely beside me during the dark periods in my life.


Philippians 1:4-6, 8-1

My Love, Beloved of my soul,

Often, because I am weak, I forget that all things work for the good of those who love You. As members of the Church, we receive Your life of grace and are able to bear all things with fortitude. Forgive me for the many times when I wallow in pity rather than raising my eyes to You and keeping my gaze steadfastly on You. Thank You for Your patience with me. Thank You for never tiring of reassuring me that You love me and that I am yours in time and in eternity.

The prayer of St. Paul to the people of Philippi is beautiful and I desire to make it mine as well:

And this is my prayer:
that my love may increase ever more and more
in knowledge and every kind of perception,
to discern what is of value,
so that I may be pure and blameless for the day of Christ,
filled with the fruit of righteousness
that comes through Jesus Christ
for the glory and praise of God.


Luke 3:1-6

My Love, Beloved of my soul,

St. Luke in his gospel narratives has also written historical facts that can be verified. In giving us names, times, and places those who do research, and make a study of ancient history, can corroborate to the authenticity of what is recorded.

However, to those with faith, what we need to remember during this time in Advent, is God's call to the faithful to repent and to prepare the path for Your coming again in glory as we remember how You first came to us.

Echoing the prophet Isaiah, John the Baptist calls us to repentance, to a change of life, to a complete spiritual make-over. May Your Holy Spirit fill us with grace so we will increase in virtue. Remove from us all that is displeasing to God as we celebrate Your first coming this Christmas and prepare for the more personal encounter when we will see You face to face at the end of our mortal life. Amen.

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