Scripture of the Week
Mass Readings—Fourth Sunday of Advent
The Second Book of Samuel, chapter seven, verses one thru five, eight(b) thru twelve, fourteen(a), & sixteen;
Psalm Eighty-nine, verses two & three, four & five, twenty-seven, & twenty-nine;
The Letter to the Romans, chapter sixteen, verses twenty-five, twenty-six, & twenty-seven;
The Gospel according to Luke, chapter one, verses twenty-six thru thirty-eight.
Commentary: Reflection by Bishop Robert Barron (Word on Fire):
Friends, our Gospel today introduces the most elevated creature: Mary, the Mother of God. The Church Fathers often made a connection between Eve, the mother of all the living, and Mary, the Mother of God and Mother of the Church. In fact, they saw her as "the new Eve," the one who undid the damage done by Eve.Video reflection by Father Greg Friedman, O.F.M.: United States Conference of Catholic Bishops.
The angel’s greeting to Mary is important here: "Hail Mary, full of grace." Mary is greeted as someone who is able to accept gifts. Eve and Adam grasped; Mary is ready to receive. And Mary’s reply is also significant: "How is this possible, for I do not know man?" There is nothing cowed about Mary.
The angel explains to Mary: "The Holy Spirit will come upon you and the power of the Most High will overshadow you…" At the heart of the spiritual life is the conviction that your life is not about you. The real spiritual life is about allowing oneself to be overwhelmed by the one who loves us. Mary is someone who is ready for the impossible, and this makes her the paradigm of discipleship. "Let it be done to me according to thy word." That’s an acquiescence to adventure.
Video reflection by Jeff Cavins: Encountering the Word.
Audio reflection by Scott Hahn, Ph.D.: Breaking the Bread.
Mass Readings—Solemnity of the Nativity of the Lord (Christmas): Vigil
The Book of Isaiah, chapter sixty-two, verses one thru five;
Psalm Eighty-nine, verses four & five, sixteen & seventeen, twenty-seven, & twenty-nine;
The Acts to the Apostles, chapter thirteen, verses sixteen, seventeen, & twenty-two thru twenty-five;
The Gospel according to Matthew, chapter one, verses one thru twenty-five
(or, the Gospel according to Matthew, chapter one, verses eighteen thru twenty-five).
Commentary: Video reflection by Jeff Lesnefsky (Redeemed Online): uCatholic.
Mass Journal: Week 52
Reflection by Matthew Kelly, founder of the Dynamic Catholic Institute:
Does it not strike you as a great poverty of leadership that here in America we cannot put one person on the evening ews who can be acknowledged by Americans from coast to coast as a Catholic leader? Where is the "someone" who speaks for us? It is true that occasionally a bishop or cardinal effectively harnesses the media in his diocese & establishes a vibrant identity as a Catholic leader in his geographic area. It is also true that some lay Catholics who occupy positions of prominence in the business world, the entertainment world, or the political realm have successfully established a Catholic identity in different ways. But we have no national figures, not within the clergy & not among the laity. Does that not strike you as a massive poverty of leadership? Where is the Catholic leader who can speak to the people of our time in ways that are bold, brilliant, logical, articulate, & inspiring?Commentary: Not to be argumentative, but since this week's reflection ends on an uncharacteristically down note, might I suggest Bishop Barron as at least a partial answer to Mr. Kelly's questions?
Video #1—Word on Fire, "Ethos"
Video #2—Word on Fire, "Testimony"
Otherwise, 24 December would be the festival of Saint Gregory of Spoleto, Priest & Martyr (died circa 304), martyred in the reign of the emperors Diocletian & Maximian, a victim of the Great Persecution: Martyr-link & Wikipedia-link; Wikipedia-link Persecution.
Commentary: Wayback Machine.
'Twould also be the festival of Saint Delphinus of Bordeaux, Bishop (died circa 403): Saint-link & Wikipedia-link (list).
'Twould also be the festival of Saint Irmina of Oeren, Abbess, O.S.B. (died circa 710, A.K.A. of Trier): Saint-link & Wikipedia-link.
'Twould also be the festival of Saint Adela of Pfalzel, Abbess, O.S.B. (died 735): Saint-link & Wikipedia-link.
Commentary: Our sources vary as to whether Ss. Irmina & Adela were sisters or mother & daughter. Another year has shed no additional light on their relationship.
Saint Quote o' the Day
"Christ has no body now but yours."A Humble Contribution to the New Evangelization
—St. Teresa of Ávila, Doctor of the Church (15 October)
A wee backlog of episodes due to the confluence of a busy posting schedule (we're good like that) & my last week-plus (nine days, 15-23 December) being spent traveling, with family, or traveling with family, to the detriment/deferral of BLACK MAMBA. Enjoy the smorgasbord!
The Popish Plot—Theology Thursday: "Ask a Stupid Question about Mary"
The Popish Plot—Scriptural Saturday: "It All Fits Together" + Bonus Episode: "His Name Is John"
The Popish Plot—Saintly Sunday: "Santa Stories, Part 1"
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