Friday, 22 December was the festival of Saint Flavian of Acquapendente, Martyr (died 362), martyred in the reign of the emperor Julian the Apostate: Martyr-link & Wikipedia-link (list).
Commentary: Father of the virgin & martyr St. Bibiana [2 December].
'Twas also the festival of Saint Abbán of New Ross, Abbot (died circa 520; also spelt Eibbán; A.K.A. of Magheranoidhe, Abbán moccu Corbmaic, Moabba), founder of many churches & monasteries, including that at which the Nurney Cross was erected: Saint-link & Wikipedia-link; Wikipedia-link Nurney Cross.
Commentary: Wayback Machine.
'Twas also the festival of Saint Hunger of Utrecht, Bishop (died 866, A.K.A. Hungerus Frisus): Saint-link & Wikipedia-link.
'Twas also the festival of Blessed Jutta of Disibodenberg, Abbess, O.S.B. (circa 1084-1136, A.K.A. of Sponheim): Blessed-link & Wikipedia-link.
'Twas also the festival of Blessed Thomas Holland, Priest & Martyr, S.J. (circa 1600-1642, A.K.A. Thomas Sanderson, Thomas Hammond), martyred under the auspices of the Roundhead Parliament: Martyr-link & Wikipedia-link.
Scripture of That Day
Mass Readings—Advent Weekday
The First Book of Samuel, chapter one, verses twenty-four thru twenty-eight;
The First Book of Samuel, chapter two, verses one, four & five, six & seven, & eight(a/b/c/d/);
The Gospel according to Luke, chapter one, verses forty-six thru fifty-six.
Commentary: Reflection by Bishop Robert Barron (Word on Fire):
Friends, today’s Gospel explains the significance of Mary’s fiat. By far, the most important Advent figure is Mary of Nazareth, the Mother of God, for Mary sums up in her person the whole of the people Israel, the nation whose whole purpose was to prepare for the coming of the Lord. In the face of the evil, injustice, stupidity, and sin that were marring his beautiful creation, God resolved to choose a people and to form them according to his heart so that they could be the vehicle of his presence to the world. From this people would come, as a sort of flowering, the Messiah.Video reflection by Deacon Clinton Couch: United States Conference of Catholic Bishops.
Thus Mary recapitulates the story of Israel, the story of redemption. We can, as it were, read the whole Old Testament in her. As the true Israel, she knows what to do, and she does it with enthusiasm. No dawdling, back-pedaling, straying, or complaining: she moves, she goes. And she goes upon the heights, which is exactly where God had always summoned Israel, so that it could be a light to the nations.
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