Monthly Archives: December 2007

The Holy Family

Posted on December 30, 2007 by Father Pat

Today’s readings My spiritual director in seminary used to say that family could be the source of our greatest joys and deepest sorrows. Sometimes all in the same day. That’s just how families are. Our closeness, at least by blood … Continue reading →

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The Holy Innocents

Posted on December 28, 2007 by Father Pat

Today’s readings Right here in the middle of the joy of the Christmas Octave, we have the feast of what seems to be an incredibly horrible event. All of the male children in the vicinity of Bethlehem two years old … Continue reading →

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St. John, Apostle and Evangelist

Posted on December 27, 2007 by Father Pat

Today’s readings | Today’s saint “He saw and believed.” The “other” disciple, often called the “beloved” disciple or the disciple “whom Jesus loved,” is St. John the Apostle and Evangelist, the one we celebrate today. St. John had a very … Continue reading →

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The Nativity of the Lord

Posted on December 25, 2007 by Father Pat

Various readings for Mass The older I get, the more I become convinced that every Christmas has its own flavor, and every Christmas comes with its own gifts. Not the kinds of gifts you wrap and put under the tree, … Continue reading →

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O Come, Let Us Adore Him

Posted on December 24, 2007 by Father Pat

O Come, All Ye Faithful Adeste Fideles, John Wade O come, all ye faithful, joyful and triumphant, O come ye, O come ye, to Bethlehem. Come and behold Him, born the King of angels; Refrain O come, let us adore … Continue reading →

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Fourth Sunday of Advent: O Emmanuel

Posted on December 23, 2007 by Father Pat

Today’s readings How often have you wondered why God allows this or that calamity to happen, or why God hasn’t put an end to one injustice or another? When you’re in the thick of frustration, or even sorrow, do you … Continue reading →

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Saturday of the Third Week of Lent: O King of all the Nations

Posted on December 22, 2007 by Father Pat

Today’s readings We hear a similar song from Hannah and Mary today. In fact, many Biblical scholars suggest that the song of Mary we heard in today’s Gospel is a restatement of the song of Hannah that we have in … Continue reading →

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O Oriens (O Radiant Dawn)

Posted on December 21, 2007 by Father Pat

Vespers O Radiant Dawn, splendor of eternal light, sun of justice: come, shine on those who dwell in darkness and the shadow of death. Hymnody O come, Thou Day-spring, come and cheer Our spirits by Thine advent here; Disperse the … Continue reading →

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Thursday of the Third Week of Advent: O Key of David

Posted on December 20, 2007 by Father Pat

Today’s readings We humans put up all sorts of barriers. Some are necessary, like the walls of prisons, or the sound barriers along a highway. Some are sad, like the old wall that used to separate East and West Germany. … Continue reading →

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O Root of Jesse

Posted on December 19, 2007 by Father Pat

From Vespers O Flower of Jesse’s stem, you have been raised up as a sign for all peoples; kings stand silen in your presence; the nations bow down in worship before you. Come, let nothing keep you from coming to … Continue reading →

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