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Our Sunday Reflection - December 8, 2024
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"Prepare the way of the Lord, make straight his paths.".
Luke 3:4
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Introduction to the Liturgy of the Day
“Make straight his paths,” we hear John the Baptist proclaim today. How do we do so? John’s primary message throughout the whole region answers that question: We must repent of our sins. Our sins are the obstacles that block the path of the Lord, that make it more difficult for him to enter our hearts. True repentance allows for God’s forgiveness to clear those obstacles, to make straight the Lord’s path into our heart. Let us resolve today to repent of our failings and seek God’s forgiveness.Introduction to the Liturgy of the Word
Who better than John the Baptist to guide us during this season of preparation for Jesus’ coming? Today we see John travel throughout the region proclaiming a baptism of repentance and recalling the prophecy of Isaiah. Baruch’s prophecy, which we hear in the first reading, echoes Isaiah as well. All three trumpet God’s mercy and forgiveness as they envision the coming of the Lord. Let us heed their call.Reflections
- From Baruch and Isaiah to John the Baptist and Jesus himself, those whom God has sent have given witness to how God transforms the world. Baruch proclaims that God transforms mourning and misery to splendor and joy much as Jesus later promises comfort to all those who mourn. Baruch promises that God would bring mercy and justice, and indeed Jesus brings both, promising it to all who show mercy and who hunger for righteousness. Ultimately, Jesus transforms the world by bringing salvation and making it accessible to all. As Baruch, Isaiah, and John preach, making the mountains low and filling in the valleys and gorges will smooth the way to the kingdom of God.
- Luke begins his account of John the Baptist’s ministry by naming several civil and religious leaders of the time. Many of their names we recognize for the roles they play in prosecuting and sentencing Jesus just a few years later. But for now they provide a contrast to John the Baptist. Luke cleverly imitates God’s sense of misdirection. Just as Jesus is continually found among sinners in humble places, the word of God did not come to these renowned and powerful men in palaces or the temple, but to a man of little means living in the desert. Jesus Christ, the Word of God, can be found in the humblest of places; may he find a home in our hearts as well.
- John the Baptist is our model for Advent. He prepared the way for Jesus as Jesus was about to begin his public ministry. Now we are called to prepare for Jesus’ coming into our homes, our lives, and our hearts. To do so, let us first heed John’s call for repentance and seek forgiveness of our sins from those whom we have hurt and from God. Repentance fills in the chasms that separate us from each other and from God. And forgiveness enables us to cross them.
Question of the Week
What do I need to repent of in order to cross the main chasm that separates me from God?
-from Pastoral Patterns
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readings of the mass
LISTEN HERE to the Audio Recordings of the Readings of Sunday, December 8, 2024
SELECT HERE for the Readings of Sunday, December 8, 2024
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Offerings
The Sunday offerings are a portion of our blessings that we give to God (Church) in gratitude to what God has done for us...ONLINE GIVING OPTIONS -
Reflections on the readings
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News from the Vatican
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