January 13

COMMEMORATION OF THE BAPTISM OF OUR LORD

The Christ Child was manifested to the wise men from the East as the king of the world, the ruler of all nations. The mature God-man opens His public ministry with the manifestation of His divinity on the shore of the Jordan River.

The Sacrament of Baptism, prefigured by the baptism of John, incorporates us into union with God. Adopted as sons and made co-heirs of heaven through Baptism and the Holy Spirit, we begin our mission as followers of Christ. Our own lives must echo the words of the forerunner of Christ: "Behold, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!"

Mass of the feast of the EPIPHANY except

PRAYER

O God, Your only-begotten Son appeared in the substance of our flesh. May He who outwardly was like us, change us interiorly; who lives and rules with You . . .

GOSPEL (John 1:29-34)

At that time, John saw Jesus coming to him; and he saith: "Behold the Lamb of God. Behold him who taketh away the sin of the world. This is he of whom I said: 'After me there cometh a man, who is preferred before me: because he was before me.' And I knew him not: but that he may be made manifest in Israel, therefore am I come baptizing with water." And John gave testimony, saying: "I saw the Spirit coming down, as a dove from heaven; and he remained upon him. And I knew him not: but he who sent me to baptize with water said to me: 'He upon whom thou shalt see the Spirit descending and remaining upon him, he it is that baptizeth with the Holy Ghost.' And I saw: and I gave testimony that this is the Son of God."

SECRET PRAYER

We celebrate the manifestation of Your new-born Son with these offerings, O Lord. we humbly beg that Jesus Christ, our Lord, who created them, will mercifully accept them from us; who lives and rules with You . . .

POSTCOMMUNION PRAYER

O Lord, guide us always and everywhere with Your light from above so that we may clearly appreciate this Sacrament. You have allowed us to share in It; may we always receive It worthily. Through Our Lord . . .

CHAPTER II

THE PLACE OF THE MASS

IN THE DIVINE PLAN

5--If we are really to understand the Mass, we must know the place that it occupies in the divine plan. In your opinion, what is that place?

Our knowledge is too often limited to ascertaining the existence of a few isolated, unrelated facts. Hence, the perplexity and confusion of mind that often confronts us in the face of a comparatively clear and simple problem. Many persons have an incredible faculty for raising a difficulty where no difficulty exists!

Placed in its proper setting, however, an object assumes significance. Its meaning becomes luminous and clear.

For instance, show a small child a brick that you have previously plucked from a wall, or a red bean. (The kind you use for making soup.) Then ask yourself what idea the child is going to form of these two unrelated objects, detached from their settings. may he not, perhaps, consider the bean for a fragment of brick? Why not? Both objects are red and hard!

Now take the tot to the wall where you got the brick and put the brick back in the hole. Next go with him to a bean field and open a ripe bean pod in his presence. The child will soon comprehend. (No need to make a long speech.) All that was a mystery to him before, will become dazzlingly clear. How true it is that water becomes more limpid and clear when you go right back to its source.

So it is with the Mass.

For many the Mass is simply another religious devotion; somewhat longer than Benediction, but otherwise not much different. Vespers, Benediction, Mass--all are lumped together in their minds under the general title of "devotions"!

Pope Pius XII, in an address to the Sacred Council of Bishops on July 14, 1941, reminded them of the duty of pastors to exhort the faithful to regular and devout assistance at the Holy Sacrifice. The Holy Father deplored the fact that "a number of faithful" no longer have proper reverence for the Eucharistic Sacrifice; nor the eagerness of former times to have Mass offered for their needs and for those of their departed. "On the contrary," added His Holiness, "many persons often do not hesitate to resort to less salutary practices."

In order to banish prevailing darkness and clarify our thinking, let us go back to the First Source of all things--the Trinity--and discover just where the Mass fits into God's plan.

Here we sound a warning to the reader not to be alarmed at the abstract nature of the subject to be treated! Persevere, follow this study through to the end, and you will be surprised--of this we are sure--at the very clear light that the Holy Spirit will give you on this dogma of our holy Faith.

The texts cited in response to this fifth question are from the pen of Fr. John Francis Motte, O.F.M.

['Your Mass and Your Life', to be continued]

SAINT HYGINUS

Pope & Martyr

The Mass of the feast of the EPIPHANY is said, with the following commemoration.

Hyginus ruled the Church as supreme pontiff during the four relatively peaceful years that followed the martyrdom of his predecessor, St. Telephorus, in the year 138.

PRAYER

O Eternal Shepherd, who appointed blessed Hyginus shepherd of the whole Church, let the prayers of this martyr and supreme pontiff move You to look with favor upon Your flock and to keep it under Your continual protection. Through Our Lord . . .

SECRET PRAYER

We have offered our gifts to You, O Lord. Let Your light graciously shine upon Your Church so that this flock may everywhere prosper, and its pastors, under Your guidance, may be truly pleasing to You. Through Our Lord . . .

POSTCOMMUNION PRAYER

O Lord, govern the Church, which You have been pleased to nourish with Your Heavenly Food. Guide her by Your powerful direction so that she may enjoy greater freedom and remain unshaken in the fullness of faith. Through Our Lord . . .

O WORD, O CHRIST

How beautiful, how great You are! Who can know or understand You?

O Jesus, make me know and love You!

Since You are the Light, let a ray of light shine in my poor soul, that I may see and understand You. Let me look on You, O infinite Beauty! Soften the brilliance of Your dazzling light, so that my eyes may bear to contemplate You and Your perfections. Open my ears to Your divine words, that I may hear Your voice and meditate Your teachings. Open my mind and intelligence, that Your Word may find room in my heart and that I may taste and understand it.

Give me great faith, so that Your words may be as so many lamps to enlighten me and lead me to You and make me follow You in the paths of charity and justice.

O Christ, O Word! You are my Lord, my one and only Master! I would listen to You and practice Your Word, for I know that it comes from Heaven. I would listen to, meditate, and practice it; for in Your Word lies life, joy, peace, and happiness.

Speak, for You are my Lord and Master. I would hear Your voice.

(Prayer of Ven. Anthony Chevrier, Tertiary priest)

ACTION

4--How to remedy this sad state of affairs?

If ignorance of the Mass--and of this there can be no doubt--is the chief cause of this deplorable situation, the best remedy which we are able to suggest is the present volumn--employing the question and answer method--which we propose as a basis for discussion in organized study groups: or in other groups which may be set up for this purpose.

The more numerous these Mass study groups, the wider will be the scope of your apostolate. For it is by the setting up of ssuch Mass study cells that the masses will be reached.

But let each individual, first of all--before starting out for the conquest of others--begin by LIVING HIS MASS and so preach by the force of his example.

[From 'Your Mass and Your Life']

JUDGMENT

3--How explain the small number of those who hear Mass regularly?

The reasons are several:

1. A sinful life: Take a person who goes to confession once a year (when he bothers to go at all) to fulfill his Easter duty; after which he begins again to offend God seriously. A whole year passes without a fresh approach to the sacraments. The person will say to himself, "After all, one sin more or less isn't going to make much difference!"

2. Loss of faith: A sinful life leads to loss of faith. Now when a person no longer believes in the mysteries of our holy Faith, the next step is to abandon his religious practices altogether. The sheerest pretext now suffices to silence the not overly-tender conscience. For example, he can't go to Mass in the summer because his summer cottage is three or four miles from the church! . . . When one considers that the Holy Family walked three days to reach the Temple of Jerusalem, in order to fulfill their religious obligations! (St. Luke 2:46) Some people (who have only themselves to blame) are certainly storing up plenty of trouble for themselves on the Day of Judgment.

3. Saturday night parties: Christian parents should never permit their children to attend or organize one of these interminable vigils, where drinking and dancing go on till the "wee small hours" of Sunday morning. Nobody, under similar circumstances can hear Mass in a truly Christian manner. One simply does not give one's "leavings" to God!

4. Ignorance about the Mass: If attendance at Mass is such a boring affair for some people, it is because they do not understand their Mass. For a great many persons, the Mass represents some sort of bitter pill which Catholics are obligated (reluctantly) to swallow on Sundays to keep their souls alive! For Catholics like this, the Mass is meaningless: they are concerned only with the serious precept. Were the Church to withdraw the grave obligation of attending Mass on Sundays and Holy Days of obligation, our churches would suddenly be deserted, and attendance would drop to the level of the six other days of the week.

[From 'Your Mass and Your Life']

First Sunday After The Epiphany

THE HOLY FAMILY

From eternity, the Son of God had lived the family life of the Blessed Trinity. At Nazareth, as the Redeemer both of individuals and of families, He lived and made holy the home life that guards divine life in every baptized person.

Problems of family life center mainly in personalities. But social pressures and poverty also add disturbing tensions. Happily, God made marriage a sacrament, which is ministered by husband and wife to one another. Through the sacrament, they communicate to one another those special graces they need for living their enduring and sometimes difficult obligations.

God remains the third partner in every marriage, with His own inalienable rights. In the Holy Family, God Incarnate was the third member. In a Christian family, anywhere in the world, the father is the spiritual head who takes the place of Christ.

ENTRANCE HYMN (Prov. 23:24, 25)

The Father of the just one greatly rejoices. Let your father and your mother be joyful, and let her who bore you be glad. Ps. 83:2, 3. How lovely is Your dwelling place, O Lord of hosts! My soul yearns and faints for the courts of the Lord. V. Glory be . . .

PRAYER

O Lord Jesus Christ, You sanctified home life with untold virtues by being subject to Mary and Joseph. May they assist us to imitate the example of Your Holy Family, so that we may share with them their eternal happiness; who lives and rules with God the Father . . .

Commemoration of the First Sunday After The Epiphany

O Lord, mercifully hear the plea of those who call upon You, that Your people may understand their duty and be strengthened to fulfill it. Through Our Lord . . .

READING (Col. 3:12-17)

Brethren: Put ye on therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, the bowels of mercy, benignity, humility, modesty, patience: Bearing with one another and forgiving one another, if any have a complaint against another. Even as the Lord hath forgiven you, so do you also. But above all these things have charity, which is the bond of perfection. And let the peace of Christ rejoice in your hearts, wherein also you are called in one body: and be ye thankful. Let the word of Christ dwell in you abundantly: in all wisdom, teaching and admonishing one another in psalms, hymns and spiritual canticles, singing in grace in your hearts to God. All whatsoever you do in word or in work, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, giving thanks to God and the Father by him.

GRADUAL (Ps. 26:4; 83:5)

One thing I have asked of the Lord; this will I seek after: to dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life. V. Happy they who dwell in Your house, O Lord! They shall praise You forever and ever.

Alleluia, alleluia! V. (Isa. 45:15)

Verily You are a hidden king, the God of Israel, the Savior.

Alleluia!

GOSPEL (Luke 2:42-52)

And when he was twelve years old, they going up into Jerusalem, according to the custom of the feast, And having fulfilled the days, when they returned, the child Jesus remained in Jerusalem. And his parents knew it not. And thinking that he was in the company, they came a day's journey and sought him among their kinsfolks and acquaintance. And not finding him, they returned into Jerusalem, seeking him. And it came to pass, that, after three days, they found him in the temple, sitting in the midst of the doctors, hearing them and asking them questions. And all that heard him were astonished at his wisdom and his answers. And seeing him, they wondered. And his mother said to him: "Son, why hast thou done so to us? Behold thy father and I have sought thee sorrowing." And he said to them: "How is it that you sought me? Did you not know that I must be about my father's business?"

And they understood not the word that he spoke unto them. And he went down with them and came to Nazareth and was subject to them. And his mother kept all these words in her heart. And Jesus advanced in wisdom and age and grace with God and men.

OFFERTORY HYMN (Luke 2:22)

The parents of Jesus took Him up to Jerusalem to present Him to the Lord.

SECRET PRAYER

O Lord, we offer You this sacrifice in atonement for our sins. May the intercession of the Virgin Mother of God and blessed Joseph, ever bestow Your peace and grace upon our families. Through our Lord . . .

Commemoration

May the sacrifice we offer You, O Lord, bring us new life and keep us safe. Through Our Lord . . .

COMMUNION HYMN (Luke 2:51)

Jesus went down with them and came to Nazareth, and was subject to them.

POSTCOMMUNION PRAYER

We are refreshed by Your heavenly Sacrament, O Lord Jesus. Help us always to follow the example of Your Holy Family, that Your glorious Virgin Mother and blessed Joseph may meet us at the hour of our death, and find us worthy to enter with You into Your eternal home; who lives and rules with God the Father . . .

Commemoration

Almighty God, we humbly ask that those who are nourished with Your Sacrament may live a life of worthy service pleasing to You. Through Our Lord . . .

THE EPIPHANY OF OUR LORD

The mystery of the Christ-birth is a rich and glorious beginning, splendid with promise. Today we worship a partial fulfillment when Jesus, as an Infant King, is manifested to wise men of the Gentile world and through them to all peoples. His royalty is neither frightening nor pompous, for the kingly majesty of the sovereign Redeemer is robed in babyhood. Coming in the simplicity of true greatness, Jesus makes Himself acceptable and at home to the little and the great of every nation under heaven.

ENTRANCE HYMN (Mal. 3:1; 1 Par. 29:12)

Behold, the Lord, the Ruler, is come. He has dominion over all, and in His hand is power and might. Ps. 71:2. O God, with Your judgment endow the king, and with Your justice, the kings son. V. Glory be . . .

PRAYER

O God, who by the star this day revealed Your only-begotten Son to all nations, grant that we, who know You now by faith, may be brought one day before the vision of Your majesty. Through the same Jesus Christ, our Lord . . .

READING (Isa. 60:1-6)

Arise, be enlightened, O Jerusalem: for thy light is come, and the glory of the Lord is risen upon thee. For behold darkness shall cover the earth, and a mist the people: but the Lord shall arise upon thee, and his glory shall be seen upon thee. And the Gentiles shall walk in thy light, and kings in the brightness of thy rising. Lift up thy eyes round about, and see: all these are gathered together, they are come to thee: thy sons shall come from afar, and thy daughters shall rise up at thy side. Then shalt thou see, and abound, and thy heart shall wonder and be enlarged, when the multitude of the sea shall be converted to thee, the strength of the Gentiles shall come to thee. The multitude of camels shall cover thee, the dromedaries of Madian and Epha: all they from Saba shall come, bringing gold and frankincense: and shewing forth praise to the Lord.

GRADUAL (Isa. 60:6, 1)

All they from Saba shall come, bringing gold and frankincense, and showing forth praise to the Lord. V. Arise and be enlightened, O Jerusalem, for the glory of the Lord is risen upon you.

Alleluia, alleluia. V. (Matt. 2:2)

We have seen His star in the East and have come with gifts to worship the Lord.

Alleluia.

GOSPEL (Matt. 2:1-12)

Now when Jesus therefore was born in Bethlehem of Juda, in the days of king Herod, behold, there came wise men from the East to Jerusalem, saying: "Where is he that is born king of the Jews? For we have seen his star in the East, and are come to adore him." And king Herod hearing this, was troubled, and all Jerusalem with him. And assembling together all the chief priests and the scribes of the people, he inquired of them where Christ should be born. But they said to him: "In Bethlehem of Juda. For so it is written by the prophet: 'And thou Bethlehem the land of Juda art not the least among the princes of Juda: for out of thee shall come forth the captain that shall rule my people Israel.' " Then Herod, privately calling the wise men learned diligently of them the time of the star which appeared to them; And sending them into Bethlehem, said: Go and diligently inquire after the child, and when you have found him, bring me word again, that I also may come and adore him.

Who having heard the king, went their way; and behold the star which they had seen in the East, went before them, until it came and stood over where the child was. And seeing the star they rejoiced with exceeding great joy. And entering into the house, they found the child with Mary his mother, (here, genuflect) and falling down they adored him: and opening their treasures, they offered him gifts; gold, frankincense, and myrrh. And having received an answer in sleep that they should not return to Herod, they went back another way into their country.

OFFERTORY HYMN (Ps. 71:10-11)

The kings of Tharsis and the isles shall offer gifts; the kings of Arabia and Saba shall pay Him homage, all nations shall serve Him.

SECRET PRAYER

O Lord, look with favor upon the gifts offered by Your Church. It is not gold, frankincense, and myrrh that is offered now, but the King, God and Saviour, who was signified by these gifts, is Himself our Sacrifice and our Food, Jesus Christ Your Son, our Lord; who lives and rules with You . . .

COMMUNION HYMN (Matt. 2:2)

We have seen His star in the East and have come with gifts to worship the Lord.

POSTCOMMUNION PRAYER

O Almighty God, grant that we may understand with pure minds the revelation of Christ which we here solemnly commemorate. Through Our Lord . . .

SAINT TELESPHORUS

Pope and Martyr

Pope Telesphorus reigned as bishop of Rome for ten years, and was martyred in the persecution of Hadrian about the year 138 A.D.

PRAYER

O Eternal Shepherd, who appointed blessed Telesphorus shepherd of the whole Church, let the prayers of this martyr and supreme pontiff move You to look with favor upon Your flock and to keep it under Your continual protection. Through Our Lord . . .

SECRET PRAYER

We have offered our gifts to You, O Lord. Let Your light graciously shine upon Your Church so that this flock may everywhere prosper, and its pastors, under Your guidance, may be truly pleasing to You. Through Our Lord . . .

POSTCOMMUNION PRAYER

O Lord, govern Your Church, which You have been pleased to nourish with Your Heavenly Food. Guide her by Your powerful direction so that she may enjoy greater freedom and remain unshaken in the fullness of faith. Through Our Lord . . .

OBSERVATION

2---Do many people habitually miss Sunday Mass?
The facts speak for themselves, and the facts are alarming! People readily miss Sunday Mass, either through sheer negligence, or on the flimsiest of pretexts. As if the keeping of the Commandments of God and the Church were something a man could take or leave at will!
For many city parishes, the church should be filled with worshipers at all the Masses. As a matter of fact, only at the late ten or eleven o'clock Masses are most of the pews filled up . . .
The decrease in church attendance is less evident in the country . . . At the most, a few neighbors will notice that members of such and such a family no longer have any scruples about staying home comfortably on Sunday morning. In the summer it is: "What with spring ploughing and all the hard work on the farm, the poor horses are simply played out!" In the winter we hear, "The horses are all worn-out hauling those heavy logs!" So little is needed--once one lives out a little way from town--to squelch the indiscreet questioner!
All this does not prevent the same tired, "worn-out" horses, once noon has rung out from the church bell-tower, from breaking into a brisk trot in the direction of the hotel, the railroad station, and the restaurants; place where a man may idle away a few hours of time--lightening his purse at the same time he weights down his conscience!
The Cure' of Ars used to say that a good Christian could always find something to do on a Sunday without resorting to servile work. Up to noon, the time could be spent thanking God for the graces with which one had been favored during the week. From afternoon to evening, one could implore the graces one would need the coming week!
In the city, too many people "sleep in" until it is time to leave for Mass. Quite often, they decide to postpone their church-going a while longer . . . If it is a nice day though, and doesn't rain, maybe they will--send the children! . . .
There is something ominous about a mentality like that. It is essential to seek out the causes and apply the remedy.

[From 'Your Mass and Your Life']

OBSERVATION

1.-3. Finally, the devout. These are the minority. Taking example from Mary, St. John and the Holy Women who suffered with Jesus at the foot of the Cross, these affectionate, compassionate individuals understand their Mass and live it intensely. They really share in the Savior's sufferings. To be able to offer up Jesus Christ and themselves with Jesus Christ to God the Father, is for them an immense honor and grace; from which they allow no merely transient object to divert their attention. For these faithful, Mass and sermon are never too long--they experience no boredom in the presence of Jesus! For them, Sunday Mass is not enough. They must have daily Mass too.

THE HOLY NAME OF JESUS

The Archangel Gabriel told Mary that her Son was to be called Jesus. Joseph, too, was told by an angel; and at the circumcision ceremony the foster father officially gave the name of Jesus to Mary's Son.

The name means "God saves," and it describes the mission of the divine Child as the Savior of mankind. The redeeming life of this newly named Babe will bve climaxed when He is lifted on Calvary above the hosts of men, when He rises from the tomb as Redeemer of the human race.

ENTRANCE HYMN (Philip. 2:10-11)

At the name of Jesus every knee should bend of those in heaven, on earth, and under the earth, and every tongue should confess that the Lord Jesus Christ is in the glory of the Father. Ps. 8:2. O Lord, our Lord, how glorious is Your name over all the earth! V. Glory be . . .

PRAYER

O God, it was You who conferred the name of Jesus upon Your only-begotten Son, the Savior of the world. Grant that by venerating His holy name on earth we may enjoy His presence in heaven. Through the same Jesus Christ, Your Son, our Lord, who lives and rules with You in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God forever and ever.

READING (Acts 4:8-12)

In those days, Peter, filled with the Holy Ghost, said to them: "Ye princes of the people and ancients, hear. If we this day are examined concerning the good deed done to the infirm man, by what means he hath been made whole: Be it known to you all and to all the people of Israel, that by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom you crucified, whom God hath raised from the dead, even by him, this man standeth here before you, whole.
" This is the stone which was rejected by you the builders, which is become the head of the corner. Neither is there salvation in any other. For there is no other name under heaven given to men, whereby we must be saved."

GRADUAL (Ps. 105:47; Isa 63:16)

Save us, O Lord our God, and gather us from among the nations that we may give thanks to Your holy name and glory in praising You. V. You, O Lord, are our Father, our Redeemer. From eternity is Your name.

Alleluia, alleluia! V. (Ps. 144:21)

My lips shall speak the praise of the Lord; let all men bless His holy name.

Alleluia!

GOSPEL (Luke 2:21)

At that time, after eight days were accomplished, that the child should be circumcised, his name was called JESUS, which was called by the angel before he was conceived in the womb.

OFFERTORY HYMN (Ps. 85:12, 5)

I will praise You, O Lord my God, with all my heart, and I will glorify Your name forever. For You, O Lord, are sweet and mild, abounding in kindness to all who call upon You, alleluia!

SECRET PRAYER

O Most Merciful God, may Your blessin, which gives life to all creation, sanctify the sacrifice we offer in honor of the name of Your Son, our Lord Jesus Christ. Let this act of praise be pleasing to Your majesty and profitable towards our own salvation. Through the same Jesus Christ, our Lord . . .

COMMUNION HYMN (Ps. 85:9-10)

All the nations You have made shall come and worship You, O Lord, and glorify Your name. For great You are and do wondrous deeds. You alone are God. Alleluia!

POSTCOMMUNION PRAYER

O Almighty and eternal God, who created and redeemed us, graciously hear our petitions. Receive kindly and favorably this saving Sacrificial Victim, which we have offered to Your majesty in honor of the name of Your Son, our Lord Jesus Christ. Pour out Your grace upon us, that we may rejoice to see our names written in heaven under the glorious name of Jesus, who is the pledge of our eternal predestination. Through the same Jesus Christ, our Lord . . .

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

January 1

THE CIRCUMCISION OF OUR LORD

Jesus respected the sacredness of the Old Law and submitted to its ceremony of circumcision. The rite officially incorporated Him into the Jewish religion and was a figure of Christian Baptism. The Savior came to replace the Old Law, and to incorporate people of all nations into His Mystical Body through Baptism. From Him, the Head, they receive all the graces needed to live worthily as His members. We become "acceptable" to God in the measure that we are cleansed from sin, give God Hid due worship and obedience, and render our fellow men everywhere on earth both full justice and Christlike charity.

ENTRANCE HYMN (Isa. 9:6)

A Child is born to us, and a son is given to us; upon his shoulder is supreme sovereignty, and his name shall be called the Angel of great counsel. Ps. 97:1. Sing a new canticle to the Lord, for He has done wondrous things. V. Glory be . . .

PRAYER

O God, it was through the Motherhood of the Blessed Virgin Mary that You bestowed the gift of eternal life upon mankind. Grant that we may feel the powerful intercession of Mary, through whom we were privileged to receive the giver of life, Jesus Christ, Your Son, our Lord; who lives and rules with You . . .

READING (Titus 2:11-15)

Beloved: The grace of God our Saviour hath appeared to all men: Instructing us, that, denying ungodliness and worldly desires, we should live soberly and justly and godly in this world, looking for the blessed hope and coming of the glory of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ. Who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity and might cleanse to himself a people acceptable, a pursuer of good works. These things speak and exhort and rebuke with all authority. Let no man despise thee.

GRADUAL (Ps. 97:3-4, 2)

All the ends of the earth have seen the salvation of our God. Sing joyfully to God, all the earth. V. The Lord has made His salvation known; in the sight of the nations He has revealed His justice.

Alleluia, alleluia! V. (Heb. 1:1-2)

God, who in divers manners spoke in times past to the fathers by the prophets, last of all in these days has spoken to us by His Son.

Alleluia!

GOSPEL (Luke 2:21)

At that time, when eight days were fulfilled for the cicumcision of the Child, His name was called Jesus, the name given to Him by the Angel before He was conceived in the womb.

OFFERTORY HYMN (Ps. 88:12, 15)

Yours are the heavens and Yours are the earth; the world and its fullness You have founded. Justice and judgment are the foundation of Your throne.

SECRET PRAYER

Accept our offerings and prayers, O Lord. Cleanse us by this heavenly rite and in Your mercy hear our petitions. Through Our Lord . . .

COMMUNION HYMN (Ps. 97:3)

All the ends of the earth have seen the salvation of our God.

POSTCOMMUNION PRAYER

O Lord, may this Communion cleanse us from sin, and bestow on us spiritual health from heaven through the intercession of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Mother of God. Through the same Jesus Christ, our Lord . . .

SUNDAY WITHIN THE OCTAVE

OF CHRISTMAS

The Father has sent His Son to be the world's Savior. Though almighty king and ruler of the universe, Jesus came in silence and simplicity and obedience. After such an example there can be no excuse for not listening to Him. Everyone must believe Him or reject Him. He is the sign that divides the believers from their contradictors. making the choice and living by it, is part of our Christian adulthood: it is part of the loyalty due to Christ from His adopted brothers. To lead others to this adoption and brotherhood in Christ is the highest form of gratitude we can pay to Jesus.

ENTRANCE HYMN (Sap. 18:14-15)

While all things were in quiet silence, and the night was in the midst of her course, Your Almighty Word, O Lord, leapt down from heaven, from Your royal throne. Ps. 92:1. The Lord reigns, robed in beauty. The Lord is clothed and girt about with strength. V. Glory be . . .

PRAYER

O Almighty and Eternal God, direct our actions according to Your holy will, so that, in the name of Your beloved Son, we may lead lives that are marked by good deeds; who lives and rules with You . . .

READING (Gal. 4:1-7)

Brethren: As long as the heir is a child, he differeth nothing from a servant, though he be lord of all, but is under tutors and governors until the time appointed by the father. So we also, when we were children, were serving under the elements of the world. But when the fullness of the time was come, God sent his Son, made of a woman, made under the law: that he might redeem them who were under the law: that we might receive the adoption of sons. And because you are sons, God hath sent the Spirit of his Son into your hearts, crying: "Abba, Father". Therefore, now he is not a servant, but a son. And if a son, an heir also through God.

GRADUAL (Ps. 44:3, 2)

You are fairer than the sons of men; grace is poured out upon your lips. V. My heart overflows with good tidings; I sing my song to the king; my tongue is as nimble as the pen of a skillful scribe.

Alleluia, alleluia! V. (Ps. 92:1)

The Lord reigns, robed in beauty. The Lord is clothed with strength, and he has girded himself about with power.

Alleluia!

GOSPEL (Luke 2:33-40)

At that time, And his father and mother were wondering at those things which were spoken concerning him. And Simeon blessed them and said to Mary his mother: "Behold this child is set for the fall and for the resurrection of many in Israel and for a sign which shall be contradicted. And thy own soul a sword shall pierce, that, out of many hearts thoughts may be revealed."

And there was one Anna, a prophetess, the daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Aser. She was far advanced in years and had lived with her husband seven years from her virginity. And she was a widow until fourscore and four years: who departed not from the temple, by fastings and prayers serving night and day. Now she, at the same hour, coming in, confessed to the Lord: and spoke of him to all that looked for the redemption of Israel.
And after they had performed all things according to the law of the Lord, they returned into Galilee, to their city Nazareth. And the child grew and waxed strong, full of wisdom: and the grace of God was in him.

OFFERTORY HYMN (Ps. 92:1-2)

God has made the world firm, and it shall not be shaken. Your throne, O God, is prepared from of old; You are from eternity.

SECRET PRAYER

Grant that the gifts we offer to Your majesty, O Almighty God, may obtain for us the grace of sincere devotion and the reward of a blessed eternity. Through Our Lord . . .

COMMUNION HYMN (Matt. 2:20)

Take the Child and His Mother, and go into the land of Israel, for those who sought the Child's life are dead.

POSTCOMMUNION PRAYER
O Lord, may this sacred rite wash away our sins and fulfill our reasonable desires. Through Our Lord . . .

YOUR MASS AND YOUR LIFE

CHAPTER ONE

Continued

OBSERVATION

1-2. The indifferent, the slaves to routine, the shallow. These persons may be compared to the [people of Jesus' time]. [They] followed others like sheep: fickle, because deep, inner conviction was lacking--ready to join up with whatever crowd shouted the loudest. Yesterday it was Jesus they acclaimed--"Hosanna to the Son of David!" Today they are howling for His blood. "Let Him be crucified! Let Him be crucified!"

This was the group for whom Jesus prayed, "Father, forgive them for they do not know what they are doing!" [Luke 23:34]

Catholic of this breed attend all sorts of mundane events--political rallies, the movies, or the races--with considerably more promptness and enthusiasm than they put into their attendance at a religious ceremony. For these, Mass and sermon are always too long. That is why they come to Mass late, and why they leave early!

Still others make it a deliberate point to arrive some time after the hour set for mass to begin, and parade up the full length of the middle aisle to the front of the church in order to show off their new clothes! For such, Mass affords a convenient occasion for staging a style show! Some business men make an act of bodily presence at Sunday Mass, because a reputation for piety helps their business. The customers are favorable impressed! . . . A young man may attend Mass merely to please his fiancee.

[To be continued]

HOLY INNOCENTS
Martyrs

There is mixed joy and sorrow in the feast of the innocent victims of the first persecution. The Church rejoices at the spiritual victory of the young witnesses to Christ. The purple vestments of the Mass denote the Church's common grief with the mothers of Bethlehem, who saw their babies massacred by the jealousy of Herod.

ENTRANCE HYMN (Ps. 8:3)
Out of the mouths of babes and sucklings, O God, You have fashioned praise because of Your enemies. Ps. 8:2. O Lord, our Lord, how glorious is Your name over all the earth! V. Glory be . . .

PRAYER
O God, the martyred innocents bore witness to You this day not by words but by laying down their lives. Destroy in us the evil of sin, so that our lives may bear witness to our faith in You, which we profess in words. Through Our Lord . . .

READING (Apoc. 14:1-5)
In those days, I beheld: and lo a Lamb stood upon mount Sion, and with him an hundred forty-four thousand, having his name and the name of his Father written on their foreheads. And I heard a voice from heaven, as the noise of many waters and as the voice of great thunder. And the voice which I heard was as the voice of harpers, harping on their harps. And they sung as it were a new canticle, before the throne and before the four living creatures and the ancients: and no man could say the canticle, but those hundred forty-four thousand who were purchased from the earth. These are they who were not defiled with women: for they are virgins. These follow the Lamb whithersoever he goeth. These were purchased from among men, the firstfruits to God and to the Lamb. And in their mouth there was found no lie: for they are without spot before the throne of God.

GRADUAL (Ps. 123:7-8)
Our soul has been rescued as a bird from the snare of the hunters. V. The snare has been broken and we are free. Our help is in the name of the Lord, who made heaven and earth.

TRACT (Ps. 78:3, 10)
They have poured out the blood of the saints like water around Jerusalem. V. And there was no one to bury them. V. Avenge, O Lord, the blood of Your saints which has been shed upon the earth.

GOSPEL (Matt. 2:13-18)
At that time, an angel of the Lord appeared in sleep to Joseph, saying: "Arise, and take the child and his mother, and fly into Egypt: and be there until I shall tell thee. For it will come to pass that Herod will seek the child to destroy him." Who arose, and took the child and his mother by night, and retired into Egypt: and he was there until the death of Herod: That it might be fulfilled which the Lord spoke by the prophet, saying: "Out of Egypt have I called my son."
Then Herod perceiving that he was deluded by the wise men, was exceeding angry: and sending killed all the menchildren that were in Bethlehem, and in all the borders thereof, from two years old and under, according to the time which he had diligently inquired of the wise men.
Then was fulfilled that which was spoken by Jeremias the prophet, saying: "A voice in Rama was heard, lamentation and great mourning; Rachel bewailing her children, and would not be comforted, because they are not."

OFFERTORY HYMN (Ps. 123:7)
Our soul has been rescued as a bird from the snare of the hunters. The snare has been broken and we are free.

SECRET PRAYER
O Lord, may Your saints' unfailing prayer of honor render our offerings acceptable to You and obtain Your pardon for us. Through Our Lord . . .

COMMUNION HYMN (Matt. 2:18)
A voice was heard weeping in Rama, and loud lamentation; Rachel weeping for her children, and she would not be comforted, because they are no more.

POSTCOMMUNION PRAYER
O Lord, may these Gifts, which we have both offered to You and received from You, win for us Your assistance in this life and in the life to come through the prayers of the saints. Through Our Lord . . .

SAINT JOHN
Apostle and Evangelist

In the group that Christ chose to be the messengers of God's love for men, St. John is singled out by the Gospel description as "the disciple whom Jesus loved." The great token of that love, the Mother of God, was entrusted to St. John by Christ in His dying moments. The New Testament writings of St. John -- the Fourth Gospel, the Apocalypse, and three epistles -- put into words the divine secret of love which the disciple learned in his intimacy with God and the Mother of God. "Beloved, let us love one another, for love is from God" (I John 4:7).
Tradition persists that St. John, miraculously preserved from being killed, yet considered a martyr by Catholics, spent a long life forming the infant Church in Asia Minor in the simple and fundamental teaching of Christ, "Little children, love one another."

ENTRANCE HYMN (Eccli. 15:5)
In the gathering of the Church the Lord opened his mouth and filled him with the spirit of wisdom and understanding, and clothed him with a robe of glory. Ps. 91:2. It is good to praise the Lord, and to sing to Your name. O Most High! V. Glory be . . .

PRAYER
O Lord, let the Church be enlightened by the teachings of Your blessed apostle and evangelist John, so that she may enjoy Your everlasting gifts. Through Our Lord . . .

READING (Eccli. 15:1-6)
He that feareth God, will do good: and he that possesseth justice, shall lay hold on her, And she will meet him as an honourable mother, and will receive him as a wife married of a virgin. With the bread of life and understanding, she shall feed him, and give him the water of wholesome wisdom to drink: and she shall be made strong in him, and he shall not be moved. And she shall hold him fast, and he shall not be confounded: and she shall exalt him among his neighbours. And in the midst of the church she shall open his mouth, and shall fill him with the spirit of wisdom and understanding, and shall clothe him with a robe of glory. She shall heap upon him a treasure of joy and gladness, and shall cause him to inherit an everlasting name.

GRADUAL (John 21:23, 19)
A Saying went abroad among the brethren, that the disciple was not to die. But Jesus had not said, "He is not to die." V. But rather, "So I will have him to remain until I come, do thou follow me."

Alleluia, alleluia! V. (John 21:24)
This is the disciple who bears witness concerning these things, and we know that his witness is true.
Alleluia!

Gospel (John 21:19-24)
At that time, Jesus said to Peter: "Follow me." Peter turning about, saw that disciple whom Jesus loved following, who also leaned on his breast at supper and said: "Lord, who is he that shall betray thee?" Him therefore when Peter had seen, he saith to Jesus: "Lord, and what shall this man do?" Jesus saith to him: "So I will have him to remain till I come, what is it to thee? Follow thou me." This saying therefore went abroad among the brethren, that that disciple should not die. And Jesus did not say to him: "He should not die"; but: "So I will have him to remain till I come, what is it to thee?"
This is that disciple who giveth testimony of these things and hath written these things: and we know that his testimony is true.

OFFERTORY HYMN (Ps. 91:13)
The just man shall flourish like the palm tree; he shall grow like a cedar of Lebanon.

SECRET PRAYER
O Lord, accept the gifts we bring You on the feast of Your saint, through whose intercession we hope to be set free. Through Our Lord . . .

COMMUNION HYMN (John 21:23)
A saying went abroad among the brethren, that that disciple was not to die. But Jesus had not said, "He is not to die"; but rather, "So I will have him to remain until I come."

POSTCOMMUNION PRAYER
Refreshed with heavenly Food and Drink, we humbly pray You, our God, that we may be strengthened by the prayers of Your saint, in whose memory we have received this Sacrament. through our Lord . . .

SAINT STEPHEN
First Martyr

Stephen, the first to give his life for Christ, died, as did his master, praying for his persecutors. Stephen was one of the seven deacons appointed by the Apostles to preach and care for the poor. Because of the great signs and wonders he worked among the people, he was hailed before the Jewish Sanhedrin and condemned to stoning. St. Stephen's prayer, "Lord, do not lay this sin against them," fulfilled Christ's command to His followers, "Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, and pray for those who persecute and calumniate you" (Matt. 5:44).


ENTRANCE HYMN (Ps. 118:23, 86, 23)
Princes met and spoke against me, and the wicked persecuted me. Help me, O Lord my God, because Your servant has followed Your commandments. Ps. 118:1. Blessed are they who are undefiled in the way, who walk in the law of the Lord. V. Glory Be . . .

PRAYER
O Lord, we celebrate the birthday of Stephen, who prayed for his persecutors. May we imitate this saint, whom we revere, and learn from him to love even our enemies. Through our Lord Jesus Christ Your Son . . .

READING (Acts 6:8-10; 7:54-60)
In those days, Stephen, full of grace and fortitude, did great wonders and signs among the people. Now there arose some, of that which is called the synagogue of the Libertines and of the Cyrenians and of the Alexandrians and of them that were of Cilicia and Asia, disputing with Stephen. And they were not able to resist the wisdom and the spirit that spoke. Now hearing these things, they were cut to the heart: and they gnashed with their teeth at him. But he, being full of the Holy Ghost, looking up steadfastly to heaven, saw the glory of God and Jesus standing on the right hand of God. And he said: "Behold, I see the heavens opened and the Son of man standing on the right hand of God." And they, crying out with a loud voice, stopped their ears and with one accord ran violently upon him. And casting him forth without the city. they stoned him. And the witnesses laid down their garments at the feet of a young man, whose name was Saul. And they stoned Stephen, invoking and saying: "Lord Jesus, receive my spirit." And falling on his knees, he cried with a loud voice, saying: "Lord, lay not his sin to their charge": And when he had said this, he fell asleep in the Lord.

GRADUAL (Ps. 118:23, 86; 6:5)
Princes met and spoke against me, and the wicked persecuted me. V. Help me, O Lord my God! Save me for Your mercy's sake.

Alleluia, alleluia! V. (Acts 7:56)
I see the heavens opened, and Jesus standing at the right hand of the power of God.
Alleluia!

GOSPEL (Matt. 23:34-39)
At that time, Jesus said to the scribes and pharisees, "Therefore behold I send to you prophets and wise men and scribes: and some of them you will put to death and crucify: and some you will scourge in your synagogues and persecute from city to city. That upon you may come all the just blood that hath been shed upon the earth, from the blood of Abel the just, even unto the blood of Zacharias the son of Barachias, whom you killed between the temple and the altar. Amen I say to you, all these things shall come upon this generation. Jerusalem, Jerusalem, thou that killest the prophets and stonest them that are sent unto thee, how often would I have gathered together thy children, as the hen doth gather her chickens under her wings, and thou wouldst not? Behold, your house shall be left to you, desolate. For I say to you, you shall not see me henceforth till you say: 'Blessed is he that cometh in the name of the Lord.' "

OFFERTORY HYMN (Acts 6:5; 7:59)
The Apostles chose Stephen, a Levite, a man full of faith and of the Holy Spirit, whom the Jews stoned while he prayed and said, "Lord Jesus, receive my spirit." Alleluia!

SECRET PRAYER
O Lord, receive our offerings in memory of Your saints; and as they were made glorious by their suffering, may we be made sinless by our devotion. Through Our Lord . . .

COMMUNION HYMN (Acts 7:56, 59, 60)
I see the heavens opened, and Jesus standing at the right hand of the power of God. Lord Jesus, receive my spirit, and lay not this sin against them.

POSTCOMMUNION PRAYER
O Lord, through the intercession of Your beloved martyr Stephen, may we be aided by the reception of the Blessed Sacrament and rejoice in Your everlasting protection. Through Our Lord . . .

CHRISTMAS DAY
THIRD MASS

After meditating upon the human circumstances of the Savior's birth, we come in this Mass to ponder upon His divinity. He is the eternal Son of God, the creator of all things. In those who accept Christ, His creative power begets supernatural life and calls our fellow men over the earth to be adopted sons and daughters of God. Even the Angels are only His messengers and worshiping creatures.


ENTRANCE HYMN (Isa. 9:6)
A Child is born to us, and a son is given to us; upon his shoulder is supreme sovereignty, and his name shall be called the Angel of great counsel. Ps. 97:1. Sing a new canticle to the Lord, for He has done wondrous things. V. Glory be . . .

PRAYER
O Almighty God, free us from the old bondage and yoke of sin by Your only-begotten Son's new birth as man. Through the same Jesus Christ, Our Lord . . .

READING (Heb. 1:1-12)
God, who, at sundry times and in divers manners, spoke in times past to the fathers by the prophets, last of all, in these days, hath spoken to us by his Son, whom he hath appointed heir of all things, by whom also he made the world. Who being the brightness of his glory and the figure of his substance and upholding all things by the word of his power, making purgation of sins, sitteth on the right hand of the majesty on high: Being made so much better than the angels as he hath inherited a more excellent name than they. For to which of the angels hath he said at any time: "Thou art my Son, to-day have I begotten thee?" And again: "I will be to him a Father, and he shall be to me a Son?" And again, when he bringeth in the first begotten into the world, he saith: "And let all the angels of God adore him. And to the angels indeed he saith: "He that maketh his angels spirits and his ministers a flame of fire." But to the Son: "Thy throne, O God, is for ever and ever: a sceptre of justice is the sceptre of thy kingdom. Thou hast loved justice and hated iniquity: therefore God, thy God, hath anointed thee with the oil of gladness above thy fellows." And: "Thou in the beginning, O Lord, didst found the earth: and the works of thy hands are the heavens. They shall perish: but thou shalt continue: and they shall all grow old as a garment. And as a vesture shalt thou change them, and they shalt be changed. But thou art the selfsame: and thy years shall not fail."

GRADUAL (Ps. 97:3-4, 2)
All the ends of the earth have seen the salvation of our God. Sing joyfully to God, all the earth. V. The Lord has made His salvation known; in the sight of the nations He has revealed His justice.

Alleluia, alleluia! V.
A blessed day has dawned on us! Come, you nations, and adore the Lord, for this day a great light has descended upon the earth!
Alleluia!

GOSPEL (John 1:1-14)
In the beginning was the Word: and the Word was with God: and the Word was God. The same was in the beginning with God. All things were made by him: and without him was made nothing that was made. In him was life: and the life was the light of men. And the light shineth in darkness: and the darkness did not comprehend it.
There was a man sent from God, whose name was John. This man came for a witness, to give testimony of the light, that all men might believe through him. He was not the light, but was to give testimony of the light. That was the true light, which enlighteneth every man that cometh into this world. He was in the world: and the world was made by him: and the world knew him not. He came unto his own: and his own received him not. But as many as received him, he gave them power to be made the sons of God, to them that believe in his name. Who are born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God. And the Word was made flesh and dwelt among us (and we saw his glory, the glory as it were of the only begotten of the Father), full of grace and truth.

OFFERTORY HYMN (Ps. 88:12, 15)
Yours are the heavens and yours is the earth, the world and its fullness you have founded. Justice and judgment are the foundation of your throne.

SECRET PRAYER
Bless these gifts we offer You, O Lord, by the new birth of Your only-begotten Son. May they cleanse us from the stain of our sins. Through the same Jesus Christ, Our Lord . . .

COMMUNION HYMN (Ps. 97:3)
All the ends of the earth have seen the salvation of our God.

POSTCOMMUNION PRAYER
O Almighty God, may the Savior of the world, who came upon earth this day to bring us the Gift of supernatural life, bestow on us also the treasure of eternal life; who lives and rules with You in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God forever and ever.

La Vierge L'Enfant Jesus et Saint Jean Baptiste by William Bouguereau

FOURTH SUNDAY OF ADVENT

There is urgency in the readings and prayers of today. We ask the Father to "drop" and to "rain" the Savior upon us, the human race, in order that we may "speedily" be delivered. "Come and tarry not!" is our cry. "Prepare the way of the Lord" for an immediate coming is the Gospel thought. And Mary we hail as the mediatrix of our pressing desire. Great indeed is our need for grace.
But the Savior we seek to possess and love is also our Judge. Not men but God alone can judge our preparedness for grace and for eternity. And God judges us by our love for our neighbors and our impartial zeal for their welfare.

ENTRANCE HYMN (Isa. 45:8)
Drop down dew, you heavens, from above, and let the clouds rain the just one. Let the earth be opened and bud forth a savior. Ps. 18:2. The heavens show forth the glory of God, and the firmament proclaims His handiwork. V. Glory be . . .

PRAYER
O Lord, show yourself an all-powerful God and come to us. Aid us with Your powerful assistance so that, through Your grace and merciful forgiveness, we may attain salvation, which now is hindered by our sins; who lives and rules with God the Father . . .

READING (I Cor. 4:1-5)
Brethren: Let a man so account of us as of the ministers of Christ and the dispensers of the mysteries of God. Here now it is required among the dispensers that a man be found faithful. But to me it is a very small thing to be judged by you or by man's day. But neither do I judge my own self. For I am not conscious to myself of anything. Yet am I not hereby justified: but he that judgeth me is the Lord. Therefore, judge not before the time: until the Lord come, who both will bring to light the hidden things of darkness and will make manifest the counsels of the hearts. And then shall every man have praise from God.

GRADUAL (Ps. 144:18, 21)
The Lord is near to all who call upon Him, to all who call upon Him in truth. V. My lips shall speak the praise of the Lord; let all men bless His holy name.

Alleluia, alleluia! V.
Come, O Lord; do not delay. Forgive the sins of Israel, Your people.
Alleluia!

GOSPEL (Luke 3:1-6)
Now in the fifteenth year of the reign of Tiberius Caesar, Pontius Pilate being governor of Judea, and Herod being tetrarch of Galilee, and Philip his brother tetrarch of Iturea and the country of Trachonitis, and Lysanias tetrarch of Abilina: Under the high priests Anna and Caiphas: the word of the Lord was made unto John, the son of Zachary, in the desert. And he came into all the country about the Jordan, preaching the baptism of penance for the remission of sins. As it was written in the book of the sayings of Isaias the prophet: "A voice of one crying in the wilderness: Prepare ye the way of the Lord, make straight his paths. Every valley shall be filled and every mountain and hill shall be brought low: and the crooked shall be made straight, and the rough ways plain. And all flesh shall see the salvation of God.

OFFERTORY HYMN (Luke 1:28, 42)
Hail, Mary, full of grace, the Lord is with thee. Blessed art thou among women, and blessed is the fruit of thy womb.

SECRET PRAYER
Look with favor upon these offerings, O Lord, that they may be an aid to our devotion and to our salvation. Through Our Lord . . .

COMMUNION HYMN (Isa. 7:14)
Behold, a virgin shall conceive, and shall bear a son, and his name shall be called Emmanuel.

POSTCOMMUNION PRAYER
O Lord, may we, who have received Your Gifts, be brought closer to our salvation by each performance of this Sacred Rite. Through Our Lord . . .