Liturgical Bible Study Guide: 2nd Sunday in Ordinary Time Cycle A

2nd Sunday in Ordinary Time

1st Reading – Isaiah 49:3, 5-6 The Jerusalem Bible titles this reading “The Second Song of the Servant of Yahweh”. There are four servant songs in Isaiah (42:1-7; 49:1-7; 50:4-9; 52:13-53:12). They describe poetically the person (or nation) that will bring people to an awareness of God’s power, justice, and love. The servant will do […]

Liturgical Bible Study Guide: Solemnity of Mary, Mother of God Cycle A

Solemnity of Mary, Mother of God

Introduction According to The Compact History of the Catholic Church by Alan Schreck, “The Bishop of Alexandria, Nestorius, denied that Mary could be called theotokos, meaning “God bearer” or Mother of God. He was part of a theological group called the school of Antioch, which did not want to risk any confusion between the divine […]

Liturgical Bible Study Guide: Solemnity of Christmas (During the Day) Cycle A

Solemnity of Christmas (During the Day)

1st Reading – Isaiah 52:7-10 The period of advent is now completed and we celebrate the birth of our Lord some 2,000 years ago. Jesus, the Messiah, is the fulfillment of the Old Testament prophecies. During the Advent season we heard some of these prophecies and today we hear another. This one, by Isaiah, the […]

Liturgical Bible Study Guide: 4th Sunday of Advent Cycle A

4th Sunday of Advent

Introduction Anticipation and preparedness are the watchwords for Advent. Anticipation of the celebration of the birth of our Lord some 2000 years ago and the festivities, gifts, parties and family get-togethers which accompany that celebration. Preparedness because we are reminded that Jesus will come at the end of the world (the parousia) and all will […]

Liturgical Bible Study Guide: 3rd Sunday of Advent Cycle A

3rd Sunday of Advent

Introduction For the past two weeks we have heard of the Lord’s coming as judge of all at the end of time. The priest wears penitential purple during this season to help us realize our part in turning from God’s covenant and participating in acts of darkness (sin), although pink may be worn on this, […]