Liturgical Bible Study Guide: Solemnity of Christmas (During the Day) Cycle A
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
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: 2nd Sunday of Advent Cycle A
Introduction Advent is really a season in 2 parts, with the 1st two weeks concerned with the Lord’s coming as Judge of all at the end of time and the 2nd two weeks serving as the proximate preparation for His coming in the flesh. Our activities, like the Church’s readings, should reflect that dual character. […]
Liturgical Bible Study Guide: 1st Sunday of Advent Cycle A
Introduction There is evidence from the mid-4th century on concerning some period of preparation for the Christmas-Epiphany celebration. Length and emphasis varied from place to place. Some regions kept a relatively long Advent (from St. Martin’s feast – November 11); others, a rather brief one. In Rome the season evolved to a four-week preparation whose […]
Liturgical Bible Study Guide: Palm Sunday of the Lord’s Passion Cycle C
Introduction Passion week ends our celebration of Lent. Our Lenten preparations have been focused on improving our response to God’s call so that we, His children, will be ready to come home and live for all eternity. Jesus, our eldest brother, has showed us how to live His life so that we can gain eternal […]