Liturgical Bible Study Guide: 1st Sunday of Advent Cycle B
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: Solemnity of Christ the King Cycle A
Introduction Instituted by Pius XI in 1926, this feast was celebrated on the last Sunday of October to foster the awareness of Christ’s dominion over all people and to establish peace among nations. After Vatican Council II the feast was transferred to the last Sunday of the Liturgical Year, the Sunday before Advent, on which the human […]
Liturgical Bible Study Guide: 33rd Sunday in Ordinary Time Cycle A
1st Reading – Proverbs 31:10-13, 19-20, 30-31 The book of Proverbs is attributed to Solomon and is the oldest collection of inspired texts in the body of Wisdom literature. The book takes its name from the Hebrew word masal which means “a provocative saying;” a saying which gets the listener’s attention. In the early stages, these sayings […]
Liturgical Bible Study Guide: 32nd Sunday in Ordinary Time Cycle A
1st Reading – Wisdom 6:12-16 This book, which the Vulgate calls “Wisdom” and the Septuagint calls “The Wisdom of Solomon,” is one of the most typical books of Wisdom literature. Although the book itself claims that it was written by Solomon, it is a case of pseudonymity: a device often used in the ancient world to […]
Liturgical Bible Study Guide: 31st Sunday in Ordinary Time Cycle A
1st Reading – Malachi 1:14b-2:2b, 8-10 The book of Malachi gets its name not from the author, who is unknown, but from the opening words of the book “An oracle. The word of the LORD to Israel through Malachi.” Malachi is a Hebrew word meaning “my messenger.” We know nothing of the author’s life, but from […]