In the Old Testament, the prophet Elijah is the “prophet of fire,” a fiery, zealous personality who makes fire come down on the enemies of God. He wanted to prepare the hearts of the people to accept God. In the New Testament, the “prophet of fire”, the new Elijah, was John the Baptist. Full of […]
Saint Lucy, the virgin and martyr from Syracuse in Sicily, is greatly honoured in the Roman Church because of her faith and great courage. As the young man who proposed marriage to her was not a Christian, she rejected his marriage proposal. He denounced her to the authorities as a Christian, and she was cruelly
“If you had only paid attention to what I have said,” complains the Lord through the prophet, for God wants our own good. Jesus complains that there are people who behave in a childish way when John the Baptist preaches repentance in preparation for the coming of the Messiah: they are like girls who refuse
It is heartening to hear these days a strong and repeated message of encouragement. This is what we believe in if we trust in the nearness of God in his Son Jesus Christ. When people are poor and afflicted, God is near as their Savior, that is, one who is bound to them with close
The mighty God is near to the weak. This is the message of today. To the exiles, who felt abandoned by God and who saw the power of Babylon and the supposed might of her gods, God tells through the prophet: I am the mighty God. Rely on me and I will make you strong.
On October 7, 2019, Pope Francis ordered the inscription of Our Lady of Loreto into the General Roman Calendar. She is to be celebrated each year as an optional Memorial on December 10 (the day her feast is celebrated in Loreto). Opening Prayer O God, who at the announcement of your angel willed that your
The author of Second Isaiah has a beautiful message of joy and hope. God will end the exile of his people and bring them back to him. Their sins are forgiven. He will live among them as their shepherd. God became visible as the shepherd of his people in Jesus Christ. To him, every person
On December 9, 1531, our Lady appeared to a young Indian convert, Juan Diego, in Tepeyac, Mexico, now part of Mexico City. On his cloak she left the impression of her image. This site became the most venerated place of pilgrimage for Latin America. Under the title of Our Lady of Guadalupe, Mary was declared
Paradise Restored in Mary Greeting (See Second Reading) We are called in Christ to be holy and spotless. and, like Mary, to live in God’s presence. May we respond to God’s call and may our Lord be always with you. R/ And also with you. Introduction by the Celebrant Mary leads the way for all
Baptized With the Spirit of Fire Prepare the Way of the Lord Greeting (See Second Reading) United in mind and voice we give glory to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. The Lord be with you. R/ And also with you. Introduction by the Celebrant Baptized With the Spirit of Fire On
