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
God is compassionate. He cannot let his people suffer. This compassion of God has become visible in the person of Christ. The Old Testament text, perhaps an elaboration on Isaiah’s thoughts by a later author, promises restoration to God’s people after their conversion. God will take pity on his people. He promises freedom from evil,
In this season of hope, Advent, the word of God gives us a vision of hope. The mighty who rely on their own political power and alliances will be crushed, but the poor, the deaf, the blind, that is, those who still believe in God’s presence and action in the world, will see salvation. So
The first reading comes from an insert in Isaiah that was written in a later period. It speaks of God’s judgment and the victory of God over “cities” of sin. But Jerusalem, God’s community, God’s city, will stand. Those faithful to God can rely on him: he is faithful and solid as a rock. Those
