December 23

O Emmanuel!
Saint John of Kanty (1390-1473)

Readings of the Day
RB: Ch 65:11-22
Mass: Malachi 3:1-4, 23-24; Resp Ps 25; Lk 1:57-66

Guide me in your truth and teach me, for you are God my savior.

A CHILD SHALL BE BORN FOR US, AND HE WILL BE CALLED GOD, THE ALMIGHTY; EVERY TRIBE OF THE EARTH SHALL BE BLEST IN HIM.

(Entrance Antiphon, Mass)

How can it be Christmas Eve tomorrow? Thankfully, there is still time to heed the prophet's cry: "Prepare the way of the Lord, make straight his paths"! (Mk 1:3). One way is to join Elizabeth's neighbors and relatives. "For when the time arrived for Elizabeth to have her child she gave birth to a son. Her neighbors and relatives heard that the Lord had shown his great mercy toward her, and they rejoiced with her" (Lk 1:57-58). We thank the Lord for his great mercy towards us. As we continue to prepare our minds and hearts to celebrate the Birth of Jesus, may we extend mercy to those around us, especially to those we find most difficult. We rejoice with one another.

We pray with the last of the great "O" Antiphons: O Emmanuel, our king and Lawgiver, the hope of all nations and their Savior: come and save us, O Lord our God! ("O" Antiphon, December 23, 2019)

For she who conceived God by faith promises you the same if you have faith; if you will faithfully receive the Word from the mouth of the heavenly messenger you too may conceive the God whom the whole world cannot contain.

(Guerric of Igny)

SAINT JOHN ON KANTY,

PRAY FOR US.

Today's photo: This magnificent tree stands in the park around Kedleston Hall, Derbyshire, UK. Courtesy of a friend and monk of Ampleforth Abbey, UK.

© Gertrude Feick 2019