December 21

Year of Saint Joseph

Other saints: Saint Peter Canisius, Doctor (1521-1597); Saint Peter Thi, Martyr (1763-1839); Bd Peter Friedhofen, Founder (1819-1860)

Readings of the Day

RB: Ch 64:7-22

Mass: Sgs 2:8-14 or Zeph 3:14-18a; Resp Ps 33; Lk 1:39-45 

Exult, you just, in the Lord! Sing to him a new song.

O Rising Dawn, splendor of eternal Light and Sun of Justice: come and illuminate those who sit in darkness and the shadow of light.

(Traditional O Antiphon)

Today's Gospel narrative was proclaimed last night at Vespers. It would take effort to not let the account of Mary's visit to her cousin Elizabeth bring joy to your heart and a smile to your face. I first pictured dear Mary travelling to the hill country "in haste" to visit her beloved cousin Elizabeth (Lk 1:39). Then there is the infant in Elizabeth's womb leaping at Mary's greeting (Lk 1:41). Surely Elizabeth must have been beaming with joy and love. And Mary too! May we be so eager to greet our Lord at Christmas. Here he comes, springing across the mountains and leaping across the hills, like a gazelle or a young stag (Sgs 2:8-9). Oh, "our soul waits for the Lord, who is our help and our shield. For in Him our hearts rejoice; in His holy name we trust" (Ps 33).

And here with some encouragement from Rome. In today's traditional Christmas greeting for Vatican employees and their families, Pope Francis reminded those gathered of their call, which is the call of all believers, wherever we find ourselves: "Bring the good news to the world: Jesus is Our Savior: we must tell everyone!" 'We do this by the witness of our lives, with joy and serenity that comes to us from faith and love: joy and serenity in spite of everything, above all else.' "Difficulties and sufferings cannot obscure the light of Christmas, which inspires an inner joy that nothing and no one can take away from us" (Vatican News, December 21, 2020). Thank you for encouraging us, Pope Francis. Remember, our God is God of the living. We go forth in faith, leaping with joy, united in prayer. O Rising Dawn ... come. 

JOSEPH, LOVER OF POVERTY,

PRAY FOR US.

© Gertrude Feick 2020