Thursday of the Fourth Week of Advent Year B Gospel Acclamation Series.

 

ADVENT  2020 GOSPEL ACCLAMATION SERIES

Advent 2020 Gospel Acclamation series.

THURSDAY OF THE FOURTH WEEK OF ADVENT:

In preparing for Christmas during Advent, I would like to reflect up on the Gospel Acclamations each day.

You might wonder why I chose to reflect upon the Gospel Acclamations. My reasons are as follows:

 

1.    They are short and can be used as a prayer focus throughout the day.

2.    It encourages me to re-examine the Gospel itself for the day and the connections between the Gospel Acclamation and the Gospel itself.

3.    Gospel Acclamations at Mass can pass by quickly. This advent I want to sit with them prayerfully and give them attention.

 

Each post will proclaim the Gospel Acclamation and then ponder how the acclamation can be lived throughout Advent.

 

GOSPEL ACCLAMATION:

Alleluia, Alleluia O Radiant Dawn,
splendour of eternal light, sun of justice:
come and shine on those who dwell in darkness and in the shadow of death. Alleluia.

 

Today’s Gospel is taken from LK 1:67-79.  It is known in the Church as the Benedictus and is recited/chanted as part of Morning Prayer in the Prayer of the Church. There are many lines to ponder. It is Zechariah’s act of faith and praise.

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We may wish to reflect upon:

Take a moment this Christmas eve to say this prayer slowly and to let it speak to you.

 

KEY ACTION WORDS.

O Radiant Dawn,
splendour of eternal light,

sun of justice:
come

shine on those who dwell in darkness and in the shadow of death

 
PRAYER FOR TODAY

Jesus as we prepare for Your birthday, let me remember amongst the tinsel and gift giving and fine food the real reason for the season of Christmas. I want to welcome You with joy.  I want this Christmas to give you my gift (name it).

Come with splendour and eternal light into my soul. Come and shine on those areas of my life that are in darkness and are in the shadow of death.  Come O Radiant dawn and sun of justice and shine on me this Christmas.

 

 

This is the last post of this series as today is Christmas Eve.  The Gospel Acclamation and Gospel are those of Thursday of the Fourth Week of Advent not Vigil of Christmas readings.

I hope you have found this series helpful for Advent.  I have been pleased to write a post most days in Advent.  If you have found this series helpful, how might you incorporate it into your spiritual journey on an ongoing basis.  I hope that it has helped you realise how much can be gained from participating in the Gospel Acclamation fully both at Mass and in your own prayer time.

 

Wednesday of the Fourth Week of Advent Year B Gospel Acclamation Series.

 

ADVENT  2020 GOSPEL ACCLAMATION SERIES

Advent 2020 Gospel Acclamation series.

WEDNESDAY OF THE FOURTH WEEK OF ADVENT:

In preparing for Christmas during Advent, I would like to reflect up on the Gospel Acclamations each day.

You might wonder why I chose to reflect upon the Gospel Acclamations. My reasons are as follows:

 

1.    They are short and can be used as a prayer focus throughout the day.

2.    It encourages me to re-examine the Gospel itself for the day and the connections between the Gospel Acclamation and the Gospel itself.

3.    Gospel Acclamations at Mass can pass by quickly. This advent I want to sit with them prayerfully and give them attention.

 

Each post will proclaim the Gospel Acclamation and then ponder how the acclamation can be lived throughout Advent.

 

GOSPEL ACCLAMATION:

Alleluia, Alleluia. O King of all nations and keystone of the Church:
come and save man, whom you formed from the dust! Alleluia.

 

Today’s Gospel is taken from LK 1:57-66 which is the naming of John the Baptist. It is important to remember in this Gospel that until Zechariah wrote on the table’ His name is John”, he was still mute.  It was only then that his speech returned and he praised God. 

It is interesting to note the reaction of the neighbours too and presumably extended family.  They wanted to weigh in on the naming of the child.  Every expecting parent has been through that with either neighbours/extended family or friends at some point through the pregnancy.  Everyone can have an opinion but it is only the parent’s right to name the child.  In fact, it is God the Holy Spirit who names the child and inspires the parents to give the baby a certain name.  How many times have you heard of someone say that they were going to be called a particular name, but the parents changed their minds at the last minute?  This is no coincidence.

The other interesting point I find about the neighbours is no one suggested or reminded Zechariah that the angel had called him John.  Scripture does not tell us whether the neighbours were privy to the angel’s visit.  However, we can assume that at least some neighbours would have heard about it if they were not told by Zechariah himself or Elizabeth. With no prompting from others, Zechariah still holds out and calls the baby John.

Thankfully, Zechariah was strong enough to stand up to the opposition even though it was not the tradition of the time to call a first-born son another name.  He was normally named after the father.  He would have pondered the event of the angel coming to him before the baby was conceived who gave him the name John.  However, when he wrote on the tablet, ‘his name is John’ his speech returned and his punishment for doubting God through the message of Gabriel was finished.

 

We may wish to reflect upon:

What does my name mean and what does it convey about my personality?

What alternative names was I going to be called?

How do I engage in discussions that are not really my business?

Why is interference in other people’s business different from suggestion when asked?

 

KEY ACTION WORDS.

O King of all nations

Keystone of the Church

Come and save man

Whom You formed from the dust.

 

PRAYER FOR TODAY

Jesus You came to save me, to save all humanity. You are king of my heart today. You formed me from my mother’s womb yet to dust, I shall return. 
Help me to be open to a visit from an angel in whatever form that takes today and to be attuned to the promptings of the Holy Spirit to do Your Will.

 

 

 

 

Tuesday of the Fourth Week of Advent Year B Gospel Acclamation Series.

 

ADVENT  2020 GOSPEL ACCLAMATION SERIES

Advent 2020 Gospel Acclamation Series.

TUESDAY OF THE FOURTH WEEK OF ADVENT:

In preparing for Christmas during Advent, I would like to reflect up on the Gospel Acclamations each day.

You might wonder why I chose to reflect upon the Gospel Acclamations. My reasons are as follows:

 

1.    They are short and can be used as a prayer focus throughout the day.

2.    It encourages me to re-examine the Gospel itself for the day and the connections between the Gospel Acclamation and the Gospel itself.

3.    Gospel Acclamations at Mass can pass by quickly. This advent I want to sit with them prayerfully and give them attention.

 

Each post will proclaim the Gospel Acclamation and then ponder how the acclamation can be lived throughout Advent.

 

GOSPEL ACCLAMATION:

Alleluia, Alleluia. O King of all nations and keystone of the Church:
come and save man, whom you formed from the dust. Alleluia.

 

Today’s Gospel is taken from LK 1:46-56. It is a continuation from yesterday’s Gospel of the Visitation.  It is Mary’s response to Elizabeth.  Mary’s response which we know as the Magnificat was taken from the Old Testament. She did not compose it there and then whilst responding to Elizabeth.  However, the words were heartfelt and she meant to praise God for all that He had done and was doing in her life as well as for the joy of Elizabeth her cousin, who despite her advanced years was able to conceive herself after many years of being barren. Being barren in those days was considered a slight from God whereas children were considered a blessing from God.  Sadly, many people in our times not only do not consider it a blessing but many kill the unborn child through abortion.  What a difference in the response to conceiving a child.

Mary did not laud it over Elizabeth because she was bearing the Son of God as her child. For many people, that could have been an occasion for pride or power. No, Mary was conceived without sin herself but she also never sinned either personally.  She was able to live her life without ever sinning.  Can we live an hour, a morning, a day without some form of sin of thought, word or deed or omission?  Mary knew that this was because of the grace she had received but she also cooperated with this grace.

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We may wish to reflect upon:

How do I give God praise and thanksgiving every day in gratitude?

What is my attitude to conceiving a child?

How can I cooperate with grace that God gives me and not sin or sin less?

When do I use power or pride to ’be superior’ with others?  Am I really superior to others?

What have I learned from my advent journey?

What goals will I set for continual growth for the upcoming Christmas season?

 

KEY ACTION WORDS.

O King of all nations.

Keystone of the Church.

Come and save man.

You formed from the dust.

PRAYER FOR TODAY

Jesus, I praise You and I love You today.  You are King of my heart and King of all nations.  You are the keystone of the Church, since You came to save us from sin and to put right the sin of Adam and Eve.   Like Mary, may I praise You and thank You throughout today for  Your many blessings to me.  May I cooperate, like Mary with the graces You provide me today.

 

 

 

 

 

Monday of the Fourth Week of Advent Gospel Acclamation Series 2020

 

ADVENT  2020 GOSPEL ACCLAMATION SERIES

Advent 2020 Gospel Acclamation Series.

MONDAY OF THE THIRD WEEK OF ADVENT:

In preparing for Christmas during Advent, I would like to reflect up on the Gospel Acclamations each day.

You might wonder why I chose to reflect upon the Gospel Acclamations. My reasons are as follows:

 

1.    They are short and can be used as a prayer focus throughout the day.

2.    It encourages me to re-examine the Gospel itself for the day and the connections between the Gospel Acclamation and the Gospel itself.

3.    Gospel Acclamations at Mass can pass by quickly. This advent I want to sit with them prayerfully and give them attention.

 

Each post will proclaim the Gospel Acclamation and then ponder how the acclamation can be lived throughout Advent.

 

GOSPEL ACCLAMATION:

Alleluia, Alleluia O Emmanuel, our King and Giver of Law:
come to save us, Lord our God!.  . Alleluia.

 

Today’s Gospel is taken from LK 1:39-45.  It is the Gospel that retells the Visitation of Mary to her cousin Elizabeth. It is important to remember the terrain and the hilly country that Mary had to travel- no cars in those days.  Remember too she was pregnant in what would have been considered peculiar circumstances.  Her cousin Elizabeth who people had called barren, which in those days was considered a slight from God was now in her 6^th month.  Elizabeth did conceive herself as distinct from Mary, which was through the power of the Holy Spirit.  Nothing is impossible with God. It should also be considered that Elizabeth and Zechariah had prayed for a child but none, up to this point had been conceived. Still both mothers were together as pregnant mums to be.  Elizabeth was taken back to see Mary and to have a visit from her- ‘Why should I be honoured with a visit from the mother of my Lord’. Notice too that John the Baptist in the womb’ recognised’ Jesus too.  Yes, babies do kick but we can surmise that John the Baptist when he kicked in the womb also had a sense of who Mary was and who it was she was carrying also.   Mary stayed with Elizabeth 3 months- many people have morning sickness in the early months but Mary stayed with Elizabeth for 3 months up until the time of the birth of John the Baptist.  She realised that Elizabeth needed her. She was unselfish and did not think of her own pregnancy needs, but of Elizabeth.

We may wish to reflect upon:

How do I respond to someone I know is in need?

Am I willing to place the other person’s need over my own needs/wants/’desires?

What attitude do I have towards pregnant women?

Do I respect life of the unborn child or think I have the right to kill anunborn child through abortion?

Think of a time/incident in your life when someone came to give you help that you needed?

With advent near to a close, what can I spiritually do in these days?

How have I grown in the Advent season  and what have I learned about my spiritual life during this time?

 

KEY ACTION WORDS.

O Emmanuel

Our King

Giver of the law.

Come

To save us

Lord our God.

 

PRAYER FOR TODAY

Jesus come to us and save us.  You are Emmanuel which means God is with us.  Be with us today. Help me to have a generous heart and to put other people’s needs before my own. Help me to reach out to those in need who come across my path today. Come Lord Jesus and be born in my heart again today.. Let my spirit leap for joy like John the Baptist.

 

 

 

 

 

Saturday of the Third Week of Advent Gospel Acclamation Series.

 

ADVENT  2020 GOSPEL ACCLAMATION SERIES

Advent 2020 Gospel Acclamation series.

SATURDAY OF THE THIRD WEEK OF ADVENT:

In preparing for Christmas during Advent, I would like to reflect up on the Gospel Acclamations each day.

You might wonder why I chose to reflect upon the Gospel Acclamations. My reasons are as follows:

 

1.    They are short and can be used as a prayer focus throughout the day.

2.    It encourages me to re-examine the Gospel itself for the day and the connections between the Gospel Acclamation and the Gospel itself.

3.    Gospel Acclamations at Mass can pass by quickly. This advent I want to sit with them prayerfully and give them attention.

 

Each post will proclaim the Gospel Acclamation and then ponder how the acclamation can be lived throughout Advent.

 

GOSPEL ACCLAMATION:

Alleluia, Alleluia O Root of Jesse's stem, 

sign of God's Love for all His people.  

Come to saye us without delay. Alleluia.
 

Today’s Gospel is taken from: LK 1:5-25.  It is the Gospel that brings into focus the parents of John the Baptist, in particular his father Zechariah.   When Angel Gabriel announced the good news that he and Elizabeth were going to have a child, the details about the baby’s identity and role he would have in the salvation history of Israel, sadly Zechariah did not believe the angel and consequently became mute for the whole 9 months.  This is important because his muteness leaves him when he writes on a tablet (not a tablet of the modern era of course) ‘his name is John’.  Only then, his speech returns.

When I used to hear this Gospel, I used to think that it was unfair that he lost his speech because he asked the question “How shall I know this? 
For I am an old man, and my wife is advanced in years.”  I used to compare it with Mary asking at the annunciation “ How can this come about since I am a Virgin?”.  Seemed to me to be the same question really and Zechariah got a rough deal.
The key to understanding the difference is in the text

 ‘Both (Zechariah and Elizabeth) were righteous in the eyes of God, observing all the commandments and ordinances of the Lord blamelessly’. 

In other words, Zechariah should have known better. He was a priest and presumably he had received other visions because the crowds outside knew that this must have been the case. If this was the first vision he had received, then the crowd would have been more puzzled.  One gets the impression that Zechariah may have scoffed at the suggestion that Elizabeth and he would have a child since despite wanting to have a child, they were advanced in years (i.e., the body clock for conceiving was a very narrow window).  We know from the story of the annunciation that Elizabeth did conceive herself since the angel makes a point of telling Mary about it.

The other key is understanding that to be barren was considered a slight from God, something shameful must have occurred. He however had been righteous before God and had been praying that they could have a child.  His prayer had been answered and yet when it was answered with the news from the angel, he did not believe.
However, let us not be too harsh with Zechariah.  We do not know the tone of voice and he may have been overwhelmed with all that the angel told him would happen with the child yet to be born.  He did redeem himself when facing opposition from the neighbours 9 months later consent to the name John for the baby- the name the angel gave him in his Gospel. He made his act of faith then. He had no idea when or if his speech would return. Imagine 9 months without being able to speak. He had probably reflected many times on that encounter with the angel.
 
As you can probably tell, I am very partial to the Gospel.  It is a Gospel that I have had to wrestle with over the years to come to a place of understanding and peace. I think this Gospel can teach us a lot.
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We may wish to reflect upon
When do I remain silent when I need to speak out?
When do I speak when I need to remain silent?
Do I pray for a great need but doubt I will receive it from God?
How do I respond to God when He provides surprises for me?
What areas in my life do I feel humiliated/shameful?
How do I make other people feel shameful, humiliated or less than human?
 

KEY ACTION WORDS.

Sign of God’s love

For all His people

Come

To save us

Without delay.

 

PRAYER FOR TODAY

Jesus Come today and save me without delay.  Come and save me without delay from ( name it/them).  You are love itself. You came to save me.  You came to save all Your people. 

Help me to believe more fully in You, to believe and trust when I pray and to accept that my circumstances are unique.  I do not need to feel ashamed as You love me.  I should not make others feel less than either since You love them. 

Come Lord Jesus teach me to use my tongue for the Glory of You and to learn to keep my tongue still and my ears open to listen to You.

 

Friday of the Third Week of Advent Year B Gospel Acclamation Series

 

ADVENT  2020 GOSPEL ACCLAMATION SERIES

Advent 2020 Gospel Acclamation Series.

FRIDAY OF THE THIRD WEEK OF ADVENT:

In preparing for Christmas during Advent, I would like to reflect up on the Gospel Acclamations each day.

You might wonder why I chose to reflect upon the Gospel Acclamations. My reasons are as follows:

 

1.    They are short and can be used as a prayer focus throughout the day.

2.    It encourages me to re-examine the Gospel itself for the day and the connections between the Gospel Acclamation and the Gospel itself.

3.    Gospel Acclamations at Mass can pass by quickly. This advent I want to sit with them prayerfully and give them attention.

 

Each post will proclaim the Gospel Acclamation and then ponder how the acclamation can be lived throughout Advent.

 

GOSPEL ACCLAMATION:

Alleluia, Alleluia O Leader of the House of Israel,
giver of the Law to Moses on Sinai:
come to rescue us with your mighty power! Alleluia.

 

Today’s Gospel is taken from Mt 1:18-25 which. relates to the circumstances of the birth of Jesus and how an angel came to Joseph in a dream to reassure him and to help him understand further how and why Mary, his betrothed was pregnant.  Joseph did not want to hurt Mary in any way and wanted to divorce her informally so that it saved then but particularly Mary of any humiliation and embarrassment.  The angel in the dream was able to tell Joseph what he needed to know ie Mary had become pregnant by the power of the Holy Spirit. She had not been unfaithful and that he needed to understand that the baby that she was carrying was the Son of the High.  By learning more about the situation, Joseph was able to take Mary and make her His wife.  He also began to learn more about his role in this plan of God for salvation for the whole human race.

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We may wish to reflect upon:

What does God tell me about my own life situations in my dreams, in my subconscious or when I let go of preconceived ideas/outcomes?

What does this Gospel teach me about Joseph, his faith in God and his commitment?

Who are the angels/messengers that God sends into my life?  What do they say to me?

 

KEY ACTION WORDS.

O Leader of the House of Israel,
giver of the Law
come to rescue us

with your mighty power.

 

PRAYER FOR TODAY

Jesus, come to rescue us with Your Mighty Power.  Help me to know, love and serve You today.  Give me a greater understanding of Your Law.  Be O Leader of my House and come to rescue me.  Come Lord Jesus.

 

 

 

 

 

Thursday of Third Week of Advent Gospel Acclamation Series.

 

ADVENT  2020 GOSPEL ACCLAMATION SERIES

Advent 2020 Gospel Acclamation series.

THURSDAY OF THE THIRD WEEK OF ADVENT:

In preparing for Christmas during Advent, I would like to reflect up on the Gospel Acclamations each day.

You might wonder why I chose to reflect upon the Gospel Acclamations. My reasons are as follows:

 

1.    They are short and can be used as a prayer focus throughout the day.

2.    It encourages me to re-examine the Gospel itself for the day and the connections between the Gospel Acclamation and the Gospel itself.

3.    Gospel Acclamations at Mass can pass by quickly. This advent I want to sit with them prayerfully and give them attention.

 

Each post will proclaim the Gospel Acclamation and then ponder how the acclamation can be lived throughout Advent.

 

GOSPEL ACCLAMATION:

Alleluia, Alleluia O Wisdom of our God Most High,
guiding creation with power and love:
come to teach us the path of knowledge! Alleluia.

 

Today’s Gospel is taken from Mt 1:1-17 which is the known as the Genealogy of Jesus.  Why do we hear this in Advent.  It reminds us that Jesus came into the family of the world- obviously with Mary as His Divine Mother and Joseph, His Stepfather but also there was a lineage, a family tree and a heritage.  It is also important because it helps us think of our own background as well as being a member of the family of God.  It is interesting to note that only some women are mentioned and that not all of the ancestors of Jesus were perfect morally- no one is perfect of course but some of the ancestors of Jesus could have been considered the black sheep of their families.  Are we a black sheep of the family or perhaps are we considered by others as black sheep?  God never considers us black sheep. He loves us always.

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• We may wish to reflect upon:
• What is my relationship with my family and extended family  currently?
• Are there areas that could be improved this advent?
• If there is estrangement from the family, how does this affect my attitude with God’s family in my parish?
• How do I feel that God despite any past mistakes always has a place for me in His family?

KEY ACTION WORDS.

O Wisdom of Our God Most High

Guiding creation

With power and love

Come

To teach us

The path of knowledge.

 

PRAYER FOR TODAY

Jesus, I need your wisdom to guide creation with the power of Your Love.  Come and teach me this path of knowledge today. Let Your Wisdom be my guide and let the path of knowledge that You show be lit up. Guide all of creation. Come Lord Jesus. Come.

 

 

 

 

 

Wednesday of the Third Week of Advent Gospel Acclamation Series

 

ADVENT  2020 GOSPEL ACCLAMATION SERIES

Advent 2020 Gospel Acclamation series.

WEDNESDAY  OF THE THIRD WEEK OF ADVENT:

In preparing for Christmas during Advent, I would like to reflect up on the Gospel Acclamations each day.

You might wonder why I chose to reflect upon the Gospel Acclamations. My reasons are as follows:

 

1.    They are short and can be used as a prayer focus throughout the day.

2.    It encourages me to re-examine the Gospel itself for the day and the connections between the Gospel Acclamation and the Gospel itself.

3.    Gospel Acclamations at Mass can pass by quickly. This advent I want to sit with them prayerfully and give them attention.

 

Each post will proclaim the Gospel Acclamation and then ponder how the acclamation can be lived throughout Advent.

 

GOSPEL ACCLAMATION:

Alleluia, Alleluia Raise your voice and tell the Good News:
Behold, the Lord GOD comes with power. Alleluia.

 

Today’s Gospel is taken from LK 7:18B-23. John wishes to clarify that Jesus is the One – the Saviour or do they have to wait for someone else.  One might wonder whey he did not know, since he was a cousin.  Jesus gave his reply with the proof that John would understand. He would have known the Prophets so showing him that He was fulfilling what the Prophets had foretold would have helped John to understand.

It is interesting to note I think too that when the disciples went to Jesus, they used direct conversation pattern. No games like the Pharisees nor did they reword it into their own language. No, they relayed the message just as John asked.  There is a learning for us all I think right there.  How many times are things repeated with a different wording, a different emphasis  or focus than the person intended. This can become a problem, friends can lose trust in each other and all sorts of personal complications, hurts, misunderstandings can arise.  These disciples teach us something.  Jesus teaches us something too, of course since He provides what John needs to understand. He meets John through the disciples at his level of understanding.  This is so important to connect with the person where they are at not where we hope they could be or even where we are at if we are to help in the evangelisation process. 

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 We may wish to reflect upon:

•          What is our conversation pattern like with others- direct or manipulative or indirect with hidden agenda? 
•          What stops us from direct communication- fear, never been taught this process, holding onto our own power to manipulate others?
•          How do we relate to others when it comes to encouraging them in learning the faith- to tell the Good News?
•          What one step will I take during today or this week to live out this gospel?
•          Ponder the words of the Gospel Acclamation and use them throughout the day in prayer.

KEY ACTION WORDS.

Raise Your voice

Tell the Good News

Behold

The Lord God comes

With power.

 

PRAYER FOR TODAY

Jesus, today’s gospel teaches us that You meet us where we are at just like You helped John the Baptist to understand Your identity as Saviour.   Come and be my Saviour today.  Remove the blindness in my heart and soul, the paralysis in my being and come with power. Yes come Lord Jesus with power to me today.