Tuesday 20th December

Let’s make some room at the inn

We’re in the middle of two great spiritual traditions that overlap in Advent: The O Antiphons (December 17-23)—recited at vespers for the church’s Liturgy of the Hours—and the celebration of “Las Posadas” (December 16-24), reenacting Joseph and Mary’s search for shelter ahead of Jesus’ birth. Since Las Posadas come from our Latin American brothers and sisters, each year the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops encourages us to work and pray, in intentional ways, for migrants to our country who—like Mary and Joseph—seek safety and basic biblical hospitality. The Key of David is also the key to our hearts. See Justice for Immigrants for more background and suggested actions.

Today's readings: Isaiah 7:10-14; Luke 1:26-38 (196).

Wednesday 21st December

A light of faith from the North Star 

On this day in 1892, Saint Peter Claver Catholic Church was founded in Saint Paul, Minnesota, the first black parish in the state of Minnesota. Founded decades before the Great Migration of southern blacks to northern states, the church was the brainchild of hopeful black Catholics (inspired by Josephite founder John Slattery, S.S.J.) and Archbishop John Ireland, a tireless advocate for black liberation in an era of widespread racism. The new church was named for the famed Jesuit missionary, just a few years after his canonization by Pope Leo XIII, and among its first members was Fredrick McGhee, the first black lawyer in state history. May he and his companions inspire our faith and encourage us to witness for justice in our daily lives!

Today's readings: Song of Songs 2:8-14 or Zephaniah 3:14-18a; Luke 1:39-45 

Thursday 22nd December

Picture this

For Americans, the O Antiphon for today, “O King of All Nations,” might be less than compelling since our incipient nation rebelled against the only king it ever had back in its colonial days. The image of God or Jesus as “king” comes from the prevailing social structures 2,000 years ago. Centuries of church-monarchy unity in Europe and elsewhere kept the tradition going. Contemporary Catholics can understand the power and authority of kingship, but God’s tenderness and mercy can be sidelined by this term, which leads to a good question for any disciple: What is your image of God? What helps you connect with the Divine?

Today's readings: 1 Samuel 1:24-28; Luke 1:46-56 (198).

Friday 23rd December

Rejoice, rejoice! 

The “O Emmanuel” antiphon heralds the conclusion of Advent. It also conveys a powerful truth about how we experience the divine. Yes, God is awesome and transcendent—and God is the one who draws close to us, takes on our humanity, and is truly Emmanuel, “God with us.” As we prepare to enter into the mystery of the Incarnation, let us take a moment to pray “O Emmanuel” and reflect on how we experience God with us in our day-to-day life. And as a church let us sing together, “Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel / Shall come to thee, O Israel.”

Today's readings: Malachi 3:1-4, 23-24; Luke 1:57-66 (199).

Saturday 24th December

Forgiveness under the tree 

If you haven’t finished your Christmas shopping by now, you’re toast (at least according to consumer culture). The best you can hope for now is forgiveness. Which is exactly what this day and this night are all about. Zechariah’s Benedictus in today’s gospel (which takes its name from the first words in Latin— Benedictus Dominus Deus Israel, “Blessed be the Lord God of Israel”) reflects God’s eternal plan of deliverance: “To give his people knowledge of Salvation by the forgiveness of their sins.” The best present you can give anybody, tonight or ever, is the forgiveness of their sins. Today is the perfect day to give this perfect gift!

Today's readings: Morning: 2 Samuel 7:1-5, 8b-12, 14a, 16; Luke 1:67-79 (200).