Saturday of the Octave of Christmas 2022

 "On the seventh day of Christmas...my true love gave to me...seven swans a swimming..."

Symbolism: The seven swans a swimming
refers to the Seven Gifts of the Holy Spirit:
Wisdom, Understanding, Courage,
Wonder & Awe, Right Judgement,
Knowledge and Reverence

Scripture: "And the Spirit of the Lord will rest upon him:
the spirit of wisdom and understanding, the spirit of counsel
and fortitude, the spirit of knowledge and piety."
Isaiah 11:2

Readings for the Day:
1 John 2:18-21
Psalm 96
John 1:1-18

Friday of the Octave of Christmas 2022

~Today is also the FEAST OF THE HOLY FAMILY. ~

"On the sixth day of Christmas...my true love gave to me...six geese a laying..."

Symbolism: The six geese a laying symbolizes
the six days of creation.

Scripture: "And God saw everything that he had made. And they were very good. And it became evening and morning, the sixth day. And so the heavens and the earth were completed, with all their adornment. And on the seventh day, God fulfilled his work, which he had made. And on the seventh day he rested from all his work, which he had accomplished."
Genesis 1:31 and 2:1-2

Readings for the Day:
Sirach 3:2-6, 12-14
Psalm 128
Matthew 2:13-15, 19-23

Thursday of the Octave of Christmas 2022

 ~Today is also the Memorial for St. Thomas Becket.~

"On the fifth day of Christmas, my true love sent to me.....
five gold rings......"

Symbolism: The five gold rings is symbolic of the Pentateuch or Torah....
the first five books of the Bible.
(Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers & Deuteronomy)

Scripture: "And they read from the book of the law of God, distinctly and plainly, so as to be understood. And when it was read, they did understand."
Nehemiah 8:8

Readings for the Day:
1 John 2:3-11
Psalm 96
Luke 2:22-35

Wednesday of the Octave of Christmas 2022

 Today is the Ordinary Feast of the Holy Innocents.

A link has been added with the
Coventry Carol, a Christmas song
about the Slaughter of the Innocents.

"On the fourth day of Christmas....
My true love gave to me.......
Four calling birds........"

Symbolism: The Four Calling Birds stand for
the Four Gospel Writers...
Matthew, Mark, Luke & John.

Scripture: "And he said to them:
“Go forth to the whole world and
preach the Gospel to every creature."
Mark 16:15

Readings of the Day:
1 John 1:5-2:2
Psalm 124
Matthew 2:13-18

Tuesday of the Octave of Christmas 2022

 ~Today is also a Feast of St. John the Apostle and Evangelist. ~

"On the third day of Christmas, my true love gave to me...
three French Hens...."

Symbolism: The three French Hens are symbols for the Three Things that Last: Faith, Hope & Love.

Scripture: "But for now, these three continue: faith, hope, and love. And the greatest of these is love."
1 Corinthians 13:13

Readings for the Day:
1 John 1:1-4
Psalm 97
John 20:1a, 2-8

Monday of the Octave of Christmas 2022

 Today is also the Feast of St. Stephen.

A link has been added about the life of this first martyred saint.

Today, being St. Stephen's Day, is the day on which the song GOOD KING WENCESLAS was to have taken place. King Wenceslas was a kind, Christian king who was martyred, as well. A link has been added about his life and another link has been added where you may hear the carol about this caring saint.

"On the second day of Christmas,

  my true love gave to me.....

  Two Turtle Doves..."

Symbolism: TWO TURTLE DOVES stands for the two different sections of the Bible....the OLD TESTAMENT and the NEW TESTAMENT.

Scripture: "And Moses returned from the mountain, carrying the two tablets of the testimony in his hand, written on both sides, and accomplished by the work of God. Also, the writing of God was engraved on the tablets."

Exodus 32:15-16

Readings of the Day:

Acts 6:8-10; 7:54-59

Psalm 31

Matthew 10:17-22

Christmas Day 2022

 Merry Christmas!

(The readings for the day are listed below.)

Today begins the Church's celebration of the 12 Days of the Christmas Season...the 12 days until the celebration of the Epiphany.

Centuries ago, the song THE 12 DAYS OF CHRISTMAS, was used as a way for Christians to share their faith with their children. Each symbol represented an aspect of the faith. To the right are links explaining the historical grounds for this tradition. We will use the words of the song on this site as our way to share in the celebration of the Birth of our Savior. (If you click on the link for the OLQHS Religious Interactive File on our webpage, you can download printable ornaments for the 12 days of Christmas with the meanings on the back.)

"On the first day of Christmas, my true love gave to me...
A Partridge in a Pear Tree."

Symbol: The Partridge in a Pear Tree is the sacrificed Savior, Jesus Christ, on the "tree" of the Cross.
Scripture: "And they arrived at the place which is called Golgotha, which is the place of Calvary. And they gave him wine to drink, mixed with gall. And when he had tasted it, he refused to drink it. Then, after they had crucified him, they divided his garments, casting lots, in order to fulfill what was spoken by the prophet, saying: “They divided my garments among them, and over my vestment they cast lots.” And sitting down, they observed him. And they set his accusation above his head, written as: THIS IS JESUS, KING OF THE JEWS. Then two robbers were crucified with him: one on the right and one on the left. But those passing by blasphemed him, shaking their heads, and saying: “Ah, so you would destroy the temple of God and in three days rebuild it! Save your own self. If you are the Son of God, descend from the cross.” And similarly, the leaders of the priests, with the scribes and the elders, mocking him, said: “He saved others; he cannot save himself. If he is the King of Israel, let him descend now from the cross, and we will believe in him. He trusted in God; so now, let God free him, if he wills him. For he said, ‘I am the Son of God.’ ” Then, the robbers who were crucified with him also reproached him with the very same thing. Now from the sixth hour, there was darkness over the entire earth, even until the ninth hour. And about the ninth hour, Jesus cried out with a loud voice, saying: “Eli, Eli, lamma sabacthani?” that is, “My God, My God, why have you forsaken me?” Then certain ones who were standing and listening there said, “This man calls upon Elijah.” And one of them, running quickly, took a sponge and filled it with vinegar, and he set it on a reed and he gave it to him to drink. Yet truly, the others said, “Wait. Let us see whether Elijah will come to free him.” Then Jesus, crying out again with a loud voice, gave up his life. And behold, the veil of the temple was torn into two parts, from top to bottom. And the earth was shaken, and the rocks were split apart. And the tombs were opened. And many bodies of the saints, which had been sleeping, arose. And going out from the tombs, after his resurrection, they went into the holy city, and they appeared to many. Now the centurion and those who were with him, guarding Jesus, having seen the earthquake and the things that were done, were very fearful, saying: “Truly, this was the Son of God.”
Matthew 27:33-54

Readings of the Day:
Isaiah 52:7-10
Psalm 98
Hebrews 1:1-6
John 1:1-18

Fourth Saturday of Advent ~ Christmas Eve

~There is a special CHRISTMAS EVE video posted in the links. Enjoy.~

Jesse Tree Story: JESUS

Jesse Tree Symbol: CHI-RO

Scripture: "In the beginning was the Word: The Word was with God and the Word was God. He was with God in the beginning. Through Him all things came into being, not one thing came into being except through Him. What has come into being through Him was life, life that was the light of men; and light shines in darkness, and darkness could not overpower it. A man came, sent by God. His name was John. He came as a witness, to bear witness to the light, so that everyone might believe through him. He was not the light; he was to bear witness to the light. The Word was the real light that gives light to everyone; he was coming into the world. He was in the world that had come into being through him, and the world did not recognize him. He came to his own and his own people did not accept him. But to those who did accept him he gave power to become children of God, to those who believed in his name who were born not from human stock or human desire, or human will but from God himself. The Word became flesh, he lived among us, and we saw his glory, the glory that he has from the Father as only Son of the Father, full of grace and truth. John witnesses to him. He proclaims: 'This is the one of whom I said: He who comes after me has passed ahead of me because he existed before me.' Indeed, from his fullness we have, all of us, received - one gift replacing another, for the Law was given through Moses, grace and truth have come through Jesus Christ. No one has ever seen God; it is the only Son, who is close to the Father's heart, who has made him known."

John 1:1-18

Commentary:

Jesus is the climax of the family tree.  Jesus is the Savior of the world.

The symbol is the Chi-Rho, a Greek word that makes up the first three letters of the name of Christ.  It is considered the royal monogram of Jesus.

Fourth Saturday of Advent Readings:

2 Samuel 7:1-5, 8-12, 15-16

Psalm 89

Luke 1:67-79

Christmas Eve Reading (Vigil):

Isaiah 62: 1-5

Psalm 89

Acts 13: 16-17, 22-25

Matthew 1:1-25

Nativity of Our Lord - Midnight Mass:

Isaiah 9:1-6

Psalm 96

Titus 2:11-14

Luke 2:1-14

Friday of the Fourth Week of Advent 2022

 ~The O ANTIPHON for today is Come, O Emmanuel~

O Come, O Come Emmanuel
Our king and our lawgiver
The hope of the nations and their Savior
Come and save us, O Lord our God

Jesse Tree Story: MARY

Jesse Tree Symbol: A WHITE LILY
Scripture: "Then, in the sixth month, the Angel Gabriel was sent by God, to a city of Galilee named Nazareth, to a virgin betrothed to a man whose name was Joseph, of the house of David; and the name of the virgin was Mary. And upon entering, the Angel said to her: “Hail, full of grace. The Lord is with you. Blessed are you among women.” And when she had heard this, she was disturbed by his words, and she considered what kind of greeting this might be. And the Angel said to her: “Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found grace with God. Behold, you shall conceive in your womb, and you shall bear a son, and you shall call his name: JESUS. He will be great, and he will be called the Son of the Most High, and the Lord God will give him the throne of David his father. And he will reign in the house of Jacob for eternity. And his kingdom shall have no end.” Then Mary said to the Angel, “How shall this be done, since I do not know man?”
And in response, the Angel said to her: “The Holy Spirit will pass over you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you. And because of this also, the Holy One who will be born of you shall be called the Son of God. And behold, your cousin Elizabeth has herself also conceived a son, in her old age. And this is the sixth month for her who is called barren. For no word will be impossible with God.” Then Mary said: “Behold, I am the handmaid of the Lord. Let it be done to me according to your word.” And the Angel departed from her."
Luke 1:26-38

Commentary:

Mary was the temple God prepared for his Son, more beautiful than Solomon's magnificent temple in Jerusalem.  She was the woman whose seed, Christ, would crush the serpent's head, as God had promised. 

The symbol is the lily, a sign of purity.

Readings for the Day:

Malachi 3:1-4, 23-24

Psalm 25

Luke 1:57-66

Thursday of the Fourth Week of Advent 2022

~Today's O ANTIPHON is KING OF NATIONS~

O King of the nations, and the desire, the cornerstone making both one: Come and save the human race, which you fashioned from clay.

Jesse Tree Story: JOSEPH

Jesse Tree Symbol:  CARPENTER'S SQUARE OR HAMMER

Scripture: "Then Joseph, her husband, since he was just and was not willing to hand her over, preferred to send her away secretly. But while thinking over these things, behold, an Angel of the Lord appeared to him in his sleep, saying: “Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid to accept Mary as your wife. For what has been formed in her is of the Holy Spirit. And she shall give birth to a son. And you shall call his name JESUS. For he shall accomplish the salvation of his people from their sins.” Now all this occurred in order to fulfill what was spoken by the Lord through the prophet, saying: “Behold, a virgin shall conceive in her womb, and she shall give birth to a son. And they shall call his name Emmanuel, which means: God is with us.” Then Joseph, arising from sleep, did just as the Angel of the Lord had instructed him, and he accepted her as his wife.”
Matthew :19-24

Commentary:  Through the story of Joseph, we learn to trust in God's Will. Although Joseph could have quietly divorced Mary, he chose instead to stand firm by her side, will God's help....even if he did not understand God's Will.

Readings of the Day:
1 Samuel 1:24-28
1 Samuel 2
Luke 1:46-56

Wednesday of the Fourth Week of Advent 2022

O ANTIPHON:
"O Radiant Dawn, splendor of light eternal and sun of righteousness: Come and enlighten those who dwell in darkness and the shadow of death. 
Rejoice, Rejoice Emmanuel shall come to thee O Israel."

Jesse Tree Story: JOHN THE BAPTIST

Jesse Tree Symbol: SCALLOPED SHELL

Scripture: "Then, in the fifteenth year of the reign of Tiberius Caesar, Pontius Pilate being procurator of Judea, and Herod tetrarch of Galilee, and his brother Philip tetrarch of Ituraea and of the region of Trachonitis, and Lysanias tetrarch of Abilene, under the high priests Annas and Caiaphas: the word of the Lord came to John, the son of Zechariah, in the wilderness. And he went into the entire region of the Jordan, preaching a baptism of repentance for the remission of sins, just as it has been written in the book of the sermons of the prophet Isaiah: “The voice of one crying out in the wilderness: Prepare the way of the Lord. Make straight his paths. Every valley shall be filled, and every mountain and hill shall be brought low. And what is crooked shall be made straight. And the rough paths shall be made into level ways. And all flesh shall see the salvation of God.” Therefore, he said to the crowd that went out in order to be baptized by him: “You progeny of vipers! Who told you to flee from the approaching wrath? So then, produce fruits worthy of repentance. And do not begin to say, ‘We have Abraham as our father.’ For I tell you that God has the power to raise up sons to Abraham from these stones. For even now the axe has been placed at the root of the trees. Therefore, every tree that does not produce good fruit shall be cut down and cast into the fire.” And the crowed was questioning him, saying, “What then should we do?” But in response, he said to them: “Whoever has two coats, let him give to those who do not have. And whoever has food, let him act similarly.” Now the tax collectors also came to be baptized, and they said to him, “Teacher, what should we do?” But he said to them, “You should do nothing more than what has been appointed to you.” Then the soldiers also questioned him, saying, “And what should we do?” And he said to them: “You should strike no one, and you should not make false accusations. And be content with your pay.” Now all were thinking about John in their hearts, and the people were supposing that perhaps he might be the Christ. John responded by saying to everyone: “Indeed, I baptize you with water. But there will arrive one stronger than me, the laces of whose shoes I am not worthy to loosen. He will baptize you in the Holy Spirit, and with fire. His winnowing fan is in his hand. And he will purify his threshing floor. And he will gather the wheat into the barn. But the chaff he will burn with unquenchable fire.” Indeed, he also proclaimed many other things, exhorting the people. But Herod the tetrarch, when he was corrected by him concerning Herodias, his brother’s wife, and concerning all the evils that Herod had done, added this also, above all else: that he confined John to prison."
Luke 3:1-20

Commentary: As we continue to wait in our Advent, we are reminded to repent from sin. John plays a part in the prophecies of Isaiah. He was the "voice crying out in the wilderness." Listen...

Readings of the Day:
Song of Songs 2:8-14
Psalm 33
Luke 1:39-45

Tuesday of the Fourth Week of Advent 2022

~The O ANTIPHON for today is O COME, KEY OF DAVID~
     "O Key of David and scepter of the House of Israel, who dost open and no man shut, who dost shut and no man doth open, come and bring forth from his prison house the captive that sitteth in darkness and in the shadow of death," 

Jesse Tree Story:  ELIZABETH

Jesse Tree Symbol:  DOVE

Scripture:  "And in those days, Mary, rising up, traveled quickly
into the hill country, to a city of Judah. And she entered into the
house of Zechariah, and she greeted Elizabeth.
And it happened that, as Elizabeth heard the greeting of Mary,
the infant leaped in her womb, and Elizabeth was filled with the
Holy Spirit. And she cried out with a loud voice and said:
“Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of
your womb. And how does this concern me, so that the mother
of my Lord would come to me? For behold, as the voice of your
greeting came to my ears, the infant in my womb leaped for joy.
And blessed are you who believed, for the things that were spoken
to you by the Lord shall be accomplished.” And Mary said: “
My soul magnifies the Lord. And my spirit leaps for joy in God
my Savior. For he has looked with favor on the humility of his
handmaid. For behold, from this time, all generations shall call me blessed.
For he who is great has done great things for me, and holy is his name.
And his mercy is from generation to generations for those who fear him.
He has accomplished powerful deeds with his arm. He has scattered the
arrogant in the intentions of their heart. He has deposed the powerful
from their seat, and he has exalted the humble. He has filled the hungry
with good things, and the rich he has sent away empty.
He has taken up his servant Israel, mindful of his mercy,
just as he spoke to our fathers: to Abraham and to his
offspring forever.” Then Mary stayed with her for about three months.
And she returned to her own house."
Luke 1:39-56

Commentary:  Elizabeth is one of the first persons to experience the Joy of Christ. As she feels her child, John, leap in her womb, she knows that her Savior is about to be born.

Readings of the Day:
Song of Songs 2:8-14
Psalm 33
Luke 1:39-45

Monday of the Fourth Week of Advent 2022

O Antiphon: O Root of Jesse, standing as a sign among the peoples; before you kings will shut their mouths, to you the nations will make their prayer: Come and deliver us, and delay no longer. Rejoice, Rejoice, Emmanuel shall come to thee, O Israel.

Jesse Tree Story:  THE THREE MAGI

Jesse Tree Symbol:  A LIGHTED CANDLE

Scripture: "And so, when Jesus had been born in Bethlehem of Judah, in the days of king Herod, behold, Magi from the east arrived in Jerusalem, saying: “Where is he who was born king of the Jews? For we have seen his star in the east, and we have come to adore him.” Now king Herod, hearing this, was disturbed, and all Jerusalem with him. And gathering together all the leaders of the priests, and the scribes of the people, he consulted with them as to where the Christ would be born. And they said to him: “In Bethlehem of Judea. For so it has been written by the prophet: ‘And you, Bethlehem, the land of Judah, are by no means least among the leaders of Judah. For from you shall go forth the ruler who shall guide my people Israel.’ ”Then Herod, quietly calling the Magi, diligently learned from them the time when the star appeared to them. And sending them into Bethlehem, he said: “Go and diligently ask questions about the boy. And when you have found him, report back to me, so that I, too, may come and adore him.” And when they had heard the king, they went away. And behold, the star that they had seen in the east went before them, even until, arriving, it stood still above the place where the child was. Then, seeing the star, they were gladdened by a very great joy. And entering the home, they found the boy with his mother Mary. And so, falling prostrate, they adored him. And opening their treasures, they offered him gifts: gold, frankincense, and myrrh. And having received a response in sleep that they should not return to Herod, they went back by another way to their own region."
Matthew 2:1-12

Commentary: The three Magi look for Jesus, guided by the light of a star, shining brightly above his birthplace.  They prostrate themselves before the manger and present their gifts.  The white candle symbolizes Christ; the glow reminds us of the halo of  light that signifies his divinity and power." 

Readings of the Day:
Song of Songs 2:8-145
Psalm 33
Luke 1:39-45

 

Fourth Sunday of Advent 2022

 O Antiphon: O come, O come thou Lord and Leader of the house of Israel, Who didst appear to Moses in the flame of the burning bush, and didst give unto him the Law of Sinai: come and with an outstretched arm redeem us.

Jesse Tree Story: GIDEON

Jesse Tree Symbol: PITCHER

Scripture: "The three groups blew their horns and smashed their pitchers; with their left hands they grasped the torches, with their right hands the horns for blowing them; and they shouted, 'The sword for Yahweh and for Gideon!' And they stood still, spaced out round the camp. The whole camp was thrown into confusion and the Midianites fled, shouting.”
Judges 7:20-21

Commentary: God revealed His power to Gideon, who came from a poor family, by letting his army of 300 men defeat more than 100,000 at Midian. Gideon followed the Lord's instruction to have his men approach the town with their torches hidden under pitchers. The people of Midian were so startled when the pitchers were broken that many began fighting among themselves. Gideon became a leader and judge, helping his people obey God's true laws.

Readings of the Day:
Isaiah 7:10-14
Psalm 24
Romans 1:1-7
Luke 1:18-24

Saturday of the Third Week of Advent 2022

~Today, we also begin the O ANTIPHONS during the LITURGY OF THE HOURS. This is a way to intensely prepare for the approaching CHRISTMAS SEASON. There will be a different "O ANTIPHON" posted each day until Christmas.

O Antiphon: O WISDOM, did'st come out of the mouth of the Most High, reaching from end to end and ordering all things mightily and sweetly: come and teach us the way to prudence.

Response: Rejoice, Rejoice, Emmanuel shall come to thee, O Israel.

Jesse Tree Story: MICAH

Jesse Tree Symbol: THE CITY OF BETHLEHEM

Scripture: "And you, Bethlehem Ephrata, are a little one
among the thousands of Judah. From you will go forth
he who shall be the ruler in Israel, and his landing place
has been set from the beginning, from the days of eternity."
Micah 5:2

Commentary: The prophet Micah told us where Christ would be born.  "And you Bethlehem out of you shall He come forth unto me, that is to be the ruler in Israel." 

Readings for the Day:
Genesis 49: 2, 8-10
Psalm 72
Matthew 1:1-17

Friday of the Third Week of Advent 2022

Jesse Tree Story: DANIEL

Jesse Tree Symbol: THE PROPHET'S TABLET

Scripture: "I was still praying to the Lord, my God, confessing my sin and the sin of my people Israel, presenting my petition concerning the holy mountain of my God. I was still praying when the man, Gabriel, whom I had seen in a vision before, came to me in flight at the time of the evening offering. He instructed me in these words: "I have now come to give you understanding. When you began your petition, an answer was given which I have come to announce, because you are beloved. Therefore, mark the answer and understand the vision. Seventy weeks are decreed for your people and for your holy city. The transgression will stop and sin will end, guilt will be expiated. Everlasting justice will be introduced, vision and justice ratified, and the holy of holies will be anointed. Know and understand: From the utterance of the word that Jerusalem was to be rebuilt. Until there is an anointed ruler, there shall be seven weeks. In the course of sixty-two weeks, it shall be rebuilt, with squares and trenches, in time of affliction. After the sixty-two weeks and anointed one will be cut down with no one to help him. And the people of a leader who will come shall destroy the city and the sanctuary. His end shall come in a flood: until the end of the war, which is decreed, there will be desolation. For one week, he shall make a firm covenant with the many; half the week he shall abolish sacrifice and offering; in their place shall be the desolating abomination until the ruin that is decreed is poured out upon the desolator."

Daniel 9:20-27

Commentary: Daniel was told in a vision the exact time when the Redeemer of the world would come.  "From the going forth to build up Jerusalem again, unto Christ, there shall be seven weeks and sixty-two weeks." 

Readings for the Day:
Isaiah 56: 1-3a, 6-8
Psalm 67
John 5:33-36

Thursday of the Third Week of Advent 2022

Jesse Tree Story: JUDITH

Jesse Tree Symbol: ARMY TENT

Scripture: "Hearing how the water shortage had demoralized the people and how they had complained bitterly to the headman of the town, and being also told what Wzziah had said to them and how he had given them his oath to surrender the town to the Assyrians in five days time, Judith immediately sent the serving woman who ran her household to summon Chabis and Charmis, two elders of the town.  When these came in, she said, "Listen to me, leaders of the people of Bethulia. You were wrong to speak to the people as you did today and to bind yourself by oath, in defiance of God, to surrender the town to our enemies if the Lord did not come to you help within a set number of days. Who are you, to put God to the test today, you of all people, to set yourselves above Him? You put the Lord Almighty to the test! You do not understand anyting, and never will. If you cannot sound the depths of the human heart or unravel the arguments of the human mind, how can you fathom he God who made all things, or sound His mind or unravel His purpose? No, brothers, do not provoke the anger of the Lord our God. Although it may not be His will to help us within the next five days, He has the power to protect us for as many days as He pleases, just as He has the power to destroy us before our enemies. But you have no right to guarantees where the designs of the Lord our God are concerned. For God is not to be threatened as a human being is, not is He, like a mere human, to be cajoled. Rather, as we wait patiently for Him to save, let us plead with Him to help us. He will hear our voice if such is good pleasure. And indeed of recent times and still today there is not one tribe of ours, or family, or village, or town that has worshipped gods made by human hand, as one has done, which was the reason why our ancestors were delivered over to sword and sack, and perished in misery at the hands of our enemies. We for our part acknowledge no other God but Him; and so we may hope He will not look on us disdainfully or desert our nation. If indeed they capture us, as you expect, then all Judea will be captured too, and our holy places plundered, and we shall answer with our blook for their profanation. The slaughter of our brothers, the captivity of our country, the unpeopling of our heritage, will recoil on our own heads among the nations whose slaves we shall become, and our new masters will look down on us as an outrage and a disgrace; for our surrender will not be reinstate us in their favor; no the Lord our God will make it a thing to be ashamed of. So now, brothers, let us set an example to our brothers, since their lives depend on us, and the sanctuary - Temple and Altar - rests on us. All this being so, let us rather give thanks to the Lord our God who, as He tested our ancestors, is now testing us. Remember how He treated Abraham, all the ordeals of Isaac, all that happened to Jacob in Syrian Mesopotamia while He kept the sheep of Laban, his mother's brother. For as these ordeals were intended by him to search their hearts, so now this is not vengeance that God is exacting on us, but a warning inflicted by the Lord on those who are not near His heart."

Judith 8:9-27

Commentary: Judith killed the leader of the Assyrian army with a sword and saved the Israelite nation.  She prefigured Mary whose "Fiat" brought salvation to all mankind.            

Readings for the Day:
Isaiah 54:1-10
Psalm 30
Luke 7:24-30

Wednesday of the Third Week of Advent 2022

Jesse Tree Story: JONAH

Jesse Tree Symbol: THE WHALE

Scripture: "The waters surrounded me, even to the soul. The abyss has walled me in. The ocean has covered my head."
Jonah 2:6

"For just as Jonah was in the belly of the whale for three days and three nights, so shall the Son of Man be in the heart of the earth for three days and three nights."
Matthew 12:40

Commentary: Jesus used the story of Jonah, who was swallowed by a
whale and miraculously disgorged upon the shore on the third day,
to point out his own burial and resurrection. 

Readings of the Day:
Isaiah 45:6c-8, 18, 21c-25
Psalm 85
Luke 7:18b-23

Tuesday of the Third Week of Advent 2022

~Today is also the Feast of St. Lucy.~

Jesse Tree Story:  HABAKKUK

Jesse Tree Symbol:  STONE WATCHTOWER

Scripture:  "The burden that Habakkuk the prophet saw.
How long, O Lord, shall I cry out, and you will not heed? Shall I shout to you while suffering violence, and you will not save?Why have you revealed to me iniquity and hardship, to see plunder and injustice opposite me? And there has been judgment, but the opposition is more powerful.Because of this, the law has been torn apart, and judgment does not persevere to its conclusion. For the impious prevail against the just. Because of this, a perverse judgment is issued. Gaze among the nations, and see. Admire, and be astounded. For a work has been done in your days, which no one will believe when it is told. For behold, I will raise up the Chaldean, a bitter and swift people, marching across the width of the earth, to possess tabernacles not their own. It is dreadful and terrible. From themselves, judgment and their burden will issue. Their horses are more nimble than leopards and swifter than wolves in the evening; their horsemen will spread out. And then their horsemen will approach from far away; they will fly like the eagle, hurrying to devour. They will all approach towards the prey; their face is like a burning wind. And they will gather captives together like sand. And concerning kings, he will triumph, and sovereign rulers will be his laughingstock, and he will laugh over every fortress, and he will transport a rampart and seize it.Then his spirit will be altered, and he will cross over and fall. Such is his strength from his god. Have you not existed from the beginning, Lord my God, my holy one, and so we shall not die? Lord, you have stationed him for judgment, and you have establish that his strength will be swept away.Your eyes are pure, you do not behold evil, and you cannot look towards iniquity. Why do you look upon the agents of iniquity, and remain silent, while the impious is devouring one who is more just than himself? And you will make men like the fish of the sea and like the creeping things that have no ruler. He lifted up everything with his hook. He drew them in with his dragnet, and gathered them into his netting. Over this, he will rejoice and exult.
For this reason, he will offer victims to his dragnet, and he will sacrifice to his netting. For through them, his portion has been made fat, and his meals elite.
Because of this, therefore, he expands his dragnet and will not be lenient in continually putting to death the peoples.I will stand firm during my watch, and fix my position over the fortification. And I will observe carefully, to see what might be said to me and what I might respond to my opponent."
Habakkuk 1:1-2:1

"I heard, and my stomach became troubled. My lips trembled at the voice. Let decay enter into my bones and gush forth from within me. Then I may rest in the day of tribulation, so that I may ascend to our people well-prepared. For the fig tree will not flower, and there will be no bud on the vines. The labor of the olive tree will be misleading, and the farmland will produce no food. The sheep will be cut off from the sheepfold, and there will be no herd at the manger. But I will rejoice in the Lord; and I will exult in God my Savior. The Lord God is my strength. And he will set my feet like those of the stag. And he, the victor, will lead me beyond my high places while singing psalms."
Habakkuk 3:16-19

Commentary:  The prophet Habakkuk stood upon the watch tower and waited for the Anointed One, revealing to God’s people that the Lord would end violence and wickedness.We wait and we watch for the day when Jesus will come again in righteousness.

Readings of the Day:
Zephaniah 3:1-2, 9-13
Psalm: 34
Matthew 21:28-32

Monday of the Third Week of Advent 2022

~Today is also the FEAST OF OUR LADY OF GUADALUPE. ~

Jesse Tree Story: JEREMIAH

Jesse Tree Symbol: VEIL OF TEARS

Scripture: "The word of Yahweh came to me, saying: 'Before I formed you int he womb I knew you; before you came to birth I consecrated you; I appointed you as prophet to the nations.' I then said: 'Ah, Lord Yahweh; you see, I do not know how to speak: I am only a child!' But Yahweh replied, 'Do not say, I am only a child, for you must go to all tp whom I send you and say whatever I command you. Do not be afraid of confronting them, for I am with you to rescue you, Yahweh declares.' Then Yahweh stretched out his hand and touched my mouth, and Yahweh said to me: "There! I have put my words into your mouth. Look, today I have set you over the nations and kingdoms, to uproot and to knock down, to destroy and to overthrow, to build and to plant."

Jeremiah 1:4-10

Commentary: Jeremiah's life resembled the life of Jesus in his mission and suffering.  The Lord speaks to Jeremiah while he is in exile, describing his grief as an endless fountain of tears because his people have turned to worshiping idols.

Readings of the Day:
Zechariah 2:14-17

Judith 13
Luke 1:26-38

Third Sunday of Advent 2022

 ~Today is GAUDETE SUNDAY, the Sunday of Rejoicing for Emmanuel will come!

"Rejoice, Rejoice! Emmanuel will come to you, oh Israel."

Jesse Tree Story: ISAIAH
Jesse Tree Symbol: A HOT EMBER

Scripture: "Listen to the Word of the Lord, you leaders of the people of Sodom. Listen closely to the law of our God, o people of Gomorrah: The multitude of you sacrifice, what is that to me, says the Lord? I am full. I do not desire holocausts of rams, nor the fatlings, nor the blood of calves and of lambs and he-goats. When you approach before my sight, who is it that requires these things from your hands, so that you would walk in my courts? You should no longer offer sacrifice in vain. Incense is an abomination to me. The new moons and the Sabbaths and the other feast days, I will not receive. Your gatherings are iniquitous. My soul hates your days of proclamation and your solemnities. They have become bothersome to me. I labor to endure them. And so, when you extend your hands, I will avert my eyes from you. And when you multiply your prayer, I will not heed you. For your hands are full of blood. Wash, become clean, take away the evil of your intentions from my eyes. Cease to act perversely. Learn to do good. Seek judgment, support the oppressed, judge for the orphan, defend the widow. And then approach and accuse me, says the Lord. Then, if your sins are like scarlet, they shall be made white like snow; and if they are red like vermillion, they shall become white like wool. If you are willing, and you listen to me, then you will eat the good things of the land. But if you are not willing, and you provoke me to anger, then the sword will devour you. For the mouth of the Lord has spoken."
Isaiah 1:10-20

Commentary: The prophet Isaiah is called to holiness, but he is afraid he is not worthy of revealing the living God. Isaiah sees angels around the throne of the Lord and one of them takes a hot ember with tongs and touches it against his lips, enabling him to go forth and deliver God's Word.

Readings of the Day:
Isaiah 35:1-6, 10
Psalm 146
James 5:7-10
Matthew 11:2-11

Saturday of the Second Week of Advent 2022

 Jesse Tree Story: DAVID

Jesse Tree Symbol: STAR OF DAVID

Scripture: " But the Spirit of the Lord withdrew from Saul, and a wicked spirit from the Lord disturbed him. And the servants of Saul said to him: “Behold, an evil spirit from
God disturbs you. May our lord order, and your servants, who are before you, will seek a man skillful in playing a stringed instrument, so that when the evil spirit from the
Lord assails you, he may play with his hand, and you may bear it more easily.” And Saul said to his servants, “Then provide for me someone who can play well, and bring him
to me.” And one of the servants, responding, said: “Behold, I have seen the son of Jesse of Bethlehem, a skillful player, and very strong and robust, a man fit for war, and prudent in words, a handsome man. And the Lord is with him.” Therefore, Saul sent messengers to Jesse, saying, “Send to me your son David, who is in the pastures.” And so, Jesse took a donkey laden with bread, and a bottle of wine, and a kid from one of the goats, and he sent them, by the hand of his son David, to Saul. And David went to Saul and stood before him. And he loved him exceedingly, and he made him his armor bearer.
And Saul sent to Jesse, saying: “Let David remain before my sight. For he has found favor in my eyes.” And so, whenever the evil spirit from the Lord assailed Saul, David took up his stringed instrument, and he struck it with his hand, and Saul was refreshed and uplifted. For the evil spirit withdrew from him."
1 Samuel 16:14-23

Commentary: David, the king and prophet, descended from the royal line of Christ. In David's psalms, he foretold many things about the coming of the Savior. 

Readings for the Day:
Sirach 48:1-4, 9-11
Psalm 80
Matthew 17:9a, 10-13

Friday of the Second Week of Advent 2022

  Jesse Tree Story: SAMUEL

Jesse Tree Symbol: SHEPHERD'S CROOK WITH THE FLOCK

Scripture: "He then asked Jesse, 'Are these all the sons you have?' Jesse replied, 'There is still one left, the youngest; he is looking after the sheep.' Samuel then said to Jesse, 'Send for him, for we shall not sit down to eat until he arrives. Jesse had him sent for; he had ruddy cheeks, with fine eyes and an attractive appearance. Yahweh said, 'Get up and anoint him: he is the one!' At this, Samuel took the horn of oil and annointed him, surrounded by his brothers; and the spirit of Yahweh seized on David from that day onwards. Samuel, for his part, set off and went to Ramah."
1 Samuel 16:11-13

Commentary: God sent his prophet Samuel to David, a young shepherd boy, to anoint him as the new King of Israel.

Readings for the Day:
Isaiah 48: 17-19
Psalm 1
Matthew 11:16-19

Thursday of the Second Week of Advent 2022

 Jesse Tree Story: JESSE

Jesse Tree Symbol: A FLOWER SPRINGING FROM JESSE'S ROOT

Scripture: "And a rod will go forth from the root of Jesse, and a 
flower will ascend from his root."
Isaiah 11:1

Commentary: The prophet Isaiah foretold that the Savior
would be born from the root of Jesse and that he would sit
upon the throne of David.

Readings for the Day:
Isaiah 41:13-20
Psalm 145
Matthew 11:11-15

Wednesday of the Second Week of Advent 2022

 Jesse Tree Story: JOSHUA

Jesse Tree Symbol: TRUMPET

Scripture: And after the death of Moses, the servant of the Lord, it happened that the Lord spoke to Joshua, the son of Nun, the minister of Moses, and he said to him: “Moses, my servant, has died. Rise up, and cross this Jordan, you and all the people with you, into the land which I will give to the sons of Israel. I will deliver to you every place that the step of your foot will tread upon, just as I said to Moses. From the desert and from Lebanon, even to the great river Euphrates, all the land of the Hittites, as far as the great sea opposite the setting of the sun, shall be your border. No one will be able to resist you during all the days of your life. Just as I was with Moses, so will I be with you. I will not leave you, nor will I forsake you. Be strengthened and be steadfast. For you shall divide by lot, to this people, the land about which I swore to their fathers that I would deliver it to them. Therefore, be strengthened and be very steadfast, so that you may observe and accomplish the entire law, which Moses, my servant, instructed to you. You may not turn aside from it to the right, nor to the left. So may you understand all that you should do. The book of this law shall not depart from your mouth. Instead, you shall meditate upon it, day and night, so that you may observe and do all the things that are written in it. Then you shall direct your way and understand it. Behold, I am instructing you. Be strengthened and be steadfast. Do not dread, and do not fear. For the Lord your God is with you in all things, wherever you may go. And Joshua instructed the leaders of the people, saying: “Cross through the midst of the camp, and command the people, and say: ‘Prepare your food supplies. For after the third day, you shall cross the Jordan, and you shall enter so as to possess the land, which the Lord your God will give to you.’ ”

 Now Jericho was closed as well as fortified, out of fear of the sons of Israel, and no one dared to depart or to enter. And the Lord said to Joshua: “Behold, I have given Jericho into your hand, with its king and all the strong men. Have all the warriors circle the city once each day; you shall do so for six days. Then, on the seventh day, the priests shall take the seven trumpets, which are used on the jubilee, and they shall precede the ark of the covenant. And you shall circle the city seven times, and the priests shall sound the trumpets. And when the voice of the trumpet sounds longer and with interruptions, and it increases in your ears, then all the people shall cry out together with a very great shout, and the walls of the city shall fall to the foundation, and they shall enter it, each from a place opposite where they are standing.” Then Joshua, the son of Nun, called the priests, and he said to them, “Take the ark of the covenant, and let seven other priests take the seven trumpets of the jubilee, and advance before the ark of the Lord.” He also said to the people, “Go, and circle the city, armed, preceding the ark of the Lord.” And when Joshua had finished his words, and the seven priests sounded the seven trumpets before the ark of the covenant of the Lord, and all the armed soldiers went ahead, the remainder of the common people followed the ark, and the sound of the trumpets grew louder everywhere. But Joshua had instructed the people, saying, “You shall not cry out, nor shall your voice be heard, and no word at all shall proceed from your mouth, until the day arrives on which I will say to you, ‘Cry out, and shout.’ " Thus, the ark of the Lord circled the city once each day, and returning to the camp, it remained there. And so, with Joshua, arising in the night, the priests took the ark of the Lord, and seven of them took the seven trumpets, which are used in the jubilee, and they preceded the ark of the Lord, walking and sounding the trumpets. And the armed men went before them, and the remainder of the common people followed the ark, and they were blaring the trumpets. And they circled the city on the second day, once, and they returned to the camp. They did so for six days. Then, on the seventh day, rising at first light, they circled the city, just as had been ordered, seven times. And at the seventh circling, when the priests sounded the trumpets, Joshua said to all of Israel: “Shout! For the Lord has delivered the city to you. And let this city be anathema, with all the things that are within it, before the Lord. May only Rahab the harlot live, with all who are with her in the house. For she hid the messengers whom we sent. But you must be careful that you do not touch any of those things, as you have been instructed, for then you would be guilty of transgression, and all the camp of Israel would be under sin and would be troubled. But whatever gold and silver there will be, and vessels of brass or of iron, let these be consecrated to the Lord and be stored in his treasuries.” Therefore, with all the people shouting, and the trumpets blaring, after the voice and the sound increased in the ears of the multitude, the walls promptly fell to ruin. And each one climbed up at the place which was opposite where he was. And they seized the city.
Joshua 1:1-11, 6:1-20

Commentary:

According to God's instructions to Joshua, the walls around the besieged city of Jericho crumble at the sound of the ram horn trumpets blown by holy men. The spoils were left for the Israelites.

Readings for the Day:
Genesis 3:9-15, 20

Psalm 98
Ephesians 1:3-6, 11-12
Luke 1:26-38

Tuesday of the Second Week of Advent 2022

 Jesse Tree Story: MT. SINAI

Jesse Tree Symbol: TEN COMMANDMENTS

Scripture: "Then God spoke all these words. He said, 'I am Yahweh your God who brought you out of Egypt, where you lives as slaves. You shall have no other gods to rival me. You shall not make yourself a carved image or any likeness of anything in Heaven above or on earth beneath or in the waters under the earth. You shall not bow down to them or serve them. For I, Yahweh your God, am a jealous God and I punish a parent's fault in the children, the grandchildren, and the great-grandchildren among those who hate me; but I act with faithful love towards thousands of those who love me and keep my commandments. You shall not misuse the name of Yahweh your God, for Yahweh will not leave unpunished anyone who misuses his name. Remember the Sabbath day and keep it holy. For six days you shall labor and do all your work, but the seventh day is a Sabbath for Yahweh your God. You shall do no work that day, neither you nor your son nor your daughter nor your servants, men or women, nor your animals not the alien living with you. For in dix days Yahweh made the heavens, earth and sea and all that these contain, but on the seventh day he rested; that is why Yahweh has blessed the Sabbath day and made it sacred. Honor your father and your mother so that you may live long in the land that Yahweh your God is giving you. You shall not kill. You shall not commit adultery. You shall not steal. You shall not give false witness against your neighbor. You shall not set you heart on your neighbor's house. You shall not set you heart on your neighbor's spouse, or servant, man or woman, or ox, or donkey, or any of your neighbor's possessions.' Seeing the thunder pealing, the lightening flashing, the trumpet blasting and the mountain smoking, the people were all terrified and kept their distance."
Exodus 20:1-18

Commentary: God delivered the commandments to Moses on Mount Sinai and Moses brought the resulting tablets back to him people…the Law for the people. .

Readings for the Day:
Isaiah 40:1-11
Psalm 96
Matthew 18:12-24

Monday of the Second Week of Advent 2022

 Jesse Tree Story: MOSES

Jesse Tree Symbol: THE BURNING BUSH

Scripture: "Now Moses was pasturing the sheep of his father-in-law Jethro, a priest of Midian. And when he had driven the flock into the interior of the desert, he came to the mountain of God, Horeb. And the Lord appeared to him in a flame of fire from the midst of a bush. And he saw that the bush was burning and was not burnt. Therefore, Moses said, “I will go and see this great sight, why the bush is not burnt.” Then the Lord, discerning that he proceeded on to see it, called to him from the midst of the bush, and he said, “Moses, Moses.” And he responded, “Here I am.” And he said: “Lest you should approach here, remove the shoes from your feet. For the place on which you stand is holy ground.”
Exodus 3:1-5

Commentary: God said to Moses: "I will raise up for them a
prophet like you from among their kinsmen.
And I will put my word in his mouth."

Readings for the Day:
Isaiah 35: 1-10
Psalm 85
Luke 5:17-26

Second Sunday of Advent 2022

 Jesse Tree Story: JOSEPH

Jesse Tree Symbol: THE COAT OF MANY COLORS

Scripture: One day, when his brothers had gone to pasture their father's flocks at Shechem, Israel said to Joseph, "Your brothers, you know, are tending our flocks at Shechem. Get ready; I will send you to them." "I am ready," Joseph answered. "Go then," he replied; "see if all is well with your brothers and the flocks, and bring back word." So he sent him off from the valley of Hebron. When Joseph reached Shechem, a man met him as he was wandering about in the fields. "What are you looking for?" the man asked him. "I am looking for my brothers," he answered. "Could you please tell me where they are tending the flocks?" The man told him, "They have moved on from here; in fact, I heard them say,  'Let us go on to Dothan.'" So Joseph went after his brothers and caught up with them in Dothan. They noticed him from a distance, and before he came up to them, they plotted to kill him. They said to one another: "Here comes that master dreamer! Come on, let us kill him and throw him into one of the cisterns here; we could say that a wild beast devoured him. We shall then see what comes of his dreams." When Reuben heard this, he tried to save him from their hands, saying: "We must not take his life. Instead of shedding blood," he continued, "just throw him into that cistern there in the desert; but don't kill him outright." His purpose was to rescue him from their hands and restore him to his father. So when Joseph came up to them, they stripped him of the long tunic he had on; then they took him and threw him into the cistern, which was empty and dry. They then sat down to their meal. Looking up, they saw a caravan of Ishmaelites coming from Gilead, their camels laden with gum, balm and resin to be taken down to Egypt. Judah said to his brothers: "What is to be gained by killing our brother and concealing his blood? Rather, let us sell him to these Ishmaelites, instead of doing away with him ourselves. After all, he is our brother, our own flesh." His brothers agreed. They sold Joseph to the Ishmaelites for twenty pieces of silver. Some Midianite traders passed by, and they pulled Joseph up out of the cistern and took him to Egypt. When Reuben went back to the cistern and saw that Joseph was not in it, he tore his clothes, and returning to his brothers, he exclaimed: "The boy is gone! And I--where can I turn?" They took Joseph's tunic, and after slaughtering a goat, dipped the tunic in its blood. Then they sent someone to bring the long tunic to their father, with the message: "We found this. See whether it is your son's tunic or not." He recognized it and exclaimed: "My son's tunic! A wild beast has devoured him! Joseph has been torn to pieces!" Then Jacob rent his clothes, put sackcloth on his loins, and mourned his son many days.
Genesis 37:12-34


Commentary: Joseph, another son of Jacob, prefigures Christ. He was betrayed by his brothers, imprisoned unjustly and saved Egypt from death by starvation. He never lost faith and was exulted by God. 

Readings of the Day:
Isaiah 11:1-10
Psalm 72
Romans 15:4-9
Matthew 3:1-12

Saturday of the First Week of Advent 2022

 ~Today is also the Memorial of St. Francis Xavier.~

Jesse Tree Story: JUDAH
Jesse Tree Symbol: THE CROWN & SCEPTER

Scripture: "The scepter shall never depart from Judah,
or the mace from between his legs, while tribute is
brought to him, and he receives the people's homage."
Genesis 49:10

Commentary: When Jacob gave the birth right to his
fourth son, Judah, he proclaimed: "The scepter shall
not depart from Judah nor the staff from between his
feet until he comes to whom it belongs."

Readings of the Day:
Is 30:19-21, 23-26
Psalm 147
Matthew 9:35-10:1, 5A,

Friday of the First Week of Advent 2022

 Jesse Tree Story: JACOB

Jesse Tree Symbol: A LADDER

Scripture: "Then he had a dream: a stairway rested on the ground, with its top reaching to the heavens; and God's messengers were going up and down on it. And there was the LORD standing beside him and saying: "I, the LORD, am the God of your forefather Abraham and the God of Isaac; the land on which you are lying I will give to you and your descendants. These shall be as plentiful as the dust of the earth, and through them you shall spread out east and west, north and south. In you and your descendants all the nations of the earth shall find blessing."
Genesis 28:12-14

Commentary: God renewed his promise to Isaac's son, Jacob, through a dream in which he saw angels ascending and descending a ladder which reached from heaven to earth. 

Readings of the Day:
Isaiah 29: 17-24
Psalm 27
Matthew 9:27-31

First Thursday of Advent 2022

 Jesse Tree Story: ISAAC

Jesse Tree Symbol: THE ALTAR OF HOLOCAUST

Scripture: "I will bless you and make your descendants
as countless as the stars of the sky and the sands of the
seashore; your descendants will take possession of the
gates of their enemies, and in your descendants all the
nations of the earth will find blessing, because you
obeyed my command.” Genesis 22:17-18


Commentary: Since God saved Isaac from the
sacrificial altar, he was able to carry on God's
promise to Abraham. 

Readings of the Day:
Isaiah 26:1-6
Psalm 118
Matthew 7:21, 24-27