Feast of the Holy Family - December 31
Daily Prayer

"Lord, open my lips, and my mouth shall declare your praise."

Entrance Antiphon:
The shepherds hastened to Bethlehem, where they found Mary and Joseph,
and the baby lying in a manger. Luke 2:16

Daily Meditation:

Blessed are those that fear the Lord and walk in his ways.  Psalm 128

Every son or daughter can read the first reading and let it be a life long guide.
The second reading is a wonderful guide for family life.
We could all do well to prepare our New Year's resolution desires from here.
The gospel is from Luke and brings us back to Mary.
A sword will pass through her faithful heart.
May God bless all our families with fidelity and courage in loving as we have been loved.

And let the peace of Christ control your hearts,
the peace into which you were also called in one body.
And be thankful. Colossians 3

Intercessions:
Let us adore the Son of the living God who humbled himself
    to become a son of human family, and let us beseech him:
    Jesus, you became obedient; sanctify us.

Jesus, eternal Word of the Father, you made yourself subject
to Mary and Joseph,
- teach us humility.

You are our teacher, and your own mother pondered in
her heart every one of your words and deeds,
- make us attentive to your word, and let us ponder it in
hearts that are pure and good.

Christ, by your work the world was made, but you were
willing to be called a worker’s son,
- teach us to work diligently.

Jesus, in the family at Nazareth you grew in wisdom, age
and grace before God and men,
- help us to grow in all things toward you, our Head.

Closing Prayer:
God of such faithfulness,
we are a big and messy family;
both as humans - and in my own family.

Help me today to be especially patient and loving,
and to forgive those who have hurt me.
We may not look like "The Holy Family" I see in paintings,
yet we are united with Jesus, Mary and Joseph
because in your great love for us
you sent your son to live in this world
and to share in our human experience.

Sometimes I forget the sacredness of our family life
and the privilege it is to be together in this bond.
Help me not only love others as you love us,
but to be more aware of those families in the world
who struggle so much with poverty, war and disease.

Help me to pray with and for them today
and to carry an awareness of all families fleeing for safety,
longing for the peace you offer to us all.

May the Lord bless us,
protect us from all evil
and bring us to everlasting life.
Amen.

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Blessed Virgin Mary, Mother of God- January 1
World Day of Prayer for Peace
Titular Feast Day of the Society of Jesus

Daily Prayer

"Lord, open my lips, and my mouth shall declare your praise."

Opening Prayer: Let us pray that Mary, the mother of the Lord, will help us by her prayers God our Father, may we always profit by the prayers of the Virgin Mother Mary, for you bring us life and salvation through Jesus Christ her Son who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever.

Alternative Opening Prayer: Let us pray in the name of Jesus, born of a virgin and Son of God Father, source of light in every age, the virgin conceived and bore your Son who is called Wonderful God, Prince of Peace. May her prayer, the gift of a mother’s love, be your people’s joy through all ages. May her response, born of a humble heart, draw your Spirit to rest on your people. Grant this through Christ our Lord.

Pope Benedict XVI's Message Celebrating World Day of Peace, 2007
"The Human Person, The Heart of Peace"

Today's Readings

Daily Meditation:
The LORD bless you and keep you!
The LORD let his face shine upon you, and be gracious to you!
The LORD look upon you kindly and give you peace! Numbers 6

When eight days were completed for his circumcision, he was named Jesus,
the name given him by the angel before he was conceived in the womb. Luke 2

The beginning of the New Year gives us an opportunity to reflect upon so much.
We begin by dedicating this new year to Mary.
And because she gave birth to the Prince of Peace
it is a wonderful day to join with one another around the world to pray for peace.

Let us all make our resolutions in light of the graces that have been offered us
throughout this Advent and Christmas Season.

She will bear a son and you are to name him Jesus,
     because he will save his people from their sins.  Mt. 1

Today's Daily Reflection

Intercessions:
Let us give glory to Christ who was born of the Virgin Mary
by the power of the Holy Spirit,
and let us pray to him:
    Son of the Virgin Mary, have mercy on us.

Christ born of the Virgin Mary,
you are the Wonder-Counselor and Prince of Peace,
- give your peace to the world.

Our King and our God, you have raised us up by your coming
- help us to honor you all the days of our lives,
by our faith and our deeds.

You made yourself like us,
- in your mercy, grant that we may become more like you.

You made yourself a citizen of our earthly city,
- grant that we may become citizens of our true homeland,
your Kingdom in Heaven.

Closing Prayer:
Gracious God,
what a gift Mary is in my life.
I run from humility -
and yet I am touched by her response to you.
I am headstrong and arrogant -
and she shows me how to say Yes.

By her spirit, her example, her love
she helps bring peace into the world.
Help me to be just a small glimmer of your light
in the midst of a dark world.
Oh, Lord, let your face shine on me!

Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel
Shall come to thee, O Israel!

May the Lord bless us,
protect us from all evil
and bring us to everlasting life.
Amen.

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January 2
Daily Prayer

"Lord, open my lips, and my mouth shall declare your praise."

Opening Prayer:
God our Father,
when your Son was born of the Virgin Mary
he became like us in all things but sin.
May we who have been reborn in him
be free from our sinful ways.

We ask this through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son,
who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit,
one God, for ever and ever.

Today's Readings

Daily Meditation:
And now, children, remain in him, so that when he appears we may have confidence
and not be put to shame by him at his coming. 1 John 2

John answered them, "I baptize with water; but there is one among you whom you do not recognize,
the one who is coming after me, whose sandal strap I am not worthy to untie." John 1

Jesus baptizes us the the Holy Spirit. All that has prepared us for his coming
gives witness to his presence with us now.

May we remain in the one who has come to be with us.
May we place our trust in the one who promises us life.

Today's Daily Reflection

Intercessions:
Let us joyfully invoke the Son of God, our Redeemer,
who became man in order to restore man:
Be with us, Emmanuel.

Jesus, Son of the living God, King of glory, and Son of the Virgin Mary,
- brighten this day with the glory of your incarnation.

Jesus, Wonder-Counselor, Mighty-God, Father of the future, Prince of peace,
- direct our lives according to the holiness of your human nature.

Jesus, all-powerful, patient, obedient, meek and humble of heart,
- show the power of your gentleness to all.

Jesus, Father of the poor, immeasurable goodness, our way and our life,
- grant your Church the spirit of poverty.

Closing Prayer:
I beg you, Lord, give me the sight I need
so that I can see you in those around me
and welcome you into my heart
with the joy of celebration.

If only my eyes could be opened!
Give me the wisdom and internal vision to see
and I will recognize you as my savior
not only in my heart today
but in my life every day.

I ask that you help me to open my heart more fully
to your own dizzying love for me.
Help me to be grateful for your incredible gifts to me.

 

May the Lord bless us,
protect us from all evil
and bring us to everlasting life.
Amen.

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January 3
Daily Prayer

Opening Prayer:
All powerful Father,
you sent your Son Jesus Christ
to bring the new light of salvation to the world.
May he enlighten us with his radiance,
who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit,
one God, for ever and ever.

Today's Readings

Daily Meditation:
See what love the Father has bestowed on us that we may be called the children of God.
Yet so we are.
The reason the world does not know us is that it did not know him. 1 John 2

(John) saw Jesus coming toward him and said,
"Behold, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world. John 1

John recognizes Jesus, from the Light that descended from Heaven,
and invites the disciples - and us - to recognize Jesus.
He's the one who takes away our sins.

May we continue to welcome him,
more deeply into our hearts this week.
May we continue to celebrate the gift we have
in Jesus, now, and where we need it.

Today's Daily Reflection

Intercessions:
Let us glorify the Word of God who was revealed in the flesh,
appeared to the angels, and was proclaimed to the nations.
Let us faithfully acknowledge him:
We adore you, only-begotten Son of the Father.

Liberator of mankind, through the Virgin Mary you came to renew us,
- through her intercession keep us from our old ways.

You made your uncreated justice radiate from heaven to earth,
- direct our days and our nights in the brightness of the Sun.

Son of God, you have shown us the Father’s love,
- help us to show him to one another by our love.

You chose to dwell with us,
- make us worthy of your companionship.

Closing Prayer:
Lord of Light,
how many times do I walk by you
and not see you?

You have come onto this earth
to live in my life and embrace the humanity of us all.
I ask that you give me the light to see you
and to recognize your presence in others.

Take away my sins:
my sins of blindness and ignorance
and of indifference.

Help me to share in your great and compassionate heart
and the loving vision with which you see each one of us.

 

May the Lord bless us,
protect us from all evil
and bring us to everlasting life.
Amen.

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January 4
Daily Prayer 

"Lord, open my lips, and my mouth shall declare your praise."

Opening Prayer:
Let us pray

Father,
you make known the salvation of mankind
at the birth of your Son.
Make us strong in faith
and bring us to the glory you promise.

We ask this through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son,
who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit,
one God, for ever and ever.

Today's Readings

Daily Meditation:
Jesus turned and saw them following him and said to them,
"What are you looking for?" John 1

We can imagine this week that Jesus is turing to us and asking,
"What are you looking for?"
If only we can answer, "I want to be with you,
to learn from you, to spend time with you,
so that I can find a healing and missioning intimacy with you
throughout my day, even in difficult times,
especially, when I need strength and courage."

May we ask our Lord for what we desire this day,
and every day.

Today's Daily Reflection

Intercessions:
Christ embodied the wisdom of God,
his justice, his holiness and his saving power.
Let us praise him and call upon him confidently:
Lord, save us by your birth.

King of the world, the shepherds found you wrapped in swaddling clothes,
- make us willing participants in your poverty and simplicity.

Lord of heaven, from your royal throne you came down to the world,
- teach us to respect our less fortunate brothers and sisters.

Christ, light eternal, when you assumed our nature you did not take on its stain,
- help your faithful people to use the good things of the earth for your honor and glory.

You are the divine spouse of your Church; you stand in its midst as an impregnable tower,
- help the faithful to persevere in your Church towards salvation.

Closing Prayer:
Lord you look at me with such joy
and invite me to "come and see."
What is it you want to show me in your life
that can touch my own?
Hold my hand as I open my heart
and ask your help to find a freedom to serve.

Dispel my fears with the light of your radiance
in the dimly-lit depths of my soul.
With the gift of faith,
I know that you have healed me of
some tight selfishness that has kept me from opening my heart.

With the light of your salvation on me,
teach me to love you far beyond the words of my prayer.
I want to love you with my entire life.
You have come, Lord Jesus! Thank you!

 

May the Lord bless us,
protect us from all evil
and bring us to everlasting life.
Amen.

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January 5
Daily Prayer

"Lord, open my lips, and my mouth shall declare your praise."

Opening Prayer:
Lord,
fill our hearts with your light.
May we always acknowledge Christ as our savior
and be more faithful to his gospel,
for he lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit,
one God for ever and ever.

Today's Readings

Daily Meditation:
For this is the message you have heard from the beginning: we should love one another....
If someone who has worldly means sees a brother in need and refuses him compassion,
how can the love of God remain in him?
Children, let us love not in word or speech but in deed and truth. 1 John 3

But Nathanael said to him, "Can anything good come from Nazareth?"
Philip said to him, "Come and see." John 1

We await the revelation of God in our lives, just as the first disciples did.
And, we are tempted to ask, if any good - any revelation -
can come from the simple, ordinary, deep seated patterns of our lives.
The invitation is to "Come and see."
It's an invitation to make a move into those simple places
and to discover Jesus there.

May find our Lord's special way of loving us,
that we might become greater able to come to
our brothers and sister in need
and offer them the love and compassion Jesus has shown us.
And, may we offer love, not simply with words,
but with loving actions, for and with others.

Today's Daily Reflection

Intercessions:
The Word of God existed before the creation of the universe,
yet was born among us in time.
We praise and worship him as we cry out in joy:
Let the earth ring out with joy for you have come.

You are the unending Word of God who flooded the world with joy at your birth,
- fill us with joy by the continuous gift of your life.

You saved us and by your birth revealed to us the covenant faithfulness of the Lord,
- help us to be faithful to the promises of our baptism.

You are King of heaven and earth who sent messengers to announce peace to all,
- let our lives be filled with your peace.

You are the true vine that brings forth the fruit of life,
- make us the branches of the vine, bearing much fruit.


Closing Prayer:
Jesus, you became one of us on this earth.
What I want now is to be more like you:
more compassionate and patient,
more guided by your Holy Spirit.

You are a light in my life on earth
and an inspiration for how I live.
Give me the humility to acknowledge you as my savior.
Help me to be more grateful for all you have given me
so that my response might be one of generosity
to you and those you have placed in my life.

May the Lord bless us,
protect us from all evil
and bring us to everlasting life.
Amen.

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January 6
Feast of the Epiphany of the Lord
Daily Prayer

"Lord, open my lips, and my mouth shall declare your praise."

Today's Readings:

Daily Meditation:
Your light has come, the glory of the Lord shines upon you. Isaiah 60

May the kings of Tarshish and the islands bring tribute, the kings of Arabia and Seba offer gifts.
May all kings bow before him, all nations serve him.
For he rescues the poor when they cry out, the oppressed who have no one to help.
He shows pity to the needy and the poor and saves the lives of the poor. Psalm 72

The Gentiles are coheirs, members of the same body, and copartners in the promise in Christ Jesus through the gospel. 
Ephesians 3

This great feast is a feast of "revelation."
Jesus is the beloved Son of God,
a light for the whole world,
the very one who comes to us in time, this year,
to be our savior:
to rescue the poor, to hear our cry,
to save us in our need, in our poverty.

May we bring him the gifts of our faith and trust and hope.
May we recognize him as our savior
who gave his own life to set us free from the power of sin and death.
Come, let us adore him.

Intercessions:
Today our Savior was adored by the Magi.
Let us also worship him with joy as we pray
Light from Light, shine on us this day.

Christ, you revealed yourself in the flesh,
- sanctify us through prayer and the word of God.

Christ, your witness was the Spirit,
- free our lives from the spirit of doubt.

Christ, you revealed yourself to the angels,
- help us to feel the joy of heaven on earth.

Christ, you were proclaimed to the nations,
- by the power of the Holy Spirit open the hearts of all.

Christ, you generated faith in the world,
- renew the faith of all believers.

Christ, you were taken up in glory,
-enkindle in us a longing for your kingdom.

Closing Prayer:
Light of the world,
You have come into my life; you are here for me in my poverty.
I am dazzled by the gifts you bring to me on this day:
"Your light is strong, your love is near."

Truly you have drawn me far beyond the limits of the world,
and into the limit-less boundaries of your dizzying love.

My gifts are small, and often filled with fear.
They are my trust and my hope.
Please accept them and heal me
and let me be free enough to rejoice
that you are the Beloved Son
and that you have come for me.

May the Lord bless us,
protect us from all evil
and bring us to everlasting life.
Amen.

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Baptism of the Lord- January 7
Daily Prayer

"Lord, open my lips, and my mouth shall declare your praise."

Opening Prayer: Let us pray (that we will be faithful to our baptism.) Almighty, eternal God, when the Spirit descended upon Jesus at his baptism in the Jordan, you revealed him as your own beloved son. Keep us, your children, born of water and the Spirit, faithful to our calling. We ask this through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever.

Opening Prayer: Let us pray. Father, your only son revealed himself to us by becoming man. May we who share his humanity come to share his divinity, For he lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God forever and ever.

Opening Prayer: Let us pray (as we listen to the voice of God's Spirit.) Father in heaven, you revealed Christ as your son by the voice that spoke over the waters of the Jordan. May all who share in the son-ship of Christ, follow in his path of service to man, and reflect the glory of his kingdom even to the ends of the earth. For he is Lord forever and ever.

Today's Readings

Daily Meditation:
This is how you can know the Spirit of God:
every spirit that acknowledges Jesus Christ come in the flesh belongs to God,
and every spirit that does not acknowledge Jesus. 1 John 3

"The people who sit in darkness have seen a great light,
on those dwelling in a land overshadowed by death light has arisen." Mt. 4

Jesus comes down to the Jordan and,
in a profound gesture, enters our lives even more dramatically:
he humbles himself to be one with us in the waters of baptism.

In these days after Epiphany, let us keep letting the Light
shine into the places of darkness within us and around us.
And where we have seen and felt his enlightening, freeing presence,
let us continue to rejoice with Christmas joy.

Today's Daily Reflection

Intercessions:
Our redeemer desired to be baptized in the Jordan by John;
let us make this prayer to him:
Lord, have mercy.

Christ, you made your light shine on us by revealing yourself,
- grant us the spirit of humble service to all people.

Christ, you humbled yourself and received baptism from your servant
to show us the way of humility,
- grant us the spirit of humble service to our fellow men.

Christ, through your baptism you cleansed us of every blemish
and made us children of your father,
- bestow your spirit of adoption on all who see you.

Christ, through baptism you have consecrated creation
and opened the door of repentance to all who prepare for baptism,
- make us servants of your Gospel in the world.

Christ, through your baptism you revealed to us the Holy Trinity
when the Father called you his beloved Son
and the Holy Spirit came down upon you,
- renew the spirit of adoption among the royal priesthood of the baptized.

Closing Prayer:
Lord, this incredible season comes to an end today
but not the joy I have discovered in these weeks.

I can sense it - your summons in my life
and the response I feel growing in my heart.
I want to take up the mission you are calling me to
and follow in your path of service.

Thank you for making me one of your children
born in water and your Spirit.
Help me to listen to your voice in my life
and remember each day the happiness
of sharing the bond of baptism with you.

With your help, I can stay faithful to your calling
and celebrate my mission as your follower.
Thank you for this great gift!
May I be a light in the world for you.

May the Lord bless us,
protect us from all evil
and bring us to everlasting life.
Amen.

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