Feast of the Holy Family of Jesus, Mary and Joseph - December 31

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

Entrance Antiphon:
The shepherds went in haste and
found Mary and Joseph, and the Infant lying in a manger. Luke 2:16

Collect:
O God, who were pleased to give us
the shining example of the Holy Family,
graciously grant that we may imitate them
in practicing the virtues of family life and in the bonds of charity,
and so, in the joy of your house,
delight one day in eternal rewards.
Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son,
who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
one God, for ever and ever.

Today's Readings - Lectionary #17

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 tells the story from Matthew of the Holy Family becoming refugees
fleeing an unjust ruler. They will always know God's fidelity in their crisis.
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

Today's Daily Reflection

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

Daily Prayer

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

Collect:
O God, who through the fruitful virginity of Blessed Mary
bestowed on the human race
the grace of eternal salvation,
grant, we pray,
that we may experience the intercession of her,
through whom we were found worthy
to receive the author of life,
our Lord Jesus Christ, your son.

Who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
one God, for ever and ever. 

Today's Readings - Lectionary #18

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.

Celebrating Christmas Home | Creighton University's Online Ministries

Memorial of Saints Basil the Great and Gregory Nazianzen, Bishops and Doctors of the Church - January 2
Daily Prayer  

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

Collect:
O God, who were pleased to give light to your Church
by the example and teaching
of the Bishops Saints Basil and Gregory,
grant, we pray,
that in humility we may learn your truth
and practice it faithfully in charity.
Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son,
who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
God, for ever and ever.

Today's Readings - Lectionary # 205

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.

.  Celebrating Christmas Home | Creighton University's Online Ministries

Christmas Weekday - January 3
Daily Prayer

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

Collect:
O God, whose Only Begotten Son
has appeared in our very flesh
grant, we pray, that we may be inwardly transformed
through him whom we recognize as outwardly like ourselves.
Who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit,
one God, for ever and ever. *

Today's Readings - Lectionary # 206

Daily Meditation:
In this is love: not that we have loved God,
but that he loved us and sent his Son as expiation for our sins. 1 John 4

O God, give your judgment to the king; your justice to the son of kings;
That he may govern your people with justice, your oppressed with right judgment, ...
That he may defend the oppressed among the people, save the poor and crush the oppressor. Psalm 72

His heart was moved with pity for them, for they were like sheep without a shepherd;
and he began to teach them many things. ...
They all ate and were satisfied. Mark 6

Jesus is full of compassion for us in his unconditional love for us.
Even when it seems impossible, he still shows us the way
and nourishes us with his love.

May we be grateful for his love for us these days.
May we be like him in our love for one another.

Today's Daily Reflection

Intercessions:
Let us rejoice in the compassion of Christ,
who came to free mankind from the slavery of corruption and
to give us the freedom of the sons of God.
Trusting in this divine compassion, we plead:
By your birth, deliver us from evil.

Lord, you existed before the ages, yet you entered into a new life,
- renew us continually through the mystery of your birth.

Without surrendering your divinity, you wondrously took on our humanity,
- grant that our lives may press on to a fuller participation in your divinity.

You came to be a light to the nations, the teacher of holiness,
- let your words be a light along our way.

Word of God made flesh in the womb of the Virgin Mary, you entered this world,
- live in our hearts always through faith.

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.

'In this is love.' It is impossible to believe
in the kind of love you have for me.
If only I believed it - how different my life would be!
It seems impossible that you could love me as you do
and yet you are the very center of that impossible love.

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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Memorial of Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton, Religious - January 4
Daily Prayer 

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

Collect:
O God, who crowned with the gift of true faith
Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton’s burning zeal to find you,
grant by her intercession and example
that we may always seek you with diligent love
and find you in daily service with sincere faith.
Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son,
who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
God, for ever and ever.

Today's Readings - Lectionary # 207

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:
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:
You turn to me with such loving eyes
and ask, “What are you looking for?”
I don't always know the answer, Lord,
but I know that your question fills my heart
with a longing to be with you and to work at your side
in loving and caring for your people.

You honor all of humanity by your presence in this life
and I am in awe that you have become one of us.
God with us, Emmanel.
Help my heart to continue to rejoice at the news
that you free me from my sins.

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

 Celebrating Christmas Home | Creighton University's Online Ministries

Memorial of Saint John Neumann, Bishop - January 5
Daily Prayer 

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

Collect:
O God, who called the Bishop Saint John Neumann,
renowned for his charity and pastoral service,
to shepherd your people in America,
grant by his intercession
that as we foster the Christian education of youth
and are strengthened by the witness of brotherly love,
we may constantly increase the family of your Church.
Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son,
who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
God, for ever and ever.

Today's Readings - Lectionary # 208

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:
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.

 Celebrating Christmas Home | Creighton University's Online Ministries
   
Christmas Weekday - January 6
Daily Prayer

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

Collect:
Cast your kindly light upon your faithful, Lord, we pray,
and with the splendor of your glory
set their hearts ever aflame,
that they may never cease to acknowledge their Savior
and may truly hold fast to him.
Who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
one God, for ever and ever.

Today's Readings - Lectionary # 209

Daily Meditation:
The Lord is a light in darkness to the upright; he is gracious, merciful, and just. Psalm 111:4

These days we continue to appreciate the ways Jesus is Light in our darkness
and we ask for the graces we need to continue to be grateful and faithful
to his special presence in our lives.

May we be grateful for his love for us these days.
May we be like him in our love for one another.

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 woship 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.

* New English translation according to the Third Typical Edition of the Roman Missal. 2010,
Copyright International Commission on English in the Liturgy.