Entrance Antiphon:
When a profound silence covered all things
and night was in the middle of its course,
your all-powerful Word, O Lord,
bounded from heaven’s royal throne.
Collect:
Grant, we pray, almighty God,
that the newness of the Nativity in the flesh
of your Only Begotten Son may set us free,
for ancient servitude holds us bound
beneath the yoke of sin.
Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son,
who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
God forever and ever
Today’s Readings - Lectionary # 203
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.
Intercessions:
Let us pray to Christ, in whom the Father willed to make
all things new:
Beloved Son of God, hear us.
Son of God, you were with the Father in the beginning,
and in the fullness of time you became a man,
- Give us a brother’s love for all people.
You became poor to make us rich; you emptied yourself
that we might be lifted up by your lowliness and share
in your glory,
- Make us faithful ministers of your Gospel.
You shone on those who dwelt in darkness and the
shadow of death,
- Give us holiness, justice and peace.
Give us a heart that is upright and sincere, so that we may
listen to your word,
- and bring it to perfection in ourselves and in the world
for the sake of your glory.
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.