The Season of Christmas

In 3rd century Rome, a pagan feast was introduced for December 25: sol invictus, “the invincible sun,” to celebrate the lengthening days after the winter solstice on the 21st. This feast was gradually co-opted by Christians to celebrate the Lord’s nativity. The Season of Christmas officially ends with the feast of the Baptism of the READ MORE

The Nativity of the Lord – Mass During the Day Year A

The Lectionary and Scripture Interpretation during Christmas More information can be found here. Isaiah 52:7-10 The book of Isaiah is actually three “books,” each written during a different time in Israel’s history. Isaiah I: shape up or else; exile is coming 1-39Isaiah II: Book of Consolation, comfort in captivity 40-55 Deutero Isaiah (suffering servant songs)Isaiah READ MORE

Fourth Sunday of Advent Year A

The Lectionary and Scripture Interpretation during Advent More information can be found here. Isaiah 7:10-14 The book of Isaiah is actually three “books,” each written during a different time in Israel’s history. Isaiah I: shape up or else; exile is coming 1-39Isaiah II: Book of Consolation, comfort in captivity 40-55 Deutero Isaiah (suffering servant songs)Isaiah READ MORE

Third Sunday of Advent Year A

The Lectionary and Scripture Interpretation during Advent More information can be found here. Isaiah 35:1-6a, 10 The book of Isaiah is actually three “books,” each written during a different time in Israel’s history. Isaiah I: shape up or else; exile is coming 1-39Isaiah II: Book of Consolation, comfort in captivity 40-55 Deutero Isaiah (suffering servant READ MORE

Second Sunday of Advent Year A

The Lectionary and Scripture Interpretation during Advent More information can be found here. Isaiah 11:1-10 The book of Isaiah is actually three “books,” each written during a different time in Israel’s history. Isaiah I: shape up or else; exile is coming 1-39Isaiah II: Book of Consolation, comfort in captivity 40-55 Deutero Isaiah (suffering servant songs)Isaiah READ MORE

The Season of Advent

Advent is a multi-layered liturgical time: He came. He’s coming. But he’s always here. “Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you.” Hebrews 13:5 Another way of looking at it…. He came once in history. He will come again someday in majesty. He comes to us every day in mystery. “Surely I am READ MORE

First Sunday of Advent Year A

The Lectionary and Scripture Interpretation during Advent More information can be found here. Isaiah 2:1-5 The book of Isaiah is actually three “books,” each written during a different time in Israel’s history. Isaiah I: shape up or else; exile is coming 1-39Isaiah II: Book of Consolation, comfort in captivity 40-55 Deutero Isaiah (suffering servant songs)Isaiah READ MORE