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
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The Nativity of the Lord – Mass During the Day
The Lectionary and Scripture Interpretation during Christmas More information can be found here. Isaiah 52:7-10 Book background This reading comes from the “Book of Consolation” – written to a people in exile. The message: stay strong; God will ultimately prevail! This passage envisions that day when God prevails and God’s presence returns to Jerusalem. You 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 Book background The story of Ahaz can be found in 2 Kings 16. Ahaz was actively preparing for a siege of Jerusalem by Damascus and Samaria. He chose to rely on the intervention of an Assyrian king to protect his 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 Book background Chapter 35 is a reflection on deliverance from the enemy and what that will look like. It’s a beautiful picture full of unexpected images. Last week the Isaiah reading was about a tree blooming from a bare 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 Book background. The Jewish notion of what a Messiah would be developed over time. Invaders harassed the Jewish people almost from the founding of the nation. Over time it became increasingly clear that the Assyrians would overtake not only the 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. Overview Advent is the season of waiting. For what or whom are you waiting? How can you order your days this Advent season to stay awake, be prepared, and truly look for Christ’s coming? Isaiah 2:1-5 Background of the book. This passage READ MORE