(Optional Memorial for Saint Peter Canisius, Priest, Doctor)
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“Annunciation and Nativity”
by Petrus Christus, 1452
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Commentary:
Reading 1
First Option: Song of Songs 2:8-14
Commentary on Sg 2:8-14
From the Song of Songs we are given a love song, in this instance the bride seeing her love approach. The time of their meeting draws near and she begs for the time they can be together: “Let me see you, let me hear your voice, for your voice is sweet, and you are lovely." This reading is a favorite at weddings for obvious reasons. Placed here, on the verge of Christmastide, we see a more complete purpose as the Church rejoices in the coming of her bridegroom, Christ.
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OR
Second Option: Zephaniah 3:14-18a
Commentary on Zep 3:14-18a
The Prophet Zephaniah begins this passage with an exaltation of praise to God. His invitation sounds in the present tense, but then he says: “On that day, it shall be said to Jerusalem…” which places the event, the rejoicing over the Lord God being in their midst, in the future. In effect, this is a prediction of events to come. Zephaniah also includes the effects of God’s presence as he continues: “a mighty savior; he will rejoice over you with gladness, and renew you in his love.”
We hear the expectation of the Messiah: “The King of Israel, the Lord, is in your midst.” In this case the effects of the Messiah on the people are the focus. The prophet proclaims a renewal of God's loving adoption and the joy felt by the Father at his favorite creation.
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Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 33:2-3, 11-12, 20-21
R. (1a; 3a) Exult, you just, in the Lord! Sing to him a new song.
Commentary on Ps 33:2-3, 11-12, 20-21
This hymn of praise is an invitation for those who follow the Lord to rejoice in His grace. The theme of breathless anticipation is again expressed as the psalmist sings: “Our soul waits for the Lord, who is our help and our shield.” The sense of renewed passion for the Lord is captured in the response which is taken from the first verse of this psalm.
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Gospel: Luke 1:39-45
Commentary on Lk 1:39-45
St. Luke’s nativity story continues with Mary’s journey to visit Elizabeth. In this passage, we see the first meeting between John the Baptist (the child in Elizabeth’s womb) and Jesus (now growing in Mary’s womb). Here also is one of the foundational scripture passages for the “Hail Mary” prayer: “Most blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb.” This greeting of Elizabeth’s sets the stage for the beautiful Canticle of Mary which follows immediately.
CCC: Lk 1:41 523, 717, 2676; Lk 1:43 448, 495, 2677; Lk 1:45 148, 2676
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Reflection:
Every evening, those who pray the Liturgy of the Hours join millions around the world in remembering the words of Mary, the Mother of Jesus. We recall her example of faith to which the whole Church aspires. When we pray the Canticle of Mary at each Evening Prayer, the first words, as we make the sign of the cross, seem to fill us up: "My soul proclaims the greatness of the Lord."
We can feel her emotion as we say: "My spirit rejoices in God my savior." And the truth of: "He has looked with favor on his lowly servant." The song is so filed with quiet grace and confidence in God that it imparts that same feeling to those of us who have echoed its words down through the millennia.
And on this day, as we approach the Nativity of the Lord and the completion of Mother Mary’s first blessing for being the vessel of the Lord, we see in her attitude perfect obedience to God’s will. If we could reach the faith of Mary our Mother, we would find indwelling peace that the grace of Christ’s presence gives to us. We would also find glorious serenity that places all of the cares and sorrows of our world in the hands of God and would let our spirits soar.
Ah, but that is hard. Mary, who was graced with a character so pure of sin that even original sin never spoiled that exemplar of God’s love and fidelity, was given such a special place and grace that her cousin Elizabeth cried out: "Most blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb."
What can we do? All we have found that gets us close to her peace and serenity is the marvelous Canticle of Mary, the Magnificat. We look forward to it each day and find ourselves praying the first few lines during the day when we feel the work we have accomplished is indeed to the greater glory of God. And there is a reason the Archangel Gabriel’s words begin the most common prayer of our faith: "Hail Mary, full of grace...” The words bring us comfort and remind us of the beauty, obedience and sincere worship expressed by the Mother of God, and our hope that we might emulate her faith by word, action, and thought.
The nativity of the Lord is nearly here and we join with Holy Mary in her expectation of the blessed event of the Lord’s birth, and his return in glory.
Pax
O Antiphon for this date:[4]
O Radiant Dawn,
splendor of eternal light, sun of justice:
Come, shine on those who dwell in darkness
and the shadow of death.
O Oriens,
splendor lucis aeternae, et sol justitiae:
veni, et illumina sedentes in tenebris,
et umbra mortis.
[1] The picture is “Annunciation and Nativity” by Petrus Christus, 1452
[4] The Roman Church has been singing the "O" Antiphons since at least the eighth century. They are the antiphons that accompany the Magnificat canticle of Evening Prayer from December 17-23. They are a magnificent theology that uses ancient biblical imagery drawn from the messianic hopes of the Old Testament to proclaim the coming Christ as the fulfillment not only of Old Testament hopes, but present ones as well. Their repeated use of the imperative "Come!" embodies the longing of all for the Divine Messiah. (USCCB)
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