Thursday of the Third Week of Advent &
Saint Peter Canisius, Priest and Doctor
Biographical Information about St. Peter Canisius
Readings for Thursday of the 3rd Week of Advent
Commentary:
Reading 1 Sgs 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."
Or Zep 3:14-18a
In this passage from Zephaniah 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. (See also the Third Sunday of Advent.)
Responsorial Psalm Ps 33:2-3, 11-12, 20-21
R. Exult, you just, in the Lord! Sing to him a new song.
This hymn of praise is an invitation to those who follow the Lord to rejoice in His grace.
Gospel Lk 1:39-45
St. Luke’s nativity story continues today 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). 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.
Homily:
Our Advent Journey continues today as we hear the next installment of the preamble to the actual nativity of the Lord. The story continues today with Mary’s trip to visit her Cousin Elizabeth and we hear how when Mary’s voice reached Elizabeth’s ears, the child in her womb who was John the Baptist, leapt for joy. We can only imagine the feeling of awe and joy that must have come over her?
Elizabeth’s response was one very familiar to us: “blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb”. We couple this quote with one from the Archangel Gabriel who at Mary’s Annunciation said; “Hail, full of grace. The Lord is with you.” This first part of the “Hail Mary” prayer reminds us of Mary’s unique and blessed role on fulfilling God’s saving plan through the gift of His only Son.
Our Advent journey follows the story of the coming of Jesus, which is now very close at hand. Our own preparation must be almost complete as well. Our hearts beat more rapidly as we wait for the Morniing Star that heralds the Savior’s birth.
We now turn that joyful expectation into actions that will please our God and Savior – acts of worship and acts of love and compassion to all we meet. The peace of God’s grace must flow out of us that we might have it returned and grow.
Pax
Saint Peter Canisius, Priest and Doctor
Biographical Information about St. Peter Canisius
Readings for Thursday of the 3rd Week of Advent
Commentary:
Reading 1 Sgs 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."
Or Zep 3:14-18a
In this passage from Zephaniah 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. (See also the Third Sunday of Advent.)
Responsorial Psalm Ps 33:2-3, 11-12, 20-21
R. Exult, you just, in the Lord! Sing to him a new song.
This hymn of praise is an invitation to those who follow the Lord to rejoice in His grace.
Gospel Lk 1:39-45
St. Luke’s nativity story continues today 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). 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.
Homily:
Our Advent Journey continues today as we hear the next installment of the preamble to the actual nativity of the Lord. The story continues today with Mary’s trip to visit her Cousin Elizabeth and we hear how when Mary’s voice reached Elizabeth’s ears, the child in her womb who was John the Baptist, leapt for joy. We can only imagine the feeling of awe and joy that must have come over her?
Elizabeth’s response was one very familiar to us: “blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb”. We couple this quote with one from the Archangel Gabriel who at Mary’s Annunciation said; “Hail, full of grace. The Lord is with you.” This first part of the “Hail Mary” prayer reminds us of Mary’s unique and blessed role on fulfilling God’s saving plan through the gift of His only Son.
Our Advent journey follows the story of the coming of Jesus, which is now very close at hand. Our own preparation must be almost complete as well. Our hearts beat more rapidly as we wait for the Morniing Star that heralds the Savior’s birth.
We now turn that joyful expectation into actions that will please our God and Savior – acts of worship and acts of love and compassion to all we meet. The peace of God’s grace must flow out of us that we might have it returned and grow.
Pax
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