Memorial of Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton, Religious (United States)

In other regions - Christmas Weekday

“Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton “

Artist and Date are UNKNOWN

Biographical Information about St. Elizabeth Ann Seton[1]

Note: Alternate Readings for this memorial may be taken from the Common of Holy Men and Women

Readings for January 4 Christmas Weekday

Readings from the Jerusalem Bible[2]

Commentary:

Reading 1: 1 John 3:7-10

Commentary on 1 Jn 3:7-10

St. John continues the theme of living as children of God. In this selection, we find he has taken his comparison in a somewhat reflective direction. He looks at the behavior of those who belong to God and those who belong to the Devil as being distinguishable to God because of their love for one another. His exhortation is against the gnostic notion that all one needs to be considered “righteous” is to have an attitude of righteousness. He refutes this saying that we must be imitators of Christ, and our actions enhance the righteousness which belongs to those who have faith in Christ Jesus.

CCC: 1 Jn 3:8 385, 392, 394

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Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 98:1, 7-8, 9

R. (3cd) All the ends of the earth have seen the saving power of God.

Commentary on Ps 98:1, 7-8, 9

Psalm 98 is a song of thanksgiving. This selection gives thanks for God’s creation and reminds the community that all things are subject to the Lord, and all the world rejoices under his rule. In the Christmas context, we see God’s victory accomplished through Jesus, who is the Christ, God’s right arm. As a consequence of that victory, all of God’s creation rejoices with us.

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Gospel: John 1:35-42

Commentary on Jn 1:35-42

John the Baptist recognizes Jesus as the Messiah, once again pronouncing the words he spoke when the Lord presented himself for baptism: “Behold, the Lamb of God” (John 1:29-34). It also shows the humility of the “Voice,” always deferring to the “Word.” St. John’s disciples hear him identify Jesus as “the Lamb of God” and follow Jesus. St. John, who must “decrease” (John 3:30), encourages his own disciples to follow Jesus. In this passage, a shortened version of the call of the first disciples, we see the impact of the prophet’s pronouncement on two of his own disciples, one of whom, St. Andrew, we will come to revere as one of the Twelve. He is the brother of Peter. Once he has become aware of the identity of Jesus, he invites his brother to join him in faith. It is Simon Peter who receives his new name, “Rock,” in this story. (See also the commentary on Matthew 16:13-19.)

It is interesting to note the evolution of the name given to St. Andrew's brother through the multi-linguistic nature of the translation.  “…you will be called Cephas,” which is translated Peter.” Cephas is from the Aramaic which means rock; however the original translation was from Aramaic to Greek.  Rock in Greek is rendered as Petros. Our name Peter derives from that form.

CCC: Jn 1:36 608

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Reflection:

Let’s imagine today that we are hearing the “Jesus Story” for the first time, as if we suffered amnesia at the Feast of Christ the King that ended the Church year. Throughout Advent we were hearing about the coming of a great event, we were preparing ourselves because God was about to demonstrate his incredible love for us by giving us the gift of His Only Begotten Son.

Then, just a few short days ago, we heard the story of our Lord’s humble beginning: born, not as a king or prince, but in a manger. We were amazed to hear the choirs of angels announcing his birth to the nearby shepherds and felt the warmth of that star.

Our revelation is not yet complete though. We were told that the Son of God had been born, we heard about his parents being warned to flee with him to Egypt, and have seen signs of his coming heritage when he stayed at the Temple, calling it his Father’s house.

This week, our expectation is being raised to new heights as the story unfolds even further. The Lord’s own cousin has become a prophet of great renown. Religious leaders from Jerusalem have even asked if he, John the Baptist, were the Messiah or possibly Elijah returned from the dead. John told them there was one coming far greater than he, whose sandal straps he was not fit to untie.

Then, first yesterday and again today, we hear him say those amazing words: “Behold the Lamb of God.” The Lamb of God, the Christ, as St. Andrew named him to his brother Simon, who was later renamed Peter. We hear those words and wonder, is this the one we were truly promised? The pieces are beginning to fit: all of the prophecies we have heard from Isaiah and Jeremiah, from Sirach and even the Psalms. Just today we heard the ancient psalmist say: “His right hand has won victory for him, his holy arm.” Who could that right hand and holy arm be but the Christ, the Lamb of God?

If we can imagine the power of hearing that story, living that story for the first time, we can get a sense of the awe and peace the Lord sends us in this season. Let us today sit back and recall the Jesus story from the beginning as if it were the first time, and be brought to that wonderful place to which the Lord calls us.

Pax

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[1] The picture is “Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton “ Artist and Date are UNKNOWN

[2] S.S. Commemoratio

Christmas Weekday (The Most Holy Name of Jesus)

“The Adoration of the Name of Jesus” by El Greco, 1578-79

Information about the Feast of the Most Holy Name of Jesus

Optional readings may be taken from texts for Votive Masses #983, The Most Holy Name of Jesus

Readings for January 3^rd, Christmas Weekday[1]

Readings from the Jerusalem Bible[2]

Commentary:

Reading 1: 1 John 2:29–3:6

Commentary on 1 Jn 2:29–3:6

This selection, from St. John’s first letter, starts by telling his followers that, since they have chosen to act in accordance with the Lord’s commandments, they have received his adoption. The Evangelist first tells his audience that, if they are righteous, they are of God, because God is righteous. Then he goes on to say if they are pure, they are in him (Jesus) because he is purity. Finally he gives us the inverse, saying if they are in sin they cannot be in God, because in God there is no sin. All of this relative description relates to our adopted status in the Lord.

In chapter 3 the Evangelist explains Christian adoption. “The greatest sign of God's love is the gift of his Son (John 3:16) that has made Christians true children of God. This relationship is a present reality and also part of the life to come; true knowledge of God will ultimately be gained, and Christians prepare themselves now by virtuous lives in imitation of the Son.”[4]

In the final paragraph reference to sin and lawlessness are probably references to acting in ways that follow the teachings of the “antichrist” or false teachers.

CCC: 1 Jn 3 2822; 1 Jn 3:1 1692; 1 Jn 3:2 163, 1023, 1161, 1720, 2519, 2772; 1 Jn 3:3 2345; 1 Jn 3:5 457

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Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 98:1, 3cd-4, 5-6

R. (3cd) All the ends of the earth have seen the saving power of God.

Commentary on Ps 98:1, 3cd-4, 5-6

Psalm 98 is a song of praise and thanksgiving. We see in this selection how God is praised for the strength he lends his people, and the salvation he brings to those who are faithful. The psalm rejoices in God’s salvation. The Lord has revealed his compassion toward the people and they sing his praises in response. As the Hebrews saw this as salvation for the people of Israel from its enemies, we see the deeper expression of God’s love as he sent his Son for salvation and justice for the whole world.

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Gospel: John 1:29-34

Commentary on Jn 1:29-34

St. John the Baptist professes the identity of Jesus as the Messiah, “the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world.” The author’s theological understanding of the eternal nature of Christ is expressed in the Baptist’s words: “A man is coming after me who ranks ahead of me because he existed before me.”

After stating the connection between Jesus' (the Christ's) and the Baptist’s mission, the author follows the tradition of the synoptic Gospels as he describes Jesus emerging from his baptism in the Jordan and the descent of the Holy Spirit. St. John concludes this testimony by St. John the Baptist with a solid affirmation that Jesus is the Son of God.

John’s great epiphany guides the Church's Christology: Jesus followed John the Baptist, being born after he was but ranking high above him.  John the Baptist came baptizing with water; Jesus baptizes in the Holy Spirit. St. John recounts how, when Jesus came to the repentant bath in the Jordan, the dove descended and God the Father claimed him.

CCC: Jn 1:29 408, 523, 536, 608, 1137, 1505; Jn 1:31-34 486; Jn 1:31 438; Jn 1:32-34 713; Jn 1:32-33 536; Jn 1:33-36 719; Jn 1:33-34 1286

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Homily:

Of all the images and all the names of Jesus we receive at this time of year, the one we are given by St. John’s Gospel today provokes the most emotion. We have heard the story of Jesus in the womb of Mary, and how he was born in humble surroundings. We probably placed the tiny figure of the Christ child in the manger scene in our homes, and thought: “How cute is the baby Jesus.”

We have heard little about his life (except the incident where he was left at the Temple) until his baptism by John the Baptist in the Jordan River. Here, in the account of St. John’s Gospel, we are given the image of the Eucharistic Christ: “Behold, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world.” We hear a similar phrase and respond to it each time we go to Mass. The celebrant elevates the newly consecrated host, now the Body of the Risen Christ, and echoes the marvel of St. John the Baptist. In awe he proclaims that once more the promise is fulfilled, once more the Lord has come so that we might be in him and he in us. “Behold the Lamb of God, behold him who takes away the sins of the world, blessed are those called to the supper of the Lamb.”

And what is that image, what holy name is used? Is it the babe in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger? Is it the mighty Savior, his winnowing fan in his hand, who casts out evil? Is it the Messiah entering the gates of Jerusalem to loud hosannas? No, it is the Lamb of God who takes away the sins of the world. The lamb, in Jesus' time the male lamb, was the prescribed animal for the sacrifice of atonement; The Lamb of God, the meek and unresisting sacrifice that opened the gates of heaven to us. The blood of that lamb was poured out for all humankind and gained for us the eternal promise.

Today we celebrate, as Church, the Feast of the Most Holy Name of Jesus. It is the name bestowed on the only Son of God. He is the Lamb of God, and at his name, St. Paul writes in his letter to the Philippines: “…every knee must bend in the heavens, on the earth, and under the earth, and every tongue proclaim, to the glory of God the Father, that JESUS CHRIST IS LORD.” (Philippians 2:10-11)

Pax

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[1] The picture used today is “The Adoration of the Name of Jesus” by El Greco, 1578-79

[2] S.S. Commemoratio

[4] See NAB footnote on 1 Jn 3:1ff

Memorial of Saints Basil the Great and Saint Gregory Nazianzen, Bishops and Doctors of the Church

“Saints Basil and Gregory”

Artist and Date UNKNOWN

Proper for the Memorial of Sts. Basil the Great and Gregory Nazianzen

Biographical Information about St. Basil the Great

Biographical Information about St. Gregory Nazianzen

Readings for January 2^nd[1]

Readings from the Jerusalem Bible[2]

Commentary:

Reading 1: 1 John 2:22-28

Commentary on 1 Jn 2:22-28

The first paragraph of this reading from St. John’s first epistle is important in that it clearly establishes the sameness of essence in God the Father and God the Son. Anyone who denies one denies both, and anyone who teaches that either one or the other does not exist is a false teacher.

St. John continues encouraging his followers to remain faithful to what they were taught about the Father and the Son. In doing so they open the door to eternal life; in doing so they may stand with confidence before the Son when he returns on the last day.

In the selection regarding false teaching there is a definition of the antichrist as one who denies the Father and the Son. This would seem to indicate that the Johannine community was being assailed by teachers of false doctrines. St. John goes on to encourage them to remember that Jesus is the Son of God, the Anointed One, and that they in turn have been anointed in His name. There is the implication, although not an explicit definition, of the Holy Spirit as well: “...his anointing teaches you about everything and is true and not false.”

CCC: 1 Jn 2:22 675; 1 Jn 2:23 454; 1 Jn 2:27 91, 695; 1 Jn 2:28 2778

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Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 98:1, 2-3ab, 3cd-4

R. (3cd) All the ends of the earth have seen the saving power of God.

Commentary on Ps 98:1, 2-3ab, 3cd-4

Psalm 98 is a song of praise and thanksgiving. We see in this selection how God is praised for the strength he lends his people, and the salvation he brings to those who are faithful. The psalm rejoices in God’s salvation. The Lord has revealed his compassion toward the people, and they sing his praises in response. The Hebrews saw this as salvation for the people of Israel from its enemies. Christians see the deeper expression of God’s love, as he sent his Son for salvation and justice for the whole world.

This is an excellent example of how Christians, heirs to the Judeo-Christian truth, can see clearly in these ancient texts the references to the Christ: “The Lord has made his salvation known.” It is this event about which we “sing joyfully to the Lord.”

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Gospel: John 1:19-28

Commentary on Jn 1:19-28

This is the formal introduction to St. John’s Gospel. In it the author addresses the question of St. John the Baptist’s role in God’s plan. The Jews from Jerusalem (Priests and Levites from the Temple) ask the Baptist who he is. It is John’s humility, or perhaps his own lack of understanding, that he does not even admit to being a prophet (although the language did say “The Prophet," most likely Moses). In one breath he denies the title, and in the very next he quotes the Prophet Isaiah (Isaiah 40:3) as being one sent to herald the coming of the Messiah. (It is almost certain that, given the Baptist’s appearance and demeanor, some of the Jews from Jerusalem were convinced he was Elijah, whose coming was thought to be the sign that the Messiah was at hand. Malachi 3:23)

In union with the synoptic Gospels of Matthew (Matthew 3:11), Mark (Mark 1:7-8), and Luke (Luke 3:16), John’s Gospel now relates how the Baptist informed those who question him that there was one coming after him who was greater than he. The one who follows, the Messiah, comes with a better baptism. He does not say, as the synoptic Gospels do, that the Christ will baptize with the Holy Spirit.

CCC: Jn 1:19 575, 613; Jn 1:23 719

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Reflection:

For many of us, today is the day we go back to the routine interrupted by our anticipation, preparation, and celebration of the events of a week ago. The Church continues to celebrate the Nativity of the Lord, holding on to the joy that is the birth of our Lord Jesus until we celebrate the Feast of the Epiphany.

While the Church continues its celebration, we face our work, home, or school with renewed vigor and some resolutions for the New Year. With any luck, our Advent exercise let us know that we needed to include some spiritual element with the weight loss, spend less, or save more resolutions so popular and so difficult to follow through on.

It is rather appropriate that we are given, on this first day following the great Solemnity of Mary, what seems to be a Gospel story about the very beginning. St. John the Baptist’s mission leads us, almost immediately, to the Baptism of the Lord (we will celebrate that event a week from this Sunday’s Epiphany). With the Baptism of the Lord, we are launched into Jesus’ formal ministry as an adult. All that we promised we would do during Advent must be acted upon as we liturgically move through the winter months.  Hopefully, we will have held true to our promises until we reach our Lenten celebration, where the snow will melt and new crops will be planted. We are in training, like athletes before the big game. Let us take pages from the books of the saints like Gregory and Basil, the two friends whose feast day we celebrate.  In their honor we conclude our reflection today with the concluding prayer for companions in Christ as presented in the Liturgy of the Hours:

God our Father,

you inspired the Church

with the example and teaching of your saints Basil and Gregory. 

In humility may we come to know your truth

and put it into action with faith and love.

Grant this through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son,

who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit,

one God for ever and ever. – Amen

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[1] The icon is “Saints Basil and Gregory” Artist and Date UNKNOWN

[2] S.S. Commemoratio