Posted November 24, 2010

December 19, 2010
Fourth Sunday of Advent

Readings: Is. 7:10-14; Rom. 1:1-7; Mt 1:18-24 {{more}}

Through him we have received the grace of apostleship, to bring about the obedience of faith, for the sake of his name, among all the Gentiles, among whom are you also, who are called to belong to Jesus Christ; to all the beloved of God in Rome, called to be holy. – Rm. 1:6-7a

The world needs God – not just any god but the God of Jesus Christ, the God who made Himself flesh and blood, who loved us to the point of dying for us, who rose and created within Himself room for man.

Homily at Chrism Mass, Holy Thursday
April 13, 2006

December 20, 2010
Monday of the Fourth Week of Advent

Readings: Is. 7:10-14; Lk. 1:26-38

Therefore the Lord himself will give you this sign: the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and shall name him Emmanuel. – Is. 7:14

Advent is par excellence the season of hope in which believers in Christ are invited to remain in watchful and active waiting, nourished by prayer and by the effective commitment to love. May the approaching Nativity of Christ fill the hearts of all Christians with joy, serenity and peace!

Angelus
Dec. 3, 2006

December 21, 2010
Tuesday of the Fourth Week of Advent

Readings: Sg. 2:8-14 or Zep. 3:14-18a; Lk. 1:39-45

“Blessed are you who believed that what was spoken to you by the Lord would be fulfilled.” – Lk. 1:45

Mary went to see her elderly cousin Elizabeth, whom everyone said was sterile but who instead had reached the sixth month of a pregnancy given to her by God (cf. Lk 1:36), carrying in her womb the recently conceived Jesus. She was a young girl but she was not afraid, for God was with her, within her. . . . Jesus’ presence filled her with the Holy Spirit.

Address at the Conclusion of the Marian Month
May 31, 2005

December 22, 2010
Wednesday of the Fourth Week of Advent

Readings: 1 Sm. 1:24-28; Lk. 1:46-56



From this day all generations will call me blessed: the Almighty has done great things for me, and holy is his Name. – Lk. 1:48b-49

Let us now turn our gaze again to Mary and Joseph who were awaiting the birth of Jesus and learn from them the secret of reflection in order to taste the joy of Christmas. Let us prepare ourselves to welcome with faith the Redeemer who comes to be with us, the Word of God’s love for humanity of every epoch.

Angelus
Dec. 21, 2008

December 23, 2010
Thursday of the Fourth Week of Advent

Readings: Mal 3:1-4, 23-24; Lk 1:57-66



Thus says the Lord God: Lo, I am sending my messenger to prepare the way before me. – Mal. 3:1

While the joy of Christmas that we already anticipate fills us with hope, it spurs us at the same time to proclaim to everyone God’s presence in our midst.

Angelus
Dec. 23, 2007

December 24, 2010
Friday of the Fourth Week of Advent

Readings: 2 Sm. 7:1-5, 8b-12, 14a, 16; Lk. 1:67-79



In the tender compassion of our God the dawn from on high shall break upon us, to shine on those who dwell in darkness and the shadow of death, and to guide our feet into the way of peace.” – Lk. 1:78-79

Joy is the true gift of Christmas, not expensive presents that demand time and money. We can transmit this joy simply: with a smile, with a kind gesture, with some small help, with forgiveness. Let us give this joy and the joy given will be returned to us.

Homily for the Fourth Sunday of Advent
Dec. 18, 2005