Epiphany

Epiphany (Español) (Vietnamese)

Our commentary this week is provided by Auxiliary Bishop John Dolan of the Diocese of San Diego. For a PDF version, visit http://www.christ-ion.com

Prayer

Loving Father,

in this Season of Christmas, may we celebrate the birth of

our Saviour, Jesus Christ. As the Magi offered gifts to the

Christ-child, may we give to you our hearts of faith, hope,

and love. We ask this through our Lord Jesus Christ, Your

Son, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit,

One God forever and ever. Amen.

Commentary

1st Reading: Isaiah 60:1-6

If Christmas is the celebration of the birth of

Jesus the Christ, the Feast of the Epiphany

celebrates WHAT his birth means for us. Our

1st Reading gives us a hint at what this season means.

We read from Isaiah that God promises to shine His glory

upon Israel. Of course, this is fulfilled at Christmas with

the star over Bethlehem. More importantly, the promise of

nations walking by the light that shines forth from Israel is

fulfilled in the reading of our Gospel with the Magi from

the East who find the King of kings under the star.

In Christ, there is a New Jerusalem where all people and

nations are gathered. This will be realized in a more

profound way at our celebrations of Easter and Pentecost

where we speak of a Heavenly Jerusalem. But, for now, we

sing with Isaiah: “Rise up in splendor, Jerusalem! Your

light has come, the glory of the Lord shines upon you.”

As Christians, we are members of the New Jerusalem, a

beacon of light and hope for those who live in darkness.

Question

As part of the Heavenly Jerusalem, do you see yourself as

light of the world for others?

2nd Reading: Ephesians 3:2-3, 5-6

The WHAT of Christmas celebrated in this Feast of

Epiphany is also answered in our 2nd Reading. The birth of

Christ is not only for the people of Israel. While he is born

of David’s line, he is not only the king of the Jews. He is

King of the world.

St. Paul’s letter to the Ephesians spells this

point out clearly. He says, “The Gentiles

are coheirs, members of the same body,

and copartners in the promise in Christ

Jesus through the gospel.”

Jews and Gentiles, following Christ Jesus,

are coheirs in the new and Heavenly

Jerusalem. The Promise of Isaiah is for all

who follow the Prince of Peace, King of kings, and Lord of

lords.

Question

What does it mean for you to be a coheir with Christ in the

Heavenly Kingdom (the New Jerusalem)?

Gospel: Matthew 2:1-2

The Church in the West (Catholics, Protestants,

Anglicans, etc.) celebrate the Feast of the Epiphany

within the Christmas Season (on January 6 or the Sunday

following).

In the East (Orthodox Church)

Epiphany is the celebration of the

Baptism of the Lord -- also landing

on January 6.

The Catholic Church recognizes

Epiphany to mean the journey of the

Magi who followed the star to

Bethlehem. (Catholics also celebrate

the Baptism of the Lord after the

Feast of the Magi).

Epiphany means, “manifestation or

insight.” For Christians, the Feast of

Epiphany means “the manifestation

of Christ.” For the Eastern Church,

the Baptism of the Lord recognizes

the vision or revelation of God

through the parted clouds, in the

form of a dove who rests upon Christ. For the Western

Church, the manifestation of Christ is a slow journey

that takes time. This is best celebrated in the Church on

this Feast of the Three Kings whose journey leads them

to Christ.

As we read in the Gospel of Matthew, the description of

the journey and the question of discerning who the Christ

child may be is longer than the actual time the Wise Men

spend with “the child and Mary his mother.”

Question

Is your discovery of Christ a one time event or a life long

journey?

This Week's Task

What is a journey without a journal?

As you journey with Christ this year, you may want to

begin a journal. Write down a few notes about your

prayer experiences, your insights from Mass, or personal

reflections from Scripture.

The group sings or says the following:

What child is this who, laid to rest,

on Mary’s lap is sleeping?

Whom angels greet with anthems sweet,

while shepherds watch are keeping?

Refrain:

This, this is Christ the King,

whom shepherds guard and angels sing;

haste, haste to bring him laud,

the babe, the son of Mary.

So bring him incense, gold, and myrrh,

come, peasant, king, to own him;

the King of kings salvation brings,

let loving hearts enthrone him.

(Refrain)

The Prayer continues with Psalm 72

Response: Lord, every nation on earth will adore you.

O God, with your judgment endow the king,

and with your justice, the king’s son;

He shall govern your people with justice

and your afflicted ones with judgment.

R. Lord, every nation on earth will adore you.

Justice shall flower in his days,

and profound peace, till the moon be no more.

May he rule from sea to sea,

and from the River to the ends of the earth.

R. Lord, every nation on earth will adore you.

The kings of Tarshish and the Isles shall offer gifts;

the kings of Arabia and Seba shall bring tribute.

All kings shall pay him homage,

all nations shall serve him.

R. Lord, every nation on earth will adore you.

Conclude with an Our Father

Holy Family

Holy Family (Español) (Vietnamese)

Our commentary this week is provided by Auxiliary Bishop John Dolan of the Diocese of San Diego. For a PDF version, visit http://www.christ-ion.com

Prayer

Loving Father,in this Season of Christmas, may we celebrate the birth ofour Saviour, Jesus Christ. Through the prayers of Mary andJoseph, may we grow closer to your Son who lives andreigns with You and the Holy Spirit, One God forever andever. Amen.

Commentary
1st Reading: 3:2-6, 12-14

There are alternate First Readings for this Feast of the Holy Family. For the sake of retaining a common thread through the Second Reading and Gospel, we will concentrate on the Reading from Sirach. The Book of Sirach has a series of guidelines to help the children of God remain faithful to their covenant with God. This “rule of life” acknowledged a privilege that the Jews had with God. However, with that privilege came a great responsibility. In essence, people of God were expected to be stewards of the earth and of each other. It is from this perspective that we find Sirach promoting the responsibilities of family members as stewards of the family. He writes, “God sets a father in honor over his children; a mother’s authority he confirms over her sons.” He adds, “My son, take care of your father when he is old.” There is a responsibility - a call to stewardship - laid upon the shoulders of all faithful people. On this Feast of the Holy Family, we see that stewardship begins at home.

Questions

How are you a steward of your home?

What responsibilities do you have toward your parents, children, and siblings?

2nd Reading: Colossians 3:12-31

Our Second Reading from Colossians offers us some practical tips on how to be stewards within our families. We are to put on heartfelt compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience, forgiveness and - above all - love. Marriage can be difficult. Children can be difficult. Siblings can be difficult. Parents and in-laws can be difficult. St. Paul realized these difficulties. However, as stewards of God’s creation and of each other, we are expected to tend to the Garden of Souls with the various gifts of virtues that God has placed in our storehouse. We don’t ask God for the ability to be more compassionate. We have compassion and we simply need to use it. We don’t ask for more patience. We reach into our toolbox and use the virtue of patience God has given us. We don’t ask for more love. We find the love that has been planted in our hearts and put it to work. 

Question

What virtues do you need to employ right now?

Gospel: Luke 2:22-40

Parents are the primary stewards of their children. They

are the primary role models, caregivers, and teachers of

faith.

However, parents can be molded,

receive care, and expand their own

horizons of faith through their

children.

How often are parents in awe when

their child says something profound?

How often are parents comforted by

the unsolicited kindnesses of their

little ones? How often are parents

amazed by the simple pieties of

their sons and daughters?

We can get a sense from today’s

Gospel that Mary and Joseph were

in awe as they presented their Son to

Simeon. St. Luke says, “The child’s

father and mother were amazed at

what was said about him.” They

also listened to Anna who so

lovingly spoke about their child.

Questions
As parents are models for children, children can mold

their parents. All family members can inspire the whole

family to be holy.

Who in your family has inspired you lately?

Task for the Week

In our Church, parents are encouraged to have their

children baptized before the age of reason (age 7). If you

or someone you know have children who have not been

baptized in the Church, consider contacting your local

parish to set up an appointment for baptism.

If a child is over the age of reason, they are to participate

in what is called The Rite of Christian Initiation. In this

case, the child would celebrate the three Sacraments of

Baptism, Confirmation, and Eucharist together. Ask

your parish priest or deacon for more information about

the Sacraments for your children.

PRAYER TO THE HOLY FAMILY

Pope Francis

Jesus, Mary and Joseph,

in you we contemplate true love,

to you we turn with trust.

Holy Family of Nazareth, grant that our

families too may be places of communion,

authentic schools of the Gospel

and small domestic Churches.

Holy Family of Nazareth,

may families never again experience violence, rejection and division:

may all who have been hurt or scandalized

find ready comfort and healing.

Holy Family of Nazareth,

make us once more mindful of the sacredness

and inviolability of the family,

and its beauty in God’s plan.

Jesus, Mary and Joseph,

graciously hear our prayer.

The Prayer continues with Psalm 128

Response: Blessed are those who fear the Lord and

walk in his ways.

Blessed is everyone who fears the LORD,

who walks in his ways!

For you shall eat the fruit of your handiwork;

blessed shall you be, and favored.

R. Blessed are those who fear the Lord and walk in his

ways.

Your wife shall be like a fruitful vine

in the recesses of your home;

your children like olive plants

around your table.

R. Blessed are those who fear the Lord and walk in his

ways.

Conclude with an Our Father

Merry Christmas! Christmas Day Readings

Christmas Day (Español) (Vietnamese)

Our commentary this week is provided by Auxiliary Bishop John Dolan of the Diocese of San Diego. For a PDF version, visit http://www.christ-ion.com

Prayer

Father in Heaven,

We thank you for Your Son, Jesus Christ, the Word made flesh to dwell among us. As we celebrate His birthday, may we give you glory and praise through the same Christ Our Lord. Amen. Mary, Mother of Jesus, our Lord and our God, pray for us!

Commentary

1st Reading: Isaiah 52:7-10

The CION commentaries for this Christmas

Day come from the selection of readings

given “At the Mass During the Day.” They

differ from the Christmas Vigil Readings

Isaiah reminds the people of Israel that “God is King.”

More specifically, he tells them, “YOUR God is King!”

Israel forgot this important message. Long before Kings

Saul and David were selected, God was the King of Israel.

In fact, this is what made the Hebrew people so unique.

Of all of the nations surrounding them, only Israel had a

King who was divine and unseen. The people of Israel

had to follow their unseen King through faith.

God reluctantly allowed human kings to rule Israel, but

they were to remember that God was the King of kings

and Lord of Lords.

On this Christmas Day, we celebrate the tremendous gift

of God who remains divine but is also very human. This

God-man king has a name: Jesus the Christ (King)!

Question

How is God Your King?

2nd Reading: Hebrews 1:1-6

Our 2nd Reading from Hebrews reminds us that Jesus

Christ is truly the King of Israel and of all creation.

Through him, the Father created the universe. He is before

all that exists. This God-man and King also sustains us and

purifies us from our sins. Finally, as the

Only begotten Son of the Father, He sits at

the Lord’s right hand where he rules over

all things.

In this short reading, we see the distinction

between the Father and the Son. While

they are One God, they are two different

persons.

God the Father operates through His Son, who creates,

sustains, and redeems all that is seen and unseen. Even

angels adore him. We do not worship angels or any created

being. Rather, God commands, “Let all the angels of God

worship him.”

Question

How will you plan to worship Jesus the Lord this Christmas?

Gospel: John 1:1-18

If there was any doubt about the nature and purpose of

Jesus in the early Church, this prologue to the Gospel of

John was written to clear matters up. Here, there is no

doubt that Jesus is the Word, and that “the Word was with God, and the

Word was God.”

Moreover, this “Word became flesh

and made his dwelling among us ... as

the Father’s only Son.”

With these fews words, we see the

nature of Jesus Christ. He is both fully

divine (God) and fully human (flesh).

While our nature is human (flesh)

with body and soul, Jesus is both God

and human.

However, through the same Christ, we

have the “power to become children

of God.” This means that while our

nature is only human, by grace we

have a share in the divinity (Godly) of

Christ who humbled himself to

become flesh. This tremendous

mystery is granted to us through belief

in Jesus and through Baptism. We are regenerated and are

properly called Christian. We are true children of God.

What a Christmas gift!

Question

How do you celebrate your status as a child of God?

Christmas Task

You are invited to make the most out of Christmas by

attending daily Mass this week. The Christmas Season is

more than a day. We celebrate through the Solemnity of

Mary, the Mother of God, the Feast of the Epiphany, and to

the Baptism of the Lord.

Join all of the angels, the saints, and your fellow parishioners

as you gather around the table of the Lord at Mass this

Christmas Season.

Hark the Herald:

Christ by highest heav’n adored

Christ the everlasting Lord!

Late in time behold Him come

Offspring of a Virgin’s womb

Veiled in flesh the Godhead see

Hail the incarnate Deity

Pleased as man with man to dwell

Jesus, our Emmanuel

Hark! The herald angels sing

“Glory to the newborn King!”

Continue with Psalm 98

Response: All the ends of the earth have

seen the saving power of God.

Sing to the LORD a new song,

for he has done wondrous deeds;

his right hand has won victory for him,

his holy arm.

R. All the ends of the earth have seen the

saving power of God.

The LORD has made his salvation known:

in the sight of the nations he has revealed his justice.

He has remembered his kindness and his faithfulness

toward the house of Israel.

R. All the ends of the earth have seen the saving power

of God.

All the ends of the earth have seen

the salvation by our God.

Sing joyfully to the LORD, all you lands;

break into song; sing praise.

R. All the ends of the earth have seen the saving power

of God.

Sing praise to the LORD with the harp,

with the harp and melodious song.

With trumpets and the sound of the horn

sing joyfully before the King, the LORD.

R. All the ends of the earth have seen the saving power

of God.

Conclude with an Our Father

Our commentary this week is provided by Auxiliary Bishop John Dolan of the Diocese of San Diego. For a PDF version, visit http://www.christ-ion.com

4th Sunday of Advent

4th Sunday of Advent (Español) (Vietnamese)

Our commentary this week is provided by Auxiliary Bishop John Dolan of the Diocese of San Diego. For a PDF version, visit http://www.christ-ion.com

Opening Prayer

Loving Father, as we prepare for the Season of Christmas,

open our hearts to welcome your Son in our lives. May we

celebrate his presence within us and rejoice that he is truly

Emmanuel - God with us. We ask this Christ our Lord.

Amen.

Commentary

1st Reading: 2 Sm 7:1-5, 8-12, 14, 16

David loved the Lord so much that he could

not consider having the Ark of the Lord dwelling

in some tent while he himself lived in a

palace. Upon David’s command, the people

were to build a more suitable place for the Ark.

The Ark itself and the tent which contained it was designed

by the Lord Himself. But, the Lord was moved by David’s

desire to give Him honor. In return, God promised David

an even greater house - not of cedar - but of a kingship that

would last forever.

The Lord blesses David and says, “Your house and your

kingdom shall endure forever before me; your throne shall

stand firm forever.”

This kingship would include a great heir who will be God’s

son. Of course, as Christians, we know that this heir is

Jesus Christ, the only begotten Son of God. He is the King

of kings and Lord of lords.

But, far from being the end of the line, Jesus is the beginning

for all who choose to dwell in His kingdom. For his

kingdom lasts forever.

How do you see yourself as a part of Christ’s kingdom?

2nd Reading: Romans 16:25-27

“Forever and ever.” These words from Romans are the way

we often end our prayers. Indeed! The Lord Jesus lives

forever and ever.

As we read in the 1st Reading, His kingdom has no end.

The great John Newton hymn, Amazing

Grace, reminds us of this eternal kingdom

of which we are a part:

“When we’ve been there ten thousand

years,

Bright shining as the sun,

We’ve no less days to sing God’s praise

Than when we’d first begun.”

Forever and ever is a long time. But, this great gift of

everlasting life begins with Jesus who died so that we might

enjoy eternity with God. This Christmas, let us give thanks

to the Lord for such a wonderful gift!

Question

How will you thank the Lord this Christmas for all the good

He has done for you?

Gospel: Luke 1:26-38

In our 1st Reading, we recall the beauty of the Ark which

bore the Law of God. The very essence of God was within

the ark.

Our Gospel today tells of another ark.

However, more than just a container

of God, this motherly ark gave to

Jesus her real human DNA. More than

the Ark of the Covenant made of

human hands in which was placed the

divine law, Mary is the new Ark in

which was conceived the God-man,

Jesus Christ.

Something radically new has begun.

This is news worth pondering and

proclaiming.

Yet, as we proclaim Christ born of a

Virgin, we should also proclaim his

very presence within us. For, we are

the temple of Christ dwelling within

us. As Church we reveal the presence

of God with us - Emmanuel.

To acknowledge Christ within us, we

must be ready to act as His servants. As Mary said, “I am

the handmaid of the Lord,” we should respond, “We are

servants of the Lord. Let it be done to us according to his

will.”

Question

How do you see the Lord abiding in you?

This Week's Task

There is a gift that you can give to others which does not

need to be wrapped.

Your gift of inviting friends or relatives to Christmas

Mass with you and/or inviting them to be a part of your

Christ in Our Neighborhood group may forever change

their lives.

Ask someone who has not been to Church in a while and

give the gift of an invitation to come back for Christmas!

Pray or sing this traditional Advent hymn:

O come, Thou Key of David, come

And open wide our heav’nly home;

Make safe the way that leads on high,

And close the path to misery.

Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel

Shall come to thee, O Israel.

The prayer continues with Psalm 89

Response: For ever I will sing the

goodness of the Lord.

The promises of the LORD

I will sing forever;

through all generations my mouth shall

proclaim your faithfulness.

For you have said,

“My kindness is established forever”;

in heaven you have confirmed your

faithfulness.

R. For ever I will sing the goodness of the Lord.

“I have made a covenant with my chosen one,

I have sworn to David my servant:

Forever will I confirm your posterity

and establish your throne for all generations.”

R. For ever I will sing the goodness of the Lord.

“He shall say of me, ‘You are my father,

my God, the Rock, my savior.’

Forever I will maintain my kindness toward him,

and my covenant with him stands firm.”

R. For ever I will sing the goodness of the Lord.

Conclude with an Our Father

Merry Christmas!

For more information, visit Christ in Our Neighborhood at WWW.CHRIST-ION.COM

An Advent Reflection with Most Reverend John P. Dolan '85

3rd Sunday of Advent

 3rd Sunday of Advent (Español) (Vietnamese)

Our commentary this week is provided by Auxiliary Bishop John Dolan of the Diocese of San Diego. For a PDF version, visit http://www.christ-ion.com

Prayer

Loving Father, As we continue in this Advent Season, fill

us with the joyful virtue of hope. Help us to long for your

Son Jesus with love in our hearts. Let us remain faithful

until he returns in glory. Amen.

Commentary

1st Reading: Isaiah 61:1-2a, 10-11

When the founders of the United States made

a declaration that they were free and independent,

they were in the midst of war. They had

no evidence that after their declaration they

would be around to see a free nation realized.

Nevertheless, they boldly declared that they

were free.

When the Prophet Isaiah “declared” a day of vindication

from God and a year of favor from the Lord, he proclaimed

what would one day be. He had not seen nor witnessed this

promised favor of God, but he believed and boldly professed

it.

As citizens of the U.S., we celebrate the boldness of our nations

first citizens. Likewise, as Christians, we remember the

prophetic voices of Isaiah, Jeremiah, and even John the Baptist

who testified to who was yet to come.

Jesus is that anointed one who would come to“bring glad

tidings to the poor, heal the brokenhearted, proclaim liberty

to the captives and release to the prisoners. In other words,

he would be our savior.

There is a boldness in those who place their faith in what is

to come. As we long for the Lord’s return in glory, may be

just as bold in our proclamation.

Question

Are you bold in your proclamation of the Lord?

2nd Reading: 1 Thessalonians 5:16-24

Our Season of Advent takes a turn this weekend with new

colors, brighter lights, and the word, “Rejoice!”

The Third Sunday of Advent is also called Gaudete (Rejoice)

Sunday.

Our Second Reading gives this Sunday its

title: “Rejoice always. Pray without

ceasing. In all circumstances give thanks.”

These words bring us comfort as the

shortest day and the longest night

approaches. The day after the Winter

Solstice (December 21/22), our days

become a little brighter.

This is a time when we light the third candle of the Advent

wreath. It is symbolic of the hope for brighter things to

come as we now turn our attention to Christ, born of Mary,

at Christmas. He is the light of the world, the North Star,

who guides us out of our darkness. He is truly our cause for

rejoicing!

How will you make the approaching Season of Christmas a

time for rejoicing in Jesus, the Light of the world?

Gospel: John 1:6-8, 19-28

In their darkest moment, the crowds in John’s Gospel

were disoriented. In their confusion they reached out to

John the Baptist and hoped that he would be their light

in the darkness.

John quickly tells them that he is

not. Rather, he is one who testifies to

the Light. John gives the crowd hope

and reason to rejoice as he says

“there is one who is coming after

me.”

In our darkest moments, we might

grasp at straws to find help. We

might look for other saviors or selfhelp

guides to get us out of our

messes.

However, there is only one true light

who will dispel our darkness. The

challenge for us as Christians is to

reach out to Christ, the light of the

world.

Not to be confused with other

“messiahs,” Jesus is the true Christ

and reason for Gaudete Sunday - our time to rejoice!

Questions

In your time of darkness, to whom do you turn for help?

Task for the Week

In a few weeks, we will begin a new calendar year.

Generally, people make New Year’s resolutions. Make a

list of resolutions here. Place on the top of your list the

following:

1st Resolution: I will let Christ be my light and guide.

2nd Resolution: ______________________________

3rd Resolution: ______________________________

4th Resolution: ______________________________

Pray or sing this traditional Advent hymn:

O come, Thou Dayspring, from on high,

And cheer us by Thy drawing nigh;

Disperse the gloomy clouds of night,

And death’s dark shadows put to flight.

Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel

Shall come to thee, O Israel.

The prayer continues with Mary’s

Magnificat, Luke 1

Response: My soul rejoices in my God.

My soul proclaims the greatness of the

Lord;

my spirit rejoices in God my Savior,

for he has looked upon his lowly servant.

From this day all generations will call me

blessed:

R. My soul rejoices in my God.

the Almighty has done great things for me,

and holy is his Name.

He has mercy on those who fear him

in every generation.

R. My soul rejoices in my God.

He has filled the hungry with good things,

and the rich he has sent away empty.

He has come to the help of his servant Israel

for he has remembered his promise of mercy,

the promise he made to our fathers,

to Abraham, and his children forever.

R. My soul rejoices in my God.

Conclude with an Our Father

2nd Sunday of Advent

2nd Sunday of Advent (Español) (Vietnamese)

Our commentary this week is provided by Auxiliary Bishop John Dolan of the Diocese of San Diego. For a PDF version, visit http://www.christ-ion.com

Opening Prayer

Loving Father, As we begin this new Season of Grace, fill

us with the joyful virtue of hope. Help us to long for your

Son Jesus with love in our hearts. Let us remain faithful

until he returns in glory. Amen.

Commentary

1st Reading: Isaiah 40:1-5, 9-11

What joyful news!

Though the people of Israel had sinned, the

Lord promises to eliminate (expiate) their

wrongs and give them a double dose of

comfort.

We can’t ever outdo God’s generosity. We wrong him, and

he pardons us. Moreover, he takes us back as a shepherd

gathers lambs in his bosom.

There is a wonderful statue at the priests’ house of prayer

in Los Angeles of Jesus holding a young lamb. Jesus is

laughing as the lamb is struggling to jump out of his grasp.

This is the image that we should consider as we celebrate

this Season of Advent. Jesus, our Lord and God, shepherds

us with generosity. The Lord wants us to be with him. He

also knows that we want to be with him. However, God is

very aware of our desire to go astray. Thankfully, his justice

is coupled with mercy. As our Responsorial Psalm

proclaims, “justice and peace shall kiss.”

Generously, our Lord takes us back and gives us double

the grace. He gives us himself.

Question

Is the Lord generous to you despite your sins? How?

2nd Reading: 2 Peter 3:8-14

Jeanne Calment, the oldest woman recorded to ever have

lived was 122 before she died in France. Reportedly, when

asked when she would expect to die, she responded, “I

don’t know. I think God forgot I was down here.”

It has been nearly two-thousand years

since the Lord ascended into heaven with

the promise that he would come again.

Patiently, Christians have been waiting.

However, patience has run thin for many

and they have just given up on the promise.

Some people get the sense that the Lord

forgot we were down here. “What’s the

delay?” they ask.

St. Peter reminds us that “the Lord does not delay his

promise, as some regard “delay,” for the Lord’s sense of

time is not our own.

We don’t know when the Lord will come, but we must

always be prepared. When the Lord said that he would

return in glory, he never gave a time stamp. For this reason,

we must wait with patience?

Question

Are you a patient person?

Gospel: Mark 1:1-8

The beginning of the Gospel of Mark gives us an

introduction to an unusual person. We have become

accustomed to John the Baptist. But, imagine reading this

Sacred Book for the first time and

reading about this man in the desert,

wearing camel’s hair, a belt around his

waist, and eating things that you

would normally kill with a can of bug

spray.

Truly, John was an unusual prophet

for an unusual event in world history.

He was “preparing the way” (a

reference to the 1st Reading from

Isaiah) for God himself who would

make the paths straight.

It is Christ Jesus who would come to

fill in the valleys and lower the hills so

that all people would live on a level

playing field. In Christ, “kindness and

peace would meet and justice and

peace would kiss” (Responsorial

Psalm).

John the Baptist’s extraordinary

character is nothing compared to the person or the life

changing events that would follow.

Question

John pointed to something bigger in our lives. He showed

us the Lord. How do you point to the Lord in your life?

This Week's Task

Advent Season is a time to prepare ourselves spiritually.

The Season offers us a time to be reconciled to the Lord.

Consider visiting your parish for an Advent Penance

Service or going to confession on Saturday.

As you prepare for confession, consider reviewing the 10

Commandments or the two greatest Commandments

(Loving God and loving others as we love ourselves).

This would be a great way to prepare yourself for Christmas

and to make a New Year’s resolution to change your pattern

of behavior.

Group Prayer

Pray or sing this traditional Advent hymn:

O come, Thou Rod of Jesse, free

Thine own from Satan’s tyranny;

From depths of hell Thy people save,

And give them victory o’er the grave.

Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel

Shall come to thee, O Israel.

The prayer continues with Psalm 85

Response: Lord, let us see your kindness,

and grant us your salvation.

I will hear what God proclaims;

the LORD—for he proclaims peace to his

people.

Near indeed is his salvation to those who

fear him,

glory dwelling in our land.

R. Lord, let us see your kindness, and grant us your

salvation.

Kindness and truth shall meet;

justice and peace shall kiss.

Truth shall spring out of the earth,

and justice shall look down from heaven.

R. Lord, let us see your kindness, and grant us your

salvation.

The LORD himself will give his benefits;

our land shall yield its increase.

Justice shall walk before him,

and prepare the way of his steps.

R. Lord, let us see your kindness, and grant us your

salvation.

Conclude with an Our Father

Blessed New Liturgical Year! 1st Sunday of Advent

1st Sunday of Advent (Español) (Vietnamese)

Our commentary this week is provided by Auxiliary Bishop John Dolan of the Diocese of San Diego. For a PDF version, visit http://www.christ-ion.com

Opening Prayer

Loving Father, As we begin this new Season of Grace, fill

us with the joyful virtue of hope. Help us to long for your

Son Jesus with love in our hearts. Let us remain faithful

until he returns in glory. Amen.

Commentary

1st Reading: Isaiah 63:16-17, 19; 64:2-7

The Season of Advent marks the beginning

of a new Liturgical Year. As we begin this

year, we are reminded to have our eyes and

hearts set on the Lord who will come again in

glory.

Our First Reading reminds us that, in ages

past, people had called out to the Lord - as we do today - to

give them aid. Without God to heal them from their sinfulness,

they were wandering aimlessly. They called for the

Lord to come.

And, so the Lord did come.

Our Catholic faith professes that the Lord not only came to

us, but he died for us, he rose for us, and he would come

again to bring us to himself. Our Advent Season reminds us

to eagerly await his return with steadfast faith.

Advent is a Season of hope knowing that Christ will come

again. He has not disappointed us thus far, so our hope is not

in vain.

Hope is one of the three theological virtues. Faith and love

are the other two. In the end, these three remain. As we begin

this new year within this Season of Advent, let us put the

virtue of hope to work in our lives.

Question

In what way do you hope in the Lord? 

2nd Reading: 1 Cor 1:3-9

Advent is not only a time to remember the virtue of hope. It

is also a time for us to rekindle our faith.

This faith begins with God who, as Saint Paul reminds us,

“is faithful” Himself.

Indeed, it would be difficult for Paul to

encourage the Corinthians as they await

the Lord’s return unless they had a sense

that God was faithful toward them.

Indeed, the whole Advent message is about

God’s fidelity toward us. God hears our

cry, he comes to our aid, he dies and rises

for us, and he remains with us (especially

in the Sacraments) until the final revelation of his glory.


Questions

Why else would we believe in God unless he was faithful to

us first?

Why else would we hope in God, unless he entrusted

himself to us first?

Why else would we love God unless he loved us first?

How has the Lord been faithful to you?

Gospel: Mark 13:33-37

As we begin a new Church Year, we begin a new Cycle of

Readings. Last year, we read from the Gospel of Luke.

Next year, we will read from the Gospel of Matthew. This

year, we will read from the Gospels of Mark and John.

Our Gospel today reminds us that the

Lord will return in glory. However,

we do not know when. Therefore, we

must always be watchful and alert!

Unfortunately, for many, being

watchful and alert means trying to

second guess the Lord as to when and

where he will arrive.

The verse before our Gospel passage

this Sunday (vs 32) has Jesus say,

“But about that day or hour no one

knows, not even the angels in heaven,

nor the Son, but only the Father.”

True faith, hope, and love for God

does not depend on a future date.

Faithfulness, hope, and love for God

begins now!

Questions

Are you preparing to love God when the Lord comes, or

are you loving God now?

As you prepare for Christmas, what spiritual gift will you

offer a friend, family member, or neighbor?

This Weeks' Task

Consider giving them a gift of Christ in Our Neighborhood.

Invite them to join you this Season of Advent to break open

the Holy Scriptures and reflect on the Word of God who

came to set us free.

Consider one or both of the following:

1) Forward your friends the link to christ-ion.com via

facebook, instagram, or twitter.

2) Invite your friends to group with you for the four weeks

of Advent.

Pray or sing this traditional Advent hymn:

O come, O come, Emmanuel,

And ransom captive Israel,

That mourns in lonely exile here,

Until the Son of God appear.

Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel

Shall come to thee, O Israel.

Response: Lord, make us turn to you;
let us see your face and we shall be saved.

O shepherd of Israel, hearken,

from your throne upon the cherubim, 

shine forth.

Rouse your power,

and come to save us.

R. Lord, make us turn to you; let us see your face and we
shall be saved.

Once again, O LORD of hosts,

look down from heaven, and see;

take care of this vine,

and protect what your right hand has planted

the son of man whom you yourself made strong.

R. Lord, make us turn to you; let us see your face and we
shall be saved.

May your help be with the man of your right hand,

with the son of man whom you yourself made strong.

Then we will no more withdraw from you;

give us new life, and we will call upon your name.

R. Lord, make us turn to you; let us see your face and we
shall be saved.

Conclude with an Our Father

Christ the Kings Sunday

Feast of Christ the King (Español)

Our commentary this week is provided by Auxiliary Bishop John Dolan of the Diocese of San Diego. For a PDF version, visit http://www.christ-ion.com

Prayer

Father, You understand the difficulties we face. We ask that you guide us as we take our final exam here on earth. Guide us with your Word. Assist us with your Sacraments. May we be pass the test of faith, hope, and love, until we find ourselves before your Son, our Lord and King. Amen

1st Reading: Ezekiel 34:11-12, 15-17

Everything has an end.

Our Church Year ends this Sunday with the Feast of Christ the King. However, just as the year ends, we are preparing for a new year with the Season of Advent. Next week is a new beginning. As we celebrate Christ the King Sunday, we are reminded that our life itself has an end. However, depending on how we live out our life here on earth, our new beginning will be one of eternal bliss or eternal torment. As we recall, this life we have here is our final exam. When we stand before the Lord at the gates of heaven, we will not be given another test. Instead, we will be given a final grade. Our First Reading and Gospel today give us an example of how we are to be graded. Jesus, the Shepherd will separate the sheep from the goats. In other words, our grades will be pass or fail. Fortunately, while Jesus is a just King, he is also a Good Shepherd who has us in his best interest. It is for this reason, the Lord provides us ample opportunities to pass the test while here on earth. Walking from sin, living in Christ, and tending to the needy are just a few ways in which we can stand confidently before our Good Shepherd and Just Judge. 

Are you a sheep or a goat? Or, are you a little bit of both?

2nd Reading: 1 Corinthians 15:20-26, 28

There’s a lot packed in this reading. It seems those Corinthians to whom St. Paul addresses his letter were often confused. He found it necessary to explain the order of things; especially the things regarding the Lord’s resurrection. In the verse after our Second Reading today (1 Cor 15:29), Paul needs to remind the Corinthians that they are not to take their faith in vain: “Otherwise, what will people accomplish by having themselves baptized for the dead? If the dead are not raised at all, then why are they having themselves baptized for them?” Paul is trying to set the Church straight on Jesus’ nature and our salvation. Jesus is raised first and those who follow him will rise with him when he returns in glory. As Christians, we know this. However, to have this knowledge in our minds but not in our heart can be very dangerous. To know Christ and the bright promise that awaits those of us who follow him is very promising. That is, if we follow him! Thankfully, we have Paul, our Scripture, our Tradition, our Church, our Sacraments, our priests and catechists to help us stay on track and follow the Lord until he comes again. Left alone, we will wander. We will forget what is important. We will cling to the things of this earth and fail to see the great and awesome opportunity that awaits us all when we see our Lord. 

What does it mean to live forever with Christ?

Gospel: Matthew 25:31-46

A king has the power to judge.

The verse we should reflect on is “and he will separate them one from another as a shepherd separates the sheep from the goats”.

The kingdom is compared, not to a shepherd nor to the sheep and the goats, but to the act of separation. Jesus uses other parables related to separation: wheat and weeds, good and bad fish, good and bad stewards. These are all are parables about judgment.

We are all sent on mission. Just like the early disciples in the church, the mission is clear, feed the hungry, welcome tho stranger, clothe the naked, visit the sick and imprisoned. We all know the mission.

On this solemnity of Jesus Christ, King of the universe, let’s be mindful of his role. A king has the power to judge.

This is our final exam. How will he judge us in the end?

Do I think of Jesus as a king and a judge, or just my buddy?

This Week's Task

We are concluding the A-Cycle of Readings of a three-year cycle with this Sunday. Over this last year, we focused on the Gospel of Matthew.

Next week begins a new Church Year. The primary Gospel for the B-Cycle is Mark; although we will also reflect on passages from the Gospel of John.

This week, you are invited to read the entire Gospel of Mark. There are only 16 chapters in the entire Gospel, so you can do it in one setting. However, you are invited to make notes and find common themes throughout the Gospel.

Try to discover something new in your reading of Mark. If you have questions about the readings, consider visiting the following link: https://stpaulcenter.com/the-gospel-of-mark/

The group prays the following Prayer:

Almighty and merciful God,

you break the power of evil and make all things new in your Son Jesus Christ, the King of the universe.

May all in heaven and earth

acclaim your glory and never cease to praise you.

We ask this through Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever.

Amen.

Continue with Psalm 23

The Lord is my shepherd; there is nothing I shall want.

The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want.

In verdant pastures he gives me repose.

R. The Lord is my shepherd; there is nothing I shall want.

Beside restful waters he leads me;

he refreshes my soul.

He guides me in right paths

for his name’s sake.

R. The Lord is my shepherd; there is nothing I shall want.

You spread the table before me

in the sight of my foes;

you anoint my head with oil;

my cup overflows.

R. The Lord is my shepherd; there is nothing I shall want.

Only goodness and kindness follow me

all the days of my life;

and I shall dwell in the house of the LORD

for years to come.

R. The Lord is my shepherd; there is nothing I shall want.

Conclude with an Our Father

33rd Sunday in Ordinary Time

33rd Sunday in Ordinary Time (Español)

Our commentary this week is provided by Auxiliary Bishop John Dolan of the Diocese of San Diego. For a PDF version, visit http://www.christ-ion.com

Prayer

Grant us, we pray, O Lord our God, the constant gladness of being devoted to you, for it is full and lasting happiness to serve with constancy the author of all that is good. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. 

1st Reading: Proverbs 31:10-13, 19-20, 30-31

We are coming to the close of our Church Year and in a few weeks, we will begin a new Liturgical cycle with the 1st Sunday of Advent. As we near the end of this year, this week and next (The Feast of Christ the King) provides us with a theme of closure. The truth is that this world is not our final destiny. Our final destiny is through the gates which lead to God in heaven. Often, people think that we will be tested when we arrive at the gates of heaven. On the contrary. It is here on earth where we take our final exam. It is at the gates, where we are graded. There, we will be graded for our life of virtues of faith, hope, and love. For example, the Virtuous Woman in Proverbs is to be rewarded: “Give her a share in the fruit of her hands and let her works praise her at the city gates.” This theme is also found in today’s Gospel parable of the talents: the profitable servants are given a share in their earnings. The end of our Church year reminds us that we too have an end to our life here on earth. How we live out the virtues of faith, hope, and love for God will determine how we are greeted at the gates of heaven. Now is our final exam!

How would I grade myself? Am I a virtuous person?

2nd Reading: 1 Thessalonians 5:1-6

Have you ever been in a classroom where the teacher handed the class a surprise exam? Of course, the purpose of the exam is to test our readiness for the final exam - and final grade. Staying on top of our studies in class is like life itself. If we fall behind in work, we have to work double-time to catch up. For this reason, many find it hard to take a vacation from their work. When it comes to the Christian life, their is no vacation from our vocation to be virtuous. To live our faith, to hope in God, and to love Him with our whole heart, soul, and strength is the life of a virtuous disciple of the Lord. Thankfully, we have St. Paul and other Christian writers to give us the push to stay on track and to remember our Christian calling while here on earth. St. Paul is saying, “no nap today,” because the day at which we must give a flawless account is unknown to us. We don’t know when we will be graded for our exam here on earth. However, it isn’t as if the Lord hasn’t given the answers to our final exam. Our Christian life is an open book examination. We aren’t in the dark. We are” children of the light and of the day.” Anyone who strives in the Christian sense is always ready for the final grade. The day of the Lord cannot take a Christian “by surprise like a thief.”\

Am I ready for my final grade?

Gospel: Matthew 25:14-20

God, the Creator has entrusted his possessions to the creatures. The Savior has entrusted his possessions to the redeemed; each according to his abilities. In other words, in a very tailored fashion.

In ancient times, talents were valuable sums of money but today we understand talents as intellectual abilities and skills given to individuals. God has entrusted these talents to us in our to give Glory to God.

In our Gospel parable, the owner disappears and the servants remain behind with all of his assets. These gifts are to produce something in return.

The lazy servant has eyes only for the Lord’s strictness, not his kind generosity; he confused himself with contradictions. “You harvest where you have not planted; so out of fear I went off and buried your money in the ground.”

Of course, if the servant really viewed the talent entrusted to him as a measure of the landowners’ sternness, the servant should have worked even harder, knowing that the owner would return.

In school, some classes may be easy, while others may be difficult. In life, some gifts from God come easy, while others may appear to be crosses. Our talents and gifts can be blessings and curses. What we do with them before the Lord returns, depends on our willingness to serve the Lord.

What will I have to give in return when the Lord comes?

This Week's Task

Journal a list of your talents. Consider the easy ones, but don’t forget the ones you have to work at.

In what way have you used your talents for the Greater Glory of God and His Kingdom?

In what way are you using your talents to serve the God’s people on earth?

The group prays the following Prayer:

Loving Father, you alone are the source of every good gift. We praise you for all your gifts to us, and we thank you for your generosity.

Everything we have, and all that we are, comes from you. Help us to be grateful and responsible.

You have called us to follow your son, Jesus, without counting the cost. Send us your Holy Spirit to give us courage and wisdom to be faithful disciples.

We commit ourselves to being good stewards. Help us to be grateful, accountable, generous, and willing to give back with increase. Help us to make stewardship a way of life.

AMEN

Continue with Psalm 128

Blessed are those who fear the Lord.

Blessed are you who fear the LORD,

who walk in his ways!

For you shall eat the fruit of your handiwork;

blessed shall you be, and favored.

R. Blessed are those who fear the Lord.

Your wife shall be like a fruitful vine

in the recesses of your home;

Your children like olive plants

around your table.

R. Blessed are those who fear the Lord.

Behold, thus is the man blessed

who fears the LORD.

The LORD bless you from Zion:

may you see the prosperity of Jerusalem

all the days of your life.

R. Blessed are those who fear the Lord.

Conclude with an Our Father

28th Sunday in Ordinary Time

28th Sunday in Ordinary Time (Español)

Our commentary this week is provided by Deacon Mark Silvia of the Diocese of San Diego. For a PDF version, visit http://www.christ-ion.com

Opening prayer

Question the beauty of the earth, the beauty of the sea, the beauty of the wide air around you, the beauty of the sky; question the order of the stars, the sun whose brightness lights the day, the moon whose splendor softens the gloom of night; question the living creatures that move in the waters, that roam upon the earth, that fly through the air, the spirit that lies hidden, the matter that is manifest; the visible things that are ruled, the invisible that rule them; question all these. They will answer you: “Behold and see, we are beautiful.” Their beauty is their confession of God. Who made these beautiful changing things, if not one who is beautiful and changes not? (St. Augustine)

1st Reading: Isaiah 25:6-10A

As hurricanes, pandemics, earthquakes, floods, and other disasters hit us, we persevere in faith. We know that a part of creation includes an evolution and shifting of natural matter and that, in a mysterious way, we are a part of this ordered-disorder. But, Isaiah reminds us that at an appointed time, there will be only order. The veil will be lifted and we will see the world as God intends it to be. On that day, we will cry out and say, “let us rejoice and be glad that he has saved us!”

• Are you able to rejoice and be glad even in this ordered-disordered world?

Philippians 4:12-14, 19-20

My parents were born about the time of the beginning of the great depression. My mother grew up on a small dairy farm in Arizona. They were fortunate to be able to do enough subsistence farming to have food for the family, but any store-bought items were hard to come, such as fabric my grandmother would use to make their clothing. My grandparents were not Catholic, but had a strong Protestant faith in God. Whenever my mother shared stories of the Great Depression she always ended with the line, “We had nothing and we wanted for nothing.” 

It seemed that God always provided. As a child, she said she didn’t realize how poor they were. When my wife and I were first married, and had two children we knew what it was like to not have enough money. My wife used to save coins in a jar so that the kids could get penny candy from the ice cream man. When I talk to our two boys about that time, they said they never knew we were poor. God always provides!

• Can you relate to St. Paul when he says, “I know how to live in humble circumstances; I know also how to live with abundance. In every circumstance and in all things. I have learned the secret of being well fed and of going hungry, of living in abundance and of being in need?” If so, please share your story with the group. How did you find trust and reliance in God?

Gospel: Matthew 22:1-14

This is a very frustrating parable to understand. I

always wonder why on earth would anyone refuse to

come to the feast of heaven? Not only is the invitation

ignored, but even the servants of the king were mistreated and killed. Anyone who has tried to invite others to the feast of heaven knows that the invitation is often ignored, and sometimes those we reach out to reject us and become angry. But we continue to make the invitation because that is what Jesus told us to do.

He said, “not everyone who calls out ‘Lord, Lord’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only those who hear and do the will of God the Father.”

It’s not enough to come before the altar and say “I believe” only to return to a sinful life. It’s not enough to receive the Body of Christ if we don’t become Christ then to those we meet.

We are called to go out to the world and invite others to the feast of heaven. When we receive anger in return, Jesus tells us to wipe the dust from our feet and move on to those who will receive the invitation with joy. Then we will be true disciples of Jesus and be proudly dressed in our baptismal garments in the feast of heaven. In the feast is joy and life in abundance, go therefore and share the Good News!

• How have you shared the invitation to the feast of

heaven with others?

• When you share Jesus with others, have you faced

anger or rejection? How did that make you feel,

and what did you do?

This Week's Task

• Look for an opportunity to tell someone about the

joy you have in Jesus. If you can, invite them to

come to Mass and see.

Prayer

We have come to renew our covenant with God and with one another in Christ Jesus, our Lord.

We have come to help protect God’s creation.

We have come as followers of Jesus to commit ourselves anew to one another and to heal injustice and poverty.

We have come to stand together against all threats to life.

We have come to discover some new beauty every day in God’s creation: the sunrise and

sunset, birds, flowers and trees, rainbows in the sky, the stars, the many forms of life in the forest.

We have come to listen to the “music of the universe”- water flowing over rocks, the wind, trees bending in the wind, raindrops pattering the roof.

We will remember always that God speaks to us through the beauty of his creation, and we will try our best to answer God’s call to reverence all that he has created. (USCCB Pledge to Protect and Heal God’s Creation)

Psalm

Psalm Response: I shall live in the house of the Lord all the days of my life.

The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want. In verdant

pastures, he gives me repose; beside restful waters he leads

me; he refreshes my soul.

R. I shall live in the house of the Lord all the days of my life.

He guides me in right paths for his name’s sake. Even

though I walk in the dark valley I fear no evil; for you are

at my side with your rod and your staff that give me

courage.

R. I shall live in the house of the Lord all the days of my life.

You spread the table before me in the sight of my foes;

you anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows.

R. I shall live in the house of the Lord all the days of my life.

Only goodness and kindness follow me all the days of my

life; and I shall dwell in the house of the LORD for years

to come.

R. I shall live in the house of the Lord all the days of my life.

Conclude with an Our Father

27th Sunday in Ordinary Time

27th Sunday in Ordinary Time (Español)

Our commentary this week is provided by Deacon Mark Silvia of the Diocese of San Diego. For a PDF version, visit http://www.christ-ion.com

Opening prayer:

All-powerful God, you are present in the whole universe and in the smallest of your creatures. You embrace with your tenderness all that exists. Pour out upon us the power of your love, that we may protect life and beauty. Fill us with peace, that we may live as brothers and sisters, harming no one. O God of the poor, help us to rescue the abandoned and forgotten of this earth, so precious in your eyes. Bring healing to our lives, that we may protect the world and not prey on it, that we may sow beauty, not pollution and destruction. Touch the hearts of those who look only for gain at the expense of the poor and the earth. Teach us to discover the worth of each thing, to be filled with awe and contemplation, to recognize that we are profoundly united with every creature as we journey towards your infinite light. We thank you for being with us each day. Encourage us, we pray, in our struggle for justice, love and peace. Amen (Laudato Si’)

1st Reading: Isaiah 5:1-7

The beauty of creation is a reflection of the Creator. I have traveled to many places in my life and I haven ever found a place where I was not in awe and wonder of the beauty of the earth. Here, God has created a beautiful home for all his children.

• Where/How have you experienced God in the beauty of the earth?

2nd Reading: Philippians 4:6-9

There was a time out of necessity that I attempted to do my own repairs to my car. Some parts I could replace very easily, but other work took skills and knowledge that I did not have to complete the work. The thing about car parts is that they don’t work well if they are not installed as they were designed. All of the parts need to fit as designed for the car to run well. It’s the same with our lives. God created each unique person to know him and to love him above all else, and to love our neighbors as our selves. When we are in right relationship with these three, then all the parts of our lives can work well. If we fail to love God, our neighbor, or ourselves, our lives will not work well. We need to be in right relationship with all three to find peace and joy.

• What does St. Paul mean when he asked the Philippians to keep on doing what they have learned and received and heard and seen in him so that the God of peace will be with them?

• What words or examples have you seen from others that have helped you to love God above all else, and to love your neighbor as yourself?

• How could our responsibility as good stewards ofthe earth help or hinder our relationship with God, others, and ourselves?

Gospel: Matthew 21:33-43

The gospel of Luke tells us that as Jesus drew near, he saw Jerusalem and wept over it, saying, “If this day you only knew what makes for peace—but now it is hidden from your eyes.”

God provided for and guarded his chosen people for many generations, and yet they failed to recognize him at the time of his visitation.

We might wonder how such a thing could have happened, and say if we were there we would have recognized Jesus as the Son of the Living God.

Jesus promised that he will be with us until the end of time, and God continues to provide for us and protect us; yet can we truly say we are always thankful and respectful for the gifts that God provides for us?

Just as being in right relationship with God, neighbor, and self helps us to find peace and joy; being in right relationship with creation is also necessary. The pollution and damage of creation can cause widespread impacts to ourselves and our neighbors for generations to come. If we truly love God, and our neighbor, and ourselves, we also need to care for creation.

• How can being a good steward of creation show our thankfulness and respect to God and our neighbor?

• How does caring for creation help us to offer a fruitful harvest to our Creator?

• What one thing can you do to be a better steward of creation?

This Week's Task

• Make one change in your life to become a better

steward of God’s creation.

The leader invites the group to pray the following

words together.

God of love, show us our place in this world as channels of your love for all the creatures of this earth, for not one of them is forgotten in your sight.

Enlighten those who possess power and money that they may avoid the sin of indifference, that they may love the common good, advance the weak, and care for this world in which we live.

The poor and the earth are crying out. O Lord, seize us with your power and light, help us to protect all life, to prepare for a better future, for the coming of your Kingdom of justice, peace, love and beauty.

Praise be to you! Amen. (Laudato Si’)

The leader will guide the group in praying Psalm 80 (from the 27th Sunday in Ordinary Time)

Psalm Response: The vineyard of the Lord is the house of Israel.

A vine from Egypt you transplanted; you drove away the

nations and planted it. It put forth its foliage to the Sea, its

shoots as far as the River.

R. The vineyard of the Lord is the house of Israel.

Why have you broken down its walls, so that every passerby plucks its fruit. The boar from the forest lays it waste,

and the beasts of the field feed upon it?

R. The vineyard of the Lord is the house of Israel.

Once again, O LORD of hosts, look down from heaven,

and see; take care of this vine, and protect what your right

hand has planted the son of man whom you yourself made

strong.

R. The vineyard of the Lord is the house of Israel.

Then we will no more withdraw from you; give us new

life, and we will call upon your name. O LORD, God of

hosts, restore us; if your face shine upon us, then we shall

be saved.

R. The vineyard of the Lord is the house of Israel.

Conclude with an Our Father