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