GOSPEL

Jerusalem Bible © 1966 by Darton, Longman & Todd Ltd and Doubleday & Company Inc.

After John had been arrested, Jesus went into Galilee. There he proclaimed the Good News from God. ‘The time has come,’ he said, ‘and the Kingdom of God is close at hand. Repent and believe the Good News.’

As he was walking along by the Sea of Galilee he saw Simon and his brother Andrew casting a net in the lake—for they were fishermen. And Jesus said to them, ‘Follow me and I will make you into fishers of men.’ And at once they left their nets and followed him.

Going on a little further, he saw James, son of Zebedee, and his brother John; they too were in their boat, mending their nets. He called them at once and, leaving their father Zebedee in the boat with the men he employed, they went after him.

(Mark 1:14–20)

DID YOU KNOW? 

Points of interest and Catholic lore 

• John the Baptist was arrested and ultimately killed by Herod Antipas, son of Herod the Great, who ruled over the region of Galilee. John had been highly critical of the behaviour of Antipas in marrying Herodias, who was his niece and the former wife of his brother.
• The Sea of Galilee is also known as Lake Tiberias and Lake of Gennesaret. It is the largest freshwater lake in Israel, and is approximately 53 km in circumference, 21 km long and 13 km wide.
• Each gospel account of the calling of the disciples is slightly different. Compare this gospel to last week’s reading.
• Simon and Andrew, James and John lived in the town of Capernaum on the northern shore of the Sea of Galilee. Look at a map of Palestine. Most Bibles include one.

EXPLORING THE WORD 

This week we return to the Gospel of Mark, which will be the main source of readings through the weeks of Ordinary Time this year. Mark’s Gospel was the first of the accounts of Jesus’ ministry to be written down. It is widely accepted that it was written about ad 65–70 for a community in Rome where Christians were undergoing persecution because of their faith. Because of this setting, Mark often recalls stories that give great hope to people and encourage them to stay firm in their faith in the face of opposition. In this gospel, the disciples do not make excuses or delay. They simply leave everything to follow Jesus. They are immediately drawn to the words and person of Jesus; nothing else is as important as the Kingdom of God and the one who preaches it.

• What is so attractive about the person of Jesus? What drew you to follow Jesus?
• •The disciples undergo conversion and take up a whole new way of life. What are the signs of conversion in yourself?
• What have you left behind to follow Christ?

MAKING CONNECTIONS 

Opportunities for group discussion and personal prayer 

• If you cast out your net, what might you catch?
• Let go of something that makes it difficult for you to follow Christ.
• Share together some experiences of leaving things behind and embarking on a new way of life: leaving home to study, travel or marry; changing jobs to something completely different; moving to a different country or city. How was the experience for you? What challenges were involved?
• This week’s psalm offers a wonderful prayer for catechumens:
  Teach me your ways, O Lord.
  Lord, make me know your ways.
  Lord teach me your paths.
  Make me walk in your truth and teach me,
  for you are God, my Saviour.
  Teach me your ways, O Lord.

SHARING THE TRADITION 

A closer look at the Scripture of the day, to see how it makes more explicit God’s word to us through the teachings of Jesus Christ 

The first disciples to be called by Jesus offer us a model of how we are expected to be followers of Christ. A disciple is one who takes another as teacher and model. As disciples, we must not only believe in the teachings of Jesus but allow them to influence how we live our lives. We are called to ‘profess our faith, bear witness to it and spread it’ (CCC, §1816).

• You could examine the Book of Acts and talk about the ways the early church bore witness to and spread the faith.
• You could introduce the figure of Paul, the apostle to the Gentiles, and examine his travels and work.
• You could explore the way the Church spread throughout the world over the centuries and look at examples of how the Church professes, bears witness to and spreads the faith today.

SYMBOLS AND IMAGES 

Images associated with boats and fishing are common in Christianity. The Church is often represented as a boat carrying all in it across stormy seas. Just as the nets of the fishermen of Galilee were flung wide to catch many fish, the Church is open to all; none are excluded from the invitation to the kingdom.

LIVING THE WORD 

Practical ideas for group leaders to employ in connecting Scripture and daily life, with suggestions for music and environment 

• You could discuss ways that your community or individuals in your community profess their faith, bear witness to it and spread it. How might the catechumens profess, bear witness to and spread their faith this week and into the future?
• Some netting resembling fishing net could form a focus for prayer. This could be an appropriate time for an anointing to symbolise being chosen and called. You can adapt the prayers in the RCIA at §102.
• Pray for the Church and all those who are called to bear witness to their faith. Conclude with ‘The Summons’
  (GA 502).

GOSPEL

Jerusalem Bible © 1966 by Darton, Longman & Todd Ltd
and Doubleday & Company Inc.

As John stood with two of his disciples, Jesus passed, and John stared hard at him and said, ‘Look, there is the lamb of God.’ Hearing this, the two disciples followed Jesus. Jesus turned round, saw them following and said, ‘What do you want?’ They answered, ‘Rabbi’—which means Teacher—‘where do you live?’ ‘Come and see’ he replied; so they went and saw where he lived, and stayed with him the rest of that day. It was about the tenth hour. One of these two who became followers of Jesus after hearing what John had said was Andrew, the brother of Simon Peter. Early next morning, Andrew met his brother and said to him, ‘We have found the Messiah’—which means the Christ—and he took Simon to Jesus. Jesus looked hard at him and said, ‘You are Simon son of John; you are to be called Cephas’—meaning Rock.

(John 1:35–42)

DID YOU KNOW?

Points of interest and Catholic lore

• Part of the celebration of the Passover festival was the ritual sacrifice of many lambs so that the Jews could eat the Passover meal. In the story of Exodus, the blood of the lamb was shed so that it could be daubed on doorposts and thus enable the people to escape the angel of death. John recognises that Jesus will be the one to give his life for the sake of all.
• ‘Messiah’ is a Hebrew word that means ‘anointed one’. ‘Christ’ is the Greek word meaning the same thing.
• A disciple is a person who follows a particular teacher and shares his or her views.

EXPLORING THE WORD

The movement in this text is interesting to note. The Baptist and his disciples are standing still while Jesus is passing. John gives witness to Jesus as the Lamb of God, a term not normally used of a person. The disciples exhibit an interest in this man based on John’s witness about him. They move away from John and towards Jesus. It is a movement of faith, although at this point they do not really understand who Jesus is. Jesus asks them a momentous question: ‘What do you want?’ It was normal for a teacher to gather students around him, so these two want to know where he lives so that they might come to hear his teachings. Instead they are invited not just to listen to the teachings, but to share the life of Jesus.

Having entered into this, they recognise that Jesus is more than a teacher and give witness to him themselves: ‘We have found the Messiah.’ They draw others to Jesus, including Simon Peter, who is to become especially important as the story unfolds.

• Did the disciples find the Messiah or did the Messiah find the disciples?
• Did you find God or did God find you?

MAKING CONNECTIONS

Opportunties for group discussion and personal prayer

• ‘What do you want?’ If Jesus were to address this question to you, how would you answer?
• Jesus invites the disciples to ‘come and see’. Are you ready and willing to respond to this invitation?
• Share the story of the first meeting you had with someone who is significant in your life: a spouse or best friend. What was it that initially attracted you to that person? How has your relationship developed and deepened?
• Teaching was an essential aspect of Jesus’ ministry. But his style was not to merely give his listeners the facts but to draw them into sharing his understanding and way of life. When these two disciples of John show interest in his way, Jesus invites them to ‘come and see’—to experience his way at first hand by being with him. Can you see connections with the catechumenate?
• Spend extra time this week with your sponsor and talk about how you are experiencing life with the community. Is there more that needs to be done?
• The response to this week’s psalm is a wonderful prayer of discipleship. Say it often this week:
  Here I am, Lord;
  I come to do your will.

SHARING THE TRADITION

A closer look at the Scripture of the day, to see how it makes more explicit God's word to us through the teachings of Jesus Christ

There are many scriptural texts that give wonderful descriptions of being ‘called’ by God (see Isaiah 6; Jeremiah 1; Ezekiel 2; Amos 3:3–8; 7:14–15; Jonah). This could be an appropriate time to look at the concept of vocation in all its richness. Some people are called to the vocation of priesthood or to religious life; others to marriage or to remain single. Whatever vocation we follow in life, we are called to live the Gospel as Jesus invited the disciples to experience his life.

• Invite your parish priest, a brother, a religious sister, a lay couple and a single person to share with the group their call and how they live their vocation each day.
• Catechumens may not understand about the different charisms of different religious congregations. Allow time for answering questions.
• You could emphasise the increasing role that lay people play in the Church as part of their vocation as baptised Christians.

LIVING THE WORD

Practical ideas for group leaders to employ in connecting Scripture and daily life, with suggestions for music and environment

• Highlight the roles available to lay people within your community. Invite catechumens to consider how they may feel called to live the Gospel in your community.
• Use a candle and the open Scriptures as a focus for prayer. A suitable song could be ‘The Summons’ (GA 502). Pray for each other as you respond to the call of Jesus. Pray for all those who are in the process of discerning their vocation as Christians. Conclude with the prayer of exorcism in the RCIA at §94E. 

GOSPEL

Jerusalem Bible © 1966 by Darton, Longman & Todd Ltd
and Doubleday & Company Inc.

After Jesus had been born at Bethlehem in Judaea during the reign of King Herod, some wise men came to Jerusalem from the east. ‘Where is the infant king of the Jews?’ they asked. ‘We saw his star as it rose and have come to do him homage.’ When King Herod heard this he was perturbed, and so was the whole of Jerusalem. He called together all the chief priests and scribes of the people, and enquired of them where the Christ was to be born. ‘At Bethlehem in Judaea,’ they told him, ‘for this is what the prophet wrote,

‘And you, Bethlehem, in the land of Judaea, you are by no means the least among the leaders of Judah, for out of you will come a leader who will shepherd my people Israel.’

Then Herod summoned the wise men to see him privately. He asked them the exact date on which the star had appeared, and sent them on to Bethlehem. ‘Go and find out all about the child,’ he said, ‘and when you have found him, let me know, so that I too may go and do him homage.’ Having listened to what the King had to say, they set out. And there in front of them was the star they had seen rising; it went forward and halted over the place where the child was. The sight of the star filled them with delight and going into the house, they saw the child with his mother Mary, and falling to their knees they did him homage. Then, opening their treasures, they offered him gifts of gold and frankincense and myrrh. But they were warned in a dream not to go back to Herod, and returned to their own country by a different way.

(Matthew 2:1–12)

DID YOU KNOW?

Points of interest and Catholic lore

• The word ‘epiphany’ means ‘manifestation’ or ‘showing’.
• The gifts brought by the Magi (probably astrologers from Persia) reveal many things about Jesus. The gold signifies his kingship, the frankincense his priestly role, and the myrrh suggests the spices and ointment with which his body is anointed and wrapped at his death, which brought salvation.
• You will note from the text that the number of Magi is not mentioned. A later tradition developed that there were three, probably based on the three gifts, and later still they were given names!
• In some countries and cultures, gifts are given on this feast rather than on Christmas Day.

EXPLORING THE WORD

This is a wonderful story about who recognises Jesus and who does not. The Magi are from the East; they are not members of the chosen people of God, and yet they recognise the signs of a momentous birth and set out to find the child. The king of the Jews, Herod, as well as the chief priests and scribes, the very people who should be looking for the Messiah, have not seen the signs. The positive and joyful response of the gentile Magi is contrasted with the opposite reaction from those who should have known better. The Magi fall in homage to a small child in an inconspicuous house. They have recognised the divine in the ordinary and bow before him as they would a king. In Matthew’s community, many were struggling with the fact that the Jews reject the proclamation of the Gospel while the Gentiles accept it and come to faith in Christ.

• Are there people who have acted as your guiding stars in your journey towards Christ?
• Are there some who have struggled to recognise why you have undertaken this journey?

MAKING CONNECTIONS

Opportunties for group discussion and personal prayer

• They were filled with delight. How do you express your delight at having found Jesus?
• What gifts do you bring to Christ and the Church?
• Gifts establish a special relationship between the giver and receiver. We sometimes call them ‘presents’ because they somehow make the giver present to the one who receives. Often it is the simplest of gifts that are treasured because they recall to us someone we love. How is Christ ‘present’ to you?
• Share a story of a time you searched for something, whether it was a physical object, an answer or a purpose. Where did the search take you? Did you find what you were looking for? Are you still searching?
• Give a simple gift to someone this week.
• Repeat these words often this week:
  We have seen the light of his star
  and have come to adore the Lord.

SHARING THE TRADITION

A closer look at the Scripture of the day, to see how it makes more explicit God's word to us through the teachings of Jesus Christ

This feast of the Epiphany originated in the Eastern Church and took hold in Rome some time during the fourth century. The main focus given to the feast was that of celebrating the coming to faith of the Gentiles. Over time, the Magi of the Gospel became the three kings of folklore and eventually even developed names: Balthasar, Melchior and Caspar. These three are often depicted as Asian, African and European, representing the three known continents of the time. What is important in this later development is that it retains the original meaning: that Christ came to all nations and is the salvation of all people who recognise him.

• Tell the stories of people whose road to faith was long or difficult, such as Thomas Merton or St Augustine.
• You could discuss some of the differences between the Church of Rome and the Orthodox churches, noting that we have Eastern Rite Catholics in Melbourne.

LIVING THE WORD

Practical ideas for group leaders to employ in connecting Scripture and daily life, with suggestions for music and environment

• How does your parish welcome people who arrive as strangers, either visitors or newcomers to the area? Is there a way that catechumens could become involved in a welcoming ministry?
• Ask each person to write down a gift they would give to the world at this time (e.g. peace, tolerance, compassion, healing). Wrap these and place at a crib. Pray that the world receives those gifts at this time. You could sing ‘Song for Epiphany’ (GA 300). Conclude with the blessing in the RCIA at §97G.

GOSPEL

Jerusalem Bible © 1966 by Darton, Longman & Todd Ltd and Doubleday & Company Inc.

When the day came for them to be purified as laid down by the Law of Moses, the parents of Jesus took him up to Jerusalem to present him to the Lord—observing what stands written in the Law of the Lord: Every first born male must be consecrated to the Lord—and also to offer sacrifice, in accordance with what is said in the Law of the Lord, a pair of turtledoves or two young pigeons. Now in Jerusalem there was a man named Simeon. He was an upright and devout man; he looked forward to Israel’s comforting and the Holy Spirit rested on him. It had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he would not see death until he had set eyes on the Christ of the Lord. Prompted by the Spirit, he came to the Temple; and when the parents brought in the child Jesus to do for him what the law required, he took him into his arms and blessed God: and he said:

‘Now, Master, you can let your servant go in peace, just as you promised; because my eyes have seen the salvation which you have prepared for all the nations to see, a light to enlighten the pagans and the glory of your people Israel.’

As the child’s father and mother stood there wondering at the things that were being said about him, Simeon blessed them and said to Mary, his mother, ‘You see this child: he is destined for the fall and for the rising of many in Israel, destined to be a sign that is rejected—and a sword will pierce your own soul too—so that the secret thoughts of many may be laid bare’ …

There was a prophetess also, Anna the daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Asher. She was well on in years. Her days of girlhood over, she had been married for seven years before becoming a widow. She was now eighty-four years old and never left the Temple, serving God night and day with fasting and prayer. She came by just at that moment and began to praise God; and she spoke of the child to all who looked forward to the deliverance of Jerusalem. 

When they had done everything the Law of the Lord required, they went back to Galilee, to their own town of Nazareth. Meanwhile the child grew to maturity, and he was filled with wisdom; and God’s favour was with him.

(Luke 2:22–40) 

DID YOU KNOW? 

Points of interest and Catholic lore 

• According to Jewish Law, after giving birth a woman had to undergo a purification, which consisted of a ritual bathing and the offering of a sacrifice. The offering of turtle doves or pigeons was the offering of the poor.
• Also according to Jewish Law, the first-born male child of a family was dedicated to God in acknowledgment that all life comes from God. Mary and Joseph were devout and observant Jews.

EXPLORING THE WORD 

All four characters in today’s gospel are devout and observant Jews, faithfully waiting for the fulfillment of the promises made to Israel. But the time of waiting has come to an end. In many ways, Simeon’s words are universal, representing the whole of Israel’s wait: ‘Now Lord, you can let your servant go in peace … because my eyes have seen the salvation which you have prepared for all nations.’ Likewise, Anna proclaims to all Jerusalem the identity of this child. Both point to Jesus as the visitation of God, not only to those traditionally seen as the people of God but to all the nations. The salvation brought is universal. Mary’s ‘yes’ to God’s plan has brought fulfillment of the promise, but still she is left wondering what that will mean in the future.

• Do you wonder what it will mean for your future now that faith in Christ has become a focus of your life?

MAKING CONNECTIONS 

Opportunities for group discussion and personal prayer 

• Simeon warns Mary that a sword will pierce her heart. Have there been painful times in your family? Can you make sense of those painful times now? Was there personal growth or strength that resulted from the pain? 
• Most of us grow to maturity in a human family, which today may come in many shapes. Reflect on your own childhood and growth. Looking back, in what ways did this childhood encourage or discourage faith in God? Share your reflections with the group.
• What holds families together is a commitment to love and serve each other in good times and bad. This is what allows families to grow in maturity and wisdom.
• Recite Simeon’s prayer often this week:
  My eyes have seen the salvation which you have prepared for all the nations.
• Offer assistance to a member of your own or your new Christian family who may be struggling.

SHARING THE TRADITION 

A closer look at the Scripture of the day, to see how it makes more explicit God’s word to us through the teachings of Jesus Christ 

This feast of the Holy Family is a rather new feast in the Church’s calendar. It was instituted by Pope Leo XIII (1878–1903) at a time when the industrial revolution and other social forces were destructive of family life. The Catechism of the Catholic Church describes the Christian family as ‘a communion of persons, a sign and image of the communion of the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit’ (§2205). It calls on society to support and strengthen families, but it notes that family ties are not absolute. For the Christian, following Jesus is always the first priority.

• What forces today are destructive of family life?
• What are some of the ways that family life reflects the creative love of God, the self-sacrificing love of Jesus and the nurturing love of the Spirit?

LIVING THE WORD 

Practical ideas for group leaders to employ in connecting Scripture and daily life, with suggestions for music and environment 

• What activities does your parish community provide specifically to build families in faith or socially in community? Are there ways the community seeks to involve young people in the life of the parish or the Church? Can catechumens become involved in these?
• Invite participants to bring a family photograph and place next to a lighted candle as a prayer focus. A suitable hymn could be ‘World without end’ (GA 428). Pray for each other’s families and for families who are struggling. Pray for the family of faith that participants are preparing to enter. Conclude with the blessing in the RCIA at §97D.

GOSPEL

Jerusalem Bible © 1966 by Darton, Longman & Todd Ltd and Doubleday & Company Inc.

[Here we use the gospel reading for Midnight Mass.]

Caesar Augustus issued a decree for a census of the whole world to be taken. This census—the first—took place while Quirinius was governor of Syria, and everyone went to his own town to be registered. So Joseph set out from the town of Nazareth in Galilee and travelled up to Judaea, to the town of David called Bethlehem, since he was of David’s house and line, in order to be registered together with Mary, his betrothed, who was with child. While they were there the time came for her to have her child, and she gave birth to a son, her first-born. She wrapped him in swaddling clothes and laid him in a manger because there was no room for them at the inn. In the countryside close by there were shepherds who lived in the fields and took it in turns to watch their flocks during the night. The angel of the Lord appeared to them and the glory of the Lord shone round them. They were terrified, but the angel said, ‘Do not be afraid. Listen, I bring you news of great joy, a joy to be shared by the whole people. Today in the town of David a saviour has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord. And here is a sign for you: you will find a baby wrapped in swaddling clothes and lying in a manger.’ And suddenly with the angel there was a great throng of the heavenly host, praising God and singing:

‘Glory to God in the highest heaven, and peace to men who enjoy his favour.’

(Luke 2:1–14)

DID YOU KNOW? 

Points of interest and Catholic lore 

• There are different gospel readings for each of the Christmas Masses: midnight, dawn and during the day. This gospel is the reading for midnight Mass.
• Luke gives a number of historical details about the time when Jesus is born through the mention of Augustus and Quirinius. He is keen to stress that Jesus enters human history in a particular place and time.
• The date of Christmas, 25 December, was dictated by the pagan feast of the ‘unconquered sun,’ which occurred at the time of the northern hemisphere’s winter solstice. The Church ‘Christianised’ this feast to celebrate the birth of the Son of God, Jesus Christ.

EXPLORING THE WORD 

Luke’s account of the birth of Jesus is very different from Matthew’s. Luke goes to great lengths to situate Jesus in human history. He is born in a specific time and place. It shows how God works through human beings, human agencies and human institutions. No one could be further removed from Mary and Joseph than the Emperor of Rome, but it is through Augustus’ edict that the words of the prophets of Israel are fulfilled. Nevertheless, this astonishing news ‘of great joy’ is not given to the powerful but to the poor. 

Overwhelmingly, this gospel leaves us with a sense of great rejoicing, both in heaven and on earth. God has come among us!

• When was the last time you truly ‘rejoiced’ at receiving some news? What form did that rejoicing take?

MAKING CONNECTIONS 

Opportunities for group discussion and personal prayer 

• ‘Do not be afraid. Listen! I bring you tidings of great joy.’ What have been the joyful experiences of your life?
• •How do you now experience the joy of this great day?
• What must we do to ‘enjoy God’s favour’?
• In this season of gift-giving, reflect on the gifts you have received over the years. What gifts have been especially treasured? What was the best present you ever received? On a deeper level, what do you regard as your most treasured gift as a human being? How do you share your giftedness? How do others share their giftedness with you? Share your reflections with the group.
• Share good news with someone this week.
  Be conscious of who brings good news to you.
• Proclaim God’s glory often this season.
  Glory to God in the highest heaven
  and peace to God’s people on earth.

SHARING THE TRADITION 

A closer look at the Scripture of the day, to see how it makes more explicit God’s word to us through the teachings of Jesus Christ 

Christmas Day is the climax of the second great season of the Church’s year (Advent/Christmas), but the season of Christmastide continues for several more weeks as aspects of this child are revealed. Christmas Day celebrates the mystery of the incarnation, which means that, in Jesus, God took human flesh, lived a human life and was fully one of us. As humans we cannot, of course, see God, but through Jesus, we see God’s plans for us fully revealed. St Augustine, a great thinker of the early church, put it this way:

How much you have loved us, O God.
If your word had not become flesh
and had not dwelt among us,
we would have had to believe
that there was no connection
between God and humanity
and we would have been in despair.

• We believe that Jesus is the decisive revelation of God.
  What does the Christmas story show us about God?
• Talk about how you have celebrated Christmas in the past. What will be different for you this year?

LIVING THE WORD 

Practical ideas for group leaders to employ in connecting Scripture and daily life, with suggestions for music and environment 

• How does your parish usually celebrate this season of joy and rejoicing? Will it be different this year? Are there special rituals or gatherings that catechumens could take part in? 
• How does your community proclaim the birth of light into the world? How will you bear this light to the world this year?
• If you are able, you could process with candles to the parish crib for the final prayer. Sing ‘O come, all ye faithful’ (GA 287)as you go.
• Pray for the world, so much in need of light and joy, and pray for each other. You could adapt the prayer of exorcism in the RCIA at §94C. Conclude with a carol celebrating the birth of Christ.

GOSPEL

Jerusalem Bible © 1966 by Darton, Longman & Todd Ltd and Doubleday & Company Inc.

The angel Gabriel was sent by God to a town in Galilee called Nazareth, to a virgin betrothed to a man named Joseph, of the House of David; and the virgin’s name was Mary. He went in and said to her, ‘Rejoice, so highly favoured! The Lord is with you.’ 

She was deeply disturbed by these words and asked herself what this greeting could mean, but the angel said to her, ‘Mary, do not be afraid; you have won God’s favour. Listen! You are to conceive and bear a son, and you must name him Jesus. He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. The Lord God will give him the throne of his ancestor David; he will rule over the house of Jacob forever and his reign will have no end.’ 

Mary said to the angel, ‘But how can this come about, since I am a virgin?’ 

‘The Holy Spirit will come upon you,’ the angel answered, ‘and the power of the Most High will cover you with its shadow. And so the child will be holy and will be called the Son of God. Know this too: your kinswoman Elizabeth has, in her old age, herself conceived a son, and she whom people called barren is now in her sixth month, for nothing is impossible to God.’

‘I am the handmaid of the Lord’, said Mary, ‘let what you have said be done to me.’ And the angel left her.

(Luke 1:26–38)

DID YOU KNOW? 

Points of interest and Catholic lore 

• This scene from the Gospel of Luke, where such a momentous exchange takes place, is known as the Annunciation, meaning the announcement of the conception of Jesus. 
• From the time of the exile in Babylon, Israel had longed for the Messiah to come. He was to be the anointed one of God, and the prophets foretold that he would come from the House of David and be born in David’s home town of Bethlehem.
• According to Luke’s Gospel, Mary and Joseph live in Nazareth in the north and travel to Bethlehem to be counted in the census because Joseph is of David’s line and must return to his ‘home’ country.

EXPLORING THE WORD 

Annunciation stories are an established literary form. There are a number of such stories in the Hebrew Scriptures—for example, the births of Isaac, Samson and Samuel— and, of course, Luke has already recorded the annunciation of John the Baptist. The purpose of the annunciation story is to let the reader know what role the person whose birth is announced will play in salvation history. In this sense, they are a literary device rather than a strictly historical narrative, although clearly based on ancient memory. 

In the annunciation of the birth of Jesus, however, there are elements that surpass all other annunciation stories. The emphasis is on the creative action of the Holy Spirit and on Mary’s cooperation with God’s will, and it establishes Jesus’ transcendental origins. The role that the child to be born is to play in salvation history is defined in terms of Davidic messiahship, and on this last Sunday of Advent, we stand on the brink of the fulfillment of the promise made to Mary of messianic hope for the world. The tension of the waiting of Advent is almost over.

• Do you ever wonder why God has chosen you and set you on this journey of the catechumenate?
• Where do you think this journey will ultimately lead you?

MAKING CONNECTIONS 

Opportunities for group discussion and personal prayer 

• ‘The power of the Most High will cover you with its shadow.’ Do you feel this presence?
• Mary’s perfect ‘yes’ to God’s will establishes her as a model of discipleship. What are you called to say ‘yes’ to, to enable God to live within you?
• How are we called to practise discipleship in our world today?
• Recall an experience of receiving a total surprise—or perhaps a shock! Was it a welcome or unwelcome experience? How did you respond? Share your stories.
• The ‘Hail Mary’ is one of the best known prayers of the Church. It echoes the words of today’s gospel.
  Hail Mary, full of grace,
  the Lord is with you.
  Blessed are you among women
  and blessed is the fruit of your womb, Jesus.
  Holy Mary, mother of God,
  pray for us sinners,
  now and at the hour of our death. Amen.
  Memorise this prayer and recite it often this week.
• Like Mary, who called on her elderly kinswoman when she was in need, call on someone this week who may be in need of company or support.

SHARING THE TRADITION 

A closer look at the Scripture of the day, to see how it makes more explicit God’s word to us through the teachings of Jesus Christ 

The tradition of honouring Mary has a long history in the Church and there are numerous titles by which she is known.

• Discuss some of the changing historical expressions of Mariology and some of the popular devotions to Mary.

The Second Vatican Council emphasised Mary’s role as the first disciple and model for all disciples. As such, she is Mother of the Church and Mother of God. The title ‘Mother of God’ conveys one of the great truths of Christianity: that Jesus Christ, Son of God, is also the son of Mary, a human being. It expresses the mystery of the incarnation, where God became flesh and dwelt among us.

• Look at other texts where Mary appears. What can we learn from her example of how to be a good disciple?
• You could explain the rosary as a special devotion. Incorporate the rosary into your reflections on 1 January, the Feast of Mary, Mother of God.
• Explore the ‘Mysteries’ together.
• You could give a set of rosary beads to catechumens as a Christmas gift.

LIVING THE WORD 

Practical ideas for group leaders to employ in connecting Scripture and daily life, with suggestions for music and environment 

• God does not always act in grand or expected ways, nor does God manipulate human responses. God simply invites collaboration and we, like Mary, must respond freely.
• What depictions of Mary do you have in your church, parish house, school or community centre? What form of honouring Mary may catechumens be drawn to? How can your community encourage and support this?
• Light the fourth Advent candle. Pray the ‘Hail Mary’ together and give thanks for her model of discipleship. A suitable song could be ‘Wait for the Lord’ (GA 283). Conclude with the blessing in the RCIA at §97E

GOSPEL

Jerusalem Bible © 1966 by Darton, Longman & Todd Ltd and Doubleday & Company Inc.

A man came, sent by God. His name was John. He came as a witness, as a witness to speak for the light, so that everyone might believe through him. 

He was not the light, only a witness to speak for the light.

This is how John appeared as a witness. When the Jews sent priests and Levites from Jerusalem to ask him, ‘Who are you?’, he not only declared, but he declared quite openly, ‘I am not the Christ.’

‘Well then’, they asked him, ‘are you Elijah?’

‘I am not,’ he said. 

‘Are you the Prophet?’ He answered, ‘No.’ So they said to him, ‘Who are you? We must take back an answer to those who sent us. What have you to say about yourself?’

So John said, ‘I am as Isaiah prophesied—a voice that cries in the wilderness: “Make straight a way for the Lord”.’

Now these men had been sent by the Pharisees, and they put this further question to him, ‘Why are you baptising if you are not the Christ, and not Elijah and not the Prophet?’ John replied, ‘I baptise with water; but there stands among you—unknown to you—the one who is coming after me; and I am not fit to undo his sandal strap.’ This happened at Bethany, on the far side of the Jordan, where John was baptising.

(John 1:6–8, 19–28)

DID YOU KNOW? 

Points of interest and Catholic lore 

• In the early years, there was rivalry between the disciples of John the Baptist and of Jesus. This gospel makes it clear that John does not see himself as a rival to Jesus but as a witness to him. It is Jesus who is the one sent from God. 
• The quote from Isaiah comes from a section of his book that is addressed to the people in exile in Babylon in the sixth century bc. It is designed to bring comfort, and promises that when the paths are made straight, the Lord will be revealed.
• Bethany, as mentioned in this gospel text, is not the same town that was home to Mary, Martha and Lazarus. They lived close to Jerusalem, but the Bethany mentioned here lies on the east bank of the Jordan River.

EXPLORING THE WORD 

In contrast to last week’s text on John the Baptist, this one comes from the last of the written gospels. The Gospel of John was penned at the very end of the first century. One common characteristic, however, is clear: the Baptist is again presented as the forerunner. John the Baptist rejects all messianic or quasi-messianic titles. He throws human expectation into chaos. He claims for himself only the role of the ‘voice’ of Isaiah 40, but the evangelist presents him as the most reliable of witnesses, ‘Sent by God … to speak for the light’. The only other person in John’s Gospel to come from God is Jesus himself. Before an audience of the leaders of the religion of Israel, John witnesses with an authority and a truthfulness that has its source in God.

• In what ways can you speak with authority about Jesus?
• What truths have you come to recognise about Jesus?
• How do you give witness to Christ?

MAKING CONNECTIONS 

Opportunities for group discussion and personal prayer 

• In what ways can you witness to the light in your life?
• What actions are you taking this Advent to make straight the path for the Lord?
• ‘What have you to say about yourself?’ How might you answer this question at this stage in your journey?
• Have you ever been asked to be a witness to something or someone, or even perhaps to write a reference? How did you find that experience? Was it an easy or difficult task? Share your experiences with the group.
• Meditate on these words of Isaiah this week: 
  The Spirit of the Lord has been given to me
  for the Lord has anointed me.
  He sent me to bring good news to the poor,
  to bind up hearts that are broken. 
• How can you do this?
• John came as a witness to the light of Christ. How does this light shine in you? Light a candle each time you pray this week.
• Bring light to someone’s life this week by a visit, a phone call, a gesture …

 SHARING THE TRADITION 

A closer look at the Scripture of the day, to see how it makes more explicit God’s word to us through the teachings of Jesus Christ 

The Church is inspired and guided by the Holy Spirit, and one of the ways we can encounter the work of the Spirit is ‘in the witness of saints through whom he manifests his holiness and continues the work of salvation’ (CCC, §688). From the Church, a believer can ‘learn the example of holiness and recognise its models’, especially in ‘the spiritual tradition and long history of the saints’ (CCC, §2030), who have given witness to Jesus, just as John the Baptist did.

• Ask the catechumens about their knowledge of the saints. Are there particular saints they are familiar with? Perhaps your parish bears the name of a saint.
• Tell the stories of various saints and the ways they gave witness to their faith.
• Do you have images of saints in your church or other community buildings? Explore these.
• If catechumens were to adopt the name of a saint, whom would they choose and why? This could be a task to research over the coming week.

SYMBOLS AND IMAGES 

Light has become a synonym for Christ, who refers to himself as the light of the world (John 8:12). Thus the presence of Jesus is often symbolised by a lighted candle. This symbolism has a particular resonance during Advent.

LIVING THE WORD 

Practical ideas for group leaders to employ in connecting Scripture and daily life, with suggestions for music and environment 

• In what ways does your community give witness to Jesus both by word and action? You could invite one or two people from your community to share their experiences of giving witness to their faith in their daily life.
• Light the third Advent candle. You could use the song ‘Prepare the way’ (GA 284) again this week. Pray for all those who work to bring good news to the poor and who bind up hearts that are broken. Conclude with the prayer of exorcism in the RCIA at §94H. Alternatively, you could use the blessing from today’s second reading, from Paul’s first letter to the Thessalonians:
• May the God of peace make you perfect and holy; and may you all be kept safe and blameless, spirit, soul and body, for the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. God has called you and he will not fail you.

GOSPEL

Jerusalem Bible © 1966 by Darton, Longman & Todd Ltd and Doubleday & Company Inc.

The beginning of the Good News about Jesus Christ, the Son of God. It is written in the book of the prophet Isaiah:

Look, I am going to send my messenger before you;
he will prepare your way.
A voice cries in the wilderness:
Prepare a way for the Lord,
make his path straight;

and so it was that John the Baptist appeared in the wilderness, proclaiming a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins. All Judaea and all the people of Jerusalem made their way to him, and as they were baptised by him in the river Jordan they confessed their sins. John wore a garment of camel-skin, and he lived on locusts and wild honey. In the course of his preaching he said, ‘Someone is following me, someone who is more powerful than I am, and I am not fit to kneel down and undo the strap of his sandals. I have baptised you with water, but he will baptise you with the Holy Spirit.’

(Mark 1:1–8)

DID YOU KNOW? 

Points of interest and Catholic lore 

• John the Baptist is a prominent figure in Mark’s Gospel. In Luke’s Gospel, he is portrayed as a cousin of Jesus, but in the other gospels he seems not to know the identity of Jesus and no family connection is mentioned.
• John’s clothing of homespun camel hair tied with a leather thong around the waist is the explicit garb of a prophet.

EXPLORING THE WORD 

The prophet Isaiah brought a message of hope and comfort to the people of Israel who were in exile in Babylon. Despite their failings, God is merciful and has promised them a new beginning. John the Baptist appears in the line of that great prophet and again promises Israel the chance of a new beginning if they repent and turn again towards God.

The emphasis in Mark’s portrait of the Baptist is very much that of the subordinate. John’s self-effacing manner makes it clear that he is not the one who is promised, but the one who is to prepare the way. The emphasis in John’s preaching is on judgment; for Jesus it is the reign of God and salvation.

• Advent is also a time of new beginnings, and John the Baptist’s ‘voice in the wilderness’ is a personal invitation to each of us to prepare a way for the Lord into our lives now. What special preparation for Christmas will you undertake this year? How may this be different from what you have done in the past?

MAKING CONNECTIONS 

Opportunities for group discussion and personal prayer 

• Who are the people who have helped you to come to the way of the Lord? Who are the people who act as God’s messengers for you?
• Are there obstacles that need to be removed to make a straight path for the Lord? What stops you from focusing on God?
• To repent is to have a change of heart or mind. Have you ever had a change of heart or mind over a significant person, issue or task that has led to a new approach or new way of thinking? Discuss your experiences together.
• The wilderness or the desert can be a silent and frightening place—and yet it is into this silence that both John and Jesus withdraw to pray. For them it became a place of deep intimacy with God. Is Advent a time to retreat into the wilderness within and listen for the voice whose cries are often missed in the busyness of life?
• Think about the times or places when you are most attuned to God’s presence and God’s voice. Make time this week to spend a while in this wilderness within, listening to the voice that is there.
• Repeat these words often this week and act on them in a small way each day:
  Prepare the way of the Lord; make straight his paths.

SHARING THE TRADITION 

A closer look at the Scripture of the day, to see how it makes more explicit God’s word to us through the teachings of Jesus Christ 

Mark’s Gospel was the first to be written down, around the year ad 70. It is generally accepted that Mark wrote for an audience in Rome who were undergoing persecution for their faith. It is the shortest of the four gospels and is told in a lively and straightforward style. Mark seeks to explore the identity of Jesus, to describe the responses of various people to him and to invite us to become disciples.

In the opening verse of his gospel, Mark alerts his readers instantly to the identity of the main character. This work is the Good News about Jesus Christ, who is the Son of God.

• You could take this opportunity to do a simple comparison of the gospel portraits of Jesus and introduce the group to the different theological concerns of the authors.
• You could compare the two infancy narratives and address the question of how Matthew and Luke present Jesus’ birth and why each may have written of it in that particular way. 
• Ask the group how they are feeling about their own forthcoming baptism and what new beginning that will represent for them.

SYMBOLS AND IMAGES 

God had called the people of Israel out of Egypt and led them across the River Jordan to be a new people. God, through John, is now calling for a new people by passing them through the waters of baptism in the same river.

LIVING THE WORD 

Practical ideas for group leaders to employ in connecting Scripture and daily life, with suggestions for music and environment 

• What possibilities exist within your parish community to become more involved in studying the Scriptures? Are there study programs offered or is this a need that exists in your community? How might this challenge be met?
• Light the second of the Advent candles. A suitable song would be ‘Prepare the way’ (GA 284). Pray for each other and for all members of the parish community as they prepare for the coming of Christ. Conclude with the prayer of exorcism in the RCIA at §94E.

GOSPEL

Jerusalem Bible © 1966 by Darton, Longman & Todd Ltd and Doubleday & Company Inc.

Jesus said to his disciples: ‘Be on guard, stay awake, because you never know when the time will come. It is like a man travelling abroad: he has gone from home and left his servants in charge, each with his own task; and he has told the doorkeeper to stay awake. So stay awake because you do not know when the master of the house is coming, evening, midnight, cockcrow, dawn; if he comes unexpectedly, he must not find you asleep. And what I say to you, I say to all: Stay awake!’

(Mark 13:33–37)

DID YOU KNOW? 

Points of interest and Catholic lore 

• Advent is a four-week season of preparation for Christmas. During this time we reflect on the coming of Christ into human history as a small baby, the coming of Christ at the end of time and the coming of Christ into our own lives each day. Thus Advent has a past, present and future dimension.
• The season of Advent is the beginning of the Church’s liturgical year. The Church’s liturgical year follows a three-year cycle, and we move today into the second of those,
  Year B. The gospel readings for this year come predominantly from the Gospel of Mark.

EXPLORING THE WORD 

During Advent, in each year of the three-year cycle, the theme of the first week looks to the end times—the eschaton—with an emphasis on the second coming of Jesus and the need to be ready.

In the early church, there was an expectation that Jesus would return quickly. In their post-Easter faith, believers knew that Jesus had been taken up to heaven at the ascension (a man travelling abroad, as mentioned in this gospel?) and that he was remaining with God until the time came for him to return in triumph. For Mark, it is now the Church that waits and must remain always ready to greet the master on his return. The ‘waiting’ theme of Advent is established: we await the birth of the child and we await the fulfillment of human history at the end times when Jesus comes again.

• What must you do to be fully prepared for the coming of Christ into your life as a Christian?
• What is your greatest expectation at this point in your life?
• In what ways does Jesus give you a glimpse of God?

MAKING CONNECTIONS 

Opportunities for group discussion and personal prayer 

• This parable describes each of the watchful servants as having ‘their own task’. What do you see as your task at this point in your life? How well are you performing it?
• Are you fully open to the possibilities that each moment offers? What ‘unexpected’ things may hinder being attentive?
• Reflect on the periods of waiting in your life. Pay particular attention to times during this past year when you have had to wait—for the easing of restrictions, for news, for a test result. Use those periods of waiting to reflect on your year, and slowly repeat the ‘Maranatha’ prayer. Be attentive to the joy that is to come.
• Share stories of a time of waiting in your life: for a child to be born, a house to be built, a longed-for holiday to come around.
• What are some of the positive results of longing and expectation? What are some of the difficulties if the waiting is prolonged?
• Waiting is the dominant symbolic activity of Advent. It is difficult for modern humans to spend time waiting. We are so used to technology making things happen almost instantly and tend to become frustrated at being made to wait. But the waiting of Advent is an active waiting, not a frittering away of time. It is a waiting spent in preparation and reflection.
• The Maranatha prayer is one of the most ancient prayers of the Church. This invocation of Christ conveys the sense of urgency felt by the first believers and their hope for a swift union with Christ. It is a fine short prayer to use often during Advent:
  Maranatha! Come, Lord Jesus!

SHARING THE TRADITION 

A closer look at the Scripture of the day, to see how it makes more explicit God’s word to us through the teachings of Jesus Christ 

The celebration of a feast to honour the birth of Jesus did not emerge in the West until the fourth century. Scholars generally note that by ad 336 such a feast was in place and celebrated in Rome on 25 December. This comparatively late development of a feast to celebrate the birth of Christ may seem surprising to contemporary Christians, for whom Christmas is so central. However, we must remember that the early Christians expected the glorious return of Christ in their own lifetimes. It was only with time and an obvious delay of the second coming that such a feast could emerge. Furthermore, time provided the opportunity for a greater and more mature theological reflection on the mysteries of the incarnation and the second coming.

Advent, as a period of preparation for the feast of Christmas, developed later still. There is no evidence of such a preparatory time in Rome until well into the sixth century. It was Pope Gregory the Great (ad 590–604) who established a four-week liturgical preparation for Christmas, but the eschatological (end times) themes of the second coming were not established until the Middle Ages.

‘Advent has a two-fold character—as a season of preparation for Christmas when Christ’s coming in history is remembered; and as a season when that first coming directs the mind and heart to await Christ’s second coming at the end of time’ (General Norms of the Liturgical Year). 

• You could discuss and explain the liturgical year if that was not done with the Feast of Christ the King last week.
• You could discuss the origins and meaning of various Advent traditions, such as the Advent wreath, Advent calendars, the Jesse Tree and so on. The group may like to construct a wreath or calendar of their own for home or for use each Sunday as you gather.

LIVING THE WORD 

Practical ideas for group leaders to employ in connecting Scripture and daily life, with suggestions for music and environment 

• Discuss ways in which you prepare as a parish community for Christ’s coming at Christmas. Are there special ceremonies or gatherings that occur? Perhaps the parish has a tradition of collecting gifts for others in need or having a ‘giving tree’.
• Are there ways the group can become involved or even initiate such activities?
• Encourage participants to involve their families in this level of preparation for the coming of Christ.
• Use an Advent wreath as a focus for prayer during these coming weeks. Gather Australia includes brief candle-lighting ceremonies for each week (GA 272). Pray for all those who are waiting to enter fully into the Church. Conclude with the blessing in the RCIA at §97F.

First reading

Daniel 7:13–14
I saw, coming on the clouds of heaven, one like a son of man.

Responsorial psalm

Psalm 92(93):1–2, 5
R. The Lord is king; he is robed in majesty.

Second reading

Apocalypse 1:5–8
Jesus Christ has made us a line of kings and priests.

Gospel acclamation

Mark 11:9, 10
Blessed is he who inherits the kingdom of David our Father; blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord.

Gospel

John 18:33–37
Yes, I am a king.

Images from the Word

• Your own people
• Handed you over
• I am a king
• Eternal sovereignty
• Ruler of the kings

Liturgical notes

In the local Church, first place should certainly be given, because of its significance, to the Mass at which the Bishop presides, surrounded by his Presbyterate, Deacons, and lay ministers, and in which the holy People of God participate fully and actively, for it is there that the principal manifestation of the Church is found.

—General Instruction of the Roman Missal, §112

When the holy people of God gather to celebrate Mass with their bishop, they give witness to the fullness of the Church. We are a community of the faithful who are served by the pastoral leadership of the bishop, usually through the ministry of the local clergy. It is not always possible for the bishop to celebrate with parishes. When it is possible, the attendance and full participation of all the parish community in the celebration is especially significant.

‘How worthy is the Lamb who was slain, to receive power and divinity, and wisdom and strength and honour. To him belong glory and power for ever and ever’ —entrance antiphon