Malachi 3:19–20 For you the sun of righteousness will shine out.
Responsorial psalm
Psalm 97(98):5–9 R. The Lord comes to rule the earth with justice.
Second reading
2 Thessalonians 3:7–12 Do not let anyone have food if he refuses to work.
Gospel acclamation
Luke 21:28 Lift up your heads and see; your redemption is near at hand.
Gospel
Luke 21:5–19 The destruction of the Temple foretold.
Images from the Word
Fine stonework
I am he
Bear witness
Healing in its rays
Imitate us
Liturgical notes
To bring to completion the prayer of the People of God, and also to conclude the entire Communion Rite, the priest sings or says the Prayer after Communion, in which he prays for the fruits of the mystery just celebrated.
In the Mass only one Prayer after Communion is said … The people make the prayer their own by the acclamation: Amen.
—General Instruction of the Roman Missal, §89
The celebration of the Eucharist is an action of both Christ and the Church. The Church is formed by God’s people under the leadership of the ordained—and neither party acts alone; they both operate in unity. The presiding celebrant serves the prayer of God’s people through performing numerous tasks during the celebration, and God’s people voice their participation in the action through their acclamations.
‘To be near God is my happiness, to place my hope in God the Lord.’
—communion antiphon
First reading
2 Samuel 5:1–3 They anointed David king of Israel.
Responsorial psalm
Psalm 121(122):1–5 R. Let us go rejoicing to the house of the Lord.
Second reading
Colossians 1:12–20 The Father has created a place for us in the kingdom of the Son that he loves.
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
Luke 23:35–43 ‘Today you will be with me in paradise.’
Images from the Word
Watching Jesus
The chosen one
With me in paradise
Anointed David
Image of the unseen God
Liturgical notes
It is most desirable that the faithful, just as the priest himself is bound to do, receive the Lord’s Body from hosts consecrated at the same Mass and that, in the instances when it is permitted, they partake of the chalice, so that even by means of the signs Communion will stand out more clearly as a participation in the sacrifice actually being celebrated.
—General Instruction of the Roman Missal, §85
In many parishes, during the singing of the Lamb of God, the acolyte will go to the tabernacle and retrieve a ciborium of hosts that was consecrated during a previous Mass; it would then be used immediately for Communion. In this practice, the parish denies God’s people their opportunity to exercise their priesthood. To fulfil their priestly role of offering sacrifice, the members should bring their offering to the altar with the hosts during the procession of gifts. These hosts are then consecrated and returned to the members in Communion. Although this is obligatory for the presiding celebrant, it should also be available to the entire assembly.
‘The Lord sits as King for ever. The Lord will bless his people with peace.’
When some were talking about the Temple, remarking how it was adorned with fine stonework and votive offerings, Jesus said, ‘All these things you are staring at now—the time will come when not a single stone will be left on another: everything will be destroyed.’ And they put to him this question: ‘Master,’ they said ‘when will this happen, then, and what sign will there be that this is about to take place?’
‘Take care not to be deceived,’ he said ‘because many will come using my name and saying, “I am he” and, “The time is near at hand.” Refuse to join them. And when you hear of wars and revolutions, do not be frightened, for this is something that must happen but the end is not so soon.’ Then he said to them, ‘Nation will fight against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. There will be great earthquakes and plagues and famines here and there; there will be fearful sights and great signs from heaven.
‘But before all this happens, men will seize you and persecute you; they will hand you over to the synagogues and to imprisonment, and bring you before kings and governors because of my name—and that will be your opportunity to bear witness. Keep this carefully in mind: you are not to prepare your defence, because I myself shall give you an eloquence and a wisdom that none of your opponents will be able to resist or contradict. You will be betrayed even by parents and brothers, relations and friends; and some of you will be put to death. You will be hated by all men on account of my name, but not a hair of your head will be lost. Your endurance will win you your lives.’
(Luke 21:5–19)
Did you know?
Points of interest and Catholic lore
The Romans completely destroyed the temple in Jerusalem in AD 70. The Gospel of Luke was written after this event, so his readers would have known about the temple's annihilation.
Early Christian communities faced persecution both from the Jews, when they were expelled from the synagogues for their faith in Jesus as the Messiah, and from the secular authorities, when they refused to worship the emperor as a god. Luke is clearly aware of the tribulations that his community faces and seeks to alleviate their fears in this text.
Exploring the Word
This text must be read from the perspective of Luke’s community, who knew that the temple in Jerusalem was destroyed and that the so-called Jewish Wars led to this act. Both Rome and the Jewish people were persecuting Christians; it must have seemed that the end was near. However, Luke recounts the words of Jesus—words designed to comfort his community and give them hope. Jesus warns his followers not to trust those who claim to know God’s plan for the end of times. Instead, they should know that God is with them no matter what happens. In the meantime, the Church must journey onwards, just as Jesus journeyed to Jerusalem and to his ultimate fate. However, God vindicated Jesus through his resurrection; he will do the same for Christian believers with the gift of eternal life. Our endurance in our faith will win our lives.
If you knew that tomorrow would be your last day, what would you do?
In the face of adversity, what is the source of your strength?
Making connections
Opportunities for group discussion and personal prayer
Have you ever faced any ridicule or derision because of your decision to be baptised?
Describe a time of chaos or turmoil in your life. What sustained you, or gave you strength, during this difficult time? Share your reflections with others.
Have you ever faced a great challenge that you feared you might not be able to endure?
This week, accept the things you cannot change and change for the better those things that you can.
Use today’s communion antiphon this week: To be near God is my happiness, to place my hope in God 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
Numerous sects have tried to predict the end of the world and prepare for it. However, such literalism strongly misses the point. The Church believes that the ‘last day’ will come, and it longs for God’s triumph and victory over the forces of evil, including death. The Day of the Lord, which was inaugurated at Jesus’ resurrection, will be completed with his final coming in glory. Each Eucharist that we celebrate simultaneously looks back to Jesus' death and resurrection, making it present for us again, and looks forward to the coming of God’s kingdom. As Christians, we are people who wait in joyful hope; however, while we wait, we live in the reality of the present and try to build God’s kingdom on earth.
Discuss some of the strange sects that seek to predict the end. Why do you think people are attracted to them? Is it because they provide a simple answer with no personal responsibility?
Explore the relevant sections of the Catechism of the Catholic Church that explain the Church’s understanding of the end times and judgment (CCC, §§668–682, 1038–1050).
Emphasise the importance of building the kingdom of God on earth in the present day.
How are we called to build this kingdom in practical ways each day?
Symbols and images
To describe the end of time, this gospel uses ‘apocalyptic’ language, which was commonly used in this period. Apocalyptic language is symbolic, and it should not be read literally. Ultimately, this text aims to provide faith and hope to people who were suffering persecution. God will protect and sustain them.
Living the Word
Practical ideas for group leaders to employ in connecting Scripture and daily life, with suggestions for music and environment
Examine the balance within your own community; consider how it emphasises the past death and resurrection of Jesus, the present call to live in the world and help build the kingdom of God, and the future expectation of Christ’s second coming.
You could use images of natural disasters and conflict from magazines and newspapers overlaid with a cross as a focus for prayer. Pray for all who suffer in our world to receive comfort and hope. A suitable song could be Restless Is the Heart (GA 239). Conclude with the prayer of exorcism in the RCIA at §94E, which looks forward to the second coming of Jesus.
Gospel
The people stayed there before the cross watching Jesus. As for the leaders, they jeered at him. ‘He saved others,’ they said ‘let him save himself if he is the Christ of God, the Chosen One.’ The soldiers mocked him too, and when they approached to offer vinegar they said, ‘If you are the king of the Jews, save yourself.’ Above him there was an inscription: ‘This is the King of the Jews.’
One of the criminals hanging there abused him. ‘Are you not the Christ?’ he said. ‘Save yourself and us as well.’ But the other spoke up and rebuked him. ‘Have you no fear of God at all?’ he said. ‘You got the same sentence as he did, but in our case we deserved it: we are paying for what we did. But this man has done nothing wrong. Jesus,’ he said ‘remember me when you come into your kingdom.’ ‘Indeed, I promise you,’ he replied ‘today you will be with me in paradise.’
(Luke 23:35–43)
Did you know?
Points of interest and Catholic lore
Crucifixes often have the letters ‘INRI’ inscribed on them. These are the Latin initials for Iesus Nazarenus, Rex Iudaeorum, which translates to ‘Jesus of Nazareth, King of the Jews’. These are the words that Pilate had written on the cross above Jesus.
All four gospels state that Jesus was crucified between two thieves; however, only the Gospel of Luke includes the story of one thief recognising and believing in Jesus. This account aligns with Luke’s overall theme of God’s grace being granted to the lowly and the outcast.
Today is the final Sunday of the liturgical year for the Church. Next week is the first Sunday of Advent and the beginning of a new church year, during which the Gospel of Matthew will be read.
Exploring the Word
It is fitting that this final text in the liturgy from the Gospel of Luke emphasises some dominant themes and proclaims the kingship of Jesus. Throughout this liturgical year, we have noted the radical reversal that forms the heart of the Gospel. Christ is not proclaimed a king in a scene of glorious enthronement, but instead as a broken man nailed to a cross. Jesus’ kingship is revealed, paradoxically, in the moment of his deepest humiliation. Throughout the Gospel, Jesus seeks out and saves the lost—and in the current text, it is a common criminal, rightly condemned, who proclaims the kingdom that Jesus is to inhabit. True to form, the compassionate Jesus of the Gospel of Luke assures the thief of his salvation, and he prays for God to forgive those who had brought him to this point (Luke 23:34).
How have you experienced the forgiveness offered by Jesus?
Reflect on the words of the Our Father: ‘Thy Kingdom come on earth as it is in heaven.’ What are the implications of this prayer for believers? How can we help build the kingdom of God on earth?
Making connections
Opportunities for group discussion and personal prayer
What do you think and feel when you contemplate the image of Christ being crucified?
Have you ever been punished when you have done nothing wrong? How did it make you feel?
The general public seems to be fascinated by royalty and royal families, who certainly achieve plenty of coverage in the media. Share your feelings about royalty and royal personages. How does their royal image compare with that of Christ the King?
Place a crucifix in a place of honour in your home. Spend some time each day praying before the crucified Christ.
The plea of the penitent thief makes a fine prayer this week: Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom.
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 feast of Christ the King is relatively new in the church calendar. Pope Pius XI established this feast in 1925 after the world had experienced the horrors of the First World War, which had exposed the brutality and destruction unleashed by so-called civilised Christian nations. The royal house of Russia had been murdered, and kingdoms toppled in the aftermath of war. The Church’s role in social and cultural life was diminishing, and a greater separation of Church and state emerged. The feast of Christ the King aimed to directly confront growing secularism and confirm that ultimate authority resides not with nations or military power, but with Christ as the universal king. This feast occurs on the final Sunday of the Church’s liturgical year—and it proclaims that Christ presides over the whole of history, and that all of time and all the ages belong to him (CCC, §450).
Discuss this concept of Christ the King in light of our era of declining royalties. How helpful is the concept to members of the group?
You could use visual images of Christ the King as a stimulus, such as Eastern icons.
You could compare other images of Jesus to further the discussion, such as Christ the Good Shepherd.
Symbols and images
The image of a king depicts someone wielding ultimate authority, to whom loyalty and obedience is owed. It is with this understanding that we celebrate Christ as king. During his life, Jesus preached about the kingdom of God while avoiding any attempts from others to make him a king in an earthly sense. He was not interested in power or glory, nor in military might. Instead, Jesus’ kingship is rooted in the profound authority of his teachings and in the recognition that he is God among us.
Living the Word
Practical ideas for group leaders to employ in connecting Scripture and daily life, with suggestions for music and environment
What visual images of Jesus are presented in your church or parish buildings? You could examine them and discuss the images of Jesus that they present.
Use a crucifix as a focus for prayer. If participants do not have a cross of their own, you might consider offering a presentation of one to each catechumen. You could spend some time in quiet reflection while listening to the Taizé chant, Jesus, Remember Me (GA 308). Another appropriate song could be Jesus Christ, Yesterday, Today and Forever (GA 527). Pray for the coming of God’s kingdom. Pray for each other that, like the penitent thief, everyone will have a place in the kingdom. Conclude with an adaptation of the prayer of blessing in the RCIA at §97I.
Presider
God shines on us like the sun of justice, offering healing in his rays. We pray that God’s light will scatter the darkness of those who live in poverty or sickness and those whose lives are broken by violence.
Reader
We pray for Pope Leo and the bishops of our Church. May they open their minds and hearts to listen to those whom they serve.
Lord, hear us. Lord, hear our prayer.
On this World Day of the Poor, we pray that government and Church agencies will be supported in their efforts to lighten the load of the poor among us.
Lord, hear us. Lord, hear our prayer.
As we also acknowledge Universal Children’s Day this week, we pray that families grow stronger in their love for one another, and that children are raised in safe and nurturing environments.
Lord, hear us. Lord, hear our prayer.
We pray for our faith community. May we always be aware that Christ is present among us, and that he continues to shape and inspire us.
Lord, hear us. Lord, hear our prayer.
We pray for …
Lord, hear us. Lord, hear our prayer.
We pray for those who are sick in our parish and for those who have asked for our prayers. We also pray for all the faithful departed, especially those who have died recently, and for all whose anniversaries occur at this time. May they enter into the eternal life that was promised to them.
Lord, hear us. Lord, hear our prayer.
Presider
Merciful God, may our prayers bring hope, healing and compassion to all those in need. We ask this through Christ, our Lord. Amen.
Presider
God has rescued us from the powers of darkness and transferred us into the kingdom of his beloved Son. Through Christ the King, we offer our prayers to the Father.
Reader
We pray for Pope Leo and all our bishops. May they be inspired by the model of Christ the King, who served God’s people so humbly.
Lord, hear us. Lord, hear our prayer.
We pray for all civic leaders and rulers. May the biblical images of Christ the King and the Good Shepherd challenge civic leaders and rulers to truly serve their people.
Lord, hear us. Lord, hear our prayer.
Jesus made peace with the world through his death on the cross. We pray for our world in need of peace today. May all people be led to the sense of hope and confidence that Jesus promised us all.
Lord, hear us. Lord, hear our prayer.
As we approach the end of this liturgical year, we pray with gratitude for our parish priests and all those who have served us this year. We look forward in faith for their continuing support.
Lord, hear us. Lord, hear our prayer.
We pray for …
Lord, hear us. Lord, hear our prayer.
We pray for all who are ill and for all who take care of them. We pray for those who have died recently and for those whose anniversaries occur at this time. May they and their families be comforted by Jesus’ promise that they will be with him in paradise.
Lord, hear us. Lord, hear our prayer.
Presider
God of justice and peace, we ask you to remember all the people we have entrusted to you today. May we always be encouraged by the promises you have made us through your Son, Christ our Lord. Amen.
Entrance
All the earth proclaim the Lord—AOV1 184, CWB 611, CWBII 447, GA 534
All the ends of the earth (Dufford)—AOV1 76, G 604, GA 420
All the ends of the earth (Fisher)—AOVNG 5
Send down the fire—AOV2 164, CWBII 389, GA 475, G 557
Song of God’s People—CWBII 534
What is this place—AOV1 132, GA 479
When the King shall come again—CWBII 249
Responsorial psalm (see also music overview for Ordinary Time)
Psalm 97 (98): The Lord comes to rule the earth with justice (Johnstone)—CWB 447
Common Psalm 121 (122): Let us go rejoicing (Willcock)—CWBII 536, GA 72, PFS 60
Gospel acclamation
Luke 21:28
Alleluia, Alleluia! Lift up your heads and see; your redemption is near at hand. Alleluia!
Procession of the gifts/offertory
I want to walk as a child of the light—CWBII 514, G 593
Jesus, come! For we invite you—CWBII 527
Wait for the Lord (Taizé)—CWBII 251, G 406, GA 283
Communion
Be not afraid (Dufford)—AOV1 114, CWBII 653, G 683, GA 449
Eat this bread (Taizé)—AOV1 125, CWBII 484, G 941, GA 205
Here I am, Lord—AOV1 90, CWBII 518, G 777, GA 496
In the breaking of the bread (Hurd)—AOV1 58, G 918, DD (OCP)
Thanksgiving hymn/song/canticle (optional, sung by all)
How can I keep from singing?—G 685, GA 454, DD (OCP)
How great thou art—AOV1 94, CWBII 577, G 578
Sending forth
Alleluia! Sing to Jesus!—AOV1 191, CWB 619, CWBII 449, G 949, GA 371
Bring forth the kingdom—AOV2 4, CWBII 647, G 734, GA 478
Forth in the peace of Christ we go—CWB 681, CWBII 489, GA 495
Hearts on fire—AOVNG 62
Lord of all hopefulness—CWB 738, CWBII 541, G 663
Love divine, all loves excelling—CWB 740, CWBII 552, G 641, GA 463
Sing a new song unto the Lord—AOV1 80, CWBII 598, GA 414
Sing a new song, sing a new song—CWB 805, CWBII 599
Suggested Mass settings for Christ the King
Mass of Christ the Redeemer (Kirkpatrick)—CWBII 24 a, c, d, e, h, i, k
Mass of Creation (Haugen)—AOV1 196 (3rd edn), CWBII 69 a, b, c, 74, G 192–204, DD (GIA)
Missa Magis (Willcock)—CWBII 26a, b, c, e, g, h
For youth
Mass of a Joyful Heart (Angrisano)—DD (OCP)
Suggested Gospel acclamations for Christ the King
Celtic Alleluia—AOV1 13, CWBII 48, GA 141
Easter Alleluia (mode VI)—CWBII 43
Halle, halle, halle—AOV2 46, GA 107
Mass of Light Alleluia—CWBII 50
Mawby Alleluia—CWBII 51
Murray Alleluia—CWBII 52
Taizé Alleluia—CWBII 53
Entrance
All creatures of our God and King—CWB 618, CWBII 446, G 611, GA 395
All creatures of our God and King (arr. Rick Modlin)—DD (OCP)
All glory, laud and honour—CWB 229, CWBII 303, G 498, GA 309
All people that on earth do dwell—AOV1 25, CWB 613, CWBII 448, G 853, GA 533
All the earth proclaim the Lord—AOV1 184, CWB 611, CWBII 447, GA 534
All the ends of the earth (Dufford)—AOV1 76, G 604, GA 420
Alleluia No. 1—AOV1 15, CWBII 350, G 524, GA 360
Alleluia! Sing to Jesus!—AOV1 191, CWB 619, CWBII 449, G 949, GA 371
Christ is alive, with joy we sing—CWB 639, CWBII 353, GA 365
Glorious in majesty—CWB 688, CWBII 374, GA 370
Hail, Redeemer, King divine!—CWB 703, CWBII 400, G 390
In faith and hope and love—CWB 722, CWBII 520, GA 442
O come and sing to God, the Lord—CWB 761, CWBII 175
Praise, my soul, the King of heaven—AOV1 78, CWB 789, CWBII 588, G 613, GA 392
Praise to the Lord, the Almighty—AOV2 132, CWB 792, CWBII 586, G 616, GA 421
Rejoice! The Lord is King—CWB 799, CWBII 377
The King of glory—G 572
This is the feast of victory—CWBII 371, G 520
When the King shall come again—CWBII 249
Responsorial psalm (see also music overview for Ordinary Time)
Psalm 121 (122): Let us go rejoicing (Willcock)—CWBII 536, GA 72, PFS 60
Gospel acclamation
Mark 11:9, 10
Alleluia, Alleluia! Blessed is he who inherits the kingdom of David our Father; blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord. Alleluia!
Procession of the gifts/offertory
Blessed be our God (Take this bread)—AOVNG 13
Christians, let us love one another—CWB 648, CWBII 469, GA 206
Glorious in majesty—CWB 688, CWBII 374, GA 370
How rich are the depths of God (Willcock)—AOV2 79, CWB 795, CWBII 505, GA 81
I have come to bear witness (Herry)—DD (Marist Music)
Jesus, remember me (Taizé)—AOV1 152, CWBII 526, G 510, GA 308
The King of love my shepherd is—G 712
We have no other boast—CWBII 502, GA 491
What sort of King (Manibusan)—DD (OCP)
Communion
Draw near and take—CWB 668, CWBII 482
I am the bread of life (Kaczmarek)—AOVNG 72
I am the bread of life (Toolan)—AOV1 49, CWB 718, CWBII 508, G 945, GA 204
Make of our hands a throne (Warner)—DD (GIA)
Psalm 26 (27): Do not be afraid (Willcock)—CWBII 481 (refrain 1), GA 28 (refrain I), PFS 40
Remembrance (Maher)—DD (OCP)
Taste and see (Dean)—CWBII 609, GA 34
Taste and see (Moore)—G 930, DD (GIA)
Taste and see God’s love (Wood)—GA 203
Taste and see the goodness of the Lord (Herry)—CWBII 610, DD (Marist Music, free)
Unless a grain of wheat—AOV1 35, CWBII 635, G 783, GA 500
We remember how you loved us—AOV1 81, GA 446
Thanksgiving hymn/song/canticle (optional, sung by all)
All the heavens—AOVNG 6
Glory be to God in heaven—CWB 686, GA 422
How great is our God—AOVNG 70
How great thou art—AOV1 94, CWBII 577, G 578
Jesus Christ, yesterday, today and forever—G 847, GA 527, DD (OCP)
Laudate Dominum (Taizé)—CWBII 531, GA 418
Lift up your hearts—CWBII 539, GA 416
Praise God from whom all blessings flow—AOV1 10, CWB 788, CWBII 394, GA 384
Shout to the Lord—AOVNG 114, CWBII 557
Sending forth
All creatures of our God and King—CWB 618, CWBII 446, G 611, GA 395
All creatures of our God and King (arr. Rick Modlin)—DD (OCP)
Christ is the King! O friends rejoice—CWB 641, CWBII 398, GA 389
Christ, our Lord, the Prince of ages—CWB 644, CWBII 399
Go out in the world—AOVNG 54
Go to the world!—CWBII 496
Lord, you give the great commission—CWBII 308, G 544, GA 313
Now thank we all our God—AOV1 189, CWB 755, CWBII 561, G 636, GA 425
O Christ the great foundation—CWBII 565, GA 483
Though the mountains may fall—AOV1 182, G 689, GA 453
This is how Jesus Christ came to be born. His mother Mary was betrothed to Joseph; but before they came to live together she was found to be with child through the Holy Spirit. Her husband Joseph; being a man of honour and wanting to spare her publicity, decided to divorce her informally. He had made up his mind to do this when the angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said, ‘Joseph son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary home as your wife, because she has conceived what is in her by the Holy Spirit. She will give birth to a son and you must name him Jesus, because he is the one who is to save his people from their sins.’ Now all this took place to fulfil the words spoken by the Lord through the prophet:
The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son and they will call him Emmanuel,
a name which means ‘God-is-with-us.’ When Joseph woke up he did what the angel of the Lord had told him to do: he took his wife to his home.
(Matthew 1:18–24)
Did you know?
Points of interest and Catholic lore
In Matthew’s Gospel, Joseph is the main protagonist in the infancy narrative, while Luke’s story of the birth of Jesus centres on Mary and her response.
There are significant differences between the two accounts, which can be understood as reflecting the particular theological perspective of each author and the way each seeks to point to the identity of Jesus and address the concerns of his own community.
Did you notice that there is no stable or manger in Matthew’s account of Jesus’ birth? Jesus is born at the home of Joseph and Mary, who live in Bethlehem. Look at the birth stories in Luke (chapters 1–2) and in Matthew (chapters 1–2) and see who visits the infant Jesus.
Exploring the Word
In Palestine, the betrothal period was akin to our period of engagement but was somewhat more binding. The couple are considered married but have not yet come to live together. An indiscretion of the nature described by Matthew requires a formal divorce and thus public knowledge. Joseph seeks to spare Mary this public disgrace, but God intercedes and alerts Joseph to the real identity of this child, which is in her ‘by the Holy Spirit’. For Matthew, this is the most important point of his infancy narrative. The child Jesus is the fulfillment of the ancient prophecy that the maiden will conceive ‘God-with-us’. God has freely chosen to come among people. The second important point in this text is Joseph’s response. The anguish and turmoil he must have felt is overcome by his trust in God’s ways, and he obeys. He simply ‘did what the angel told him to do’. Through his trust and acceptance of God’s will, human history will never be the same because ‘God-is-with-us’.
You could tell something of the story of King Ahaz (featured in the first reading) and his disregard of God’s commands and compare this with the response of Joseph.
What does this convey of the nature of faith?
Making connections
Opportunities for group discussion and personal prayer
Have you ever undertaken a bold and trusting action, even though you were dubious about the outcome?
How was your trust rewarded?
Spend some time thinking about how each of these characters would feel: Mary, the young maiden, who finds herself inexplicably with child; Joseph, the man who must have doubted her fidelity and felt betrayed by her. Each character took a great risk in accepting this situation as God’s will and being willing to see where it would take them.
Have you ever had the experience of having made up your mind to do something, only to have doubt cast on your chosen path by an ‘inner sense’ or ‘gut feeling’? How well did you trust in your own intuition? What was the outcome? Conversely, have you ever taken a great risk, with little idea of the outcome but with a willingness to follow that path wherever it may lead? Share your reflections.
Try to be intuitive to God’s voice this week. What is being communicated to you at this time in your life?
Learn by heart and pray often one of the most loved prayers of the Church, the Hail Mary:
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.
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
In the two stories that have come down to us of the birth of Jesus, one of the common aspects is the faith response of the two protagonists. Both Mary and Joseph face risking their personal security in the world of their time by choosing to cooperate in God’s plan. The price, especially for Mary, is high. If she is found to have committed adultery, the penalty, under Jewish law, is death (see John 8:1–11). Instead, they risk all and place their trust in God’s ways, becoming for the Church the models of discipleship.
You could explore the response of Mary offered in Luke’s Gospel.
You could identify images of Mary and Joseph in your church or parish buildings. Point out the difference between revering an image and honouring the one it represents.
The Catechism of the Catholic Church offers useful material in discussing the role of Mary in God’s plan for salvation and in the Church.
You could explore the concept of discipleship and what is required of catechumens as they journey towards baptism.
Symbols and images
One of the common ways for God to communicate with human beings, as related in the Hebrew Scriptures, is through dreams—Abraham, Jacob, Joseph and Hannah are famous examples. In this text, God communicates the importance of this child and the integrity of his mother to Joseph using this favoured method. Being intuitive to the voice of God is an important aspect of faith.
Living the Word
Practical ideas for group leaders to employ in connecting Scripture and daily life, with suggestions for music and environment
The Australian Church has become a multicultural Church, with the traditions of many lands finding expression here, especially in the way Mary and Joseph are honoured. Are there particular traditions or ways of celebrating special feasts in your parish? You could explain the origin and symbolism of these.
Use the Advent wreath and candle-lighting ritual again. In your prayer, give honour to Mary and Joseph for the way they cooperated with God’s plan. Pray that catechumens also come to be true disciples. A suitable song might be ‘Come to set us free’(GA 277). Conclude with the Blessing in RCIA at §97D.
John in his prison had heard what Christ was doing and he sent his disciples to ask him, ‘Are you the one who is to come, or have we got to wait for someone else?’ Jesus answered, ‘Go back and tell John what you hear and see; the blind see again, and the lame walk, lepers are cleansed, and the deaf hear, and the dead are raised to life and the Good News is proclaimed to the poor; and happy is the man who does not lose faith in me.’
As the messengers were leaving, Jesus began to talk to the people about John: ‘What did you go out into the wilderness to see? A reed swaying in the breeze? No? Then what did you go out to see? A man wearing fine clothes? Oh no, those who wear fine clothes are to be found in palaces. Then what did you go out for? To see a prophet? Yes, I tell you, and much more than a prophet: he is the one of whom scripture says:
‘Look, I am going to send my messenger before you; he will prepare your way before you.
‘I tell you solemnly, of all the children born of women, a greater than John the Baptist has never been seen; yet the least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he is.’
(Matthew 11:2–11)
Did you know?
Points of interest and Catholic lore
The Word Messiah means ‘anointed one’ in Hebrew. The word Christ means the same thing in Greek.
The healing of those who are afflicted was one of the signs given in the Hebrew Scriptures that the Messiah had come. When the blind see and the deaf hear, when the downtrodden are raised up and the lame walk, the reign of God will have come.
John the Baptist was arrested and executed by Herod Antipas, son of Herod the Great and ruler of Galilee, because John had criticised Antipas for his marriage to his brother’s wife, Herodias, who was also his niece.
Exploring the Word
As we have already noted, one of the main purposes of Matthew’s Gospel is to reveal Jesus as the long awaited Messiah of the Jews to Matthew’s largely Jewish community. In this text, Matthew cites the evidence that is before their eyes. Why is it necessary for John to question the identity of Jesus when his own eyes and ears will give him the answer he seeks? The blind see, the lame walk, the lepers are cleansed, the deaf hear, the dead are raised to life, and good news is proclaimed to the poor! Such were the signs of the coming of the Lord that Isaiah had prophesied. Such are the actions that Jesus undertakes! His identity is clear for all who have the eyes to see it.
How do you recognise Jesus in the events and actions of your life?
In what ways are we called to continue the actions of Jesus in the world today?
What do you think is meant by the final line of today’s gospel: ‘the least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he is’?
Making connections
Opportunities for group discussion and personal prayer
When you look at our contemporary world, what do you ‘see and hear’?
How distant is this reality from the kingdom of God?
Who are the people today who gather ‘a great following’? What is their message? How different is that message from the one brought by John?
Who are some of the ‘great’ people you have encountered in your life—not those who are famous or wealthy, but those who have had a profound influence on you. Share the memories of the gift you received from such people. Who are the great people who have made timeless contributions to the world? What has been their legacy?
This week, find ways to be ‘good news’ to others, especially those who are sick or alienated or marginalised.
Use today’s entrance antiphon as your prayer this week:
Rejoice in the Lord always; again I say, rejoice. Indeed the Lord is near.
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 word gospel means ‘good news’. The four accounts of the life, ministry, death and resurrection of Jesus are at the heart of the Christian Scriptures. Each of the four gospels presents its story of Jesus according to the particular needs of the community for which it was written. There are some differences of theological perspective but overwhelming consistency in the overall picture of Jesus that emerges.
Using Bibles, point out the division between the Hebrew and Christian Scriptures and explain, if necessary, the arrangement of chapters and verses.
Give some brief introductory material on the particular theological perspective and major themes of each of the four gospels.
Give particular emphasis to the Gospel of Matthew, which will form the basis of catechesis and mystagogy over the coming months.
Explain how Catholic Christians read the text not as literal history but as the Word of God and as theological reflection on the person of Jesus, his identity and his role in God’s plan for the salvation of the world.
Symbols and images
After the period of the exile—when Israel had been defeated, the temple destroyed and the people taken into captivity in Babylon—there developed a belief that a Messiah would come, an ‘anointed one’ of God, who would restore Israel’s greatness and usher in a new era characterised by justice, peace and joy. The Messiah was the one who would inaugurate the kingdom or reign of God. The action of this text proclaims that the Messiah has indeed come.
Living the Word
Practical ideas for group leaders to employ in connecting Scripture and daily life, with suggestions for music and environment
Does your parish community offer opportunities for people to reflect on, discuss or pray the Scriptures outside of the Sunday liturgy? Are there ways in which catechumens can become involved?
Use the ritual lighting of the Advent wreath candle. You could play some reflective music and spend time in quiet contemplation of the signs of Christ’s presence in the world. Pray that all are enriched by their journey through the gospel. Use a suitable Advent song of waiting and yearning. Conclude with the prayer of exorcism in RCIA at §94A.
You could consider giving a Bible to each catechumen as an early Christmas gift and as a means to helping them deepen their faith and understanding.
