Wednesday, 31 December 2014
4/1/15 Arise, shine out Jerusalem, for your light has come
The Epiphany (Year A,B,C)
Welcome back to a little liturgy and thank you for logging in throughout 2014! I would like to wish you all a very happy New Year and also a happy "Little Christmas" (an old Irish traditional name for 6th January). The three kings that have been journeying across our living room have now arrived at their destination - rather surprisingly, as the camel is in a persistent grazing position! I have provided answers to the Christmas quiz at the end of today's blog - I hope you enjoyed it.
Summary of the Liturgy of the Word
First Reading
Isaiah 60:1-6
Isaiah tells how Jerusalem will become a great city as "the glory of the Lord" will rise there. Many nations and people will will come, bring gold and incense and sing praise to the Lord.
Psalm
Ps 71:2,7-8,10-13. R. Cf.v.11
All nations shall fall prostrate before you, O Lord.
The psalmist asks God to give judgement and justice to the king and his son. He shows confidence in God and says that "all nations shall serve him" and he will help the poor and helpless.
Second Reading
Ephesians 3:2-3,5-6
St Paul tells how he received God's grace through revelation. He says that people before did not know the Good News but that now everyone has the chance to hear about Jesus and God's promises.
Gospel
Matt 2:1-12
St Matthew tells the story of the three kings. He notes that Herod's advisors refer to the prophet who predicted that a leader would come from Bethlehem. The kings, guided by a star, go to pay homage to Jesus. They have a dream that warns them against returning to Herod, so they go home by a different route.
Discussion
The First Reading, Psalm and Gospel focus on the great leader that was to be King of the Jews. Again we hear of light, brightness and stars. This is central to the Incarnation. The world was in darkness but now a light has come.
If we look at Paul's words we see that he says that the light has come for everybody: "it means that pagans now share the same inheritance". This is also referred to in the Gospel, where traditionally the three wise men are representatives of the nations from afar and the gentiles (non Jewish people).
The key message from today's scripture readings is that Christmas changes everything. The world that was full of darkness is now full of light (look back to last week and the words of Simeon). This light is for everyone and it makes new things possible. We should try to look beyond physical time and geography to recognise that this light is here for all, in all times and in all situations.
Activities for Mass
Think of the three wise men:
1) They were guided by a star.
2) They followed what they had been told in a dream.
3) They journeyed a long way.
4) They chose to ignore harmful advice.
5) They were filled with delight at the sight of the star.
6) They fell to their knees when they saw Jesus.
7) They offered him gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh.
Here are some things that we do in our lives as Christians:
1) We are guided by scriptures.
2) We follow our conscience.
3) We journey closer to God.
4) We ignore harmful things.
5) We rejoice at being able to recognise God in our lives.
6) We worship God.
7) We offer gifts of bread and wine and also offer ourselves to serve God.
Choose three of the actions of the wise men and the three corresponding actions in your own life. Draw them out in pairs below:
The wise men offer gifts for a king: gold, frankincense and myrrh. It is quite likely that you will sing a hymn about this today. Here are three of its verses.
Born a King on Bethlehem's plain
GOLD I bring to crown Him again
King forever, ceasing never
Over us all to reign
FRANKINCENSE to offer have I
Incense owns a Deity nigh
Prayer and praising, all men raising
Worship Him, God most high
MYRRH is mine, its bitter perfume
Breathes of life of gathering gloom
Sorrowing, sighing, bleeding, dying
Sealed in the stone-cold tomb
Gold, frankincense and myrrh are traditionally associated with KINGSHIP, PRESENCE OF GOD and DEATH. Work out which goes with which from the words of the hymn and write it nearby.
Look out for these objects and ideas in the liturgy today.
Other activities and resources
T.S.Eliot wrote a poem about the journey of the wise men. It is quite tricky to read all of it but you might try to look at the first stanza and consider the sort of journey they experienced. Of course, this is all imagined - we get very little information about the magi in the Gospel. Why do you think this is?
Click link below for poem:
The Journey of the Magi
Answers to Christmas Quiz
1) Gold - Kingship, frankincense - deity, myrrh - death
2) The Annunciation (Luke Chp.1)
Joseph's dream (Matt Chp.1)
Zechariah (Luke Chp.1)
The Resurrection (Matt Chp. 28)
Shepherds (Luke Chp.2)
The Temptation in the desert (Matt Chp.4)
Peter escapes prison (Acts Chp.12)
3) Matt Chp.1 Jacob, Luke Chp.3 Heli
4) "God is with us"
5) The Mighty God, The Everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace
6) Quirinius
7) venite adoremus
8) In the beginning was the Word and the Word was with God and the word was God.
9) Herod Archelaus (Matt Chp.2)
10) He came down to earth from heaven
Who is God and Lord of all
Wishing you all a good start to 2015!
Maria
Thursday, 18 December 2014
28.12.14 He, the Lord, is our God.
The Feast of the Holy Family (Year B)
Welcome to a little liturgy. I hope that you all had a lovely Christmas. This week we look at the importance of family. Both Sarah and Mary were sent children in unusual circumstances. I hope that this week's a little liturgy gives you some food for thought.
I have posted this early - so if you are looking for Christmas Day or 4th Sunday of Advent, please scroll down!
Summary of the Liturgy of the Word
First Reading
Genesis15:1-6, 21:1-3
The Lord comforts Abraham. Abraham is unhappy as he has no children and says "some man of my household will be my heir". However, God tells him to look up and count the stars. He says he will have as many descendants as there are stars in the sky. Because Abraham trusted the Lord, his wife gave birth to a son who was called Isaac.
Psalm
Ps 104:1-6,8-9. R.vv.7-8
He, the Lord, is our God.
He remembers his covenant forever.
Second Reading
Hebrews 11:8,11-12,17-19
This letter tells us of the faith that Abraham and Sarah had in God. Abraham set out for a new country and was even willing to sacrifice his son Isaac to please God. Sarah was able to have a child in old age because she believed in God's power.
Welcome to a little liturgy. I hope that you all had a lovely Christmas. This week we look at the importance of family. Both Sarah and Mary were sent children in unusual circumstances. I hope that this week's a little liturgy gives you some food for thought.
I have posted this early - so if you are looking for Christmas Day or 4th Sunday of Advent, please scroll down!
Summary of the Liturgy of the Word
First Reading
Genesis15:1-6, 21:1-3
The Lord comforts Abraham. Abraham is unhappy as he has no children and says "some man of my household will be my heir". However, God tells him to look up and count the stars. He says he will have as many descendants as there are stars in the sky. Because Abraham trusted the Lord, his wife gave birth to a son who was called Isaac.
Psalm
Ps 104:1-6,8-9. R.vv.7-8
He, the Lord, is our God.
He remembers his covenant forever.
Second Reading
Hebrews 11:8,11-12,17-19
This letter tells us of the faith that Abraham and Sarah had in God. Abraham set out for a new country and was even willing to sacrifice his son Isaac to please God. Sarah was able to have a child in old age because she believed in God's power.
Gospel
Luke 2:22-40
Mary and Joseph took Jesus to the temple in Jerusalem to consecrate him to God, according to the Jewish custom. They met a holy man called Simeon who had been told by God that he would not die until he had seen the Messiah. Simeon took Jesus in his arms and blessed God. He told them that Jesus would be "a sign that is rejected". He said that he was now ready to die as he had seen the "salvation". There was also a prophetess called Anna who recognised the greatness of Jesus.
Discussion
Abraham, who we often refer to at Mass as "our father in faith", is mentioned in both the first and second readings this week. This reminds us that the notion of trusting God goes back to times before Christ. The faith of the people in the Old Testament often had a direct impact on their lives; just as today our faith affects our lives.
Mary and Joseph practiced the Jewish religion. They both trusted in God and went to the temple to consecrate their son to God. They made a sacrifice of two birds in keeping with the Jewish custom. Simeon and Anna are both devoted to God and recognise that the baby they see is sent from God. Mary and Joseph are surprised about the things that are said. Simeon proclaims the prayer that we now know as the "Nunc dimittis". It is a wonderfully assured profession of his faith in God. However, he also warns of rejection and says to Mary "a sword will pierce your own soul too".
Activity at Mass
Activity A
Look at the prayer that Simeon addresses to God. It is now known as the "Nunc Dimittis"or the "Song of Simeon". A popular version is written below:
"Now, Lord, you have kept your word:
let your servant go in peace.
With my own eyes I have seen the salvation
which you have prepared in the sight of every people:
a light to reveal you to the nations
and the glory of your people Israel."
Read this carefully and write out your own version. You might start with:
Now that you have kept your promise to me........
If you have time, try to learn the words by heart. It is a good prayer to help you reflect after communion - a time when we are as close to the Lord as Simeon was.
Activity B
Simeon talks of Christ being a "light". Think of other times that we talk of Christ being a light in the scriptures. Often we use candles to represent the light of Christ. Pay careful attention in church today and see how the candles are used.
Other Activities and Resources
As this is the feast of the Holy Family, you might like to make a family tree to explore where you came from. You could make it in 3D and hang pictures of your relatives on the branches. You could then compose a prayer for the members of your family.
Simeon speaks of Jesus as the light. He is often depicted as this in Christian art. Look at the picture below and think about what the artist, Holman Hunt, is saying about Christ.
Activity A
Look at the prayer that Simeon addresses to God. It is now known as the "Nunc Dimittis"or the "Song of Simeon". A popular version is written below:
"Now, Lord, you have kept your word:
let your servant go in peace.
With my own eyes I have seen the salvation
which you have prepared in the sight of every people:
a light to reveal you to the nations
and the glory of your people Israel."
Read this carefully and write out your own version. You might start with:
Now that you have kept your promise to me........
If you have time, try to learn the words by heart. It is a good prayer to help you reflect after communion - a time when we are as close to the Lord as Simeon was.
Activity B
Simeon talks of Christ being a "light". Think of other times that we talk of Christ being a light in the scriptures. Often we use candles to represent the light of Christ. Pay careful attention in church today and see how the candles are used.
Other Activities and Resources
As this is the feast of the Holy Family, you might like to make a family tree to explore where you came from. You could make it in 3D and hang pictures of your relatives on the branches. You could then compose a prayer for the members of your family.
Simeon speaks of Jesus as the light. He is often depicted as this in Christian art. Look at the picture below and think about what the artist, Holman Hunt, is saying about Christ.
25/12/14 God is with us.
The Nativity of the Lord (Year A, B, C)
Welcome again to a little liturgy and a happy Christmas to everyone! Today is a day of rejoicing so we are again able to say "Glory to God in the highest!" As there are different readings at different Masses according to the time of day, I shall not attempt to cover all of them! Instead, I offer you some activities for Mass and a short quiz for Christmas afternoon! I hope everyone has a happy and holy Christmas and look forward to you joining me again on Sunday for the Feast of the Holy Family.
N.B. I have posted early for Christmas - so if you are looking for the 4th Sunday of Advent, please scroll down!
Activity during Mass
Activity A
The shape of the liturgy at Mass can be said to echo the shape of Christ's time on earth:
1) We are asked to repent of our sins. CONFITEOR (I confess...)
2) We listen to Jesus' teaching. LITURGY OF THE WORD (The word of the Lord...)
3) We confirm that we believe in Jesus. CREDO (I believe...)
4) We gather at the sacrifice at which Jesus is present. OFFERTORY, CONSECRATION (This is my body which will be given up for you...)
5) We go, accompanied by the spirit to live a Christian life. DISMISSAL (Go forth...)
Match the letters below to the numbers above to show which part of the liturgy corresponds to the actions of Jesus and his Apostles.
A) Jesus celebrated Passover and then offered himself as a sacrifice to save the world.
B) The Apostles taught the Good News after the Ascension.
C) Jesus entered the world and taught and explained the scriptures and showed us how to live to be part of the kingdom of God.
D) The Apostles showed that they believed Jesus was the Messiah by following him.
E) John the Baptist and the Old Testament prophets told us to repent and turn towards God.
Activity B
Every week in a little liturgy we focus on the readings and, in particular the Gospels. This week I thought I would look a little more closely at the writers of the Gospels.
There are four Gospel writers - we call them Evangelists. The word "Gospel" comes from the old English word for good news and "evangelist" comes from the Greek for good news. So these writers are the tellers of good news. This is particularly appropriate for us on Christmas Day!
We know the evangelists today as: Matthew, Mark, Luke and John.
The four books that they wrote make up the first part of the New Testament. We call the Gospels of Matthew, Mark and Luke the "synoptic Gospels" because they are quite similar in content and style. (Synoptic means with the same eye.) Biblical scholars suggest that Matthew and Luke had sight of Mark's Gospel when they wrote their narratives. It is likely that they added material from another text that is sometimes known as Q. John's Gospel stands alone.
Each evangelist has a traditional symbol.
St Matthew - a man
St Mark - winged lion
St Luke - winged ox
St John - an eagle
Draw these animals and label them with the correct evangelist's name.
Just as these animals have different personalities, the four evangelists have different characteristics. As we mentioned last week, the story of Christmas that we are most familiar with is drawn from the Gospels of Luke and Matthew.
There are some interesting facts about the Gospels here:
When were the Gospels written?
Christmas Quiz
2) Name five occasions where angels are mentioned in the New Testament.
3) What was the name of Joseph's father? a) according to Matthew b) according to Luke
4) What does the name "Emmanuel" mean?
5) Complete this phrase from Isaiah and well known from Handel's "Messiah" by adding the next three titles for God.
"Wonderful Counselor,
................ ............. , ................ .................,
............. .. ............."
6) Who was Governor of Syria when Caesar August issued the decree for the census?
Welcome again to a little liturgy and a happy Christmas to everyone! Today is a day of rejoicing so we are again able to say "Glory to God in the highest!" As there are different readings at different Masses according to the time of day, I shall not attempt to cover all of them! Instead, I offer you some activities for Mass and a short quiz for Christmas afternoon! I hope everyone has a happy and holy Christmas and look forward to you joining me again on Sunday for the Feast of the Holy Family.
N.B. I have posted early for Christmas - so if you are looking for the 4th Sunday of Advent, please scroll down!
Activity A
The shape of the liturgy at Mass can be said to echo the shape of Christ's time on earth:
1) We are asked to repent of our sins. CONFITEOR (I confess...)
2) We listen to Jesus' teaching. LITURGY OF THE WORD (The word of the Lord...)
3) We confirm that we believe in Jesus. CREDO (I believe...)
4) We gather at the sacrifice at which Jesus is present. OFFERTORY, CONSECRATION (This is my body which will be given up for you...)
5) We go, accompanied by the spirit to live a Christian life. DISMISSAL (Go forth...)
Match the letters below to the numbers above to show which part of the liturgy corresponds to the actions of Jesus and his Apostles.
B) The Apostles taught the Good News after the Ascension.
C) Jesus entered the world and taught and explained the scriptures and showed us how to live to be part of the kingdom of God.
D) The Apostles showed that they believed Jesus was the Messiah by following him.
E) John the Baptist and the Old Testament prophets told us to repent and turn towards God.
Activity B
Every week in a little liturgy we focus on the readings and, in particular the Gospels. This week I thought I would look a little more closely at the writers of the Gospels.
There are four Gospel writers - we call them Evangelists. The word "Gospel" comes from the old English word for good news and "evangelist" comes from the Greek for good news. So these writers are the tellers of good news. This is particularly appropriate for us on Christmas Day!
We know the evangelists today as: Matthew, Mark, Luke and John.
The four books that they wrote make up the first part of the New Testament. We call the Gospels of Matthew, Mark and Luke the "synoptic Gospels" because they are quite similar in content and style. (Synoptic means with the same eye.) Biblical scholars suggest that Matthew and Luke had sight of Mark's Gospel when they wrote their narratives. It is likely that they added material from another text that is sometimes known as Q. John's Gospel stands alone.
Each evangelist has a traditional symbol.
St Matthew - a man
St Mark - winged lion
St Luke - winged ox
St John - an eagle
Draw these animals and label them with the correct evangelist's name.
Just as these animals have different personalities, the four evangelists have different characteristics. As we mentioned last week, the story of Christmas that we are most familiar with is drawn from the Gospels of Luke and Matthew.
There are some interesting facts about the Gospels here:
When were the Gospels written?
Christmas Quiz
1) What does each gift from the wise men symbolise?
3) What was the name of Joseph's father? a) according to Matthew b) according to Luke
4) What does the name "Emmanuel" mean?
5) Complete this phrase from Isaiah and well known from Handel's "Messiah" by adding the next three titles for God.
"Wonderful Counselor,
................ ............. , ................ .................,
............. .. ............."
6) Who was Governor of Syria when Caesar August issued the decree for the census?
7) How do you say "O come let us adore him" in Latin?
8) Complete the opening of John's Gospel: "In the beginning was ................... and ................ and ................"
9) What was the name of Herod's son who succeeded him as Governor of Judea?
10) What are the first two lines of the second verse of "Once in Royal David's City" ?
Answers to follow in the New Year!
Wishing you a very peaceful and joyful Christmas!
Maria
Wishing you a very peaceful and joyful Christmas!
Maria
Tuesday, 16 December 2014
21/12/14 Do not be afraid!
Fourth Sunday of Advent (Year B)
Welcome back to a little liturgy. This week we hear the beautiful story of the Annunciation. The traditional Catholic prayer known as "the Angelus" starts off with this scene. It is a particularly lovely prayer to use in the last week of Advent. You can find it here: Angelus prayer . You may notice that the Collect for today is the same as the words at the end of this prayer. I hope you find something useful in this week's a little liturgy and a little freedom from the hustle and bustle of the season.
Summary of Liturgy of the Word
First Reading
2 Samuel 7:1-5, 8-12,14,16
David feels uncomfortable that he is living in a nice house and that the ark of God is only in a tent.
God tells him (via Nathan) not to worry about this. Instead, God will build David a strong house for the people of Israel. He will look after them and "give them rest from all their enemies". David's descendants will also be looked after.
Psalm
Ps 88:2-5, 27, 29. R. Cf. v.2
I will sing forever of your love, O Lord.
The psalmists tells us of his belief that God's love lasts forever.
Second Reading
Romans 16:25-27
Paul talks about Jesus being the revelation of a mystery that has been secret for a long time. He says that we should give glory to God and understand that Jesus is the Christ that scripture predicted.
Gospel
Luke 1:26-38
Luke tells us the story of the Annunciation. The angel Gabriel told Mary that she would have a son and that she was to call him "Jesus". The Angel says that Jesus will be a great man and "his reign will have no end". Mary is confused as she is not yet married but the angel reassures her and tells her that her cousin, Elizabeth will also have a baby. Mary then accepts this and the angel leaves.
Discussion
In the last week before Christmas Samuel tells us about king David and how God chose to protect him and make him a great king. Jesus is "the offspring" of David and both Luke and Matthew trace Jesus' ancestors back to him. It reminds us of Jesus' kingship and his Jewish heritage. The psalmist continues to sing of David and how God promises to preserve his dynasty. Paul's letter reinforces this link between the Old and New Testaments and he reminds us that Jesus' coming is a fulfilment of the predictions of scripture.
The Gospel today is very familiar to us. It builds on the theme from last week about people accepting their roles with joy. Mary was uncertain because her role as wife to Joseph was not yet established but she trusted God and agreed to his will.
Activity during Mass
Activity A
David was a young shepherd lad who defeated the huge warrior, Goliath with only his sling and the power of God. He is an example of how goodness can triumph over evil. He is also well known for composing psalms and is often drawn singing with a harp. After a while, David became a powerful king.
In a similar way, Jesus was a carpenter from Nazareth and then surprised everyone by being a powerful king. However, he did not become a king in the traditional way like David. He taught us how to be part of the kingdom of heaven. Jesus showed us how good can triumph over evil by the sacrifice on the cross. Instead of a gold crown he had a crown of thorns.
Draw some of the events in the lives of Jesus and David and think how you can make some connections between them.
David Jesus
as a young shepherd as a young carpenter
singing psalms to praise God teaching us about God
killing Goliath dying on the cross
becoming king rising from the dead
Activity B
At Christmas God became human. We call this "the Incarnation". Look out for the phrase in the Creed that describes this:
"for our salvation he came down from heaven, and by the Holy Spirit was incarnate of the Virgin Mary and became man"
Every week, when we say these words, we bow our heads to show that we are talking about a very special moment. On Christmas Day we will all kneel down when we say these words to show that this is the celebration of an amazing moment in history.
Other activities and resources
A) Often we associate the book of psalms with David. Find out a bit more about this book and what it contains. Some of the most beautiful medieval books are books of psalms. Look for the Ramsey Psalter and the Utrecht Psalter.
Many people pray the psalms everyday. They use a book called a breviary and go through a cycle of psalms once every four weeks. Choose one psalm that you like and try to learn part of it.
B) Today we hear about the Annunciation. Over the centuries many artists have portrayed this scene in their work. You may find it on some of your Christmas cards this year.
Look at some of the pictures below:
paintings of the Annunciation
Often in these pictures there is an object or a change in surroundings to separate Mary from the angel. Make a list of the different ways Mary and the angel are separated in some of these paintings. Why do you think the painter does this?
Last week's question
Where can I find the story of Christmas in the Bible?
The story of Jesus being born that we are most familiar with is the account given by Luke (Chp 2). It includes the manger, swaddling clothes and the shepherds. Matthew tells the story in less detail (Chp 1) but does go on to talk about the visit of the wise men (Chp 2). The other two Gospels (Mark and John) start their stories later in Jesus' life.
All the best!
Maria
Welcome back to a little liturgy. This week we hear the beautiful story of the Annunciation. The traditional Catholic prayer known as "the Angelus" starts off with this scene. It is a particularly lovely prayer to use in the last week of Advent. You can find it here: Angelus prayer . You may notice that the Collect for today is the same as the words at the end of this prayer. I hope you find something useful in this week's a little liturgy and a little freedom from the hustle and bustle of the season.
Summary of Liturgy of the Word
First Reading
2 Samuel 7:1-5, 8-12,14,16
David feels uncomfortable that he is living in a nice house and that the ark of God is only in a tent.
God tells him (via Nathan) not to worry about this. Instead, God will build David a strong house for the people of Israel. He will look after them and "give them rest from all their enemies". David's descendants will also be looked after.
Psalm
Ps 88:2-5, 27, 29. R. Cf. v.2
I will sing forever of your love, O Lord.
The psalmists tells us of his belief that God's love lasts forever.
Second Reading
Romans 16:25-27
Paul talks about Jesus being the revelation of a mystery that has been secret for a long time. He says that we should give glory to God and understand that Jesus is the Christ that scripture predicted.
Gospel
Luke 1:26-38
Luke tells us the story of the Annunciation. The angel Gabriel told Mary that she would have a son and that she was to call him "Jesus". The Angel says that Jesus will be a great man and "his reign will have no end". Mary is confused as she is not yet married but the angel reassures her and tells her that her cousin, Elizabeth will also have a baby. Mary then accepts this and the angel leaves.
Discussion
In the last week before Christmas Samuel tells us about king David and how God chose to protect him and make him a great king. Jesus is "the offspring" of David and both Luke and Matthew trace Jesus' ancestors back to him. It reminds us of Jesus' kingship and his Jewish heritage. The psalmist continues to sing of David and how God promises to preserve his dynasty. Paul's letter reinforces this link between the Old and New Testaments and he reminds us that Jesus' coming is a fulfilment of the predictions of scripture.
The Gospel today is very familiar to us. It builds on the theme from last week about people accepting their roles with joy. Mary was uncertain because her role as wife to Joseph was not yet established but she trusted God and agreed to his will.
Activity during Mass
Activity A
David was a young shepherd lad who defeated the huge warrior, Goliath with only his sling and the power of God. He is an example of how goodness can triumph over evil. He is also well known for composing psalms and is often drawn singing with a harp. After a while, David became a powerful king.
In a similar way, Jesus was a carpenter from Nazareth and then surprised everyone by being a powerful king. However, he did not become a king in the traditional way like David. He taught us how to be part of the kingdom of heaven. Jesus showed us how good can triumph over evil by the sacrifice on the cross. Instead of a gold crown he had a crown of thorns.
Draw some of the events in the lives of Jesus and David and think how you can make some connections between them.
David Jesus
as a young shepherd as a young carpenter
singing psalms to praise God teaching us about God
killing Goliath dying on the cross
becoming king rising from the dead
Activity B
At Christmas God became human. We call this "the Incarnation". Look out for the phrase in the Creed that describes this:
"for our salvation he came down from heaven, and by the Holy Spirit was incarnate of the Virgin Mary and became man"
Every week, when we say these words, we bow our heads to show that we are talking about a very special moment. On Christmas Day we will all kneel down when we say these words to show that this is the celebration of an amazing moment in history.
Other activities and resources
A) Often we associate the book of psalms with David. Find out a bit more about this book and what it contains. Some of the most beautiful medieval books are books of psalms. Look for the Ramsey Psalter and the Utrecht Psalter.
Many people pray the psalms everyday. They use a book called a breviary and go through a cycle of psalms once every four weeks. Choose one psalm that you like and try to learn part of it.
B) Today we hear about the Annunciation. Over the centuries many artists have portrayed this scene in their work. You may find it on some of your Christmas cards this year.
Look at some of the pictures below:
paintings of the Annunciation
Often in these pictures there is an object or a change in surroundings to separate Mary from the angel. Make a list of the different ways Mary and the angel are separated in some of these paintings. Why do you think the painter does this?
Last week's question
Where can I find the story of Christmas in the Bible?
The story of Jesus being born that we are most familiar with is the account given by Luke (Chp 2). It includes the manger, swaddling clothes and the shepherds. Matthew tells the story in less detail (Chp 1) but does go on to talk about the visit of the wise men (Chp 2). The other two Gospels (Mark and John) start their stories later in Jesus' life.
All the best!
Maria
Wednesday, 10 December 2014
14/12/14 Rejoice in the Lord always!
3rd Sunday of Advent (Year B)
Welcome back to a little liturgy. This week we still wait but emerge from violet into rose. The Entrance Antiphon urges us to "Rejoice!" for "the Lord is near". The readings and psalm concern the people surrounding Christ on earth. I have tried to focus on the roles they had and how they accepted their responsibilities with joy.
Summary of Liturgy of the Word
First Reading
Isaiah 61:1-2,10-11
Isaiah tells us that the Lord has anointed him and sent him "to bring good news to the poor, to bind up hearts that are broken" and to "proclaim liberty to captives". He rejoices in the Lord and is glad that he has been given integrity.
Psalm
Luke 1:46-50, 53-54. R. Is 61:10
My soul rejoices in my God
Second Reading
Thessalonians 5:16-24
St Paul tells us to be happy, pray and give thanks to God. He urges us to think before we act and avoid evil. He ends with encouragement and the words "God has called you and he will not fail you".
Gospel
John 1:6-8, 19-28
St John describes John the Baptist as a witness to speak for the light. He says that John told the priests and Levites he was the voice in the wilderness sent to prepare a way for the Lord. John says that he baptises with water. However, he says that there is someone coming after him and that he is not fit to undo the strap of his sandal.
Discussion
Isaiah exults and rejoices in his role as a bringer of good news to the poor. The imagery used this week is positive; it concerns garments, jewels and the growth of seeds. Much of this imagery is familiar to us from the New Testament and shows the link between the prophet's role and that of Jesus. Isaiah has been anointed, just as we are in Baptism. Which other sacraments involve anointing - how does this relate to our mission as Christians?
Mary echoes Isaiah's joy and also mentions God's concern for the poor. St Paul commands us to "be happy at all times" and to give thanks to God. All these characters have accepted their jobs with enthusiasm and are happy to be part of God's plan.
Activity for Mass
Activity A
Some parts of the Mass are the same every week and some parts change. We know that the readings (The Liturgy of the Word) changes every week but other parts also change according to the season or the choice of the local church.
One of these sections is the COLLECT. It is early on in the Mass just after the Gloria (today after the Kyrie). Read it carefully and see how it relates to Advent.
COLLECT
O God, who see how your people faithfully await the feast of the Lord's Nativity, enable us we pray, to attain the joys of so great a salvation and to celebrate them always with solemn worship and glad rejoicing. Through our Lord Jesus Christ your Son, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God for ever and ever.
Activity B
The characters involved in today's Liturgy of the Word - Isaiah, Mary, St Paul, John the Evangelist and John the Baptist - have all been called by God to fulfil special roles associated with Jesus. See if you can identify what God asked them to do and how he asked them. You may have to fill in any gaps in your knowledge when you get home. (I have left space at the bottom of the list for you to fill in your own name!)
CHARACTER JOB HOW THEY WERE TOLD
Isaiah
Mary
St Paul
John the Evangelist
John the Baptist
Your name:
Other resources and activities
The psalm today is the prayer that Mary made when God asked her to be the mother of Jesus and she went to her cousin Elizabeth with the news. It is traditionally called the "Magnificat" because this is the first word if it is said in Latin. Listen to a version of it on the link below. Think about how Mary accepts her role with joy and compare this with Isaiah's words in the first reading.
Tell Out My Soul!
Find this passage in the New Testament - Luke 1: 26-56 and read the story of the Annunciation and the Visitation. Which other prayers do you know that recall these events?
Use the link below to look at some artistic representations of the Baptism of Christ:
Artistic representations of the Baptism of Christ
Questions
Last week's question
Why is there a pink candle on the Advent wreath?
Answer
There are four weeks in Advent and we use the colour violet (purple) to suggest a sombre mood as we wait for Christmas. On the third Sunday, the our Entrance Antiphon begins with the word "Rejoice" or in Latin "Gaudete". This Sunday is therefore known as "Gaudete Sunday" and is a little less sombre - the readings mention joy and happiness - so we lighten the shade to rose (pink). The priest's vestments may also be rose. Find out on which other Sunday the priest wears rose vestments.
This week's question
Where can I find the story of Christmas in the Bible?
All the best for the week ahead!
Maria
Welcome back to a little liturgy. This week we still wait but emerge from violet into rose. The Entrance Antiphon urges us to "Rejoice!" for "the Lord is near". The readings and psalm concern the people surrounding Christ on earth. I have tried to focus on the roles they had and how they accepted their responsibilities with joy.
Summary of Liturgy of the Word
Isaiah 61:1-2,10-11
Isaiah tells us that the Lord has anointed him and sent him "to bring good news to the poor, to bind up hearts that are broken" and to "proclaim liberty to captives". He rejoices in the Lord and is glad that he has been given integrity.
Psalm
Luke 1:46-50, 53-54. R. Is 61:10
My soul rejoices in my God
Second Reading
Thessalonians 5:16-24
St Paul tells us to be happy, pray and give thanks to God. He urges us to think before we act and avoid evil. He ends with encouragement and the words "God has called you and he will not fail you".
Gospel
John 1:6-8, 19-28
St John describes John the Baptist as a witness to speak for the light. He says that John told the priests and Levites he was the voice in the wilderness sent to prepare a way for the Lord. John says that he baptises with water. However, he says that there is someone coming after him and that he is not fit to undo the strap of his sandal.
Discussion
Isaiah exults and rejoices in his role as a bringer of good news to the poor. The imagery used this week is positive; it concerns garments, jewels and the growth of seeds. Much of this imagery is familiar to us from the New Testament and shows the link between the prophet's role and that of Jesus. Isaiah has been anointed, just as we are in Baptism. Which other sacraments involve anointing - how does this relate to our mission as Christians?
Mary echoes Isaiah's joy and also mentions God's concern for the poor. St Paul commands us to "be happy at all times" and to give thanks to God. All these characters have accepted their jobs with enthusiasm and are happy to be part of God's plan.
Activity for Mass
Activity A
Some parts of the Mass are the same every week and some parts change. We know that the readings (The Liturgy of the Word) changes every week but other parts also change according to the season or the choice of the local church.
One of these sections is the COLLECT. It is early on in the Mass just after the Gloria (today after the Kyrie). Read it carefully and see how it relates to Advent.
COLLECT
O God, who see how your people faithfully await the feast of the Lord's Nativity, enable us we pray, to attain the joys of so great a salvation and to celebrate them always with solemn worship and glad rejoicing. Through our Lord Jesus Christ your Son, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God for ever and ever.
Activity B
The characters involved in today's Liturgy of the Word - Isaiah, Mary, St Paul, John the Evangelist and John the Baptist - have all been called by God to fulfil special roles associated with Jesus. See if you can identify what God asked them to do and how he asked them. You may have to fill in any gaps in your knowledge when you get home. (I have left space at the bottom of the list for you to fill in your own name!)
CHARACTER JOB HOW THEY WERE TOLD
Isaiah
Mary
St Paul
John the Evangelist
John the Baptist
Your name:
Other resources and activities
Tell Out My Soul!
Find this passage in the New Testament - Luke 1: 26-56 and read the story of the Annunciation and the Visitation. Which other prayers do you know that recall these events?
Use the link below to look at some artistic representations of the Baptism of Christ:
Artistic representations of the Baptism of Christ
Questions
Last week's question
Why is there a pink candle on the Advent wreath?
Answer
There are four weeks in Advent and we use the colour violet (purple) to suggest a sombre mood as we wait for Christmas. On the third Sunday, the our Entrance Antiphon begins with the word "Rejoice" or in Latin "Gaudete". This Sunday is therefore known as "Gaudete Sunday" and is a little less sombre - the readings mention joy and happiness - so we lighten the shade to rose (pink). The priest's vestments may also be rose. Find out on which other Sunday the priest wears rose vestments.
This week's question
Where can I find the story of Christmas in the Bible?
All the best for the week ahead!
Maria
Thursday, 4 December 2014
7/12/14 Prepare a way for the Lord!
Second Sunday of Advent (Year B)
Welcome back to a little liturgy. We are still waiting for the Lord and this week St Peter reminds us that it could be a long time! I'm afraid I have relied rather heavily on Handel this week but who could resist? We also hear about John the Baptist and the famous diet of locusts. Last week I made some cards for the different sections of the Mass. My son duly decorated them with imaginative drawings and then we duly forgot to take them to church. Best not to think about what they say about good intentions! We will try to use them this week and report back. I hope you enjoy the music.
Summary of Liturgy of the Word
First Reading
Isaiah 40:1-5, 9-11
Isaiah reports God talking of a voice in the wilderness saying "Prepare a way for the Lord". The voice also asks that we make a straight path in the desert and fill in the valleys and flatten the hills. We should also shout with joy about the coming of the Lord who will be both powerful and like a shepherd.
Psalm
Ps 84:9-14. R.v.8
Let us see, O Lord, your mercy and give us your saving help.
Second Reading
2 Peter 3:8-14
St Peter tells us that the day of the Lord will come "like a thief". The Lord, he says, is not being slow but is giving us plenty of time to change and live our lives well so we can be saved. He says "with the Lord, a day is like a thousand years, and a thousand years is like a day."
At the Lord's coming there will be a roar and the earth will burn and be replaced by new heavens and a new earth where the righteous will live.
Gospel
Mark 1:1-18
St Mark starts his Gospel by quoting Isaiah and pointing to John the Baptist as the "voice in the wilderness". He then tells us that people went to John to be baptised for the forgiveness of sins. John, we are told, wore camel skin and ate locusts and wild honey. He preached about someone who would follow him who was more powerful and who would baptise with the Holy Spirit.
Discussion
Isaiah tells us that the Lord asks for his people to be consoled; they have made up for their sins. He then refers to the voice in the wilderness who cries out and asks that the earth should be prepared for the Lord. This is the passage that Mark refers to in his Gospel to introduce John the Baptist. John's baptism is in preparation for the coming of the Messiah.
Very often we can see the link between Old and New Testaments, especially in the books written by prophets. We know that Jesus himself refers to these scriptures and that his followers would know them thoroughly and were waiting for some of the prophesies to be fulfilled.
St Peter adds to the recent warnings from St Paul about the last day. He uses very vivid imagery of fire to demonstrate the power which will consume the world. Think of other times that the scriptures use imagery of fire. What does it refer to?
Activity during Mass
St Peter tells us that we should change our lives and live well so that we can be part of the new heavens and the new earth. The liturgy is designed to help us do this.
Watch out for these parts of the Mass that show we are asking God for forgiveness and trying to live as Christ would want us to. Add in the name of each part or prayer if you know it.
1) We confess our sins to God
2) We ask for mercy
3) We listen to God's word to be inspired to live well
4) We listen to the homily to understand how to change
5) We state that we believe our baptism frees us from sin
6) We pray to God to help us make the world a better place
7) We offer gifts of bread and wine with Christ as a sacrifice to take away sins
8) We pray to Our Father for forgiveness and not to be led into temptation
9) We offer each other peace
10) We ask the God to have mercy on us and grant us peace
11) We tell God that we are not worthy to receive him but that we believe he can make us better.
Today's Gospel tells us about John the Baptist - here are some events related to him. Draw some pictures to illustrate the events in his life.
Isaiah prophesies that a voice
will cry in the wilderness
"prepare a way for the Lord"
(Isaiah 40:3)
The angel Gabriel tells Zechariah
that his wife will bear a son
and he is to be called John
(Luke 1:14)
The child John leaps for joy
in Elizabeth's womb when
they are visited by the
pregnant Mary
(Luke 1:41)
John says that he is
a voice in the wilderness
(John 1:23)
John baptises Jesus
(Matthew 3:13)
John is imprisoned and
then beheaded by Herod
(Matthew 14:1-12)
Other activities and useful resources
Handel wrote an oratorio dealing with the events surrounding Christ coming as Messiah; it is traditionally sung at Christmas. Find out more and listen here:
Colin Davis conducting
The link below takes you to Handel's "Messiah" with text - listen from these points to hear Isaiah's words from today's liturgy.
3mins
19mins 40secs
Messiah excerpts with text
St Peter questions our perception of time. If 1 day = 1,000 years how long have you been alive? He also says that 1,000 years = 1 day. Work out how long you have lived if this is the case. You may need some help and a calculator for this!
Follow the link below to see an interesting discussion of how St John the Baptist lived and what he ate:
locusts and honey
Questions
Last week's question
Was Jesus actually born on 25th December?
Answer
I started looking for information to answer this and came across a clear answer on the link below. I can't do better! The website looks interesting for a an Advent / Christmas browse!
Date of Christmas?
This week's question
Why is there a pink candle on the Advent wreath?
Welcome back to a little liturgy. We are still waiting for the Lord and this week St Peter reminds us that it could be a long time! I'm afraid I have relied rather heavily on Handel this week but who could resist? We also hear about John the Baptist and the famous diet of locusts. Last week I made some cards for the different sections of the Mass. My son duly decorated them with imaginative drawings and then we duly forgot to take them to church. Best not to think about what they say about good intentions! We will try to use them this week and report back. I hope you enjoy the music.
Summary of Liturgy of the Word
First Reading
Isaiah 40:1-5, 9-11
Isaiah reports God talking of a voice in the wilderness saying "Prepare a way for the Lord". The voice also asks that we make a straight path in the desert and fill in the valleys and flatten the hills. We should also shout with joy about the coming of the Lord who will be both powerful and like a shepherd.
Psalm
Ps 84:9-14. R.v.8
Let us see, O Lord, your mercy and give us your saving help.
Second Reading
2 Peter 3:8-14
St Peter tells us that the day of the Lord will come "like a thief". The Lord, he says, is not being slow but is giving us plenty of time to change and live our lives well so we can be saved. He says "with the Lord, a day is like a thousand years, and a thousand years is like a day."
At the Lord's coming there will be a roar and the earth will burn and be replaced by new heavens and a new earth where the righteous will live.
Gospel
Mark 1:1-18
St Mark starts his Gospel by quoting Isaiah and pointing to John the Baptist as the "voice in the wilderness". He then tells us that people went to John to be baptised for the forgiveness of sins. John, we are told, wore camel skin and ate locusts and wild honey. He preached about someone who would follow him who was more powerful and who would baptise with the Holy Spirit.
Discussion
Isaiah tells us that the Lord asks for his people to be consoled; they have made up for their sins. He then refers to the voice in the wilderness who cries out and asks that the earth should be prepared for the Lord. This is the passage that Mark refers to in his Gospel to introduce John the Baptist. John's baptism is in preparation for the coming of the Messiah.
Very often we can see the link between Old and New Testaments, especially in the books written by prophets. We know that Jesus himself refers to these scriptures and that his followers would know them thoroughly and were waiting for some of the prophesies to be fulfilled.
St Peter adds to the recent warnings from St Paul about the last day. He uses very vivid imagery of fire to demonstrate the power which will consume the world. Think of other times that the scriptures use imagery of fire. What does it refer to?
Activity during Mass
St Peter tells us that we should change our lives and live well so that we can be part of the new heavens and the new earth. The liturgy is designed to help us do this.
Watch out for these parts of the Mass that show we are asking God for forgiveness and trying to live as Christ would want us to. Add in the name of each part or prayer if you know it.
1) We confess our sins to God
2) We ask for mercy
3) We listen to God's word to be inspired to live well
4) We listen to the homily to understand how to change
5) We state that we believe our baptism frees us from sin
6) We pray to God to help us make the world a better place
7) We offer gifts of bread and wine with Christ as a sacrifice to take away sins
8) We pray to Our Father for forgiveness and not to be led into temptation
9) We offer each other peace
10) We ask the God to have mercy on us and grant us peace
11) We tell God that we are not worthy to receive him but that we believe he can make us better.
Today's Gospel tells us about John the Baptist - here are some events related to him. Draw some pictures to illustrate the events in his life.
Isaiah prophesies that a voice
will cry in the wilderness
"prepare a way for the Lord"
(Isaiah 40:3)
The angel Gabriel tells Zechariah
that his wife will bear a son
and he is to be called John
(Luke 1:14)
The child John leaps for joy
in Elizabeth's womb when
they are visited by the
pregnant Mary
(Luke 1:41)
John says that he is
a voice in the wilderness
(John 1:23)
John baptises Jesus
(Matthew 3:13)
John is imprisoned and
then beheaded by Herod
(Matthew 14:1-12)
Other activities and useful resources
Handel wrote an oratorio dealing with the events surrounding Christ coming as Messiah; it is traditionally sung at Christmas. Find out more and listen here:
Colin Davis conducting
The link below takes you to Handel's "Messiah" with text - listen from these points to hear Isaiah's words from today's liturgy.
3mins
19mins 40secs
Messiah excerpts with text
St Peter questions our perception of time. If 1 day = 1,000 years how long have you been alive? He also says that 1,000 years = 1 day. Work out how long you have lived if this is the case. You may need some help and a calculator for this!
Follow the link below to see an interesting discussion of how St John the Baptist lived and what he ate:
locusts and honey
Questions
Last week's question
Was Jesus actually born on 25th December?
I started looking for information to answer this and came across a clear answer on the link below. I can't do better! The website looks interesting for a an Advent / Christmas browse!
Date of Christmas?
This week's question
Why is there a pink candle on the Advent wreath?
Thursday, 27 November 2014
30/11/14 Be on your guard, stay awake!
First Sunday of Advent (Year B)
Welcome to a little liturgy and the start of a new Church year. This week all the readings refer to the Lord's return. Isaiah is waiting for the coming of the Messiah and we are waiting for the second coming as we also wait for Christmas. Of course waiting is something that we all find difficult; sometime we are impatient for things to happen or sometimes we fall asleep! The second activity this week is designed to explore the structure of the Mass and show how we prepare for the consecration and receiving Christ in the Eucharist; a sort of mini advent leading to a mini Christmas. I hope you enjoy the journey!
Summary of Liturgy of the Word
First Reading
Isaiah 63:16-17; 64:1,3-8
Isaiah talks directly to God and addresses him as "our Father". He asks God to come back and help us stay away from sinful things. We are, he says, unclean and like withered leaves and we need guidance. At the end of the reading he calls God "our Father" again and says to him "we the clay, you the potter, we are all the work of your hand".
Psalm
Ps 79:2-3, 15-16, 18-19. R. v.4
God of hosts, bring us back; let your face shine on us and we shall be saved.
Second Reading
Corinthians 1:3-9
St Paul opens with "May God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ send you grace and peace." He says that he thanks God that the Corinthians have been blessed and enriched by good teachers. He says also that Christ will keep us strong until he comes on the last day.
Gospel
Mark 13:33-37
Jesus tells his disciples to "Be on your guard, stay awake because you never know when the time will come". He says we are like servants left behind to look after a house when their master is gone travelling. We must always have the house in a good state for when he returns; we must not fall asleep and be surprised when the master comes home.
Discussion
It is interesting to note that in the first reading Isaiah addresses God as "our Father"; Christ's recommendation to the apostles when they ask him how to pray is exactly the same. Isaiah is eager for the presence of God and recognises his power. He also recognises that God's people have strayed from the right path and neglected to think about the important things, "we had long been rebels against you". He ends with the beautiful image of us being the clay and God being the potter. On the one hand, this links us back to Adam at the dawn of creation but also looks forward to us giving ourselves to God so that we can be moulded into his people.
The psalmist echoes Isaiah asking God to come to our aid and promising that "we shall never forsake you again". There is a clear sense that we are dwelling in sin and need to be saved by the Redeemer.
Moving to the New Testament we see that we have encountered God and enjoyed the gifts of the spirit. We are the people who have been joined to Christ. Yet we too are a people in waiting for the last day.
The Gospel shows Christ acting in his role as prophet. He tells us to expect the master of the house at any hour; we are to be ready to receive him and demonstrate our faithful service. So we are more fortunate, in a way, than Isaiah who did not witness Christ's presence on earth. We have met our redeemer and have the opportunity to meet him in the Eucharist. However, we must not be complacent and must stay awake for an even more significant encounter.
Activity during Mass
The first reading is full of powerful imagery describing God and his people. Use a separate piece of paper to draw out some of the images:
Isaiah would like God to tear the heavens open and come down.
If he did that, the mountains would melt.
We are like unclean men in filthy clothing.
We are like withered leaves and our sins blow us away like the wind.
We are like clay and God is the potter.
Just like in Advent when we wait for the coming of Christ, at Mass we wait for Christ to come to us in the Eucharist. We come together around the altar to honour him. Read through the structure of the liturgy below and follow it as we progress through the Mass today:
1) Opening - sign of the cross
2) Penitential rite - asking forgiveness for our sins
3) Liturgy of the Word - listening to the Prophets and Jesus teaching us
4) Homily - listening to the apostles of today teaching us
5) Creed - saying what we believe
6) Prayers of the Faithful - asking God to help us with specific things
7) Offertory - offering our sacrifice with Christ to God
8) Consecration - witnessing God becoming flesh and blood on the altar
9) Our Father - praying together
10) Lamb of God - asking for mercy as our sins are taken away
11) Communion - becoming one with God
At this point it is a bit like witnessing the first Christmas. We are, like the shepherds, able to be close to Christ and receive him into our lives.
12) Final Blessing and Dismissal
Now that we have met Jesus, we are able to go out into the world and proclaim his message.
We had some spare time this week so I have printed these stages of the liturgy onto small cards for my son to draw on and take to Mass. Hopefully he can use them to keep his place! I will let you know how this goes next week!
Other useful resources and activities
1) Listen to this hymn "Abba Father" and think about Isaiah's beautiful metaphor of God as the potter and us as the clay.
hymn on youtube
2) Isaiah says that we have "withered like leaves". Consider what has happened to a leaf when it withers. You might like to collect some examples and make a collage or draw some withered leaves. What is Isaiah saying about us?
3) St Paul refers to "the last day" and Jesus says that we must stay awake for the day when the master of the house comes. These phrases are difficult to understand but are generally accepted to refer to the end of time on earth. Theologians have spent a lot of time thinking about this; there is even a special word for the study of this which is "eschatology".
Click on the link to find out more - the Christian eschatology section takes you to further discussion. You can also look at how other religions deal with this subject.
More info
Questions
Last week's question
How will I be able to tell that it's Advent when I come to church next week?
Answer
When you come to church this week, one of the first things you will notice is that the priest's vestments and altar cloths will be a violet or purple colour. Last week they were gold to celebrate Christ as King; this week the colour is associated with penance and preparation.
You may also see an advent wreath which has a purple candle for each of the four Sundays in Advent and a white candle to be lit on Christmas Day. This helps us count down to Christmas. Each week we move a little further away from darkness into light.
As we know from last week, there will be no Gloria for the duration of Advent as we are focusing more on the preparation for Christmas and will sing it again on Christmas Day to celebrate the Incarnation.
This week's collect (normally the prayer just after the Gloria) talks about the people who will "run forth to meet Christ". This is referring to us waiting for the Lord at Christmas. The Gospel also speaks of us as a people in waiting for Christ to come.
You will hear lots of celebratory Christmas Carols in other places in December but in church you will only find Advent carols which are about waiting.
You can listen to one on this link:
Advent Carol
This week's question
Was Jesus actually born on 25th December?
Log on next week for the answer!
Best wishes for the week!
Maria
Welcome to a little liturgy and the start of a new Church year. This week all the readings refer to the Lord's return. Isaiah is waiting for the coming of the Messiah and we are waiting for the second coming as we also wait for Christmas. Of course waiting is something that we all find difficult; sometime we are impatient for things to happen or sometimes we fall asleep! The second activity this week is designed to explore the structure of the Mass and show how we prepare for the consecration and receiving Christ in the Eucharist; a sort of mini advent leading to a mini Christmas. I hope you enjoy the journey!
Summary of Liturgy of the Word
First Reading
Isaiah 63:16-17; 64:1,3-8
Isaiah talks directly to God and addresses him as "our Father". He asks God to come back and help us stay away from sinful things. We are, he says, unclean and like withered leaves and we need guidance. At the end of the reading he calls God "our Father" again and says to him "we the clay, you the potter, we are all the work of your hand".
Psalm
Ps 79:2-3, 15-16, 18-19. R. v.4
God of hosts, bring us back; let your face shine on us and we shall be saved.
Second Reading
Corinthians 1:3-9
St Paul opens with "May God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ send you grace and peace." He says that he thanks God that the Corinthians have been blessed and enriched by good teachers. He says also that Christ will keep us strong until he comes on the last day.
Gospel
Mark 13:33-37
Jesus tells his disciples to "Be on your guard, stay awake because you never know when the time will come". He says we are like servants left behind to look after a house when their master is gone travelling. We must always have the house in a good state for when he returns; we must not fall asleep and be surprised when the master comes home.
Discussion
It is interesting to note that in the first reading Isaiah addresses God as "our Father"; Christ's recommendation to the apostles when they ask him how to pray is exactly the same. Isaiah is eager for the presence of God and recognises his power. He also recognises that God's people have strayed from the right path and neglected to think about the important things, "we had long been rebels against you". He ends with the beautiful image of us being the clay and God being the potter. On the one hand, this links us back to Adam at the dawn of creation but also looks forward to us giving ourselves to God so that we can be moulded into his people.
The psalmist echoes Isaiah asking God to come to our aid and promising that "we shall never forsake you again". There is a clear sense that we are dwelling in sin and need to be saved by the Redeemer.
Moving to the New Testament we see that we have encountered God and enjoyed the gifts of the spirit. We are the people who have been joined to Christ. Yet we too are a people in waiting for the last day.
The Gospel shows Christ acting in his role as prophet. He tells us to expect the master of the house at any hour; we are to be ready to receive him and demonstrate our faithful service. So we are more fortunate, in a way, than Isaiah who did not witness Christ's presence on earth. We have met our redeemer and have the opportunity to meet him in the Eucharist. However, we must not be complacent and must stay awake for an even more significant encounter.
Activity during Mass
The first reading is full of powerful imagery describing God and his people. Use a separate piece of paper to draw out some of the images:
Isaiah would like God to tear the heavens open and come down.
If he did that, the mountains would melt.
We are like unclean men in filthy clothing.
We are like withered leaves and our sins blow us away like the wind.
We are like clay and God is the potter.
Just like in Advent when we wait for the coming of Christ, at Mass we wait for Christ to come to us in the Eucharist. We come together around the altar to honour him. Read through the structure of the liturgy below and follow it as we progress through the Mass today:
1) Opening - sign of the cross
2) Penitential rite - asking forgiveness for our sins
3) Liturgy of the Word - listening to the Prophets and Jesus teaching us
4) Homily - listening to the apostles of today teaching us
5) Creed - saying what we believe
6) Prayers of the Faithful - asking God to help us with specific things
7) Offertory - offering our sacrifice with Christ to God
8) Consecration - witnessing God becoming flesh and blood on the altar
9) Our Father - praying together
10) Lamb of God - asking for mercy as our sins are taken away
11) Communion - becoming one with God
At this point it is a bit like witnessing the first Christmas. We are, like the shepherds, able to be close to Christ and receive him into our lives.
12) Final Blessing and Dismissal
Now that we have met Jesus, we are able to go out into the world and proclaim his message.
We had some spare time this week so I have printed these stages of the liturgy onto small cards for my son to draw on and take to Mass. Hopefully he can use them to keep his place! I will let you know how this goes next week!
Other useful resources and activities
1) Listen to this hymn "Abba Father" and think about Isaiah's beautiful metaphor of God as the potter and us as the clay.
hymn on youtube
2) Isaiah says that we have "withered like leaves". Consider what has happened to a leaf when it withers. You might like to collect some examples and make a collage or draw some withered leaves. What is Isaiah saying about us?
3) St Paul refers to "the last day" and Jesus says that we must stay awake for the day when the master of the house comes. These phrases are difficult to understand but are generally accepted to refer to the end of time on earth. Theologians have spent a lot of time thinking about this; there is even a special word for the study of this which is "eschatology".
Click on the link to find out more - the Christian eschatology section takes you to further discussion. You can also look at how other religions deal with this subject.
More info
Questions
Last week's question
How will I be able to tell that it's Advent when I come to church next week?
Answer
When you come to church this week, one of the first things you will notice is that the priest's vestments and altar cloths will be a violet or purple colour. Last week they were gold to celebrate Christ as King; this week the colour is associated with penance and preparation.
You may also see an advent wreath which has a purple candle for each of the four Sundays in Advent and a white candle to be lit on Christmas Day. This helps us count down to Christmas. Each week we move a little further away from darkness into light.
As we know from last week, there will be no Gloria for the duration of Advent as we are focusing more on the preparation for Christmas and will sing it again on Christmas Day to celebrate the Incarnation.
This week's collect (normally the prayer just after the Gloria) talks about the people who will "run forth to meet Christ". This is referring to us waiting for the Lord at Christmas. The Gospel also speaks of us as a people in waiting for Christ to come.
You will hear lots of celebratory Christmas Carols in other places in December but in church you will only find Advent carols which are about waiting.
You can listen to one on this link:
Advent Carol
This week's question
Was Jesus actually born on 25th December?
Log on next week for the answer!
Best wishes for the week!
Maria
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