Echoing God's Word - Advent & Christmas Seasons

Echoing God's Word

Reflections on the readings from the Lectionary by Rev. Clement D. Thibodeau (1932-2017)

Click on the date to read the reflection.

First Sunday of Advent - December 3, 2023

Isaiah 63:16-17; 64:1-8 - A Call Upon God to Come Down Again to Save.
1 Corinthians 1:3-9 - We Are Gifted by Christ as We Await His Coming.
Mark 13:33-37 - We Need to Be Alert to the Coming of the Lord. 

Second Sunday of Advent - December 10, 2023

Isaiah 40:1-5,9-11 - God comes with power and gentleness. 
2 Peter 3:8-14 - We live godly lives and hasten the day of God’s coming. 
Mark 1:1-8 - John comes as God’s messenger. Another comes with fire! 

Third Sunday of Advent - December 17, 2023

Isaiah 61:1-2, 10-11 - God’s year of favor is here. All nations will come. 
1 Thessalonians 5:16-24 - Believers must be faithful. 
John 1:6-8,19-28 - The Baptist brings light into the darkness. 

Fourth Sunday of Advent - December 24, 2023

2 Samuel 7:1-5, 8-11,16 - God will build an eternal kingdom for David. 
Romans 16:25-27 - What was a mystery for ages is now revealed. 
Luke 1:26-38 - The Word of God comes to Mary. 

Solemnity of the Nativity of Our Lord - December 25, 2023

Isaiah: 52:7-12 - Sing for joy. There is good news coming! 
Hebrews 1:1-6 - Now God speaks to the people through the Son.
John 1:1-18 - The Word of God is one with us, living in our midst. 

Feast of the Holy Family of Jesus, Mary, and Joseph - December 31, 2023

Sirach 3:2-6, 12-14 - Respect for God requires that we honor our parents.
Colossians 3:12-21 - Christian life asks that we respect one another.
Luke 2:22-40 - Child Jesus grew to maturity and wisdom.

Solemnity of Mary, the Mother of God - January 1, 2024

Numbers 6:22-27 - Aaron blesses the people of Israel in God’s name. 
Galatians 4:4-7 - God blesses time by sending his Son in history.
Luke 2:16-21 - On the eighth day, the child is named. 

Solemnity of the Epiphany of the Lord - January 7, 2024

Isaiah 60:1-6 - Gentiles will come to faith in the light of God’s people.
Ephesians 3:2-6 - Astonishing revelation:are brought to Christ.
Matthew 2:1-12 - Wise men from the Gentiles follow a light to find Christ. 

Feast of the Baptism of the Lord - January 8, 2024

Isaiah 42:1-4, 6-7 - God’s servant will bring sight to the blind.
Acts 10:34-28 - God has anointed Jesus of Nazareth as Messiah and Lord. 
Mark 1:4-11 - Jesus is the beloved Son of the Father.