Echoing God's Word - Advent & Christmas Seasons

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 - November 27, 2022

Isaiah 2:1-5 - All nations shall come to the house of the Lord. 
Psalm 122:1-9 - We rejoice in the Lord. 
Romans 13:11-14 - The night is far gone; the day is at hand. 
Matthew 24:37-44 - Be ready; the Day of the Lord will be sudden.

Second Sunday of Advent - December 4, 2022

Isaiah 11:1-10 - A descendant of David will bring salvation.
Psalm 72:1-17 - The Anointed King will rule all creation. 
Romans 15:4-9 - Grace for the circumcised is now available to all. 
Matthew 3:1-12 - The wild one, the Baptist, calls all to conversion.

Third Sunday of Advent - December 11, 2022

Isaiah 35:1-6,10 - The desert will bloom like paradise. 
Psalm 146:6-10 - God comforts those who suffer.
James 5:7-10 - Lord is near; be patient in suffering. 
Matthew 11:2-11 - Jesus gives evidence to John the Baptist. 

Fourth Sunday of Advent - December 18, 2022

Isaiah 7:10-14 - Immanuel: Sign of God’s sovereignty
Psalm 24:1-6 - The King of Glory comes. 
Romans 1:1-7 - Peace with God comes through Christ. 
Matthew 1:18-24 - Joseph welcomes Mary into his home.

Solemnity of the Nativity of Our Lord - December 25, 2022

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 30, 2022

Sirach 3:2-6,12-14 - Respect and kindness in families bring blessings.
Psalm 128:1-5 - Care for the family gently if you fear the Lord.
Colossians 3:12-21 - Practice humility and thankfulness at home.
Matthew 2:13-15,19-23 - The Holy Family escapes danger.

Solemnity of Mary, the Mother of God - January 1, 2023

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 8, 2023

Isaiah 60:1-6 - All nations are invited to praise God. 
Ephesians 3:2-3a,5-6 - All have been called to hear the Good News. 
Matthew 2:1-12 - The nations come to worship the Christ.

Feast of the Baptism of the Lord - January 9, 2023

Isaiah 42:1-4,6-7 - God’s servant will bring sight to the blind. 
Acts 10:34-38 - God has anointed Jesus of Nazareth as Messiah and Lord.
Matthew 3:13-17 - Jesus is the beloved Son of the Father.