Solemnity of Mary, the Holy Mother of God January 1, 2018 Scripture #1010 To refer to Mary as Mother of God is simply and profoundly this: that Jesus was the incarnation of God from the moment of his conception so that Mary can rightly be said to have borne the divine. Christianity is the place of divine revelation. It is not that humanity must raise itself up to divinity, but rather, divinity humbles itself to become human. All the created world, most especially each human being, is a locus of the divine. -Living Liturgy, Solemnity of Mary, the Holy Mother of God 1029 Gathering: Sing of Mary, Pure and Lowly #457 Gloria: Mass for a New World #218 Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 103 The Lord Is Kind and Merciful #75 (verses 1&3) Gift Preparation: What Child is This #466 Communion: Silent Night #441/Away in a Manger #448 Hail Mother Mary Sending Forth: Angels We Have Heard on High #430
The Epiphany of the Lord (Vigil and Day Mass) January 5/6, 2019 Scripture #1011 The feast of the Epiphany is celebrated in many cultures and often times more prominently than Christmas! At a time when many homes have taken down decorations and put away special dishes from the season, we are reminded that there are still celebrations to be had. The gifts given by the magi symbolize the best physical objects that humanity has to offer. And Jesus is the best that God has to offer. Gift-giving is in full swing! -Living Liturgy, The Epiphany of the Lord 2019 Gathering: We Three Kings of Orient Are #463 Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 72 Every Nation on Earth #60 Gift Preparation: What Child Is This #466 Communion: Angels We Have Heard on High #430 Sending Forth: Joy To the World #437
The Baptism of the Lord January 12/13, 2019 Scripture #1012 As indicated by the gospels, the ministry of Jesus began at or shortly after his baptism. And Luke shows that the Holy Spirit was active at this time, descending upon Jesus in bodily form like a dove. Further, Luke is also the only evangelist to say that Jesus was at prayer during this event. If Luke is certain to show us that Jesus prayed, we are sure to see this as an example for our own lives. We are to pray as well, animated by the Holy Spirit as Jesus was. -Living Liturgy, The Baptism of the Lord 2019 Prelude: There Is One Lord #905 (?) Gathering: Song Over the Waters #661 Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 104 Lord, Send out Your Spirit #76 Gift Preparation: Shall We Gather At the River #873 Sending Forth: Baptized in Water #903
Second Sunday in Ordinary Time January 19/20, 2019 Scripture #1097 Jesus was a human being rather than a divine puppet. He experienced emotions from celebrating at a wedding to weeping at the death of a friend. Ultimately, he faced death itself, as each of us will. By undergoing his passion and death, which led to resurrection and life, he gives us that promise of life eternal. In Jesus, divinity became humanity thus exalting humanity to the divine. The paschal mystery nourishes our faith with the knowledge that our own personal death will lead to eternal life because of what God has done in Christ. -Living Liturgy, Second Sunday in Ordinary Time 2019 Gathering: Gather Us In #848 Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 96 Proclaim to All the Nations #67 (Refrain I) Gift Preparation: Jesus, Hope of the World #909 Sending Forth: Sing a New Song #607
Third Sunday in Ordinary Time January 26/27, 2019 Scripture #1100 Jesus brought glad tidings to the poor, liberty to captives, sight to the blind, and freedom for the oppressed. If we want to be his followers, it is ups to us to act as he did. Jesus does not talk here about prayer, or doing liturgy, or even going to church. They ministry of Jesus is action in the world. And this action upends the powerful and the privileged and leads to Jesus death. Are we content to simply read about his ministry or will we practice it too? -Living Liturgy, Third Sunday in Ordinary Time 2019 Gathering: Sing a New Song #607 Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 19 Lord, you Have the Words #31 Gift Preparation: We Are Many Parts #834 Sending Forth: We Are the Light of the World #592