DECEMBER 5 Mon Advent Weekday Is 35:1-10/Lk 5:17-26 

6 Tue Advent Weekday [St Nicholas, Bishop} Is 40:1-11/Mt 18:12-14 

7 Wed St Ambrose, Bishop Doctor Memorial Is 40:25-31/Mt 11:28-30 

8 Thu IMMACULATE CONCEPTION OF THE BLESSED VIRGIN MARY

(Patronal Feastday of the United States of America) Solemnity

Gn 3:9-15, 20/Eph 1:3-6, 11-12/Lk 1:26-38 

9 Fri Advent Weekday [St Juan Diego Cuauhtlatoatzin]

Is 48:17-19/Mt 11:16-19

10 Sat Advent Weekday [Our Lady of Loreto] Sir 48:1-4, 9-11/Mt 17:9a, 10-13

11 SUN THIRD SUNDAY OF ADVENT Is 35:1-6a, 10/Jas 5:7-10/Mt 11:2-11 

The journey to God’s holy mountain will not be by way of the sea, the easiest road to Jerusalem from Babylon, Isaiah told Jewish exiles in Babylon. (Isaiah 40 ff)  God will bring you over mountains and through a wilderness, but the valleys will be filled, the mountains made low, the crooked ways straight. You’ll have guides and graces; God himself will shepherd you.

John the Baptist preached Isaiah’s message in the Jordan Valley where the winding road up to Jerusalem began. He is the messenger God sends to announce the coming of Jesus Christ.

This week’s Old Testament readings, mostly from Isaiah, recognize how hard the wilderness journey can be, but the desert will bloom and a highway will be there, a holy way. (Monday) God speaks tender, comforting words to his people on the way. (Tuesday)  Those who hope in him will renew their strength, soaring on eagle’s wings. (Wednesday) Though we’re as insignificant as a worm, God grasps our hand and says: “Fear not; I am with you.” (Thursday) God, our teacher, shows us the way to go. (Friday) Prophets like Elijah also accompany us. (Saturday)

The readings this week are for our encouragement, as Sunday’s reading from the Letter to the Romans reminds us. Jesus is with us on the way, the Gospel readings say. He forgave and healed a paralyzed man, symbol of a paralyzed humanity, who was lowered through the roof into the house in Capernaum. (Monday)  Like a good shepherd Jesus searches for and finds the stray sheep. (Tuesday)  “Come to me all who are weary…” he says. (Wednesday) He sends prophets and guides like John the Baptist and Elijah.   (Thursday) Though rejected like John the Baptist, Jesus still teaches. (Friday) He will save us, though he is unrecognized like John and Elijah. (Saturday)

Feasts

THE IMMACULATE CONCEPTION OF THE BLESSED VIRGIN MARY, the patronal feast day of the United States of America, is celebrated on Wednesday of this week.

We have also feasts of St. Ambrose, St. Juan Diego and–how can we forget–St. Nicholas.

Readings Online: http://www.usccb.org