St. Mother Teresa of Calcutta once named the one gift from God that she would choose for others to receive. Listen now to learn what that gift is. Then hear how Fr. Chuck applies it to the last lines of each of the scripture readings for Christmas Mass during the Night, which our parish proclaimed at all Christmas Masses.

Catholic Mass readings for the Nativity of the Lord (Christmas) Mass during the Night, proclaimed at St. Elizabeth of Hungary Church December 24 & 25, 2024

First Reading: Isaiah 9: 1-6
Responsorial Psalm: Psalms 96: 1-2, 2-3, 11-12, 13
Second Reading: Titus 2: 11-14
Alleluia: Luke 2: 10-11
Gospel: Luke 2: 1-14

Episode artwork: Detail of a tiled wall depicting the Nativity of Jesus in All Saints' Anglo-Catholic Church, London; photo by Fr. Lawrence, OP on Flickr; license for use: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/2.0/

Have you ever received a Christmas gift that made you leap for joy? In today's gospel reading from Luke, the Holy Spirit helps Elizabeth and John recognize the Messiah. God's gift of the Holy Spirit is constantly pouring out for us. May we be open to receiving God's gift, and be filled with the Holy Spirit to recognize the presence of Jesus with joy.

Catholic Mass Readings for the 4th Sunday of Advent, December 22, 2024

First Reading: Micah 5: 1-4a
Responsorial Psalm: Psalms 80: 2-3, 15-16, 18-19
Second Reading: Hebrews 10: 5-10
Alleluia: Luke 1: 38
Gospel: Luke 1: 39-45

What kind of rejoicing do you usually think of in connection with today's Gaudete Sunday? We rejoice because God is near, and can also rejoice in St. John the Baptist's message that "the chaff He will burn...". What does this mean for us in our lives today? The chaff is anything that keeps us from growing in holiness and becoming closer to God. It is also the loneliness or sadness of others that God might work through us to burn away. It is another one of God's gifts this Advent season.

Catholic Mass Readings for the Third Sunday in Advent, December 15, 2024

First Reading: Zephaniah 3: 14-18a
Responsorial Psalm: Isaiah 12: 2-3, 4, 5-6
Second Reading: Philippians 4: 4-7
Alleluia: Isaiah 61: 1
Gospel: Luke 3: 10-18