Liturgical Calendar

December 21: John the Baptist

Traditional Ornament: Clam Shell

Reading: Matthew 3

“I am baptizing you with water, for repentance, but the one who is coming after me is mightier than I.” (Matthew 3:11)

When John the Baptist appeared on the scene, there had not been a prophet among the Israelites for hundreds of years. It may be hard for us to understand the importance of having a prophet in our midst if we think of them as nothing more than fortunetellers or seers. For the ancient Israelites however, a prophet meant much more. The role of the prophet was fundamental to their relationship with God. It was the prophet who called the people of Israel to repentance when they had fallen away. It was also the prophet who strengthened the Israelites and called them into a closer union with the Lord.

It’s no surprise then when we read that “at that time Jerusalem, all Judea, and the whole region around the Jordan were going out to him and were being baptized by him in the Jordan River as they acknowledged their sins.” (Matthew 3: 5) And what John the Baptist said to those who came out to see him was that the time of the Messiah was finally at hand. John prepared the people of Israel for the coming of Christ through a baptism of repentance. We are called to prepare, in this same way, for the coming of Christ this Advent and when He comes again.

© 2017 Catechist’s Aide

December 20: Zechariah & Elizabeth

Traditional Ornament: Angel

Reading: Luke 1: 5-25

“Do not be afraid Zechariah, because your prayer has been heard.” (Luke 1:13)

Today’s reading begins the Infancy Narrative in Luke’s gospel, with the announcement of the birth of John the Baptist. Zechariah was a holy man – a priest, and his wife Elizabeth was a cousin of Mary, the Blessed Mother, and both were “righteous in the eyes of God.” (Luke 1:6) The angel Gabriel appears to Zechariah and tells him that he and his wife Elizabeth will bear a son, John. The angel tells Zechariah that his son “will be great in the sight of the Lord. He will drink neither wine nor strong drink. He will be filled with the holy Spirit even from his mother’s womb, and he will turn many of the children of Israel to the Lord their God. He will go before him in the spirit and power of Elijah to … prepare a people fit for the Lord.” (Luke 1:15-17)

As a priest, Zechariah understands what this means. His son is to be consecrated to the Lord’s service and will proclaim the coming of the Messiah. As a priest, he also understands the power of God to work miracles in peoples’ lives, and this would be a miraculous birth since he and Elizabeth were old and had been childless for many years. As a priest, he knew well the story of Abraham and Sarah. Despite that, as the angel tells him that his prayer for a child has been answered, he responds with doubt. With that Gabriel tells Zechariah that he will be speechless and will remain mute until the child is born.

We don’t know the reason behind Zechariah’s doubt. We do know that no one is immune to it. So, what can we do then, when we are faced with our own doubt? I think the answer may be in Zechariah’s story. He was stricken mute until the time that God fulfilled his promise of the birth of a son for the barren couple. Zechariah’s inability to converse gave him time to work through his doubt – to reflect and to pray and restore his trust in God. This should be our response to doubt as well, and through doubt, we can come to an even deeper faith.

© 2017 Catechist’s Aide

December 19: Isaiah

Traditional Ornament: Candle or Light

Reading: Isaiah 9: 1-6

“The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light.” (Isaiah 9:1)

Darkness – this is where the Israelites find themselves in Isaiah’s time. They are living in a land of gloom and despair, they are struggling and oppressed, and in a position of weakness against a stronger adversary. But, Isaiah tells them that from this very place, a light has shone. Have hope for from this land of darkness, the Messiah will come!

“For a child is born to us, a son is given to us;
Upon his shoulder dominion rests.
They name him Wonder-Counselor, God-Hero,
Father-Forever, Prince of Peace.
His dominion is vast
And forever peaceful,
Upon David’s throne, and over his kingdom,
Which he confirms and sustains
By judgment and justice,
Both now and forever.”  (Isaiah 9:5-6)

Isaiah’s message reminds us that God works through dark and dire situations to bring about light and hope. In this third week of Advent we celebrate Joy. Our joy comes from the knowledge that whatever our dark circumstance, whatever our hardship, burden, fear or loss, God’s grace is sufficient for us, and from our place of darkness, He can bring forth light and hope.

© 2017 Catechist’s Aide

December 18: Esther

Traditional Ornament: Scepter or Crown

Reading: Esther 4

“Who knows – perhaps it was for a time like this that you became Queen?” (Esther 4:14)

The setting for Esther’s story involves a king (Ahasuerus) who was weak and controlled by one of his high-ranking officials (Haman), a Jew named Mordecai, who was foster father to the young and beautiful Esther who had been chosen to be queen. Because Mordecai refused to bow and honor him, Haman persuades the king to issue a decree that basically calls for the death of all Jews.

In today’s reading, Esther realizes that she is in a position to help, but she must risk her own life in order to save the lives of many. Mordecai’s reply to her that, “Who knows – perhaps it was for a time like this that you became queen?” (Esther 4:14) are words that have relevance for each of us. The words are especially relevant to lawmakers and public officials who make decisions on matters that have far-reaching effects such as the right to life and marriage. The words also have relevance for each of us, regardless of whether we are in a position of authority or not. We have to ask ourselves -what is God asking of me today, in my position, to advance His Kingdom and will I have the courage and trust in God to respond as Esther did saying, “If I perish, I perish?” (Esther 4”16)

© 2017 Catechist’s Aide

December 17: Daniel

Traditional Ornament: Lion

Reading: Daniel 6

“A savior and deliverer, working signs and wonders in heaven on earth, who saved Daniel from the lions’ power.” (Daniel 6:28)

Today’s reading comes from the time of Babylonian captivity. Daniel was among the Israelites brought to Babylon to serve in the king’s court. During the exile, Daniel found favor with the king. A group of officials, who had tried to find some fault with Daniel, approached King Darius to enact a royal decree that “for thirty days, whoever makes a petition to anyone, divine or human, except to you, O king, shall be thrown into a den of lions.” (Daniel 6:8)

It had been Daniel’s practice to pray in his home three times a day, giving thanks to God, and he continued this practice despite the king’s decree. Knowing this, the officials brought Daniel before the king, reminding him of the decree that he had enacted. Although the king sought to find a way to save Daniel, there was no legal remedy, so he handed Daniel over to be cast into the lions’ den and “to Daniel he said, ‘Your God, whom you serve so constantly, must save you.’” (Daniel 6:17)

The next morning Darius rose early and ran to the lions’ den and called out to Daniel, hoping that the Lord had saved him. Daniel responded from within the sealed pit, “My God sent his angel and closed the lions’ mouths so that they have not hurt me. For I have been found innocent before him; neither have I done you any harm, O king.” (Daniel 6:23)

We recall Daniel’s story during Advent because he foreshadows Jesus. Daniel was a descendant of Judah, just as Jesus was. Also like Jesus, Daniel was innocent. He escaped certain death in the lions’ den and Jesus defeated death through the Resurrection. Daniel’s faith in God had saved him, and this was not lost on the king who proclaimed, “the God of Daniel is to be reverenced and feared: For he is the living God, enduring forever, whose kingdom shall not be destroyed, whose dominion shall be without end.” (Daniel 6:27)

© 2017 Catechist’s Aide

December 16: Jonah

Traditional Ornament: Whale

Reading: Jonah 1-3

“But the Lord sent a great fish to swallow Jonah, and he remained in the belly of the fish three days and nights.” (Jonah 2:1)

Jonah’s story reminds us once again that the people God chooses to work through aren’t perfect. Jonah is often referred to as the reluctant prophet, but that is actually putting it mildly. When God calls on Jonah to deliver his message to the people of Nineveh, he literally runs away, boarding a boat to Tarshish instead.

We know the story of Jonah well, he tries to hide from God, but God is one step ahead of him. As he is tossed overboard during the height of the storm at sea, God sends a great fish to swallow Jonah.  He spends three days and nights in the belly of the fish. In Advent, we recall Jonah’s story because it points to Christ. “Just as Jonah was in the belly of the whale three days and three nights, so will the Son of Man be in the heart of the earth three days and three nights.” (Matthew 12:40)

There is another reason to consider Jonah this Advent. Perhaps we are more like Jonah than we think. Maybe, like Jonah, we try to hide from God and his plans for us. Maybe, like Jonah. we think we know better what we should be doing with our lives, and like Jonah, take matters into our own hands. Jonah doesn’t lack faith, but he doesn’t seem to “get” that everyone is worthy of the Lord’s mercy. This Advent we look forward to the coming of Jesus, and we should remember that he came for all of us.

© 2017 Catechist’s Aide