God created the world ex nihilo, out of nothing, meaning that there had been nothing there before, of course, but also that the stuff that the world is made out of is simply nothingness.
“In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. All things were made through him, in him was life” – outside of him nothing at all.
Lux fulgebit hodie super nos – Today a light will shine upon us, for the Lord is born for us. This is the text for the Entrance Antiphon of today’s Mass. The ancient Gregorian Chant setting for this is in the noble Eighth mode. The Antiphon is a slightly adapted version of verses from Isaiah Chapter 9. The Oracle of Isaiah Chapter 9 is one of the strongest, most explicit, most exalted of all the Messianic Prophecies of the Old Testament.
In a few hours we will celebrate the birth of Christ, God's appearing in flesh among us. But now, liturgically speaking, he is still hidden within Mary, still undergoing baptism in her womb, though both of them probably can't wait for it to be over. In any case, for now we can still see only Mary and her husband Joseph. So let's look at them, as they sit quietly having breakfast in Bethlehem perhaps.
Advent 4C: Micah 5:1-4; Hebrews 10:5-10; Luke 1:39-45
In today’s Gospel we heard words we repeat constantly in our “Hail Mary” prayer. The first part of this prayer exactly quotes the Angel’s greeting as reported by St. Luke in the first Chapter of his Gospel, verse 28: Hail Mary, full of grace, the Lord is with thee.
CHRISTMAS SERVICES AT PLUSCARDEN: DECEMBER 2024
Tuesday December 24th
Mass at 9.00 a.m. as usual
First Vespers of Christmas at 4.15 p.m.
No Compline
Solemn Christmas sung Vigils begin at 10.15 p.m.
MIDNIGHT MASS BEGINS AT ABOUT MIDNIGHT
Ends maybe about 1.20 a.m.
WEDNESDAY DECEMBER 25TH - CHRISTMAS DAY
An English Mass is said in the Lady Chapel at 8.00 a.m. as usual
Conventual sung Mass (Latin) at 11.00 a.m.
Vespers, Benediction & Compline 4.30 p.m.
Thursday December 26th - St. Stephen
Mass at 10.00 a.m.
Vespers & Benediction at 4.30 p.m.
No public Compline
Friday December 27th – St. John
Mass at 10.00 a.m.
Vespers & Benediction at 5.15 p.m.
Compline as usual
Saturday December 28th – Holy Innocents
Mass at 9.00 a.m.
The prophecy of Zephaniah is perhaps rather easily overlooked; but as we glimpse from today’s first reading, it’s well worthy of our attention. Zephaniah was a contemporary of Jeremiah, active in the second half of the 7th century before Christ. By the time he was born, the Northern Kingdom of Israel had ceased to exist. Judah remained tenuously independent for now, but its Kings indulged in religious syncretism or outright idolatry; and with their pagan practices went also pagan morals, including much shedding of innocent blood (cf. 2 Kings 21:16).
Bishop Hugh was with the community on St. Andrew's Day, 30th November, for the Blessing of St. Joseph's House. That was a happy occasion, much enjoyed by all able to be present for it.
As of mid-December 2024, there are still some small details of the house waiting to be finished. We also await the completion of the large central St. Joseph Statue.
Popular now: Daily timetable • Light a candle • Music • News • Retreats • Shop • South Range appeal • Subscribe