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Fr. Craig’s Contemplations
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Fr. Craig’s Contemplations
Fourth Sunday of Advent
We hear from St. Luke, the story of the visitation. Where Our
Lady meets her cousin Elizabeth. Certainly, this was no “ordinary visit” consider how St. Elizabeth responds to Mary.
“Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb. And how does this happen to me, that the mother of my Lord should come to me?”
It is good to contemplate, the village of Ain Karim in the hill country near Jerusalem, the traditional site of the house of Zechariah and Elizabeth. It is located about five miles from the temple. For Mary, the journey from Nazareth to Ain Karim, would have been nearly ninety miles, in very rough terrain. Also, it is good to
remember, most likely, Mary went alone on her journey.
Then we hear how John the Baptist in the womb of his mother St. Elizabeth, leaps in her womb. The verb “leap” is also used to describe how Esau and Jacob leaped in the womb of Rebekah.
It is from this event, the visitation, our church, sites in the Council of Ephesus, one of the significant reasons as to how our Lady can be called ‘Theotokos.’ {Theotokos - The Mother of God.} Which we celebrate each year on the first of January.
It is also noteworthy, that St. Elizabeth’s question, echoes the utterance of awe of King David’s when he was about to bring up the ark of the covenant to Jerusalem, “How can the ark of the Lord come to me?” (II Samu el 7:12-16)
We all are called to ask in prayer when I receive the Lord Jesus in the
Eucharist? Personally, am I in awe? That the Lord gives to each of us, in the
Eucharist, His Body, His Blood, His Soul and Divinity?
May God Bless you,
Fr. Craig
READINGS FOR DECEMBER 19, 2021
FOURTH SUNDAY OF ADVENT
1st Reading—Micah 5: 1-4a—Out of tiny Bethlehem will come one who is to be ruler over all Israel. “He shall stand firm and shepherd his flock…he shall be peace.”
Responsorial Psalm: 80: 2-3, 15-16, 18-19— “Lord, make us turn to you, show us your face, and we shall be saved.”
2nd Reading—Hebrews 10: 5-10—God took no delight in holocausts and sin offerings, even those that fulfilled the law. Rather, God desired Christ. By death, Jesus took away the first covenant to set up the second.
Gospel Acclamation—Alleluia, alleluia, alleluia, alleluia! “Behold, I am the handmaid, I am the handmaid of the Lord. May it be done to me according to your word.” Alleluia, alleluia, alleluia, alleluia!
Gospel—Luke 1: 39-45—When Mary visited Zechariah’s house, Elizabeth greeted her: “Blessed are you among women and blessed is the fruit of your womb.” When Elizabeth heard Mary’s greeting, “the infant leaped in her womb.”
4TH SUNDAY OF ADVENT - C - DECEMBER 19, 2021
PRAYERS OF THE FAITHFUL
1) Let us pray for the Church:
Shepherd of Israel, stand firm and protect your flock.
Guide our parish and inspire those who shepherd us in your name. We pray to the Lord…
2) Let us pray for world peace:
God of glory and majesty, may your peace reach to the ends of
the earth, especially during this holy season.
Be the strength of those whose lives were affected by the tornados. Keep those in Oxford close to you so they can heal from the recent tragedy.
We pray to the Lord…
3) Let us pray for the poor and the outcast:
Look down from heaven, O Lord, and be with those in need.
May the poor find us to be generous friends.
Keep families together.
We pray to the Lord…
4) Let us pray for the sick and the suffering:
Be peace and comfort to those who suffer from every
incurable disease. In a special way, hear our prayers for our sick members and friends –
Betty Morici Kirk McCoy Chuck Marteney Marge Park
Ruthie Reid Pam Allen Marty Levin Dustin Zernec
Bob Mihos Dominic Vrbanec Kevin Lansear
And for all who have asked for our prayers.
We pray to the Lord…
5) Let us remember the dead:
Lord, fulfill your promise to those who trust in you.
Grant eternal rest to our beloved, especially – Frank Majoris, brother of Irene Delasko and…
(5:00 Mass) Charlene Carlson, Tom Rogan, Scott Sterling, Mort Flanigan, Maria & John Flanigan
(8:30 Mass) Paul & Mildred Sturm, Earl Muhleck, Bob Knowles
(10:30 Mass) Jack Zubalik, Catalina Arrieta
We pray to the Lord…
ANNOUNCEMENTS December 19, 2021
- We are collecting baby items for the Problem Pregnancy Center in Oxford. Diapers, wipes and clothing size newborn to 2T are greatly needed and appreciated. Please leave your donations in the cradle in the gathering area.
- We have blessed Christmas Oplatki (oh-pwa-teck) wafers available in the gathering area.
- The Parish offices will be closed December 23 through January 2nd and reopen January 3rd.
- This Thursday, Dec. 23rd will be our last Thursday day of Adoration. This will be from 9 a.m. to 10 a.m. Adoration is offered on Monday evening 5:45-6:45 and Friday morning 7:45 a.m.-8:45a.m.
- On Monday, Dec. 27th Mass will be at 9 a.m. not 7 p.m.
- Our Mass times for Christmas are Christmas Eve-4 p.m., 7 p.m. and 10 p.m. Christmas Day-10:30 a.m. There will be no 5 p.m. Mass on Saturday, Christmas Day. At each Christmas Mass, the choirs will be singing Christmas songs 30 minutes prior to Mass time, please come and listen, sing and enjoy the beautiful music.
- (Sunday) Please join us in Solanus hall for coffee, donuts and fellowship.
OUR CHRISTMAS CONCERT IS THIS SUNDAY, DECEMBER 19TH AT 12 P.M. WE HOPE YOU WILL COME AND LISTEN AND SING ALONG WITH US.