of the Immaculate Heart of Mary
Category: <span>Week Three of Advent</span>

Category: Week Three of Advent

DECEMBER 16, 2016 – WEEK THREE OF ADVENT – FRIDAY – JOHN – A LAMP BURNING BRIGHT

(John 5:33-36) Prayer: O Jesus, I believe that you were sent by the Father. Imagination: (Picture Jesus speaking to the crowds.) Context: In Advent, the readings highlight the role of John the Baptist. Jesus calls John a “lamp burning bright” because he testified about Jesus. Yet, Jesus has even greater …

DECEMBER 15, 2016 – WEEK THREE OF ADVENT – THURSDAY

(Luke 7:24-30)  Prayer: O Jesus, let me rejoice that I was born into your Kingdom. Imagination: (Picture Jesus speaking to the crowds.) Context: Jesus has answered John’s messengers about being the Messiah. Now Jesus praises John, saying he is an angel preparing the way. Even though John is the greatest …

DECEMBER 14, 2016 – WEEK THREE OF ADVENT – WEDNESDAY – MESSENGERS FROM JOHN

(Matthew 1:1-17) Prayer: O Lord, I thank you that you have created me. Imagination: (Picture Joseph and Mary at Bethlehem with the child, Jesus). Context:             Matthew traces the genealogy of Jesus through St. Joseph back to Abraham. He divides these ancestors into three groups, from Abraham to David (1000 …

DECEMBER 13, 2016 – WEEK THREE OF ADVENT – TUESDAY – THE PARABLE OF THE TWO SONS

(Matthew 21:28-32) Prayer- O Jesus, give to me the grace of conversion. Imagination: (Picture Jesus confronting his critics) Context: This is a parable of God’s mercy which explains the decisive moments of the Final Judgment. What a surprise! Publicans and prostitutes enter Jesus’ Kingdom. Why? Because they realized the need …

DECEMBER 12, 2016 – WEEK THREE OF ADVENT – MONDAY – WHAT ABOUT JOHN’S BAPTISM?

(Matthew 21:23-27) Prayer: O Jesus, you have all authority in heaven and earth. Imagination: (Picture Jesus teaching in the temple, confronted by the temple authorities.) Context: The day before, Jesus had cleansed the temple. As he comes back, the temple authorities want to know by what authority he took that …

DECEMBER 11, 2016 – WEEK THREE OF ADVENT – SUNDAY C – THE BAPTIST’S MESSAGE

(Luke 3:7-16) Prayer: Come, Holy Spirit. Help me to accept the demands of the Kingdom. Imagination: (Picture John preaching at the Jordan River.) Context: The people are anxious for the Kingdom and are filled with many questions. John has excellent answers. He, also, clearly define his relationship to Jesus. Gospel …

DECEMBER 16, 2015 – WEEK THREE OF ADVENT – WEDNESDAY – MESSENGERS FROM JOHN

(Luke 7:18-23) Prayer: O Jesus, let me always believe in You. Imagination: (Picture John’s disciples questioning Jesus.) Context: John preached repentance and confession of sins. He expected Jesus to be even more fiery in his preachings. Instead, Jesus eats with sinners and opens the Kingdom to tax collectors. John wonders …

DECEMBER 15, 2015 – WEEK THREE OF ADVENT – TUESDAY – THE PARABLE OF THE TWO SONS

(Matthew 21:28-32) Prayer- O Jesus, give to me the grace of conversion. Imagination: (Picture Jesus confronting his critics) Context: This is a parable of God’s mercy which explains the decisive moments of the Final Judgment. What a surprise! Publicans and prostitutes enter Jesus’ Kingdom. Why? Because they realized the need …

DECEMBER 14, 2015 – WEEK THREE OF ADVENT – MONDAY – WHAT ABOUT JOHN’S BAPTISM?

(Matthew 21:23-27) Prayer: O Jesus, you have all authority in heaven and earth. Imagination: (Picture Jesus teaching in the temple, confronted by the temple authorities.) Context: The day before, Jesus had cleansed the temple. As he comes back, the temple authorities want to know by what authority he took that …

DECEMBER 13, 2015 – WEEK THREE OF ADVENT – SUNDAY (C) – THE BAPTIST’S MESSAGE

(Luke 3:7-16) Prayer: Come, Holy Spirit. Help me to accept the demands of the Kingdom. Imagination: (Picture John preaching at the Jordan River.) Context: The people are anxious for the Kingdom and are filled with many questions. John has excellent answers. He, also, clearly define his relationship to Jesus. Gospel …

NOVEMBER 29, 2015 – WEEK THREE OF ADVENT – SUNDAY (C) – FINAL WORDS OF ADVICE

(Luke 21:34-36) Prayer: O Jesus, teach me to watch and to pray constantly. Imagination: (Picture Jesus in the temple teaching his disciples.) Context: These are Jesus’ final words of teaching before the Last Supper. Jesus is worried. He will not be returning to earth soon. The disciples will wonder why …