MYSTERY OF THE INCARNATION | FOURTH SUNDAY OF ADVENT | CHRISTMAS DAY | HOLY FAMILY | NEW YEAR’S DAY | EPIPHANY | BAPTISM OF THE LORD | FINAL REFLECTIONS
In his Spiritual Exercises, Ignatius invites us to meditate on the mystery of the Incarnation made possible by Mary’s fiat: ‘Let it be done unto me’. St Ignatius suggests that in the company of the Trinity – Father, Son and Holy Spirit – we might imagine ourselves looking on this earth. Then we ponder how Jesus – the Word made human for us in a stable in Bethlehem – entered our world. Jesus brings hope to all, this Christmas and for all time, as the Incarnation still goes on: Christ the Word made flesh, living in the hearts, hands and minds of all people of good will. Spend whatever time you can with these reflection texts, and pray for the people and situations that come to mind. On some days there may only be time to ponder a single phrase, expression or image; on others, you may be able to reflect at greater length on the joy and hope brought about by the birth of Jesus.
St Ignatius imagines the Mystery of the Incarnation
‘I try to enter into the vision of God –
the mystery of divinity shared by the three divine persons –
looking upon the world:
men and women being born, and being laid to rest,
some getting married and others getting divorced,
the old and the young,
the rich and the poor,
the happy and the sad,
so many people aimless, despairing, hateful, and killing,
so many undernourished, sick, and dying,
so many struggling with life and blind to any meaning.
With God, I can hear people laughing and crying,
some shouting and screaming, some praying, others cursing.
The leap of divine joy:
God knows the time has come
when the mystery of salvation,
hidden from the beginning of the world,
will shine into human darkness and confusion.
I notice how our triune God works –
so simply and quietly, so patiently.
A world goes on,
apparently oblivious to the new creation that has begun.’
(David L. Fleming S.J., from the First Contemplation: The Incarnation, Draw Me into Your Friendship: A literal translation and a contemporary reading of the Spiritual Exercises © The Institute of Jesuit Sources, St Louis, 1996, r.2016)
FOURTH SUNDAY OF ADVENT
22 December 2024
LECTIONARY READINGS
First reading: Micah 5:1-4
Responsorial Psalm: Ps 79(80):2-3, 15-16, 18-19
Second reading: Hebrews 10:5-10
Gospel: Luke 1:39-44
Link to readings
Christ is coming! The readings this weekend are full of an expectation. God’s promise through Micah is fulfilled in the encounter between Mary and Elizabeth, and their faith. In the First Reading, Micah proclaims that the Messiah will come from Bethlehem and lead his flock back to their land in peace. The Psalm is a plea to the Shepherd of Israel for this return, and for the sending of the Messiah, the chosen one. The Second Reading from the Letter to the Hebrews emphasises the fact that the Christ who redeemed us took on a human body, like ours. The Gospel helps us gather all these themes: obedience to God’s will; faith in his promises; and especially faith in the Incarnation – Jesus our Saviour, already becoming flesh in Mary’s womb.
May we journey through these last days of Advent in Mary’s company, so that Christ may be born in us.
GOSPEL
Luke 1: 39–44
Mary set out and went as quickly as she could to a town in the hill country of Judah. She went into Zechariah’s house and greeted Elizabeth. Now as soon as Elizabeth heard Mary’s greeting, the child leapt in her womb and Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit. She gave a loud cry and said, “Of all women you are the most blessed, and blessed is the fruit of your womb. Why should I be honoured with a visit from the mother of my Lord? For the moment your greeting reached my ears, the child in my womb leapt for joy. Yes, blessed is she who believed that the promise made her by the Lord would be fulfilled.”
REFLECTION
As I prepare to pray, I give time to slowly becoming aware of my body. I relax and breathe gently. I allow the conviction of God’s presence, in and around me, to flood my being. I ask the Spirit to pray within me. When I’m ready, I take up the text and read it slowly a couple of times. At one level, it is the simple meeting of two pregnant women.
I imagine the scene and quietly watch it unfolding before me. What strikes me most about what I see? And why is that? I look at Elizabeth, see the thrill on her face as her baby moves within her; her joy at meeting Mary; her spiritual insight in seeing her cousin as the ‘mother of her Lord’. Do I find small echoes of any of this in my life?
I consider Mary, arriving to help with the ordinary chores of life, but caught up in a unique moment of blessedness. How does this speak to me? I ponder the deep bond between the two women: their joy, their pride in carrying their precious children, but also their humility, and their consciousness of touching the divine in all their humanity. I may see this encounter as a contemplative moment. I remain silent before them. I speak to the Lord, expressing how I feel. I pray for all pregnant women as I end my prayer.
CHRISTMAS DAY
The Nativity of the Lord: 25 December 2024 (Mass during the Day)
LECTIONARY READINGS
First reading: Isaiah 52:7-10
Responsorial psalm: Psalm 97(98):1-6
Second reading: Hebrews 1:1-6
Gospel: John 1:1-18
Link to readings
GOSPEL READING
John 1: 1–5, 14
In the beginning was the Word,
and the Word was with God,
and the Word was God.
He was in the beginning with God.
All things were made through him,
and without him was not any thing made that was made.
In him was life, and the life was the light of all people.
The light shines in the darkness,
and the darkness has not overcome it. . . .
And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us,
and we have seen his glory,
glory as of the Only Begotten from the Father,
full of grace and truth.
REFLECTION
I take whatever time I can today – however short – to be with the Lord. Perhaps I lift my gaze to feel the warmth of God’s loving attention on me. I let my breathing find its natural rhythm. As my body relaxes, I might envisage a calm and quiet space within me, where I welcome anew the Word made flesh. I may simply remain here for a while. If I have the luxury of more time, I turn to the text when I feel ready. I read the words slowly, noticing anything that draws my attention. I repeat these words slowly a number of times – savouring their effect on me.
As I read the passage again, perhaps images come to my mind: the immensity of the universe and time since the beginning . . . the beauty of creation and all the things ‘made through him’: light and darkness in the heavens, or perhaps the contrast between light and darkness here on earth. Or something else entirely? I ponder, turning to the Lord to speak to him about what I see and feel.
The Word became flesh, and continues to dwell within each one of us. The meditation of St Ignatius reflects on ‘men and women being born’. Perhaps their skin is of many different colours; perhaps they are living in peace; perhaps at war. I may like to reflect on God being close to each one of them, and to me, and I notice the feelings that well up.
In time, I draw my prayer to a close, thanking God for the gift of Jesus’s birth. I ask again for the grace to see him more clearly, love him more dearly and follow him more nearly. I try to enter into the vision of God looking upon the world: ‘men and women being born, and being laid to rest’. Some may be living in peace, and others at war.
I pause awhile, and pray for all those caught up in conflict in the Holy Land and other parts of the Middle East.
When peaceful silence lay over all, and night had run half of her swift course, your all-powerful Word, O Lord, leaped down from heaven, from the royal throne – Wisdom 18: 14–15
THE FEAST OF THE HOLY FAMILY
Sunday 29 December 2024
LECTIONARY READINGS
First reading: 1 Samuel 1:20-22, 24-28
Responsorial psalm: Ps 83(84):2-3, 5-6, 9-10
Second reading: 1 John 3:1-2, 21-24
Gospel: Luke 2:41-52
Link to readings
GOSPEL READING
Luke 2: 41–52
The parents of Jesus went to Jerusalem every year at the Feast of the Passover. And when he was twelve years old, they went up according to custom. And when the feast was ended, as they were returning, the boy Jesus stayed behind in Jerusalem. His parents did not know it, but supposing him to be in the group they went a day’s journey, but then they began to search for him among their relatives and acquaintances, and when they did not find him, they returned to Jerusalem, searching for him.
After three days they found him in the Temple, sitting among the teachers, listening to them and asking them questions. And all who heard him were amazed at his understanding and his answers. And when his parents saw him, they were astonished. And his mother said to him, ‘Son, why have you treated us so? Behold, your father and I have been searching for you in great distress.’ And he said to them, ‘Why were you looking for me? Did you not know that I must be in my Father’s house?’
And they did not understand the saying that he spoke to them. And he went down with them and came to Nazareth and was submissive to them. And his mother treasured up all these things in her heart. And Jesus increased in wisdom and in stature and in favour with God and with people.
REFLECTION
Now that Christmas Day itself has passed, I may find it easier to spend some ‘quality time’ with the Lord. I come to quiet in my own way and consider that today is the feast of the Holy Family. I pause. What images come to my mind? Mary, Joseph and Jesus . . . or maybe my own family or families in general? Some may be weeping, others laughing. I ponder. What is the root cause of their mood? For some it might be self-inflicted, for others the result of someone else’s actions. I speak with the Lord and entrust them all to him.
When I am ready, I read the familiar story. I may find that it resonates with me as I recall anxious moments I spent looking for children . . . my own, or others for whom I was responsible. Or maybe I reflect on Jesus and his conversation with his parents. What strikes me? Jesus behaving like a typical teenager . . .? Mary and Joseph’s apparent lack of understanding . . . or something else? Perhaps I just stay with keywords that speak to me particularly today: ‘submissive’, ‘wisdom’, ‘favour’, for example.
As I leave this time of prayer, I thank the Lord for being with me and commend all families, whether married, divorced or single to his care.
I try to enter into the vision of God looking upon the world: ‘men and women . . . getting married and others divorced’.
I pause awhile, and pray especially for the people of Ukraine and Russia.
Father, help us to live as the Holy Family, united in respect and love. Bring us to the joy and peace of your eternal home. – Old Opening Prayer
MARY, MOTHER OF GOD
Wednesday 1 January 2025
LECTIONARY READINGS
First reading: Numbers 6:22-27
Responsorial psalm: Ps 66(67):2-3, 5, 6, 8
Second reading: Galatians 4:4-7
Gospel: Luke 2:16-21
Link to readings
GOSPEL READING
Luke 2:16–21
At that time: The shepherds went with haste and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby lying in a manger. And when they saw it, they made known the saying that had been told them concerning this child. And all who heard it wondered at what the shepherds told them. But Mary treasured up all these things, pondering them in her heart. And the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all they had heard and seen, as it had been told them.
And at the end of eight days, when he was circumcised, he was called Jesus, the name given by the angel before he was conceived in the womb.
REFLECTION
Today I come to spend some time with Mary, Mother of my God. I try to put aside all the demands that are made on me at the moment. Taking a couple of deep breaths, I then listen to the normal rhythm of the air going in and out of my lungs, giving me life.
As I read Luke’s account of the shepherds visiting Mary, Joseph and the baby Jesus, I may feel drawn to imagine this girl, bringing her first baby to birth in such difficult circumstances. She is young and poor but probably happy, and struggling to make sense of what is happening to her. My circumstances may be very different from hers. I may be older, richer . . . but maybe I am sad rather than happy.
How far am I able to connect with Mary, to speak with her, trusting she will listen to me? If I find it difficult to confide in her as I would a good friend, I may prefer to pray the Rosary. I let its repetitive pattern bring me some inner peace. Perhaps now I can feel confident that Mary ‘listens, treasures and ponders’, as I tell her what is in my heart.
As the Mother of God, with her Son, I know she can ask on my behalf for the graces I need from the Father and the Spirit. I pause a moment. How do I feel now? When I am ready, I thank Mary for being with me today, and I pray: Holy Mary, Mother of God, Pray for me, a sinner, now and at the hour of my death. Amen.
I try to enter into the vision of God looking upon the world: ‘the old and the young, the rich and the poor, the happy and the sad.’ I pause awhile, and pray for all who are homeless or living in poverty, especially in Sudan.
Father, may Mary’s response, born of a humble heart, draw your Spirit to rest on your people. – Old Opening Prayer
THE EPIPHANY OF THE LORD
Sunday 5 January 2025
LECTIONARY READINGS
First reading: Isaiah 60:1-6
Responsorial psalm: Ps 71(72):1-2, 7-8, 10-13
Second reading: Ephesians 3:2-3, 5-6
Gospel: Matthew 2:1-12
Link to readings
FIRST READING
Isaiah 60: 1–4
A rise, shine, for your light has come, and the glory of the Lord has risen upon you. For behold, darkness shall cover the earth, and thick darkness the peoples; but the Lord will arise upon you, and his glory will be seen upon you. And nations shall come to your light, and kings to the brightness of your rising.
Lift up your eyes all round, and see; they all gather together, they come to you; your sons shall come from afar, and your daughters shall be carried on the hip. Then you shall see and be radiant; your heart shall thrill and exult, because the abundance of the sea shall be turned to you, the wealth of the nations shall come to you.
REFLECTION
I settle myself in my chosen place of prayer. In whatever way works best for me, I make myself comfortable and consciously place myself before the Lord: the One who delights in my presence, and loves me more than I can ever hope or imagine.
When I feel ready, I turn to the text. Perhaps as I read, I imagine the darkness and the light, and let myself be enfolded by the contrast. I notice how that feels. How do I describe my own life at the present time? Am I blessed by the light? Does my heart ‘thrill and exult’? If so, I take time to praise and thank the Lord for his goodness, and for the abundance of gifts that surrounds me. But perhaps I feel overwhelmed by darkness because of sadness, anxiety, or the difficulties I am facing? I talk to the Lord who sits patiently at my side, even though I may not be able to see him, and ask him to help me glimpse even just a small chink of light.
God became man for me, and through the life, teaching, compassion and healing of Jesus, showed me how to be his light in the world. I ponder how God is calling me to be that light in my world, in the places he wants me to go, for the people he wants me to meet.
I bring to mind those who are struggling with life and blind to any meaning. In my imagination I hold out my hand and draw them into the light that is Jesus, and ask for his blessing on them. I end my prayer offering my gratitude and praise. Glory be to the Father . . .
I try to enter into the vision of God looking upon the world: ‘so many struggling with life and blind to any meaning’. I pause awhile, and pray for all those who yearn for light and hope this Christmas.
The people that walked in darkness have seen a great light; on those who lived in the shadow of death, light has shone. – Isaiah 9: 1
THE BAPTISM OF THE LORD
12 January 2025
LECTIONARY READINGS
First reading: Isaiah 40:1-5, 9-11
Responsorial Psalm: Ps 103(102):1-4, 24-25, 27-30
Second reading: Titus 2:11-14; 3:4-7
Gospel: Luke 3:15-16, 21-22
Link to readings
Today marks the end of the Christmas season, as we celebrate the Baptism of the Lord. It heralds the beginning of Jesus’s public mission: the work of teaching, preaching and healing. God’s great love and mercy offer salvation to all through Jesus, by the gift of the Holy Spirit. In the Gospel, God proclaims Jesus as his beloved Son at his baptism in the Jordan. St Luke draws our attention to the descent of the Holy Spirit while Jesus is at prayer.
GOSPEL
Luke 3: 15–16, 21–22
A feeling of expectancy had grown among the people, who were beginning to think that John might be the Christ, so John declared before them all, ‘I baptise you with water, but someone is coming, someone who is more powerful than I am, and I am not fit to undo the strap of his sandals; he will baptise you with the Holy Spirit and fire.’ Now when all the people had been baptised and while Jesus after his own baptism was at prayer, heaven opened, and the Holy Spirit descended on him in bodily shape, like a dove. And a voice came from heaven, ‘You are my Son, the Beloved; my favour rests on you’.
REFLECTION
I prepare for this time with the Lord, as I always do, by becoming still, aware of God’s presence in everything around me. I invite the Holy Spirit to help me settle into my prayer. I read and re-read this short passage prayerfully, pausing at any word or phrase that draws my attention.
It may help to place myself in the scene, watching what is happening. Who are all those crowding on the banks of the river … ordinary people, families, shepherds, soldiers, Pharisees …? I notice those jostling to get closer ... the tone of John’s voice as he speaks to them. I see the expressions on their faces. I watch John baptise all the people, Jesus among them. Perhaps I find myself beside Jesus as he prays afterwards.
As the Holy Spirit descends, the Father speaks. What do these words mean to Jesus ...? to me ...? I might be drawn to repeat them, inserting my own name: ‘You are my Child, [my name], the Beloved; my favour rests on you.’
I share what is in my heart with Jesus. Perhaps I ask him to help me pray for a greater understanding of what the Holy Spirit is offering me, and asking of me. I sit in silence for a while, resting under God’s tender gaze, aware of and grateful for his unconditional love for me.
In time, I gently bring my prayer to an end. I may use the words of St Richard of Chichester, asking for the help of the Holy Spirit to see the Lord more clearly, love him more dearly, and follow him more nearly, day by day.
FINAL REFLECTIONS
Immersed in the setting of this mystery of the Incarnation, I may want to stay with Mary, or the Word – made flesh for me – and speak out my joy, thanks and wonder to the Holy Trinity: Glory be to the Father, to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit . . .
On Christmas Eve, Pope Francis will open the Holy Door at St Peter’s Basilica in Rome to mark the beginning of the Jubilee Year of Hope. The doors are sealed from the inside, and only opened during a jubilee year. Throughout 2025, all Christians are asked to pray with the following themes: care of creation, food poverty, modern slavery, managing debt, forgiveness, and rest.
This coming Jubilee year, I ask that I may come to know Jesus as a pattern for my own living as a pilgrim of hope, and so be able to draw close to him.
Courtesy of St Beuno’s Outreach in the Diocese of Wrexham, UK