Podcasts about Octave

The St. Paul Center's daily scripture reflections from the Mass for the Seventh Day in the Octave of Christmas by Mr. Clement Harrold. Christmas Weekday/ Sylvester I, Pope First Reading: First John 2: 18-21 Responsorial Psalm: Psalms 96: 1-2, 11-12, 13 Alleluia: John 1: 14a, 12a Gospel: John 1: 1-18   Learn more about the Mass at www.stpaulcenter.com If you've been wanting to grow in your knowledge of sacred Scripture or learn how to share God's Word with others, check out Dr. John Bergsma's weekly show, The Word of the Lord, where Dr. Bergsma unpacks the Sunday mass readings and carefully guides the faithful to a deeper understanding of salvation history. Sign up for your 30-day free trial today at stpaulcenter.com/memberships

Gospel John 1:1-18 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 came to be through him,     and without him nothing came to be. What came to be through him was life,     and this life was the light of the human race;     the light shines in the darkness,     and the darkness has not overcome it. A man named John was sent from God. He came for testimony, to testify to the light,  so that all might believe through him. He was not the light, but came to testify to the light. The true light, which enlightens everyone, was coming into  the world. He was in the world,     and the world came to be through him,     but the world did not know him. He came to what was his own,     but his own people did not accept him. But to those who did accept him     he gave power to become children of God,      to those who believe in his name,      who were born not by natural generation      nor by human choice nor by a man's decision      but of God. And the Word became flesh     and made his dwelling among us,     and we saw his glory,     the glory as of the Father's only-begotten Son,     full of grace and truth. John testified to him and cried out, saying,  “This was he of whom I said,  ‘The one who is coming after me ranks ahead of me  because he existed before me.'” From his fullness we have all received, grace in place of grace, because while the law was given through Moses,  grace and truth came through Jesus Christ. No one has ever seen God. The only-begotten Son, God, who is at the Father's side,  has revealed him. Reflection When you look at the time of salvation history from Adam and Eve until the coming of this moment that Christ entered the world, you can see such a radical, radical change. What I love about John's images is that they seem to be so clearly what we need to ponder and wonder. They're not really easy to understand, but think of this. John is saying that he knows who the Messiah is, and he knows, especially his message and the message is truth, and truth is light and life. It's so important for us to meditate and wonder about how that works, because religion can be a burden, but it's actually the most amazing gift to know that we receive grace, upon grace, upon grace. What is grace? Unmerited love. What is life? Abundance of joy and an experiencing this gift we have from God called our existence. And light the truth that keeps us out of darkness. That's the gift we need to focus on. Closing Prayer Father, there is no way we can fully understand who you are without you revealing who you are to us. Give us time, make us available to your wisdom. Help us to be not distracted by so many things and spend time listening, wondering, hoping, knowing that you will reveal what is real, what is true. And we ask this in Jesus' name, Amen. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Seventh Day in the Octave of Christmas

Join Father Kevin Drew as he preaches on this The Seventh Day in the Octave of Christmas. Today's readings First Reading: 1 John 2:18-21 Psalm: Psalm 96:1-2, 11-12, 13 Gospel: John 1:1-18 Catholic Radio Network

Titus 3: 4-7; Luke 2: 15-20; Haydock Commentary Please consider donating to help keep this podcast going by going to buymeacoffee.com/catholicdailybrief Also, if you enjoy these episodes, please give a five star rating and share the podcast with your friends and family

1 John 2: 18-21; John 1: 1-18; Haydock Commentary Please consider donating to help keep this podcast going by going to buymeacoffee.com/catholicdailybrief Also, if you enjoy these episodes, please give a five star rating and share the podcast with your friends and family

This reflection was originally published in 2022. While the Redemptorist's title, location, and the specific days and dates mentioned may no longer align, the reading and reflection remain just as relevant today!

Lord, have mercy.

The invisible world entered our visible world - Fr. Lucas Laborde. Click here for today's readings.When did the glory of Christ shine at its brightest for you? What has that manifestation of God's glory done in your life? What have you received from his fullness?

ROSARY - GLORIOUS MYSTERIES today.  DIVINE MERCY CHAPLET for Wednesday.

The St. Paul Center's daily scripture reflections from the Mass for the Seventh Day in the Octave of Christmas by Mr. Clement Harrold. Christmas Weekday/ Sylvester I, Pope First Reading: First John 2: 18-21 Responsorial Psalm: Psalms 96: 1-2, 11-12, 13 Alleluia: John 1: 14a, 12a Gospel: John 1: 1-18   Learn more about the Mass at www.stpaulcenter.com If you've been wanting to grow in your knowledge of sacred Scripture or learn how to share God's Word with others, check out Dr. John Bergsma's weekly show, The Word of the Lord, where Dr. Bergsma unpacks the Sunday mass readings and carefully guides the faithful to a deeper understanding of salvation history. Sign up for your 30-day free trial today at stpaulcenter.com/memberships

Seventh Day in the Octave of Christmas (Dec. 31)

Take your time. Don't rush Christmas!

The St. Paul Center's daily scripture reflections from the the Sixth Day in the Octave of Christmas by Mr. Clement Harrold. Christmas Weekday First Reading: First John 2: 12-17 Responsorial Psalm: Psalms 96: 7-8a, 8b-9, 10 Gospel: Luke 2: 36-40   Learn more about the Mass at www.stpaulcenter.com If you've been wanting to grow in your knowledge of sacred Scripture or learn how to share God's Word with others, check out Dr. John Bergsma's weekly show, The Word of the Lord, where Dr. Bergsma unpacks the Sunday mass readings and carefully guides the faithful to a deeper understanding of salvation history. Sign up for your 30-day free trial today at stpaulcenter.com/memberships

Read OnlineIn the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God… And the Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us, and we saw his glory, the glory as of the Father's only-begotten Son, full of grace and truth. John 1:1; 14The Prologue to John's Gospel, John 1:1-18, is one of the most profound and theologically rich passages in Scripture. It is both contemplative and mysterious, inviting us to come to know God in His essence through the depth of contemplative prayer.The opening words, “In the beginning…,” echo the Book of Genesis, revealing the eternal and preexistent nature of the Son of God. Saint John the Evangelist, through a special grace of infused contemplative knowledge, understood that Jesus was the Word, eternally spoken by the Father, and co-existing with Him for all eternity. He recognized that the Word took on human nature, becoming flesh and dwelling among us.Consider the thoughts of Saint John as he wrote these words for the first time. He had spent about three years with the Eternal Word made flesh—walking with Him, listening to His teachings, and witnessing His miracles, His rejection, His suffering, His death, and His Resurrection. He stood with the others as Jesus ascended into Heaven and experienced the outpouring of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost.After Pentecost, John's understanding of Jesus deepened. Through prayer and the celebration of the Eucharist, John discovered his Lord in an even more intimate and transformative way. The Eternal Word, though no longer walking the earth, was now present within him by grace. This abiding presence became more real to him than ever before.Like John, we are called to know the Eternal Word as He continues to dwell among us through the Sacraments, in prayer, in the Scriptures, and within our souls. We are invited to be transformed by His presence so that we may become His living members within the Church.This deep union with Christ is only possible when we allow ourselves to be drawn into the mysteries of the Incarnation and redemption. While our minds can grasp these mysteries to a certain extent, true understanding comes through infused contemplative knowledge, a gift of the Holy Spirit dwelling within us.Reflect today on Saint John the Evangelist as he wrote his Prologue. Consider the gift of contemplative understanding he received, the transformation that occurred within his soul, and the intimacy he shared with God. Each of us is called to this same life of interior union and contemplation. Let this beautiful and mysterious Prologue draw you deeper into prayer and into the mystery of the Word made flesh. My Eternal Word of God, You existed before time began, in perfect union with the Father and the Holy Spirit. During this octave of Christmas, we reflect on Your Incarnation, Your becoming flesh to dwell among us and within us by grace. Please reveal to me this great mystery so that I may believe with the same faith as Saint John, Your beloved disciple. Jesus, I trust in You.Image: Milesevac, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia CommonsSource of content: catholic-daily-reflections.comCopyright © 2025 My Catholic Life! Inc. All rights reserved. Used with permission via RSS feed.

Gospel  Luke 2:36-40 There was a prophetess, Anna, the daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Asher. She was advanced in years, having lived seven years with her husband after her marriage, and then as a widow until she was eighty-four. She never left the temple, but worshiped night and day with fasting and prayer. And coming forward at that very time, she gave thanks to God and spoke about the child to all who were awaiting the redemption of Jerusalem. When they had fulfilled all the prescriptions of the law of the Lord, they returned to Galilee, to their own town of Nazareth. The child grew and became strong, filled with wisdom; and the favor of God was upon him. Reflection When someone is being infused with truth and they know something and believe it so deeply, it is very hard to change their mind. And what we see in this story of Anna, a prophetess, is her diligence in seeking a truth, an awareness. She was in the temple always, and what she was always seeking was some understanding, some knowledge of what was going to happen when the Messiah actually came. She longed for it, she fasted for it, she struggled to understand it. And then she's rewarded in the sense with an invitation from God to be present in the temple when Jesus was there with Mary and Joseph, and she knew somehow, deep inside of her, this was the new beginning of Christianity. Closing Prayer Father, keep us vigilant. Keep us seeking always a desire to know you, to find you, to receive your gifts. We get distracted, we get so many other things going on in our life, but bless us with a focus on what is most essential, our understanding of who you are and what you are doing in our life for us. And we ask this in Jesus' name, Amen. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Sixth Day in the Octave of Christmas

What desire is taking too much weight in your life?

Join Father Kevin Drew as he preaches on this The Sixth Day in the Octave of Christmas. Today's readings First Reading: 1 John 2:12-17 Psalm: Psalm 96:7-8a, 8b-9, 10 Gospel: Luke 2:36-40 Catholic Radio Network

1 John 2: 12-17; Luke 2: 36-40; Haydock Commentary + The Great Commentary of Cornelius a Lapide Please consider donating to help keep this podcast going by going to buymeacoffee.com/catholicdailybrief Also, if you enjoy these episodes, please give a five star rating and share the podcast with your friends and family

Titus 3: 4-7; Luke 2: 15-20; Haydock Commentary Please consider donating to help keep this podcast going by going to buymeacoffee.com/catholicdailybrief Also, if you enjoy these episodes, please give a five star rating and share the podcast with your friends and family

Beloved Son of God, hear us.

What Simeon and Anna have to teach us - Fr. Lucas Laborde. Click here for today's readings.What strikes you in the fact that God has chosen these messengers to bring you such important news? What does it tell you about God and about your own faith journey? What does it imply for our relationship with the Church?

The St. Paul Center's daily scripture reflections from the the Sixth Day in the Octave of Christmas by Mr. Clement Harrold. Christmas Weekday First Reading: First John 2: 12-17 Responsorial Psalm: Psalms 96: 7-8a, 8b-9, 10 Gospel: Luke 2: 36-40   Learn more about the Mass at www.stpaulcenter.com If you've been wanting to grow in your knowledge of sacred Scripture or learn how to share God's Word with others, check out Dr. John Bergsma's weekly show, The Word of the Lord, where Dr. Bergsma unpacks the Sunday mass readings and carefully guides the faithful to a deeper understanding of salvation history. Sign up for your 30-day free trial today at stpaulcenter.com/memberships

15 And it came to pass, after the angels departed from them into heaven, the shepherds said one to another: Let us go over to Bethlehem, and let us see this word that is come to pass, which the Lord hath shewed to us.Et factum est, ut discesserunt ab eis angeli in caelum : pastores loquebantur ad invicem : Transeamus usque Bethlehem, et videamus hoc verbum, quod factum est, quod Dominus ostendit nobis. 16 And they came with haste; and they found Mary and Joseph, and the infant lying in the manger.Et venerunt festinantes : et invenerunt Mariam, et Joseph, et infantem positum in praesepio. 17 And seeing, they understood of the word that had been spoken to them concerning this child.Videntes autem cognoverunt de verbo, quod dictum erat illis de puero hoc. 18 And all that heard, wondered; and at those things that were told them by the shepherds.Et omnes qui audierunt, mirati sunt : et de his quae dicta erant a pastoribus ad ipsos. 19 But Mary kept all these words, pondering them in her heart.Maria autem conservabat omnia verba haec, conferens in corde suo. 20 And the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God, for all the things they had heard and seen, as it was told unto them.Et reversi sunt pastores glorificantes et laudantes Deum in omnibus quae audierant et viderant, sicut dictum est ad illos.

Homily from the Mass offered on Monday, December 30th - 1st Reading: 1 John 2:12-17 - Gospel Reading: Luke 2:36-40 - To support the podcast financially, click here: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://stpiuscda.org/online-giving⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Homily from the Mass offered on Monday, December 29th -1st Reading: 1 John 2:3-11 - Gospel Reading: Luke 2:22-35 - To support the podcast financially, click here: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://stpiuscda.org/online-giving⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Sixth Day in the Octave of Christmas

The St. Paul Center's daily scripture reflections from the Mass for the Fifth Day in the Octave of Christmas by Ms. Joan Watson. Christmas Weekday/ Thomas Becket, Bishop, Martyr First Reading: First John 2: 3-11 Responsorial Psalm: Psalms 96: 1-2a, 2b-3, 5b-6 Alleluia: Luke 2: 32 Gospel: Luke 2: 22-35   Learn more about the Mass at www.stpaulcenter.com If you've been wanting to grow in your knowledge of sacred Scripture or learn how to share God's Word with others, check out Dr. John Bergsma's weekly show, The Word of the Lord, where Dr. Bergsma unpacks the Sunday mass readings and carefully guides the faithful to a deeper understanding of salvation history. Sign up for your 30-day free trial today at stpaulcenter.com/memberships

Read OnlineThere was a prophetess, Anna… She never left the temple, but worshiped night and day with fasting and prayer.  And coming forward at that very time, she gave thanks to God and spoke about the child to all who were awaiting the redemption of Jerusalem.  Luke 2:36–38Like Simeon, Anna was among those “awaiting the redemption of Jerusalem.” She belonged to the faithful remnant of Israel who believed in the prophecies, understood the Messiah's spiritual and salvific role, and awaited His coming with great hope.Because Anna “never left the temple, but worshiped night and day with fasting and prayer,” she was deeply attuned to God's voice. Her life of prayer made her sensitive to the promptings of the Holy Spirit, especially on that glorious day when Jesus was presented and ritually redeemed in the Temple.Imagine Mary and Joseph's reaction to Simeon's prophetic words and then to Anna's. They might have expected the ritual offering and dedication to be a routine event. Yet, the joy and prophetic words of Simeon and Anna must have filled them with awe and wonder at the profound mystery of their Child's identity and mission.Like Simeon and Anna, we are called to be part of the faithful remnant today. The chaos and immorality that plague our world can easily lead to discouragement or anger. When this turmoil is close to home, within our families or communities, it becomes even more challenging. Anna's example in today's Gospel offers us a powerful model of how to live our lives. While most of us cannot remain in church night and day, fasting and praying, we are all called to carry the indwelling of the Holy Spirit within us, making our souls temples of God.Saint Teresa of Ávila speaks highly of the prayer of recollection, a practice that helps us become more aware of God's presence within. This prayer takes place on two levels. First, “active” recollection is an intentional meditation in which we seek God within the temple, or “castle,” of our souls. It's an active turning inward to find God dwelling within us by grace.Over time, as we deepen in this prayer, it becomes “passive” recollection. God begins to take the lead, and we sense His presence more profoundly throughout the day, calling us to be with Him in the temple of our souls. Those who practice these forms of recollection are like Anna who spent day and night in the Temple, attuned to God's voice.Reflect, today, on God's invitation to imitate Anna's life of prayer. By following her example, you, too, will become more attuned to the voice of God and the promptings of the Holy Spirit. You will recognize the many ways the Messiah comes to you and is present all around you. This grace will empower you to overcome the evils and challenges of the world, making you a member of God's faithful remnant, awaiting His consolation and redemption.Most glorious Messiah, You see the chaos in our world, and You come to those who seek You to deliver them and set them free. Help me to become a member of Your faithful remnant, always turning to You in trust and seeking You day and night. Jesus, I trust in You.Image via picrylSource of content: catholic-daily-reflections.comCopyright © 2025 My Catholic Life! Inc. All rights reserved. Used with permission via RSS feed.

Father shows us many day-to-day ways that we reject Jesus.

Gospel Luke 2:22-35 When the days were completed for their purification according to the law of Moses, the parents of Jesus took him up to Jerusalem to present him to the Lord, just as it is written in the law of the Lord, Every male that opens the womb shall be consecrated to the Lord, and to offer the sacrifice of a pair of turtledoves or two young pigeons, in accordance with the dictate in the law of the Lord. Now there was a man in Jerusalem whose name was Simeon. This man was righteous and devout, awaiting the consolation of Israel, and the Holy Spirit was upon him. It had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he should not see death before he had seen the Christ of the Lord. He came in the Spirit into the temple; and when the parents brought in the child Jesus to perform the custom of the law in regard to him, he took him into his arms and blessed God, saying: "Lord, now let your servant go in peace; your word has been fulfilled: my own eyes have seen the salvation which you prepared in the sight of every people, a light to reveal you to the nations and the glory of your people Israel." The child's father and mother were amazed at what was said about him; and Simeon blessed them and said to Mary his mother, "Behold, this child is destined for the fall and rise of many in Israel, and to be a sign that will be contradicted (and you yourself a sword will pierce) so that the thoughts of many hearts may be revealed.” Reflection In this week of readings, we're going to see a repeated pattern. Ordinary individuals, not people of the temple, not people of high learning, are manifesting to Mary and Joseph something so extraordinary about their son. Simeon represents the waiting, the long waiting of Israel for this moment, and he, as a symbol of faith, has always believed that the Messiah would come. He walks into the temple and encounters Jesus, Mary, and Joseph, and knows somehow, deep inside of him, this is the one. It's a beautiful image of the way the Holy Spirit works in ordinary people, and how he affirms the promises that are unfolding daily in our life. Closing Prayer Father, make us attentive to those around us who carry perhaps a way of seeing that we don't see. Let us pay attention to the fact that you always seem to work with others, to be able to work with us. Help us to read the signs of those around us. And we ask this in Jesus' name, Amen. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Fifth Day in the Octave of Christmas

Listen to Fr. Steve's homily from 12/29/25.Thanks for listening! Please leave us a rating and/or review, and share on social media or with a friend! You can email ashley@rootedinthereallyreal.com with any questions or suggestions. God bless.

Join Father Kevin Drew as he preaches on this The Fifth Day in the Octave of Christmas and Memorial of Saint Thomas Becket, Bishop and Martyr. Today's readings First Reading: 1 John 2:3-11 Psalm: Psalm 96:1-2a, 2b-3, 5b-6 Gospel: Luke 2:22-35 Catholic Radio Network

See also my episode on the history of St. Thomas Becket, on this his feast day: https://podcasts.apple.com/ru/podcast/a-walk-through-catholic-history-episode-9-st-thomas-becket/id1642585690?i=1000681935941&l=en-GB1 John 2: 3-11; Luke 2: 22-35; Haydock Commentary Please consider donating to help keep this podcast going by going to buymeacoffee.com/catholicdailybrief Also, if you enjoy these episodes, please give a five star rating and share the podcast with your friends and family

See also my episode on the history of St. Thomas Becket, on this his feast day: https://podcasts.apple.com/ru/podcast/a-walk-through-catholic-history-episode-9-st-thomas-becket/id1642585690?i=1000681935941&l=en-GBTitus 3: 4-7;Luke 2: 15-20;Haydock CommentaryPlease consider donating to help keep this podcast going by going to buymeacoffee.com/catholicdailybrief Also, if you enjoy these episodes, please give a five star rating and share the podcast with your friends and family

Dr. Tom Curran asks Fr. Kurt Nagel and Fr. Jeff Lewis: What do priests want for Christmas? What's an octave? What other feast days are honored during the Christmas Octave, and why?

Jesus, the fulfilment of the Law - Fr. Lucas Laborde. Click here for today's readings.What would you like to see at the end of your life? What are your aspirations? What are the things you will look back upon when you are older, and will make you say like Simeon: now let your servant go in peace?

The St. Paul Center's daily scripture reflections from the Mass for the Fifth Day in the Octave of Christmas by Ms. Joan Watson. Christmas Weekday/ Thomas Becket, Bishop, Martyr First Reading: First John 2: 3-11 Responsorial Psalm: Psalms 96: 1-2a, 2b-3, 5b-6 Alleluia: Luke 2: 32 Gospel: Luke 2: 22-35   Learn more about the Mass at www.stpaulcenter.com If you've been wanting to grow in your knowledge of sacred Scripture or learn how to share God's Word with others, check out Dr. John Bergsma's weekly show, The Word of the Lord, where Dr. Bergsma unpacks the Sunday mass readings and carefully guides the faithful to a deeper understanding of salvation history. Sign up for your 30-day free trial today at stpaulcenter.com/memberships

11 I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd giveth his life for his sheep.Ego sum pastor bonus. Bonus pastor animam suam dat pro ovibus suis. 12 But the hireling, and he that is not the shepherd, whose own the sheep are not, seeth the wolf coming, and leaveth the sheep, and flieth: and the wolf catcheth, and scattereth the sheep:Mercenarius autem, et qui non est pastor, cujus non sunt oves propriae, videt lupum venientem, et dimittit oves, et fugit : et lupus rapit, et dispergit oves; 13 And the hireling flieth, because he is a hireling: and he hath no care for the sheep.mercenarius autem fugit, quia mercenarius est, et non pertinet ad eum de ovibus. 14 I am the good shepherd; and I know mine, and mine know me.Ego sum pastor bonus : et cognosco meas, et cognoscunt me meae. 15 As the Father knoweth me, and I know the Father: and I lay down my life for my sheep.Sicut novit me Pater, et ego agnosco Patrem : et animam meam pono pro ovibus meis. 16 And other sheep I have, that are not of this fold: them also I must bring, and they shall hear my voice, and there shall be one fold and one shepherd.Et alias oves habeo, quae non sunt ex hoc ovili : et illas oportet me adducere, et vocem meam audient, et fiet unum ovile et unus pastor.

Fifth Day in the Octave of Christmas

“Now, Lord, I can live in peace, for my eyes have seen your salvation.”

Read OnlineWhen the days were completed for their purification according to the law of Moses, the parents of Jesus took him up to Jerusalem to present him to the Lord, just as it is written in the law of the Lord, Every male that opens the womb shall be consecrated to the Lord, and to offer the sacrifice of a pair of turtledoves or two young pigeons, in accordance with the dictate in the law of the Lord. Luke 2:22–24Forty days after a firstborn male was born, the law of Moses required that the mother participate in a purification ritual and that the parents were to “redeem” the child by offering a ritual sacrifice. As faithful Jews, Mary and Joseph took these obligations seriously. When they entered the Temple, they were met by a holy man named Simeon, who was among the faithful Jews “awaiting the consolation of Israel.”From its founding, the Kingdom of Israel had endured many troubled times. The last time the Kingdom of Israel had been united was under the reign of King David and his son Solomon in the tenth century B.C. After Solomon's death, the kingdom split into the Northern Kingdom of Israel and the Southern Kingdom of Judah. The Northern Kingdom was captured by the Assyrians in 722 B.C., and the Southern Kingdom was conquered by the Babylonians in 586 B.C., leading to the destruction of the First Temple and the exile of many Jews to Babylon for about seventy years. In the centuries that followed, Greek culture was imposed upon the region after the conquest of Alexander the Great, and the Romans finally captured Judah in 63 BC, maintaining control beyond the birth of Christ.This history of oppression and division created various responses among the Jewish people. Many prophets had foretold the coming of the Messiah, the one who would bring consolation to Israel. Some Jews expected the Messiah to be a political leader who would reunite and restore the Kingdom. Others were indifferent to the prophecies. But a faithful remnant, like Simeon, awaited the Messiah who would bring about a profound spiritual renewal.Simeon was not a Pharisee, Sadducee, or scribe, but an ordinary devout Jew filled with the Holy Spirit. It was the Holy Spirit Who revealed to him that he would not see death before he had seen the Messiah. On the day Mary and Joseph brought Jesus to the Temple, Simeon, inspired by the Holy Spirit, came to the Temple and recognized the Christ Child. He took Jesus in his arms and rejoiced, saying, “Lord, now let your servant go in peace; your word has been fulfilled…”We should all strive to be like Simeon. Like the people of Israel and Judah, we are living in a world where God's Kingdom is often divided or overshadowed by immorality, wars, divisions, and a lack of faith. We might be tempted to address these challenges in various ways, but the best way is to become part of the faithful remnant who, like Simeon, trust in God's promises and eagerly anticipate His transforming action in our lives and in the world. Reflect today on the state of the world. In some places, the Kingdom of God is vibrant and alive; in others, it seems distant or absent. No matter where you find yourself, turn your gaze to the all-powerful Messiah, Who is capable of renewing His Kingdom on Earth as we await its fullness at the end of time. Devote yourself to His mission, and allow the Holy Spirit to inspire you to be an active participant in bringing about the reign of God. My Lord and Messiah, as I see the challenges and divisions in the world around me, help me to trust in Your promises. May I, like Simeon, be filled with faith and hope as I await Your Kingdom. Inspire me to be an instrument of Your grace, helping to build Your Kingdom here on Earth. Jesus, I trust in You.Image: Janmad, CC BY 3.0, via Wikimedia CommonsSource of content: catholic-daily-reflections.comCopyright © 2025 My Catholic Life! Inc. All rights reserved. Used with permission via RSS feed.

Friends of the Rosary,Today, Sunday, December 28, the Fourth Day within the Octave of Christmas, is the Feast of the Holy Family, an invitation to every Christian family to live in harmony and in prayer, which are the pledges of joy and union.At the end of the past century, Pope Leo XIII promoted this feast to present the Holy Family of Jesus, Mary, and Joseph as the model of all Christian families.Although they were the holiest family that ever lived, or ever will live, on earth, as they were God's closest friends, they had more than their share of this world's troubles. Today's Gospel from Matthew 2:13-15; 19-23 tells us of some of these earthly woes and sufferings.They had just settled in Bethlehem, and the Baby Jesus was only a few months old when, to avoid his murder at the hands of Herod, they had to flee from Bethlehem and become displaced persons in a foreign and pagan land.This story is a message of encouragement and consolation for every one of us. If the Holy Family suffered such trials and hardships, we should be ready to bear the trials that God sends us for our own eternal welfare.The devotion to the Holy Family was born in Bethlehem, together with the Baby Jesus. The shepherds went to adore the Child and, at the same time, to honor His family. Later, in a similar way, the three wise men came from the East to adore and give honor to the newborn King with gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh that His family would safeguard.Christ Himself showed His devotion to His mother and foster father by submitting Himself, with infinite humility, to the duty of filial obedience towards them.Today's celebration demonstrates Christ's humility and obedience regarding the fourth commandment, whilst also highlighting the loving care that His parents exercised in keeping Him.Let us imitate the Holy Family in our Christian families, and our families will be a prefiguration of the heavenly family. We say a prayer dedicating your family to the Holy Family. Also, we pray for all families to uphold the sanctity of the marriage bond, today under attack.Traditionally, the Feast of the Holy Innocents is celebrated on December 28th. Still, since that falls on a Sunday this year, many Western churches, like those in the Archdiocese of NY, observe it on Monday, December 29, 2025, to commemorate the baby boys killed by King Herod, honoring them as the first martyrs for Christ.Ave MariaCome, Holy Spirit, come!To Jesus through Mary!Here I am, Lord; I come to do your will.Please give us the grace to respond with joy!+ Mikel Amigot w/ María Blanca | RosaryNetwork.com, New YorkNew Upgrade! Enhance your faith with the new Holy Rosary University app:Apple iOS | New! Android Google Play• December 28, 2025, Today's Rosary on YouTube | Daily broadcast at 7:30 pm ET

This Feast is not observed liturgically today, due to its coincidence with the Sunday within the Octave of the Nativity.The Liturgical Year is a multi-volume work written between 1841 and 1875, by Dom Prosper Gueranger, abbot of the French Benedictine abbey of Solesmes. It is a rich theological reflection on the various feasts and seasons of the Church's liturgical cycle. Please consider donating to help keep this podcast going by going to buymeacoffee.com/catholicdailybrief Also, if you enjoy these episodes, please give a five star rating and share the podcast with your friends and family