Echoing God's Word - Advent & Christmas Seasons
Reflections on the readings from the Lectionary by Rev. Clement D. Thibodeau (1932-2017)
Click on the date to read the reflection.
First Sunday of Advent - December 1, 2024
Jeremiah 33:14-16 - The Lord will send a new David to bring peace and justice.
1 Thessalonians 3:12 -4:2 - God prepares our hearts so we may prepare our lives.
Luke 21:25-28,34-36 - The “great day” is coming; we need to be watchful.
Psalm 25:4-5, 8-9, 10,14 - We wait for the day of the Lord.
Second Sunday of Advent - December 8, 2024
Baruch 5:1-9 - God’s people return to Jerusalem amid great glory.
Philippians 1:4-6,8-11 - Paul prays that the Church may show itself blameless.
Luke 3:1-6 - In John the Baptist, God introduces salvation for all.
Psalm 126:1-2,2-3,4-5,6 - God’s people return from captivity in festive joy.
Third Sunday of Advent - December 15, 2024
Zephaniah 14-18 - The Lord is still among the people.
Philippians 4:4-7 - Paul is filled with joy because the Lord is near.
Luke 3:10-18 - The Baptist urges people to live rightly for the Lord is near.
Response: Isaiah 12:2-6 - “Sing praise! The Great One is among you!
Fourth Sunday of Advent - December 22, 2024
Micah 5:14 - A new “King David” will come from Bethlehem.
Hebrews 10:5-10 - Christ came as one of us to make us one with God.
Luke 1:39-45 - Mary hears God’s will for her and accepts it.
Psalm 80:2-3,15-16,18-19 - Shepherd of Israel, come to shepherd your people.
Solemnity of the Nativity of Our Lord - December 25, 2024
Isaiah: 52:7-10 - Sing for joy. There is good news coming!
Hebrews 1:1-6 - Now God speaks to the people through the Son.
John 1:1-18 - The Word of God is one with us, living in our midst.
Feast of the Holy Family of Jesus, Mary, and Joseph - December 29, 2024
Sirach 3:2-6, 12-14 - Respect for God requires that we honor our parents.
Colossians 3:12-21 - Christian life asks that we respect one another.
Luke 2:41-52 - The child Jesus grew to maturity and wisdom.
Solemnity of Mary, the Mother of God - January 1, 2025
Numbers 6:22-27 - Aaron blesses the people of Israel in God's name.
Galatians 4:4-7 - God blesses time by sending his Son in history.
Luke 2:16-21 - On the eighth day the Child is named.
Solemnity of the Epiphany of the Lord - January 5, 2025
Isaiah 60:1-6 - Gentiles will come to faith in the light of God's people.
Ephesians 3:2-6 - Astonishing revelation: Gentiles are brought to Christ.
Matthew 2:1-12 - Wise men from the Gentiles follow a light to find Christ.
Feast of the Baptism of the Lord - January 12, 2025
Isaiah 42:1-4,6-7 - God’s servant will bring sight to the blind.
Acts 10:34-38 - God has anointed Jesus of Nazareth as Messiah and Lord.
Luke 3:15-16, 21-22 - Jesus is the beloved Son of the Father.
