|
In the Reading from the Book of the Prophet Isaiah
Is 7:10-14
The setting of Isaiah's oracle is Jerusalem of 735-715 B.C. the reign of King Ahaz. God's people is in deep trouble mainly through the mismanagement of the king, who has rejected the offer of a "sign," which in the Bible is usually some event assuring human beings of divine intervention. Nevertheless, a "sign" is given. The virgin who will bear a son is probably Abi, the young wife of King Ahaz. "Immanuel " (God- with-us) is his son.
The point(God's word to us) seems to be: When we are in trouble, going through the semi-darkness of the human situation, God is willing to step in, if in faith we let him do so.
The Responsorial Psalm is that that we put our trust in Jesus because of his love and kindness and that he has done great things for us, so we should be filled with joy and love for him and to be like him
in your self-giving. He raises up the lowly from the dust; from the dunghill he lifts up the poor. Our help is from the Lord, who made heaven and earth. The Lord hears the cry of the poor!
In the Reading, From the Letter of Saint Paul to the Romans
Rom1:1-7
Paul explains who the Savior, Jesus Christ, is. He is fully man, a descendant of King David, but made Son of God in power. Paul's task is to bring to obedient faith to all the Gentiles.
It is through our "obedient faith" in the Lord Jesus, sent by God to enlighten all who go through the darkness of the human condition, that we will be saved.
In the Gospel of Matthew
Mt 1:18-24
Matthew quotes Isaiah's oracle of today's first Bible reading. Both Matthew and the Church have seen in the birth of Christ from the Virgin Mother the perfect fulfillment of Isaiah's prophesy. It is and through Jesus Christ that God steps in to save us, who pass through the twilight of human existence.
In the Lord Jesus, God is "Immanuel-----God with us." And this tremendous mystery (God with us ----- you do not have to go it alone") is what we are going to celebrate at Christmas. " Let the Lord enter: he is king of glory."
Newsy Notes
***********************************************
Deacon Bob Brazier, CRE
Merry Christmas
and a
Happy new Year!
************************************************
"PSR"
Remember our last PSR class will be on the 18th of December
Will resume on January 8th
"CONFIRMATION"
Our Net Ministry will be here once again.
The 8th Grade class will have their retreat January 14th starting at 9:00am
here at St. Thomas More
"Remember"
Our next 8th Grade Confirmation Class will be held in Faith Formation Room at 11:15 on January 15th
Address future PSR and Sacramental Preparation Questions to:
Deacon Bob Brazier at bbrazier@sttm.org
| 
