This week's Gospel tells us how the "birth of Jesus Christ came about." More specifically, it tells us how an angel appeared to Joseph, explaining to him that Mary's son would save the people from their sins. While Joseph might not have understood it at the time, we know that Jesus is the fulfillment of the great prophecy of Isaiah 7:14ff, that the Messiah would come from the line of David and be born of a Virgin. In our readings this week, we first read that prophecy and then see its fulfillment in the Gospel.
Up Next in Year A
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Nativity of the Lord (Year A)
When we think of the story of Christmas, we usually think of the "infancy narrative" of Luke's Gospel: Mary and Joseph traveling to Bethlehem, no room in the inn, Jesus laid in the manger, angels, and shepherds. This is the familiar account of Christ's birth, and we are surrounded by reminders of...
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The Holy Family (Year A)
The first two readings today focus on the relationships with our family. We are told that honoring and respecting our father is of the highest importance and, if we are faithful to this call, we will be blessed by God. When we read the Gospel, the theme changes from focusing on our earthly family...
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Solemnity of Mary, the Holy Mother of...
Today is a beautiful and important feast in the life of the Church. Our focus today isn't on starting the new year—although that is certainly reason for celebration, and what better way is there to start out the new year than by going to Mass? Our focus today is on Mary and her motherhood. There ...
