Mime-Version: 1.0
Content-Type: TEXT/PLAIN; charset=US-ASCII
Newsgroups: bit.listserv.catholic
Date:         Tue, 22 Dec 1992 17:55:21 -0500
From:         Bill J Good <billgood@WORLD.STD.COM>
Subject:      Catholic Calendar Dec. 23, 1992

         +   Catholic Calendar for Wednesday, December 23, 1992   +
                         Fourth Week of Advent



 - Scripture readings from the Liturgy of the Word:

               Malachi 3:1-4, 23-24
               Psalm 25
               Luke 1:57-66



Reflections on Wednesday's Liturgy of the Word:

"Greet the Messenger of the Lord..."

John the Baptist, the one who comes in the spirit of Elijah, today we hear
about his advent, and the prophecy of his return. One who comes in the spirit
of Elijah - a spirit of reform, repentance, of calling to all who will listen.

This is the herald of the Lord.  On the last day before we begin the Christmas
festivities, we are reminded that the coming of Jesus was foretold, and not
only of Jesus, but of His herald.  This man who, in the desert, cries out.
This voice that wakens the sleeping heart.

Let us welcome him.  Let us accept the spirit of Elijah who foretells what is
to come.  Let us repent, and seek the will of God. Let us look forward to the
one who is to come after.  Let us look to John, and see at whom he is
pointing.

          "On Jordan's Bank, the Baptist's cry
           Announces that the Lord is nigh..."

Rejoice, rejoice.  Alleluia, hurry the Lord is near, Alleluia, Alleluia!

               +JuandelaCruz+


   Reprinted with permission from:
      "The Way, The Truth, The Life" - a Catholic BBS at 315-392-2368



Let us pray...

  ...Let us all see the wonderful Messiah that John saw.  Come, Lord
     Jesus. We have waited long to see your glory, Come, Lord Jesus.

  ...O Father, that your infinite power may heal our grievous illnesses,
     and that we may turn to You, repentant of our sins.

  ...for those of us who will die today, O Father, may we be shown your
     mercy, and may our grieving families be comforted in their sorrow.

  ...that we may reaffirm the lives of our relatives, friends, associates,
     and forgive those persons for whom our love is lacking.

  ...that the loving hand of God may be shown to the suffering people in the
     former Yugoslavian states, Somalia, Chile, Peru and many other troubled
     areas of the world.

  ...that all people and governments will respect every unborn life and the
     elderly.

  ...for those who live alone or feel that they are alone in the world,
     that God might enlighten them and give them comfort through His
     servants and through His Grace.



A Special Marian Prayer,


Lord,

     Thank you for the wonderful blessing of your Holy Mother, spiritual
     mother to the Church.  She prays for us unceasingly, with a gentle
     mother's heart.  Thank you for the gift that she gave us for all
     eternity, with her resounding "Yes," to you.  Thank you for our
     Mother, the Gentle One whose heart is full of your love for all of
     us.  We share with her now her time of pain, and her time of joy.
     Thank you for the Son she bore and the blessing she bestowed upon
     all of us through her gentle obedience to your Word.  Bless us Lord
     with hearts as loving, giving, and caring as hers.  Let our
     Christmas be a celebration of Her Love for you, and of your Love for
     us.  Let our families all be a sign to one another of the love and
     caring that you have for each of us.

     Hail Mary...

     Amen.

               +JuandelaCruz+



Rosary Mysteries for Wednesday: Glorious

 1. The Resurrection (Faith)
 2. The Ascension (Hope)
 3. Descent of the Holy Spirit (Love)
 4. The Assumption (Eternal Happiness)
 5. Crowning of Mary (Devotion to Mary)
Comments: Gated by NETNEWS@AUVM.AMERICAN.EDU