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us December 7, 2011

John 1:6-8, 19-28

The Testimony of John the Baptist

When does this Gospel reading occur in the life of Jesus?

What word or phrase stands out? What significance does this have in my life?

December 11, 2011 Third Sunday of Advent John 1:6-8, 19-28

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. And this is the testimony of John. When the Jews from Jerusalem sent priests and Levites to him to ask him, "Who are you?" He admitted and did not deny it, but admitted, "I am not the Christ." So they asked him, "What are you then? Are you Elijah?" And he said, "I am not." "Are you the Prophet?" He answered, "No." So they said to him, "Who are you, so we can give an answer to those who sent us? What do you have to say for yourself?" He said: "I am the voice of one crying out in the desert, 'make straight the way of the Lord,'" as Isaiah the prophet said." Some Pharisees were also sent. They asked him, "Why then do you baptize if you are not the Christ or Elijah or the Prophet?" John answered them, "I baptize with water; but there is one among you whom you do not recognize, the one who is coming after me, whose sandal strap I am not worthy to untie." This happened in Bethany across the Jordan, where John was baptizing.

December 11, 2011 Third Sunday of Advent John 1:6-8, 19-28

What is John the Baptists role as a testimony to the light? What questions do the priests and Levites ask John? What do these questions reveal about the reason why they were sent? Why does John respond so abruptly? What would you have said in this situation?
(Source: Catholic Serendipity Bible)

Saint Nicholas

Feast Day is December 6 Bishop of Mira (present day Turkey) Died December 6, 343 Known for his great compassion and generosity Popular legends (popularly regarded as historical although not veriable): - Saved three girls from a life of prostitution by providing for their dowery s to be married by tossing three bags of gold into the chimney of their house. The bags landed in their shoes and stockings that were hung in the replace to dry. - Attended the Council of Nicea where he was a staunch supporter of the Divinity of Christ and got into a st ght with Arius. To this day children put their shoes out on the night of December 5 in hopes of receiving coins, chocolate or other gifts

Saint Ambrose

Feast Day is December 7 Bishop and Doctor of the Church Bishop of Milan (northern Italy) Died April 4, 397 Appointed Roman governor of Milan Elected Bishop when he was a Catechumen (baptism preceded ordination) Attended Council of Nicea as staunch support of the Divinity of Christ Taught and baptized Saint Augustine

In addition to presenting the foundations for Christian morality, the Catechism of the Catholic Church includes a section on the Precepts of the Church. These are rules set in context of a moral life, bound to and nourished by a liturgical life. The obligatory character of these positive laws decreed by the pastoral authorities is meant to encourage on the part of the faithful the indispensable foundations for their lives as Catholics. (Source: United States Catholic Catechism for Adults, pg. 334) CCC 2042 (a) The first precept ("You shall attend Mass on Sundays and holy days of obligation and rest from servile labor") requires the faithful to sanctify the day commemorating the Resurrection of the Lord as well as the principal liturgical feasts honoring the Mysteries of the Lord, the Blessed Virgin Mary, and the saints; in the first place, by participating in the Eucharistic celebration, in which the Christian community is gathered, and by resting from those works and activities which could impede such a sanctification of these days.
2011 Thursday, December 8, 2011 - Immaculate Conception Sunday, December 25, 2011 - Christmas 2012 Sunday, January 1, 2012 - Mary, Mother of God Sunday, May 20, 2012 - Ascension of the Lord Wednesday, August 15, 2012 - Assumption of Mary Thursday, November 1, 2012 - All Saints Saturday, December 8, 2012 - Immaculate Conception Tuesday, December 25, 2012 - Christmas Tuesday, January 1, 2013 - Mary, Mother of God