A Path Through Advent with St Benedict (29)

Isaiah 9:1-7Luke 2:1-14  The people that walked in darknesshas seen a great light;on those who live in a land of deep shadowa light has shone.You have made their gladness greater,you have made their joy increase;they rejoice in your presenceas men rejoice at harvest time,as men are happy when they are dividing the spoils. The first …

A Path Through Advent with St Benedict (24)

WEEK FOURTUESDAY Isaiah 7:10-14Luke 1: 26-38 As Christmas draws closers our readings focus on the key figures in God’s plan for humanity. The text from Isaiah 7 in the first reading provides the background to Gospel story of the Annunciation. Isaiah’s words speak directly to the political situation of 736 BC.  In the face of …

A Path Through Advent with St Benedict (22)

FOURTH SUNDAY IN ADVENT Isaiah 7:10-14Matthew 1:18-24 Who shall climb the mountain of the Lord?Who shall stand in his holy place?The man with clean hands and pure heart,who desires not worthless things. Today the Psalmist paints for us the portrait of the archetypal righteous person. The ‘clean hands and pure hearts’ are metaphors for actions …

A Path Through Advent with St Benedict (21)

17th DecemberO Sapientia Gen 49:2, 8-10Mat 1:1-17 O Wisdom, O holy Word of God,you govern all creation with your strong yet tender care.Come and show your peoplethe way to salvation. Today the Church silently selects her top liturgical gear. In the seven days before Christmas every collect, every antiphon and every piece of scripture has …

A Path Through Advent with St Benedict (20)

THIRD WEEK OF ADVENTFRIDAYIsaiah 53:1-3. 6-8John 5:33-36 Read through the Scriptures texts. Notice the words and phrases which strike you. ‘Have a care for justice, act with integrity, for soon my salvation will come and my integrity be manifest’ (Isaiah 53) What might salvation mean in your life today?