Sunday Scripture

Today we celebrate Holy Family Sunday. It is so good to take time out to focus on the help God provides to counteract the strong negative forces that threaten to undermine family life today. We need to establish our families on the strong teachings of the Bible and the Church's teachings.

Scripture tells us, "How beautiful on the mountain are the feet of him who brings good news!" How beautiful on the hills of Judah are the feet of Mary who is hastening to bring the greatest possible news to her cousin Elizabeth!

For almost two thousand years Israel has been looking forward to a savior. Now Mary is carrying that savior in her body as she hastens to share that joy with her cousin Elizabeth, who had spent most of her adult years as a barren woman!

The readings of this Third Sunday of Advent are filled with great expectations and joy. The joy does not come from what is present but rather from what is on its way! It does not come from what man will do, but from what an all-good God will do.

Zephaniah makes this very clear when he says, "Shout for Joy, O daughter Zion! Sing joyfully, O Israel! Be glad and exult with all your heart, O daughter Jerusalem! The Lord has removed the judgment against you ... the King of Israel, the Lord, is in your midst."

Today's readings are filled with hope. Their messages have such far-reaching and profound implications for each of our lives.

First Sunday of Advent

December 2

Jeremiah 33:14-16

1 Thessalonians 3:12-4:2

Luke 21:25-28, 34-36 

King Louis IX of France was perhaps one of the finest kings in history. Not only did he risk his life to provide good and safe government for his people, but he was also very just and very kind to his subjects. For example, he would daily invite a number of poor people to have lunch with him.

But even the finest of earthly kings cannot compare with Jesus Christ, as the King of kings and the Lord of lords.