Advent, Fourth Sunday. St. Paul, 'one of his masterpieces. Paul is writing to the Christians' Rom.1: 1-7

Sunday, 22 December 2013

Fourth Sunday of Advent

Christmas Crib - welcome, Guest House entry

Fr. Aelred's Homily

Today's second reading is taken from the beginning of St Paul's letter to the Romans - one of his masterpieces. Paul is writing to the Christians living in very small communities in the great city of Rome, a world where paganism reigns supreme in its institutions, its cultural heritage, and its morality. Against the grandeur of Rome the small Christian community appears insignificant, even contemptible. But even if a community is reduced to a handful of faithful to celebrate the holy mysteries, it has a timeless message to proclaim.

Today's passage from Romans is most appropriate as we approach Christmas, because it provides us with a profession of faith of the early church in the form of a hymn to Christ: in his double sonship it reads: "The Gospel of God that he promised long ago through the prophets, as scripture record....about his son. A descendant of David according to the flesh, but son of god in power according to the spirit of holiness, by his resurrection from the dead: Jesus Christ our Lord". In a few verses the genius of Paul brings out the Trinitarian character of the confession of faith that names the Father (God), the son and the Spirit, and links them to mystery of the Incarnation.

On the 17^th December, when we are within a week of Christmas, the opening prayer for Mass reads: Father, you decreed, and your Word became man, born of the Virgin Mary. May we come to share the divinity of Christ, who humbled himself to share our human nature’. This prayer tells us that the Word becomes human so that humans might become divine. By grace even in this life, we become sharers in the divine nature. We don’t have to have to wait until after death before this can take place. An early saint put it like this: ‘The divine word, who once for all was born in the flesh, always in his compassion desires to be born in the spirit in those who desire him. He became an infant and molds himself in them through their practise of the virtues.

St Paul tells us in one of his letters that the mysteries of our faith are very deep. But we don’t have to be very clever in order to be good disciples and friend of Jesus. We can join with Mary and Joseph and the Shepherds in contemplating the infant in the crib. And if we are sincere in offering him our human love and service we will receive in return something far more precious: The beginning of a share in his divine nature.

St. Thomas Villanova, 'All the praises of the Virgin Mary may be summed up by saying that she is the Mother of God'

Advent, Monastic Office of Vigils,  
 
Saint Thomas Villanova OSA, Annunciation, sermon 3,2-3 from Lectern other translation. A Word in Season,Agustinian, 2001.

One little aside is moving; Gabriel says,“Hail , full of Grace, the Lord is with you, far more than with me".

OFFICE OF READINGS

 SECOND READING

From a sermon by St. Thomas of Villanova: Opera Om­nia Vol.5, PP 346-349.

You shall give God a robe of flesh.

     All the praises of the Virgin Mary may be summed up by saying that she is the Mother of God. For, what grace could be suitable for the Mother of God? What favor would God be unable to bestow on her? What blessing could her Son not but will for her?

     When the time was ripe to reveal the mystery that had (as the Apostle says) been hidden through the ages and was now to be shown forth in the final age, God summoned Gabriel. “Go”, he tells him, “to the Virgin Mary, carry the message beyond all messages: God will become man in her.”

     He enters [her room] and does homage on his knees. “Hail , full of Grace, the Lord is with you, “ far more than with me. Virgin, do you see and hear this great soldier of heaven? How he does homage to you? How he greets you? What then are your thoughts? Tell us: What. is your reply to him?  What thoughts run through your mind? He greets you: greet him in return?

     What blush colors your virginal cheek? What rosy hue? Why are you disturbed? ‘Why hesitant and afraid? This is an angel, not a man! He is from heaven, not from earth; he greets you humbly and does not seek to’ over. whelm you; he carries no sword! Why then, are you disturbed? Why frightened? His greetings bring joy, not fear!

     See how prudent the Virgin is: “She pondered what this greeting might mean.”  Virgin, why do you reflect before answering? This, after all, is an angel, not a serpent. Eve answered without thinking; the virgin ponders. Eve was quick to consent; Mar) reflects on what her answer should be.   How different this blessed woman from that first woman of our race!  See, the angel speaks at length; he has now said all he wanted; he has fully carried out his embassy - but the virgin has not yet spoken. How reserved she is! Learn from her all virgins, not to be too talkative. “How shall this take place since: do not know any man? I do not doubt the mystery; I only ask how will it be accomplished. 

 

     O virgin, how many virgins surrender the virginity to bear a child, and yet it is but a mortal man they bring to birth you have heard that you will give birth to God - and yet you hesitate! “How shall this take place”, angel of God?  However it takes place, you will be the Mother of God. I could tell you virgin, of a way prefigured in the law. You know the scriptures; you surely know, after all that a virgin was to give him birth. Are not the law and the prophets, then, to be fulfilled?

     Recall: the bush burned but was not consumed the flames roared through it but it remained intact. So you shall be robed with the sun, yet your virginity will not be lessened.  You shall give him a robe with a body and be yourself robed by God.  You shall set the crown of mortality upon him; he shall crown you with a diadem of glory. You are a virgin, yet fruitful; you shall be a mother, yet unsullied, and have the joys of motherhood no less than the virgin’s high estate.

 http://friarydiaries.tumblr.com/post/22650841541/may-8-two-augustinian-feasts

RESPONSORY

Receive, O Blessed Virgin Mary, the word the Lord has made known to you through the message of the Angel: you will conceive and give birth to a son, both God and man.

     - and you will be called blessed among women.

A Virgin, you will indeed bear a son; ever chaste and holy you will be the mother of our Savior.

     - and you will be called blessed among women.

DIARY OF AN ACCIDENTAL HERMIT: DAY #7 - SAINT THOMAS OF VILLANOVA

diaryofanaccidentalhermit.blogspot.com - 717 × 538 - Search by image

is a man after my own heart. I would like to introduce him to the many people who even now in America are obsessed with recounting the supposed sins of the poor.

Third Advent Mass 'Your Prayer is Heard'

Chritmas Tree decorated by Br. S.
Nunraw Refectory entry

3 Advent Thursday
Mass Intro: Fr. Nivard.

On Thursday, 19 December 2013, 7:04, Nivard:

Daily Reading & Meditation, Adapted   (c) 2013 Don Schwager

3 Advent Thur 19 Dec 13: Lk 1;5-25

  

Your prayer is heard

   The people guessed that Zechariah had a special encounter with God.   

   You will have a son! His mission will be great for all Israel.”   

   Zechariah doubted the angel’s words. Could God really do a miracle for his barren wife, Elizabeth?  The angel wisely put Zechariah in his place before God’s mighty action. 

   Zechariah became speechless until the day the infant was dedicated to the name, John.   

   When God draws us into his presence, he wants us to be still and quiet before him. We can then listen to his voice as he speaks to our hearts and reveals his mind to us.   

 

 Father, may your love rule in all our relationships and remove any barriers to peace and harmony through Christ our Lord.

Dublin Trip

Thank you, William.
It is even better to have a commentary by you on the pictures on my trip to Dublin.
There are more pictures to the accounts of visits - later.
Donald

COMMENT
From: William Wardle

Dear Father Donald,

It is good to know that you are safely home after a very fulfilling trip to Ireland, from seeing your poorly sister, and staying with your others sisters, and visiting Roscrea! The photos on the harbour promontory will certainly go into your collection, as will the one taken from the cemetery in Roscrea - it will have been a special visit for you. Your Blog missed you! but the last photos anyone wanted to see on your return were those of the cloister roofing felt lifted by the storm force gales - I had imagined how wild it would have been that night on the Lammermuirs - added to which boiler troubles greeted you on your return...

It will have been a strange experience for you alone in the Guest House whilst everyone was away at Billy McLaughlin's funeral, there walking amongst memories of which you will have so many. It was perhaps given as an opportunity for you to say a very personal goodbye to the place that was your home for so many years.

I'm delighted that the Merton book arrived in good time and found its way safely to you, and you will be pleased (and relieved) to see your article in Fr Gerry Bogan's 'Lectio', a recent project completed! You invite so many requests on your time, dancing between demands and deadlines!

Advent is happily underway, the liturgy drawing us ever closer to the fulfilment of all the prophecies. A time of wonder!

Thank you for your messages - I am both relieved that you are well and delighted that you are safely home!

With my love in Our Lord,

William

Dear William,

I have been away for a week.

The main mission was to visit Sr. Patricia who is now cared the FMM Convent in Co. Dublin. 

In fact it was make up for the five years unable to travel, with the Convent in Dublin, and  Mellifont and Roscrea abbeys.

After I arrived back home, I found your great gift of the Merton/Griffin book to add to our 'Mertonia'.

On Friday we received Fr. Bogan's 'LECTIO' journal spiritual life,

   with some 20 copies to hand. Our Saturday mail today at 3.30 pm and no Catholic Herald. 

Hopefully, some of my travel and wanderings so much, may follow about the excitement encounters. 

The picture ATTACHMENTS seem to misfire.  The Blogspot 'piggy-back' succeeded.

Returned home, the Bursar asked for the Photos for the Cloister Roof damage from the storms.

 Apparently, the whole felt along this cloister side was lifting by the wind.

Fr. Nivard and 14 other monks' Crosses here in the Roscrea cemetery 2001-2013.

 The Sisters's Convent, Rush, Co. Dublin - outside photographed the tinted glass Window  during Adoration. 

 Tomb of Martt Talbot in Our Lady of Lourdes Church, McDermot Street. Dublin and so many devotions, including St. Judemof the 12 Apostles. www.matttalbot.

Dublin Harbour, Burnt Iseland, Ferry entering beside the statue of Our Lady and Becon Light. Dry, but long walk in the strong wind.

Josephine Donald Christina Noreen

http://www.patheos.com/blogs/kathyschiffer/2013/01/matthew-talbot-inspiration-and-hope-for-alcoholics/ 

Matt-Talbot-at-the-Crucifixion

The pictures touch on some of my trip, William.
I will use the Pictures for Nivard etc.
God love and Our Lady Immaculate Solemnity brings blessings.
Donald

Advent The Jesse Tree 15 Days links

Catholic Culture Advent
The Jesse Tree

 http://www.catholicculture.org/culture/liturgicalyear/overviews/seasons/advent/jesse_tree_day8.cfm 

 

Day 8

JOSEPH  December 8 Symbols: Coat of many Colors, Sheaf, Silver Coins Joseph's brothers were furious that their father favored their younger brother above all of them, and when Jacob gave Joseph an expensive, many-colored coat, they conspired against him. Like Christ, Joseph was sold for silver, but the hand of God led him to become a leader of the nation of Egypt. Later, his brothers, leaders of the Chosen People after their father Jacob, came to Egypt and settled under his rule. The many-colored coat has become the symbol of Joseph, since it was so instrumental in his life. Recommended Readings: Genesis 37:3-4, 12-24, 28; 45:3-13   Day 9

MARY  December 9 Symbols: Lily, Crown of Stars On this holyday of obligation, the Church celebrates the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary, an event that heralds God's choice of Mary to be the Mother of the Redeemer. The Immaculate Conception is the doctrine that the Blessed Virgin Mary was preserved from any stain of sin, including original sin, from the moment of her conception in her mother's (St. Anne) womb. The Virgin Mary, chosen Mother of the Redeemer, is robed in the splendor of her stainless innocence, and clothed with the beauty of one redeemed in Christ and prepared to receive Him in her womb. Recommended Readings: Revelation 12; Song 4:7

Rorate coeli "O heavens drop down dew . . . " Isa 45:8

photo. Br.Lawrence OP

Rorate Caeli.
Michael encountered the Offertories of the Masses of the 1st and 2nd Sundays of Advent.
He found the music uplifting.
The choir manuscript leads to deeper interest.

See Br Lawrence  OP

02/12/2011: "Rorate coeli desuper et nubes pluant justum" (Drop down dew, ye heavens, from above, and let the clouds rain the just - Isa 45:8). This text is used frequently in Advent as an image of the Redeemer who comes to earth silently in the night like the gentle fall of dew.

ADVENT Solemnity. Sermon in Community Chapter

Sunday, 27 November 2011  

First Sunday of Advent – Year B  

Holy Gospel of Jesus Christ according to Saint Mark 13:33-37.

Be watchful! Be alert! You do not know when the time will come. . . . 

ADVENT - Sermon by Fr. Hugh . . .

ADVENT 2011

'Behold the King is coming, let us go to meet our Saviour'

The Latin word from which the English term is derived means 'He comes'. The coming of God to mankind is a persistent theme running through all salvation history. God is infinite love infinite is of the nature of goodness to pour itself out; to share with others. It is of the very opposite to self-centredness, being mean, and being disinterested in others. All through the Bible we see this divine desire to draw mankind into close friendship and to give a peace, joy and security which the world cannot give. In a word it is to share in the Divine life. 'I have come,' said Our Lord, 'that they may have life and have it more abundantly.

'Behold the King is coming' 'God became man, that man might become God' said the Fathers of the Church. It involves deification. For this reason God speaks to us and for this reason we are told throughout the Bible to listen, 'Hearken' Listen' is the first word in St Benedict's Rule. Christ is the Word of God, He has to be listened to, and listening, said the Cistercian Adam of Perseigne requires Silence.

Some years ago a former novice master of the Monastery of Gethsemani was giving talks to the formators of the Region in Roscrea. He told us that some of the seniors of that monastery complained to him that the novices were not keeping silence. "Why don’t you tell them to shut up". He replied very perceptively: 'Silence begins when you realise that someone else. is speaking.'  St. Benedict’s Chaper in his Rule 'On Silence ",'could equally be .headed "On Listening' because that is what Silence is all about.

Christ's Incarnation occured at a precise moment in history. His birth at Bethlehem can never be repeated but the fruits of that coming will go on for eternity. Blessed Guerric in his Advent Sermons says that there are three comings of Christ.
The first at Bethlehem was' hidden and lowly, the last coming of Christ, at the end of time, will be public and glorious. Between these two comings there is another one which is certainly hidden but no less wonderful. It is a' spiritual experience of quiet admiration. Guerric says that Christ shows himself as wonderful and loveable.

What sort of reception can contemplative communities give to the God who comes to meet us of which St.Benedict speaks in his Rule? What sort of experience is on offer?

No two people pray in quite the same way but the Orthodox Monk and Bishop, Kallistos Ware, who visited Nunraw a good many years ago; describes an experience which may be familiar to many.
He says in his book 'The Orthodox Way: 'We should distinguish between 'experience' and 'experiences'. Some people may have a crisis experience such as St. Paul had at his conversion; something sensational. This type of experience seems to be described in St.Bernard's writings and elsewhere but there are many others, writes Bishop Kallistos, who have not had this but can affirm that throughout their lives as a whale there has been an experience of the living God. Where would their life have been if they had only known about God without in some measure experiencing his peace, his love and his joy.

This seems to be a good description of the awareness of the presence of God which st. Benedict expects in his Rule.
A tuning in to a presence which is always there, an habitual awareness, like a young man in love will always be conscious of his fiancée. God is always' looking for a. response, wanting to share his peace, joy and love – to support at difficult moment s.

Every Christian is called not just to know about God, but to know God. As Blessed Guerric says this is an ongoing process: he states ‘at every stage we meet the Lord and at each stage we see: him-vas a much greater figure than we met before',

'Behold the King is coming let us go to meet Our Saviour.'

Stained glass window at the Melkite Catholic Annunciation Cathedral in Roslindale, Massachusetts depicting Christ the King with the regalia of a Byzantine emperor. January 2009 photo by John Stephen Dwyer

Advent O Antiphons

Catholic Culture org

O WISDOM December 17 Symbols: All-Seeing Eye and the Lamp Come, and teach us the way of prudence. O Wisdom, who came from the mouth of the Most High, reaching from end to end and ordering all things mightily and sweetly, Come, and teach us the way of prudence. O Sapientia, quae ex ore Altissimi prodiisti, attingens a fine usque ad finem fortiter, suaviterque disponens omnia: veni ad docendum nos viam prudentiae. The "all-seeing eye" represents the all-knowing and ever-present God. During the late Renaissance, the eye was pictured in a triangle with rays of light to represent the infinite holiness of the Trinity. The lamp is a symbol of wisdom taken from the parable of the wise and foolish virgins in Matthew 25. Recommended Readings: Proverbs 8:1-12

----- Forwarded Message ----
From: Nivard ...
Sent: Thu, 16 December, 2010 17:12:41
Subject: Advent third Friday  

Today we have the genealogy of Christ, through St Joseph, according to Matthew.

   The key phrase is, "Mary, of whom was born Jesus

”

   Matthew uses three titles for Jesus. 

            He is "Christ." 

            He is "Son of David" and

            he is "Son of Abraham." 

   These show that Jesus was the realization of the Old Testament Messianic hopes.

   Jesus was the faithful "Son of Abraham". Thus He fulfilled the promises that all nations would be blessed through him (Gn 12:3).

   Jesus was the messianic king, the "Son of David." Thus He fulfilled the promise that his kingdom would be everlasting (2 Sm 7:16).

   Jesus' genealogy revealed that he came for the salvation of all people regardless of race, nationality or gender.

Opening Prayer.

   Father, creator and Redeemer of mankind, you decreed, and your Word became man, born of the Virgin Mary. May we come to share the divinity of Christ, who humbled himself to share our human nature, for he lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever.

Bidding Prayer:                        

Father, in your strong yet tender care, send us your Wisdom and show us the way to salvation,                       

We ask this through Christ Jesus our Lord.

Prayer after Communion,

    God our Father, as you nourish us with the food of life, give us also your Spirit, so that we may be radiant with his light at the coming of Christ you Son, who is Lord for ever.

"O Wisdom . . . . . "   

ADVENT First Monday Reading

Cloister corner

On the first Advent Monday, even early for November, finds us snowed in.
The only access has been by the Milkman and found the milk buried in snow at the front door.

Trees cluster from Refectory

The Night Office began with a power break and had light restored promptly.
It made us all in the spirit of Advent of AWAKE.
The Reading from Blessed John Henry Newman bid us to "Prepare to meet your God".

Weather Monk

FIRST WEEK OF ADVENT  MONDAY

Year I   First Reading

Isaiah 8:1-18   

Second Reading

From a sermon by Cardinal John Henry Newman (Parochial and Plain Sermons V, 4-9)     

Prepare to meet your God

Christ says to his disciples, Look up, and lift up your heads, for your redemption is drawing near; and to his enemies, Hereafter you shall see the Son of Man sitting on the right hand of power, and coming in the clouds of heaven. And it is said generally of everyone, on the one hand, Behold he comes with clouds, and every eye shall see him, and they also which pierced him. And on the other, When he shall appear, we shall be like him; for we shall see him as he is.

Now, when this state of the case, the prospect which lies before us, is brought home to our thoughts, surely it is one which will lead us anxiously to ask, Is this all that we are told, all that is allowed to us, or done for us? Do we know only this, that all is dark now, and all will be light then; that now God is hidden, and one day will be revealed; that we are in a world of sense, and are to be in a world of spirits? For surely it is our plain wisdom, our bounden duty, to prepare for this great change; and if so, are any directions, hints, or rules given us how we are to prepare? Prepare to meet your God, go out to meet him, is the dictate of natural reason, as well as of inspiration. But how is this to be?

Now observe that it is scarcely a sufficient answer to this question to say that we must strive to obey him, and so to approve ourselves to him. This indeed might be enough, were reward and punishment to follow in the mere way of nature, as they do in this world. But, when we come steadily to consider the matter, appearing before God, and dwelling in his presence, is a very different thing from being merely subjected to a system of moral laws, and would seem to require another preparation, a special preparation of thought and affection, such as will enable us to endure his countenance, and to hold communion with him as we ought.

This indeed is the most momentous reason for religious worship. It is going out to meet the Bridegroom, who, if not seen in his beauty, will appear in consuming fire. It is a preparation for an awful event, which shall one day be. When we kneel down in prayer in private let us think to ourselves, Thus shall lone day kneel down before his very footstool, in this flesh and this blood of mine; and he will be seated over against me, in flesh and blood also, though divine. I come, with the thought of that awful hour before me, I come to confess my sin to him now, that he may pardon it then, and I say, "O Lord, holy God, holy and strong, holy and immortal, in the hour of death and in the day of judgment, deliver us, 0 Lord!"

Again, when we come to church, then let us say: The day will be when I shall see Christ surrounded by his holy angels. I shall be brought into that blessed company, in which all will be pure, all bright. I come then to learn to endure the sight of the holy One and his servants; to nerve myself for a vision which is fearful before it is ecstatic, and which they only enjoy whom it does not consume.